LiveWorld Transcripts

iBreast presents

Nutritionist Ronda Gates and breast cancer specialist, Dr. Marisa Weiss
Smart Food Choices for Cancer Recovery

June 20, 2000

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Ibreast: Eat Smart! Eat fresh foods instead of processed foods Avoid foods with added sugar, salt or fat Don't exceed your calorie needs for the day

* Remember: Low fat, low sugar, high in fiber Avoid most dairy fats--choose non-fat or low-fat milk, yogurts, ice creams More fruit, more vegetables, more grains Substitute soy products for meat and cheese

Lucy: Are organic foods a better choice than non organic foods?

Dr. Weiss: The word "organic" can mean so many different things. When I shop for organic foods, what I am looking for is foods free of preservatives, hormones, pesticides, and other additives.

Ronda: The word "organic" doesn't guarantee anything, because the industry is poorly regulated. If you buy organic, be sure to look for the words "certified organic" to insure there is no fraud. That's the only regulation that guarantees that the foods are grown without pesticides, antibiotics, or any other medications that are added to the feed. Since the industry is growing so rapidly, there is a proposed law right now that includes Marisa's concerns, and two others that aren't of concern to me and most health promotion people. That is that organic food can't be genetically modified or irradiated, because genetically modified foods allow us to have foods that have more vitamins, proteins and minerals and there is no proof that irradiation harms or changes foods because the food is no longer living. In fact, this regulation will actually fly in the face of plant breeding and the hybridization of food, and actually deter pests and methods that can kill the bugs that harm us. I think that it can make food less safe. For example, I can cook a strawberry to kill the bacteria, but it would look horrible. If I irradiate it, it wouldn't, and it wouldn't produce cancer causing substances. It is endorsed by World Health Organizations and the United Nations. So although these laws that are coming are good because they will standardize what is now state regulation, a lot of it may be political.

Dr. Weiss: I think for women who have had breast cancer, it is particularly important to avoid purchasing meat or chicken that has been hormone fed.

Ronda: The new law will cover that.

Ludy: Are there specific words that could mean hormones in foods?

Dr. Weiss: I think it's very important to know that food that is given to the animals is not considered an "ingredient" that they must reveal to you.

Anne: I have heard the moderate amounts of red wine can actually aid in the prevention of some cancers. Is breast cancer included in this? Does red wine really help? Or is this another myth?

Ronda: The research on red wine has been done in relation to heart disease and cholesterol The original studies came from France where there is a less stress-filled life, and newer studies support that people who have a less stress-filled life and drink wine have less heart disease. It may be the stress issue versus the wine issue.

Dr. Weiss: We could easily fill a whole night talking about stress! People believe that reservatrol and ellagic acid, both in red wine, may produce anti-cancer effects. Studies show you should limit your alcohol intake to three or fewer drinks per week to reduce breast cancer risk.

Ronda: And don't drink even one glass of wine and drive, especially if you are on medication.

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