Due to its antibacterial properties, cinnamon is helpful with issues such as nausea and diarrhea, both of which are common symptoms of chemotherapy. Drinking cinnamon bark tea or simply mixing cinnamon with hot water is a great way to combat the nausea caused by chemotherapy (7).
Cinnamon extract strongly inhibited tumor cell proliferation in vitro and induced active cell death of tumor cells by up-regulating pro-apoptotic molecules while inhibiting NFκB and AP1 activity and their target genes such as Bcl-2, BcL-xL and survivin.
Research shows that phytochemicals found in the spices turmeric, ginger, allspice, garlic and cinnamon might play a role in cancer prevention. Use these spices when cooking to enhance your healthy meals. Keep in mind that spices can transform an entire dish with the power of a pinch or a teaspoon.
It is therefore prudent and advisable to avoid the concomitant use of anti-cancer drugs and herbal products, especially echinacea, garlic, ginseng, grapefruit juice, milk thistle, and St John's wort.
Include beverages with calories such as juice, milk, decaf tea with honey and oral nutrition supplements (Boost, Ensure). If having diarrhea, trial G2 (Gatorade 2) or pedialyte to replace electrolytes.
"Cancer-fighting foods"
The list is usually topped with berries, broccoli, tomatoes, walnuts, grapes and other vegetables, fruits and nuts. "If you look at the typical foods that reduce cancer risk, it's pretty much all plant foods that contain phytochemicals," says Wohlford.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) block chemical messengers (enzymes) called tyrosine kinases. Tyrosine kinases help to send growth signals in cells, so blocking them stops the cell growing and dividing. Cancer growth blockers can block one type of tyrosine kinase or more than one type.
For example, one way the immune system fights cancer is by sending out a special form of white blood cells called T cells: The T cells see cancer as “foreign” cells that don't belong in the body. The T cells attack and try to destroy the cancerous cells.
Cinnamon has been extensively researched for its potential application in cancer prevention and treatment. It appears to be toxic to cancer cells, causing cell death, and reduces the growth of cancer cells and the formation of blood vessels in tumours.
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to a host of health problems, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Cinnamon contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
Cinnamon has also been traditionally used as tooth powder and to treat toothaches, dental problems, oral microbiota, and bad breath [48, 49].
The Mediterranean diet offers foods that fight cancer, focusing mostly on plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. People who follow the Mediterranean diet choose cancer-fighting foods like olive oil over butter and fish instead of red meat. Sip green tea throughout your day.
Green, Black and White Teas
Black, green, white and also oolong teas (sometimes called “true teas”) are rich in many disease-fighting nutrients, such as catechins, polyphenol compounds, epigallocatechin gallate (or EGCG), flavonols and more.
Cruciferous vegetables
One study shows that sulforaphane significantly inhibits cancer cell growth and stimulates cell death in colon cancer cells. Other research shows that sulforaphane in combination with genistein — a compound in soybeans — can significantly inhibit breast cancer tumor development and size.
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are the cells that recognize and destroy cancer cells, and they're first activated in tumor-draining lymph nodes. From there, they enter the bloodstream to reach tumors and battle malignant cells.
All cells, including cancer cells, use glucose as their primary fuel. Glucose comes from any food that contains carbohydrates including healthful foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and dairy.
Vitamin D is one of the most studied supplements for cancer prevention and treatment right now. Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene contain antioxidants once thought to help prevent cancer.
Studies have reported that peanuts, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios are especially high in cancer-fighting components that suppress cancer cell growth.
Carrot juice: Carrots have beta-carotene, which your body uses to make vitamin A. It's good for your eyesight, reduces your risk of certain cancers, and can offset some of the side effects of chemotherapy, like white patches, swelling, and ulcers in your mouth.
Water, juices diluted (mixed) with water, or liquids containing electrolytes (such as Pedialyte, Gatorade, Powerade, and other sports drinks) are good choices. Don't drink anything that has caffeine (such as coffee, tea, and soda).
During Chemotherapy Itself
If you feel all right, eat small, bland, light meals like those above, or have crackers and low acid juices (apple, grape or fruit nectars).