Former Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu not too long ago shared the inspiring restoration story of his spouse, Navjot Kaur Sidhu, who overcame Stage IV most cancers regardless of being given solely a 3% likelihood of survival.
Sidhu confessed to the media that the docs had initially given little hope throughout the third stage of her remedy. “Her most cancers got here again after our son’s marriage, which she insisted on as a result of she doubted her survival. However she by no means misplaced hope and confronted most cancers bravely,” he stated.
Sidhu identified that his spouse underwent nearly all of her remedy at authorities hospitals, together with Authorities Rajendra Medical Faculty in Patiala, with the whole price amounting to just some lakhs. “She defeated most cancers not as a result of we had cash however as a result of she was disciplined and adopted a strict routine. Most cancers might be handled successfully even at authorities hospitals,” he talked about.
Alongside her medical remedy, Sidhu emphasised her self-discipline and life-style modifications, together with a strict food plan that performed an important position in her restoration. In keeping with a report by indianexpress.com, her each day routine included lemon water, uncooked turmeric, apple cider vinegar, neem leaves, and tulsi. Bitter fruits and juices constructed from pumpkin, pomegranate, amla, beetroot, and walnuts have been added to her food plan. She additionally consumed anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer meals, with cooking restricted to coconut oil, cold-pressed oils, or almond oil. Her morning tea featured spices like cinnamon, cloves, jaggery, and cardamom.
Sidhu shared that his spouse would have her final meal of the day round 6-6:30 pm, earlier than nightfall. The next morning, she would start her day with lemon water at 10 am, and about half an hour later, she would eat 10-12 neem leaves.
This brings us to an essential query — how efficient can these dietary modifications be in supporting most cancers restoration?
Dr Prashant Mehta, medical oncologist at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, describes such claims as “misinformation that’s based mostly on no proof.” He highlights how, within the digital age, social media influencers and celebrities typically promote practices they comply with personally, which might not be scientifically validated or applicable for public dissemination.
“These are curious issues that individuals strive as a result of they’re simply accessible at dwelling,” he explains. “Science is troublesome and never as simple to soak up as this.” Dr Mehta emphasises that whereas medical recommendation from docs may appear much less thrilling or participating, it’s rooted in evidence-based science. He additionally underscores the accountability of celebrities to make sure the knowledge they share is correct and science-backed.
Do anti-inflammatory meals like turmeric, neem leaves, and apple cider vinegar play any position in most cancers restoration?
Going into the specifics, Dr Srinath, Senior OrthoOncologist and Founder at Asha Hospitals and Analysis Centre, states “Turmeric accommodates curcumin, a bioactive compound identified for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Research have proven that curcumin can inhibit most cancers cell progress, angiogenesis (formation of latest blood vessels in tumours), and metastasis. A 2020 overview within the journal Molecules discovered that curcumin induces apoptosis (programmed cell demise) in most cancers cells whereas sparing regular cells. Nonetheless, curcumin’s bioavailability is low, that means its absorption within the physique is proscribed, which reduces its effectiveness until consumed with enhancers like black pepper (containing piperine).”
He provides that neem has historically been utilized in Ayurvedic medication for its immunomodulatory results. “Laboratory research, equivalent to one revealed in BMC Complementary and Different Drugs (2018), point out that neem extracts can cut back irritation and oxidative stress, that are linked to most cancers development. Nonetheless, scientific research on its direct impact on human most cancers restoration are restricted.”
ACV is wealthy in acetic acid and antioxidants, he states, that are believed to have gentle anti-inflammatory results. “Whereas there’s anecdotal proof of its advantages, sturdy scientific research linking ACV on to most cancers restoration are missing. It might help digestion and preserve intestine well being, which may not directly assist immunity throughout remedy,” highlights Dr Srinath.
Consuming bitter fruits like pomegranate, amla, and pumpkin juices
“Wealthy in ellagic acid and polyphenols, pomegranate has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. A examine in Molecular Carcinogenesis (2017) urged that pomegranate extracts may inhibit the proliferation of sure most cancers cells, though extra human trials are wanted to verify its position in restoration,” says Dr Srinath.
Ashlesha Joshi, senior nutritionist at Tone30 Pilates, mentions, “Amla is full of vitamin C, a strong antioxidant that may neutralise free radicals and assist immune operate. Analysis within the Journal of Most cancers Prevention (2019) confirmed that amla extract may improve the efficacy of chemotherapy by lowering oxidative stress.”
Pumpkin is an efficient supply of beta-carotene, which the physique converts to vitamin A, important for immune operate. Whereas its direct anticancer results are much less established, beta-carotene’s position in lowering oxidative stress might be helpful throughout restoration, says Joshi.
Coconut oil, cold-pressed oils, and almond oil in cooking
“Wealthy in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), coconut oil is well digested and transformed into power. MCTs are notably helpful for most cancers sufferers experiencing weight reduction or fatigue, as they supply a fast power supply with out burdening the digestive system. Nonetheless, its saturated fats content material needs to be monitored,” Joshi remarks.
In contrast to refined oils, he agrees that cold-pressed oils retain vitamins like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Oils like flaxseed or sesame oil can assist cardiovascular well being and cut back irritation, essential for most cancers restoration. “Almond oil is wealthy in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that helps pores and skin well being and immune operate. It may possibly additionally assist in sustaining a wholesome lipid profile throughout most cancers restoration,” she says.
On not consuming any meals for a number of hours at a stretch
Dr Mehta shared that intermittent fasting affords no established advantages for most cancers sufferers, cautioning that “if a affected person is diabetic, they will go into ketosis because of hunger.” He emphasised the significance of being skeptical about well being recommendation from celebrities and urged people to depend on medical professionals for steerage.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr Srinath and Joshi additionally careworn the need of consulting trusted healthcare consultants earlier than making important dietary or life-style modifications. They suggested prioritising science-backed suggestions over simply accessible info discovered on-line or on social media platforms.
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on info from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
