: Strengthening the "natural killer" (NK) cells' ability to identify and target abnormal cells.
: Supporting the liver and gut microbiome to better process chemotherapy and radiation.
: Some phytochemicals, such as sulforaphane (found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli), help "re-program" cancer cells to undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death, which is often bypassed by malignant cells.
: Managing insulin levels and glycemic load, as high insulin can act as a growth factor for certain cancers.
The primary goals of integrating phytochemical-rich functional nutrition into oncology include:
Phytochemicals are bioactive nutrient compounds found in plants that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. In the context of oncology, they act as "biological response modifiers" that can influence the various stages of carcinogenesis.
: Certain nutrients can help inhibit the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. Resveratrol (found in red grape skins) is frequently studied for its ability to restrict this nutrient supply to tumors. Functional Synergy in the Oncological Diet
: Chronic inflammation is a known driver of cancer progression. Curcumin (from turmeric) and quercetin (found in onions and apples) inhibit pro-inflammatory pathways, such as NF-κB, creating an environment less conducive to tumor growth.