What is the best juicing for cancer?
A cancer diagnosis can be devastating. As patients and their loved ones deal with the emotional impact, they also have to make important decisions about treatment options. Many patients explore complementary therapies in addition to conventional medical treatments. Juicing is one popular complementary approach, but with so many different recipes and ingredients, how do you know which juice is best?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the top evidence-based juices for cancer patients. We’ll look at the specific ingredients that may help combat cancer, reduce side effects of medical treatments, and support overall health during this challenging time.
How Juicing Can Help Cancer Patients
Before we dive into the best juice recipes, let’s take a look at some of the general benefits of juicing for cancer patients:
- Floods the body with antioxidants that help fight cancer cell growth
- Provides concentrated nutrition without taxing the digestion
- Increases phytochemicals that support detoxification
- Replaces nutrients lost during medical treatments
- Boosts immune health with vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables
- Supports strength and energy levels
- Hydrates the body to flush out toxins
- Easy to consume for patients struggling with appetite or nausea
Of course, it’s important to discuss juicing with your oncologist, as certain fruits and vegetables may interact with medications or treatments. But when used appropriately, juicing can be a beneficial part of an integrated treatment plan.
Top 5 Cancer-Fighting Juice Ingredients
Now let’s explore some of the best fruits, vegetables, and herbs to include in anti-cancer juices:
1. Leafy Greens
Dark, leafy greens like kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and collard greens contain antioxidants and fiber that support the body’s natural detoxification processes. They also provide nutrients like folate, vitamin C, and calcium. Enjoy leafy greens daily in your juices for overall immune protection.
2. Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale are all part of the Brassica family of cruciferous vegetables. They contain antioxidants and compounds like sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol that are linked to reducing cancer growth. Load up on these cancer-fighting veggies in your juices a few times per week.
3. Carrots & Beets
Beta-carotene rich carrots and folate packed beets make regular appearances in anti-cancer juices. Carotenoids and anthocyanins found in these vegetables provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Grate them fresh or juice them daily.
4. Apples
Apples are a source of pectin fiber, vitamin C, and the flavonoid quercetin which has anti-cancer activities according to research. Apples are also hydrating and add sweetness to green juices. Use organic when possible and keep the skin on.
5. Ginger
Anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea ginger is ideal for soothing digestive issues during cancer treatments. It also contains compounds like gingerol shown to suppress the growth and spread of cancer cells. Add freshly grated ginger to juices as desired for extra immune support.
Best Juice Recipes for Cancer Patients
Now let’s look at some of the top anti-cancer juice blends you can make at home using the powerful ingredients above:
Green Cancer-Fighting Juice
This green juice packs in the leafy greens and cruciferous veggies for a nutritious and antioxidant-rich beverage. Drink 1-2 cups daily.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Kale | 2 cups |
| Spinach | 1 cup |
| Celery | 3 stalks |
| Cucumber | 1 large |
| Broccoli | 1 cup florets |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Ginger | 1-inch knob |
Carrot Apple Cancer Fighter
For a sweeter juice with carrots, apples, and leafy greens, try this antioxidant-rich blend. Enjoy 1-2 cups per day.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Carrots | 5 large |
| Apples | 2 |
| Kale | 2 cups |
| Celery | 2 stalks |
| Lemon | 1/2 |
| Ginger | 1 knob |
Beet Cancer Juice
For an earthy, nutrient-packed blend, use beets, carrots, oranges, and ginger. Enjoy 1-2 cups per day.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Beets | 2 |
| Carrots | 4 |
| Orange | 1 |
| Ginger | 1 knob |
| Kale | 1 cup |
Tips for Juicing During Cancer Treatment
If you’re incorporating juicing into your cancer treatment plan, keep these tips in mind:
- Use organic ingredients when possible to avoid pesticides
- Wash all produce thoroughly before juicing
- Aim to drink juices immediately for best nutrient retention
- Store unused juice in airtight container in refrigerator up to 72 hours
- Combine fruits and vegetables to balance sweetness vs. greens
- Add lemon juice to help reduce oxidation
- Try ginger juice popsicles for anti-nausea benefits
- Mix with nut milks or Greek yogurt if juices are too strong
- Drink slowly and alternate with water to avoid bloating
- Consult your doctor about potential food and drug interactions
The Best Juicer for Cancer Patients
Having a good juicer can make all the difference when juicing frequently. Here are some top features to look for in a juicer:
- Cold press/slow juicers extract more nutrients compared to fast juicers
- Powerful motor for juicing tough greens and vegetables
- Large chute fits whole produce to reduce prep time
- Minimal oxidation to preserve nutrients
- Easy to assemble and clean
- Quiet operation, especially if juicing early/late
- BPA free materials
Based on these criteria, we recommend the following juicers for cancer patients:
| Juicer | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Tribest Slowstar | Slow cold press, duo blade auger, min oxidation |
| Hurom H-AA | Slow squeeze technology, easy clean |
| Omega NC900HDC | Slow 80RPM, adjustable settings, large chute |
| SKG Wide Chute | Powerful motor, wide 3″ chute, quiet |
| Aicook Slow Masticating | Affordable option, 150 watt motor, reverse function |
Potential Side Effects
Juicing is generally very safe and beneficial for cancer patients, but there are some potential side effects to keep in mind:
- Blood sugar spikes – High glycemic fruits may elevate blood sugar levels.
- Diarrhea – Too much juiced fruit can cause loose stools.
- Dehydration – The high water content of juices requires increased fluid intake.
- Kidney stones – Oxalates in some greens may contribute to kidney stone formation.
- Thyroid suppression – Excessive juicing of cruciferous vegetables may affect thyroid function.
Speak with your doctor if any side effects persist and adjust juice combinations as needed.
Should Cancer Patients Juice?
Research shows that a diet focused on antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables can be beneficial for cancer patients. Juicing makes it easier to consume the variety and volume of plant foods needed to get therapeutic benefits.
Always discuss juicing with your oncology team, but generally it can be safely incorporated as part of an integrated approach to cancer treatment and recovery.
Focus on organic ingredients, juice combinations, and sensible amounts for your needs. Pay attention to your body’s response and be willing to adjust as needed. With the right approach, juicing can be an empowering tool for patients as they fight cancer.