Food for the soul

BOITSHEPO GIYOSE | Monday November 5, 2012 00:00

It probably could be that Africa generally has been rather focused on tackling communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. But the reality is that non-communicable diseases or diseases of lifestyle and modernity as sometimes known, for example cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular (heart) diseases, are taking a lion's share and claim more lives daily. Cancer kills more people than HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria combined.

In addition, more people die of hunger and malnutrition than HIV/AIDS, yet nutrition remains an issue that is not well-addressed in many instances by individuals and governments alike. Malnutrition is the worst 'silent killer' known today. Maybe we take nutrition for granted because we eat everyday (if we are lucky to put food o the table that is...).

Cancer in Africa will become an even bigger problem. The good news is that most cancers are preventable and early detection is key in the management once diagnosed. This is the tricky part though, how many people go for annual check-ups and insist on cancer screening? Very few indeed.

Did you know that in Southern Africa alone an estimated 6,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually?

I am not sure how many men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Early detection is always the best hope.On the food side people often struggle with what to eat or not eat once diagnosed with cancer or HIV, and this can be complicated by negative interactions between the medications and the food itself.

The guidelines though are generally very simple; enjoy a variety of food, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables everyday, choose lean protein sources such as fish, chicken without skin and trimmed beef, include unrefined starches, eat plenty of dry beans, peas, lentils and soya regularly, use fats and salt sparingly, and drink lots of water. Last but not least, if you drink alcohol, drink sensibly.

Normally alcohol is a no-no for anyone on treatment, not to mention that alcohol is not an essential food for good health per se. But if your doctors advise that you can enjoy an occasional drink, stick to the recommended limit, no more than two standard drinks per day for a woman, and three drinks for a man. Just like with cancer, HIV/AIDS increases the body's need for food and nutrients, because those who are positively diagnosed are usually at risk of malnutrition. When sick, more food is required to recover. Eating well helps to maintain a healthy body weight and increase strength. Eating well also help to fight infections and improve response to treatment, and makes the medications work better and effectively.

Keeping physically active is a bonus all round. Physical activity helps stimulate appetite and improves the mood.Anyone who has exercised in days or years can attest to the stiff joints, so exercising prevents stiff joints and muscle aches, and it actually helps to build and strengthen the muscles. More so physical activity strengthens the heart and improves blood circulation. The exercise routine does not have to be complicated; short walks, knee bends, light gardening, stretching, leaning forward and back are all simple things one can do to maintain the body in motion. If bedridden, have someone massage the arms, and legs to improve blood circulation and avoid stiffness.

Okay after having said all that, the question usually remains; what really causes cancer? Well, most cancers that we know of today are caused by a range of changes that humans have made to the total chemical environment, what we eat, drink and breathe basically. The biggest causes include tobacco, diet, infections and the chemicals in our foods, medical drugs, industrial products, alcohol, pollution, radiation and UV light.

Diet however takes the biggest chunk of the cancer causing culprits. We have literally been digging our own cancer graves with our eating instruments. Today's diets are laced with so many chemicals you even wonder whether you are eating food or chugging down chemical non-foods. Worse still the diet is devoid of nutrients as a result of the over refinement and processing.

The flip side of this is good news; by eating the right diet you can cut your risk of cancer by up to 40 percent. Now that is remarkable. So protect yourself by eating right to prevent cancer and manage HIV/AIDS better. Let food be thy medicine... Change your lifestyle, eat well, and protect yourself!