Real Talk, Real Solutions for the Healthcare Warriors
RTs, CNAs, Phlebotomists and Housekeepers also welcome.
I know a little about Cancer. Early in my career I worked on a cancer floor although not by choice. As a travel nurse I have been floated to cancer floors a few times, also not by choice. In the 90’s I worked for a hospice in Florida for 2 years and saw my share of Cancer death. A few of them were horribly disfigured. I have lost grandparents and at least one Uncle to Cancer.
In 2002 I lost my wife to cancer. She was 38 years old and we were 2 months away from our 20th anniversary.
As a very long time smoker who doesn’t eat right or exercise, at least not deliberately, I think about my own inevitable or at least probable end. Over the years I have seen and heard and read multiple theories for the cause and or alternative cure for cancer that all sound great in their presentation.
One in particular keeps surfacing over and over involving PH. The idea goes that your body is too acidic and if you only eat an alkaline diet you can avoid cancer. I have to assume they are referring to blood PH as urine PH is the only other thing you can measure but is in no way related to your blood PH which is actually what feeds tour organs and tissues.
Personally, I think that the biggest single factor is genetics. Regardless of how many “carcinogens” you expose yourself to you either get it or don’t based on your own DNA. Just my opinion and combined with $5 or $10 will get you a cup of coffee.
I’m not what you call a scientist or lab geek of any kind but the only ways to measure blood PH is with an ABG or VBG which you are not going to be doing at home. I suppose maybe you could do a finger stick and drip some blood on one of those paper test strips then compare the color to a chart. Not super accurate if for no other reason that everyone color perception will vary slightly.
To me, the silliest thing about the PH theory is that your body regulates your PH to a tight range of 7.35-7.45. You start getting much out of that range and you’re probably stopping in the ER on your way to the ICU.
So today I asked my favorite AI what she thought. Yes my AI pal is a she, I named her Moody because she’s a she. Now I get it that AI was trained on mainstream thinking regardless of the category. Moody says the PH thing is nonsense and for the same reason I always questioned it.
What did mildly surprise me is that she returned a list of food do’s and don’ts along with a few helpful supplements. Here's the list Moody provided: Download the PDF file for yourself.
| Category | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Foods to Eat | Cruciferous Vegetables (e.g., broccoli, kale) |
| Foods to Eat | Alliums (garlic, onions, leeks) |
| Foods to Eat | Berries (blueberries, raspberries) |
| Foods to Eat | Green Tea (high in EGCG) |
| Foods to Eat | Turmeric with Black Pepper |
| Foods to Eat | Cooked Tomatoes (lycopene-rich) |
| Foods to Eat | Nuts (especially Brazil nuts, walnuts) |
| Foods to Eat | Legumes and Lentils |
| Foods to Avoid | Processed Meats (bacon, sausage) |
| Foods to Avoid | Excess Sugar & Ultra-Processed Foods |
| Foods to Avoid | Charred Meats |
| Supplements | Vitamin D3 (especially in winter) |
| Supplements | Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) |
| Supplements | Curcumin + Piperine |
| Supplements | Mushroom Extracts (Reishi, Turkey Tail) |
The foods listed in the "Eat" category generally support your body's health through various means. Many, like berries, cooked tomatoes, nuts, and green tea, are packed with antioxidants (like Vitamin C, lycopene, resveratrol, or EGCG). Think of antioxidants as protectors that help shield your body's cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale) contain compounds like isothiocyanates which studies suggest might help detoxify harmful substances and potentially discourage unhealthy cell growth. Things like legumes, lentils, vegetables, and nuts also provide fiber, which is crucial for digestive health. Overall, these foods contribute nutrients and compounds that can help reduce inflammation and support normal cell function.
The foods in the "Avoid" list are often linked to negative health effects, particularly when eaten frequently. Processed meats (like bacon and sausage) are classified by the World Health Organization as Group 1 carcinogens, meaning there's strong evidence they can cause cancer, especially bowel cancer. This is partly due to preservatives like nitrates and the formation of N-nitroso compounds during digestion, which can damage the cells lining the gut. Cooking meats at very high temperatures, leading to charring, can create chemicals called HCAs (heterocyclic amines) and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which are potential carcinogens. Excess sugar and ultra-processed foods often have poor nutritional profiles (low fiber/vitamins, high salt/sugar/unhealthy fats) and contain various additives; high intake has been associated with inflammation and increased cancer risk, particularly for colorectal cancer.
The supplements suggested often target specific pathways related to cell health and immunity. Vitamin D3 plays a known role in regulating the immune system, and some research suggests maintaining adequate levels might be linked to lower cancer risk or less aggressive disease. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) are primarily known for their anti-inflammatory properties, potentially helping to calm chronic inflammation which is often implicated in various diseases. Curcumin (from turmeric, often combined with piperine from black pepper to improve absorption) is studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to interact with multiple cell signaling pathways involved in cell growth and survival. Mushroom extracts like Reishi and Turkey Tail contain compounds such as beta-glucans and polysaccharopeptides (PSP/PSK) that are thought to support and modulate the immune system; Turkey Tail's PSK is even used as an approved adjuvant cancer therapy in Japan. These supplements are generally aimed at supporting the body's natural defense and regulatory systems.
[Here you can add your final personal reflections, perhaps connecting the AI's generic advice and the context above back to your own experiences, your views on genetics vs. lifestyle, or inviting reader comments.]
Disclaimer: Please remember, this information is based on general search results and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Dietary choices and supplements should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional, especially when considering cancer prevention or treatment. The views expressed in the personal narrative sections are the author's own.