Hey MoodFoodie,
I had the honor of presenting Grand Rounds at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center this week on my work in Nutritional, Lifestyle and Metabolic Psychiatry and the importance in cancer care. Given my lived experience of being a cancer thriver, and my fellowship training in Psychosocial Oncology at Boston’s Dana Farber Cancer Institute, I found the experience to be very meaningful. Those who attended had such great questions and a deep interest in this work, that I found it very encouraging.
During Grand Rounds I recalled some my favorite foods that I used to soothe my angst during chemotherapy ~ like my grandmother’s golden chai and my favorite dessert, a cantaloupe granita.
During chemotherapy there is a phenomenon called “chemo brain” or “chemo fog” which was further refined after more research to CRCI (Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment). CRCI refers to cognitive dysfunction associated with cancer and its treatments, characterized by deficits in memory, attention, concentration, executive function, and processing speed in patients with non-central nervous system cancers. The term was broadened by the International Cognition and Cancer Task Force (ICCTF) because cognitive changes can occur not only from chemotherapy but also from radiation, endocrine therapy, targeted therapies, surgery, and even the cancer itself — sometimes appearing before any treatment begins.
Probiotics, melatonin, CoQ10, L-carnitine, and omega-3 fatty acids each have at least one positive RCT in cancer populations, but sample sizes are small and more research to replicate these findings is needed. As you know, I always say consult with your own provider first as they know what other medications you are being prescribed.
We’ve spoken about probiotics and omega 3- fatty acids before so I don’t feel the need to repeat these.
Food is always an easy way to include these nutrients:
Melatonin:
Tart cherries
Pistachios
Walnuts
CoQ10 is a key component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain responsible for ATP production.
CoQ10
organ meats (liver, kidney)
seafood (sardines, salmon)
smaller amounts in cauliflower and broccoli
L-carnitine rich foods:
lamb
beef
venison
haddock
whole milk dairy
The other important point I spoke about was how any why antioxidants can be unsafe in cancer. When you scroll through social media you read “eat the colors of the rainbow” all the time from health and wellness influencers. But as a trained medical doctor reviewing the research it’s much more nuanced. In the premium section today, I am diving into the science behind this and more foods with the key nutrients to help chemo fog. Later this month in the Mental Clarity Kitchen section and just before the July 4th long weekend, I’ll share my ideal picnic basket and a recipe for Melon Granita.
Warmly,
Dr. Uma
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Have you read my latest book, Calm Your Mind with Food? Calm Your Mind with Food is a revolutionary full-body approach to relieving anxiety and includes anti-anxiety recipes and meal plan guidelines.
If you haven’t gotten your copy already, get yours here:
US Edition: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Books-A-Million | Target | Walmart
I am also excited to share my new companion workbook, The Mood Food Workbook, that was designed to work alongside, Calm Your Mind With Food, to help you put its recipes and principles into practice in a structured, supportive way. Click here to get my workbook today.
USA Today: Can dark chocolate lower cholesterol? I explain here.
University of Daytona: Eat to support your mental health!
Maria Shriver Sunday Paper: What is in my kitchen? Check it out here!
I am delighted that you are here
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