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Q: Can DNA that has
been damaged be passed on to our children?
A: No. Damage to DNA that develops naturally over
the course of one’s life does not appear to be passed on
to our offspring. To best protect your DNA from damage (and reduce
your risk of cancer and other health problems), researchers recommend
eating a balanced plant-based diet that supplies antioxidants
plus other compounds that act in a variety of ways to maintain
healthy DNA.
Q: Can breastfeeding
help a new mother lose excess pregnancy weight faster?
A: Breastfeeding is linked with better loss of pregnancy
weight gain according to a recent large study. Experts note
that producing breast milk burns calories and thus promotes post-pregnancy
weight loss without reducing calorie consumption or increasing
physical activity. Researchers found that women who breastfed
their babies exclusively for six months and then continued breastfeeding
after solid foods were introduced for the next six months, retained
less of their pregnancy weight 18 months later. Women who do
not breastfeed exclusively or as long do not see as much impact
on their weight. In this study, as in others, excessive weight
gain during pregnancy is strongly linked with post-pregnancy
weight retention. So keeping pregnancy weight gain within recommended
limits is still important. |
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Q: What can you suggest
for a cancer patient who develops a very sore mouth and throat
during treatment?
A: Mouth sores, tender gums and sore throat are not
unusual during chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It’s important
to talk to your doctor to be sure the soreness is a treatment
side effect and not an unrelated dental problem and to see if
any medication will help. Also remember that mouth sores aren’t
just painful – if infection forms, it can be hard to treat
during chemotherapy and can lead to serious problems. So take
good care of your mouth during cancer treatment and rinse and
gargle frequently with a baking soda rinse. Here are a few
additional suggestions:
Focus on soft, moist foods, adding
soothing moisture with extra gravy, cheese sauce or cream sauce.
Try pureeing foods in the blender. Soft fruits (such as bananas
and applesauce), mashed potatoes, cooked cereals, scrambled eggs,
yogurt and macaroni and cheese, are usually less painful to eat.
Avoid acidic ingredients. Tomato
sauce, vinegar dressings and citrus juice may cause pain.
Other foods to be wary of include
dry, coarse foods, spicy foods and caffeine.
Avoid alcohol, including alcohol-based
mouthwashes.
Foods at room temperature or
chilled may be easier to eat. Sucking popsicles or ice chips
throughout the day and before eating can help numb the mouth.
Although some of these eating
tips may not sound like the diet for cancer prevention, they
are fine for now. A registered dietitian can help you plan meals
to meet your needs. |
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