One of the most confusing, anxiety-inducing questions I hear over and over from people with cancer is this:
“What diet should I follow?”
And trust me, I get it.
You start researching, listening to podcasts, joining Facebook groups, watching survivor stories… and suddenly, you’re bombarded with a dozen different “truths” about food. One day you’re convinced fruit is healing. The next day, you hear someone say fruit feeds cancer. It’s enough to make your head spin — and your stomach drop.
The Diet Dilemma
From one extreme to the next, here are just a few of the diets commonly recommended in the cancer space:
- Fruitarian (Dr. Morse’s Protocol, ND) – High fruit, raw, detoxifying
- Alkaline (Dr. Sebi’s Protocol, Herbalist) – Plant-based, pH-focused, avoiding acidic foods
- Keto (Dr. Nasha Winters’ Protocol, ND, FABNO, LAC, DIPLOM) – High-fat, low-carb, starving cancer of glucose
- Mediterranean (evidence-backed by sources like Dr. William Li, MD) – Balanced, anti-inflammatory, heart-healthy
- Carnivore (popularized by voices like Joe Rogan and Dr. Shawn Baker, MD) – Animal-based, zero-carb, controversial yet gaining traction
How can all these diets — so wildly different, so contradictory — all claim to work for healing cancer?
Honestly?
That’s the million-dollar question. And here’s what I’ve learned through experience:
There is no one-size-fits-all cancer diet. Period.
The Missing Piece: Mindset
Let me say something radical:
Mindset matters more than the diet.
Read that again.
If you’re eating kale, but filled with fear and self-loathing because you’re secretly wishing it were a cookie—your nervous system is in a stress response. And chronic stress is more inflammatory than anything on your plate.
On the flip side, if you’re eating a meal that’s not “perfect” by Instagram standards, but you’re grateful, relaxed, and joyful while eating it… that nourishment goes far deeper than just nutrients. Your body knows. Your cells know.
Fear around food is one of the most toxic ingredients you can consume.
I had to learn that the hard way.
So, What Do You Eat?
I’ll tell you what I personally came to believe and practice — not as medical advice, but as hard-won wisdom:
- Avoid GMOs and toxic additives. Learn how to read labels. Become an informed consumer.
- Eat organic when you can. Especially for the “Dirty Dozen.”
- Avoid processed sugar and refined carbs. They create inflammation and mess with your hormones.
- Nourish your gut. It’s the gateway to immunity and mood.
- Drink clean, filtered water. Hydration is healing.
- Eat mindfully. Intentional eating creates harmony in the body.
And maybe most importantly:
- Eat what brings you joy. Food is energy. It’s love. It’s life. The joy, presence, and intention behind your food matters just as much—if not more—than the macros.
Tune In Before You Dig In
Instead of asking, “Is this food good or bad?”
Start asking, “How does this food make me feel—physically, emotionally, spiritually?”
You may find you feel amazing eating lots of greens, healthy fats, and wild berries.
Or maybe your body thrives with a little high-quality, grass-fed animal protein.
You’re allowed to change your mind. Your body will tell you what it needs.
Just promise me one thing:
Don’t let the internet bully you out of your intuition.
Final Thought
Healthy food is beautiful. Healing food is powerful. But you are more powerful than any one food.
Choose what makes you feel good.
Choose what makes you feel empowered.
And above all, choose to love yourself—every bite of the way.
