Food and Nutrition: Personal Journey

For me, the tumor and added pressure from fluids on the spine are compressing the nerves that run my legs, gluts, intestines and bladder.  Any deviation from a very strict diet causes inflammation that puts pressure on those things and causes havoc.

Most epys I've met do not have to adhere to as strict a diet as I, but mine is a combination of research and trial and error.  Due to the added bladder pressure from radiation, I have a physical indicator of what causes added stress and pressure and what does not.
This is primarily an inflammation-based diet, which  according to current nutritionists is responsible for healthy diet in people in general.  Meaning to control heart disease, diabetes, etc.

-Fresh food is best.
-Meats should be from the best sources you can get them from.  This takes a little research.  For example Alaskan salmon is much better than the Atlantic salmon.  Most restaurants do not serve Alaskan.  You really have to learn what you are eating with meats.
-Natural canned food is better than processed food.  Processed foods should be eliminated completely.
-If you choose to go vegan, be sure to supplement B12.  Not getting B12 can cause permanent damage to your body.  Occasional zinc supplementation might be good as well.
Despite concerns about a vegan diet, I do not have trouble maintaining protein, calcium or other levels by just eating fresh veg, nuts and a little soy.

Before radiation, with the pressure less than it is now I could eat things like small amounts of cheese and small amounts of fish, etc.  Now that pretty much causes a noticeable reaction, so I limit them.
Just remember, fresh is best.  Know your food sources, where your food is coming from and it's quality.

My Diet Basics:

1. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, green tea.  Both cooked and not cooked.  Adding garlic and ginger to dishes will help for inflammation.  You can both cold brew and hot brew green and white teas.
Fresh is key and these comprise most of my diet along with beans (about 75+%).  I have to eat some dark leafy greens, green tea, and garlic/ginger each day to keep the inflammation at bay.  I also eat nuts each day, good for inflammation and good for protein.
2.  Beans and Whole grains such as wild rice or brown rice.  Limited amounts of non-GMO soy products such as unsweetened silk or tofu.
3.  Limit sugar.  A little honey or stevia is tolerable.  Stevia shouldn't be consumed in large amounts, more than 2 packs a day.
4.  In limited amounts: coffee, dark chocolate, and red wine.  Swap unsweetened soymilk for coffee creamer if you have dairy issues.  I find it works better than almond milk, it's got a fatter taste which is what you look for from cream.
5.  Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  For everything needing fat.  I use no other oils, they will all cause inflammation.

Nutrition Facts has a lot of information on proper ratios of things like teas and wines.  What amounts of stevia are safe, etc.