What Cancer Really Eats: My Cold Turkey Confession & Why You Should Too
After my cancer diagnosis, I went down a research rabbit hole, searching for the hidden truths about my health. I had learned that cancer is a relentless invader, an opportunistic mutation of cells in my body. But what I discovered next truly changed my perspective—and my plate—forever.
It wasn't just a physical battle; it was a battle for fuel. I learned that cancer cells have an ancient trick up their sleeve: they use an old fermentation method to rapidly multiply by breaking down glucose without oxygen. In other words, they were thriving on the same diet that had become the standard in our modern world. My body was literally feeding the enemy within.
This was my turning point. The idea of becoming my own health detective suddenly had a new purpose: to starve the invader and reclaim control of my body. It was time for my "cold turkey" confession.
The Confession: My "No-Go" List
My journey from a math teacher turned entrepreneur to a cancer patient involved a lot of stress, so I knew my body was operating in a chaotic state. It was time to put a stop to that. I had to cut out the foods that were creating an inflamed environment where disease could thrive.
I had to say goodbye to three things I loved:
Sugar: I quit sugar completely—cane, beet, corn syrup, and all its other hidden forms. This was a challenge because sugar is a powerful drug that rewires your brain with the same addictive dopamine rush as cocaine. I had to remind myself that my addicted brain was telling me to keep feeding the enemy.
Refined Flour: I broke up with all processed flour and grains, including my beloved bread and pasta. Refined flour causes rapid blood sugar spikes, which fuel inflammation and, you guessed it, cancer cell growth.
Dairy: This was my Everest. I loved cheese, yogurt, and lattes, but I learned that modern, industrial dairy is a far cry from what our ancestors consumed. It's laden with inflammatory Omega-6 fatty acids, growth hormones, and antibiotics, and it can disrupt your body's hormonal balance.
I wasn't just making a diet change; I was staging a rebellion against a system designed to keep me addicted and sick.
The Payoff: Why You Should Too
This radical shift wasn't easy, but the results were undeniable. After just a month, the cravings for sugary snacks vanished. I felt a renewed sense of control and vitality. My body, no longer distracted by the burden of constant digestion, could focus on healing.
This isn't about deprivation. It's about empowerment. It's about swapping out the industrialized junk for foods that actually love you back.
Ditch the junk, find the good stuff: Instead of refined grains, I explored vegetable-based noodles and whole foods that were high in polyphenols, which are powerful compounds found in plant-based foods that protect cells from damage.
Become a label detective: Sugar is in over 55% of grocery store products, hiding under more than 50 different names. Reading labels became a non-negotiable part of my new routine, ensuring I wasn't accidentally feeding the enemy.
Small choices, big wins: The goal isn't perfection; it's progress. Start with one small change and commit to it. My journey was a series of small, intentional victories that eventually added up to a monumental win.
Your diagnosis is a wake-up call from your body. How you choose to respond is greater than any treatment you choose. It's time to take control of your plate and become the leader of your healing.
Ready to make a change? Visit AllisonPazuk.com to learn more about how to reclaim your health and redefine your healing journey.
