“Drink more water – was mentioned by every doctor and website.”
Rethink in Berlin Kreuzberg – photo by (c) howlzap Cologne

Advice that has made a difference to my overall health!

Drink more water – was mentioned by every doctor and bladder cancer website. I’ve always enjoyed drinking water and tea, but I upped the water and drink 2-3 liters daily. It makes sense to flush out any toxins hanging around the bladder.

Switch coffee for green tea – my father maintains that coffee irritates his bladder although I love the taste I agree about this effect and stopped drinking it when I was first diagnosed. Green tea, especially Matcha has a softer caffeine hit, is gentler on the bladder and contains polyphenols and catechins which some studies have shown to prevent cancer growing. So, I converted completely to green tea I love the taste and imagine it fighting cancer cells.

Eat more fruit and veggies – I’ve been a vegetarian for 40 years. I gave up meat when I was at school – and I like veggies, but I increased both the variety and the amount significantly. A “veggies with every meal” mantra and fresh green juices help to do that. Fruit and veggies contain phytonutrients which help to prevent cancer according to studies.

Cut out refined sugar – I’m lucky in that I don’t really have a sweet tooth – except for chocolate Easter bunnies – some studies say sugar grows cancer, and some don’t but personally I don’t think it’s worth the risk.

Eat plant based and ditch dairy products– the more I read and learned the more reticent I became to eat dairy foods. Casein in milk products have been shown to increase cancer growth. That’s the last thing I need, and I became firstly a weekday vegan then a full-time one. I feel better, have more energy and surprisingly don’t really miss dairy.

I’m not cured but these points certainly work in my favour.