I hate broccoli but it seems to be important in cancer prevention. Why is it important? Is there a supplement I can take in its place?

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that means it belongs to the cabbage family. The importance of cruciferous vegetables in cancer prevention is that it contains indoles which are nitrogen compounds. Researchers are hopeful that indoles may play a protective role against cancer. Various animal studies suggest those animals fed a daily dose of indoles converted the active form of estrogen which may trigger the growth of breast tumors, to a safer, inactive form of the hormone. Other studies also have found a lower incidence of colon and rectal cancer in people who eat a diet high in cabbage.

There is no evidence that taking phytochemical supplements is as beneficial as consuming the fruit, vegetable, bean, and grain source from which they are extracted. You will be missing out on all the other phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are found in food sources.

In broccoli's defense, 1 cup of it chopped contains a good supply of Vitamin A (90% of the daily requirement in the form of beta carotene), Vitamin C (200% of the daily requirement), significant amounts of niacin, calcium, thiamin, and fiber (25% of your fiber needs). You get a very nutrient dense food in only 45 calories per cup! You may also want to try the other members of the cruciferous family such as cabbage, cauliflower, kale, collards, mustard greens, and Brussel sprouts.

I started radiation therapy for cancer 3 weeks ago. I am receiving radiation in the abdominal area and started having terrible diarrhea. My doctor recommended a low residue diet. What is it and how long do I have to follow this diet?

A low residue diet is a therapeutic diet that consists of mildly flavored, easy to digest, and low fiber foods. This means raw vegetables, most raw fruits, fried goods, and high fiber grains are omitted. Gas-forming foods such as beans, legumes, cruciferous vegetables are also foods to avoid on this diet. Milk is limited to 16 oz per day. This diet is indicated when a you want to soothe inflamed tissues in the gut and restrict stool volume.

Therefore, high fiber foods and grains are omitted because it will contribute to leaving nondigestible residues of plant foods. Milk is low in dietary fiber but may contribute to stool volume due to the formation of insoluble calcium salts. It may also exacerbate diarrhea if you are suffering from a temporary lactose intolerance induced by the radiation therapy so it is limited.

It is also a good idea to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Sodium and potassium are the minerals often lost during diarrhea. Foods that are high in potassium yet do not exacerbate diarrhea are bananas, peach and apricot nectar, and boiled or mashed potatoes. Avoid very hot or very cold foods and beverages. The low residue diet recommendation is only a temporary restriction for symptom management. As your side effect lessens in severity, you may consider asking your physician and registered dietitian for advice on liberalizing your diet and assessing your tolerance to fruits, vegetables, and milk products by reintroducing these foods slowly.

One of my best friend's parent was recently diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma. She asked me if I could find out if there is a diet for this particular type of cancer? Is there a leiomyosarcoma diet?

Maintaining good nutritional status is of great importance because it will help keep your immune system strong, maintain your lean body mass, and rebuild tissues that cancer treatment may harm. However, there aren't any specific dietary guidelines just for patients with leiomyosarcoma. You may want to refer to last month's column question regarding conflicting information of optimal dietary management during cancer treatment and cancer prevention nutrition guidelines.

Other resources for your friend would include the physician and dietitian at the medical center your friend's parent is being treated. They would be best able to advise him/her on specific nutrition needs by doing a clinical nutrition assessment that takes into account medical issues, lab values, height, weight, diet history, and potential side effects of cancer therapy.

Your friend can also refer to the American Dietetic Association Nutrition hot line (1-800-3366-1655) to request a referral to a dietitian in your community.