Q: I have a friend that has stomach cancer. She has lost a lot of weight. I want to recommend your diet for the anti-inflammatory effect and the fish oil, but she is afraid of losing more weight. What about the exercise? I understand that muscles are part of her immune system reserve, but she is also afraid of exercising and losing weight. She had a surgery where they took great part of her stomach, and she is now with chemos. How much fish oil should she take? Should she be having a different routine of exercise? Maybe more strength and less cardio?
Thanks a lot, Maria
Dear Maria,
A: Her weight loss is due to increased formation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Adding extra fish oil will decrease its formation. The data indicates that up to 20 grams of EPA and DHA is fine, but I would suggest starting at about 7.5 grams of EPA and DHA per day and perhaps increasing to 15 grams per day until she stops losing weight. The Zone Diet should be viewed as an anti-inflammatory diet; not a weight-loss diet. It will dramatically enhance the anti-inflammatory benefits of the fish oil.