Eating for Longevity and

Quality of LifeCassidy Moore, MS, RD

Overview

General Nutrition

Macronutrients

Special Considerations for those with Gorlin Syndrome

Minimizing Side Effects of Treatments

Nutrients of Importance

Quality of Life

General Nutrition

Macronutrients

Macronutrient Function Daily Amount

Carbohydrate Body’s primary energy source and

ensure cells of the body function

properly

45-65% of daily calories

Protein Contain amino acids that are

involved in tissue growth/repair,

provide structure to cells, and

constitute neurotransmitters in the

brain

10-35% of daily calories

Fat Provides structure to membranes

of the cells in the body, play a role

in reducing inflammation,

transport fat-soluble vitamins, and

provide long term energy

20-35% of daily calories

Tips for Every Day

Limit red meat to 2-3x per week

Go for leaner meats, such as chicken and turkey

Incorporate more plant-based proteins, such as beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh

Incorporate healthy fats like olive oil, canola oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, fish

Limit unhealthy fats like fatty meats (salami, bologna, sausage, bacon), shortening/Crisco,

margarine, high-fat dairy

Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables (5-9 servings per day)

Reach for complex carbohydrates over simple carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates are sources of carbohydrates that contain fiber; most notably fruits,

vegetables, and whole grains

Simple carbohydrates are sources of carbohydrates including white flour, juice, and candy that

your body absorbs rapidly

Special Considerations for those with

Gorlin Syndrome

Manifestations

Treatments

Side Effects

Mental/Physical Quality of Life

Nutrients of Importance

Minimizing Side Effects of Treatments

Preserve lean body mass

Focus on foods that you can tolerate

Include foods that contain nutrients of importance

Maximize the times that you are feeling well

Stay hydrated

Nutrients of Importance

Antioxidants

Phytochemicals

Fiber

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Probiotics

Vitamin D

Antioxidants

Scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body

Antioxidant Food Sources

Vitamin A Sweet potato, carrots, broccoli, red

peppers, spinach

Vitamin C Peppers, oranges, brussels sprouts,

broccoli, strawberries, tomatoes

Vitamin E Nuts, seeds, and oils

Phytochemicals

Natural chemicals in plants that provide them with color, odor, and flavor

Stimulates the immune system, reduces inflammation, and reduces oxidative damage

Helps prevent DNA damage and helps with DNA repair

Phytochemical Food Sources

Carotenoids Sweet potatoes, leafy greens, carrots,

broccoli, and oranges (think red, orange,

and green produce)

Isoflavones Soybeans and soy products (tofu,

edamame, tempeh, soy milk)

Flavonoids Apples, citrus fruits, onions, soybeans

and soy products

Polyphenols Grapes, apples, citrus fruits, and whole

grains

Fiber

Helps to stabilize blood sugar by slowing down the

absorption of glucose in the body

Improves digestion

Feeds healthy bacteria in the gut

High-Fiber Foods: whole grains, fruits, vegetables,

beans, lentils, nuts and seeds

Probiotics

Bacteria that enhance the health of the gut

May improve mental health

Can replace the “good” bacteria in your gut after taking an anti-biotic

Food Sources: fermented foods (yogurt, tempeh, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Used as part of the structure of brains cells and controls many

brain processes

Can help reduce inflammation

May help alleviate symptoms of depression

Food Sources: Salmon, tuna, walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds

Vitamin D- “Sunshine Vitamin”

Vitamin D is needed for bone growth, bone remodeling, and helps maintain

adequate calcium in the blood

Fat-soluble vitamin

Most people get their Vitamin D from sun exposure

15-30 minute exposure produces ~250-500 mcg Vitamin D

RDA is 15 mcg or 600 IU for adults

Food Sources: fatty fish (salmon, tuna, swordfish, sardines), shitake

mushrooms, fortified foods (milk, yogurt, cheese, breads, OJ)

Sunscreens reduce synthesis of Vitamin D

D3 supplement may be needed

Quality of Life

Find the foods that work for YOU

Manifestations and treatment plans are individualized, diet should be too

Balance is key

There are no “good” or “bad” foods

Focus on foods that provide the most nutrients, but also enjoy your favorite foods

too

Food should be nourishing the mind, body, and soul

Questions?