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Cancer Relapsed: Seeking Diet Advice As a Vegetarian Teetotaler

Komal

Komal Jethmalani  |382 Answers  |Ask -

Dietician, Diabetes Expert - Answered on Sep 21, 2024

Komal Jethmalani is a practising dietician and nutritionist with over 26 years of experience.
She specialises in weight loss and diabetes management.
Jethmalani has completed her MSc in food and nutrition from SNDT University and trained at Jaslok Hospital.
She is a NDEP-certified diabetes educator.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Sep 16, 2024Hindi
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Dear Komal I have recently been diagnosed with cancer and am undergoing hormone therapy currently. Its a relapse after i was treated of cancer around 16 years back. I am 40 yrs old and a vegetarian and teetotaler since birth I was keen to get advice on what specific diet advice would you have given your experience. I have been asked not to put on weight and avoid foods that may increase estrogen.

Ans: I’m really sorry to hear about your diagnosis and relapse. Focus on plant-based foods like a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. These foods are rich in nutrients and fiber, which can help maintain a healthy weight and support overall health. While soy can be a good source of protein for vegetarians, it contains phytoestrogens, which might affect estrogen levels. It’s best to consume soy products in moderation and consult with your dietician about the appropriate amount for you. Foods with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains, legumes, and non-starchy vegetables, can help maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent weight gain. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and kale contain compounds that may help regulate estrogen levels and support detoxification. Avoid processed foods and sugary beverages. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible. Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health and can help manage weight. Include sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
DISCLAIMER: The answer provided by rediffGURUS is for informational and general awareness purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
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At the age of 35, I was diagnosed with diabetes. Currently, I'm 43 yrs. I represent a lower-class family where medical treatment is highly impossible. Post corona no regular income. Survival has become a burden of the beast. Only through food intake I can minimise or balance the sugar level. Doctor, kindly provide a proper food guide. I represent the orthodox IYER and pure vegetarian family. Can I consume white rice in a lesser proportion on a daily basis? Coffee without sugar? I have stopped taking bakery food items. During festivals can I partake in HOME MADE "CHICKPEA FLOUR PATTIES"[CHANE KE AATE KEE PAITEEZ? GHAR KA KHAANA?] WHAT IS PROCESSED FOOD MEANT? KINDLY GUIDE ME. NAMASTE.
Ans: Management of blood sugar levels for Type 2 diabetes can be done by following a balanced diet. Include a good source of fiber containing food with every meal or snack. -Start the day with some whole grains, oats. Eat less potatoes. Instead, try brown rice or less well known grains like bulgur, wheat berries, millet, or hulled barley or quinoa. Include beans/legumes which are an excellent source of slowly digested carbohydrate as well as a great source of lean protein. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Avoid fried, fast foods and high fat and sugar foods. Ensure regular exercise for at least 40 minutes daily. Any food that has been altered from its original state is considered processed. Foods that have been chopped, cleaned, heated, pasteurized, canned, frozen, dehydrated, blended, or packed might all fall under this category. Foods with additional nutrients, tastes, salts, sugars, fats, or preservatives may also fall under this category.

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Asked by Anonymous - May 21, 2024Hindi
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I am 81 yrs, suffering from prostate cancer since last 6/7 months. I had earlier multiple health issues like Type 2 Diabetes (2yrs), Alzheimer's, Parkinsons plus, I have also heart issues with two stents inserted in 2014. I follow a very sedate lifestyle with walking for 45-55 mts + physical exercise 30 mts almost each day. I have been able to contain Alzheimer's and Parkinson's to almost 85-90% level and check Diabetes with food habits and walking to almost 70-75% level. . From 212 FPBS t has come down to 111 and PPBS currently is 78. I am focusing on prostate cancer. I wish to give some data for your reference: PSA- Total- from 4.14 it has come down to 1.89 Testosterone- from 585 it has come down to 0.660 reading of 20/05/24 I am strictly following my Urologists instructions so far. I am under his treatment for last 6/7 months. But he advices me to go in for MRI based Radiation therapy at HYD. I am extremely averse to any type of radiation therapy as the cells apparently are in sleeping mode with hormonal therapies but once I go in for radiation even if 85% cells die the balance surviving cells will attack my system vigorously and age will not be able to withstand their attack. Can I continue with hormonal therapies? Your advice please
Ans: You are absolutely right Radiotherapy has its own set back of affecting the normal cells too decreasing the overall vitality
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Hello, Myself Apurba ,43 Y male. Have no disease, weight 68 Kg, height 5.5". I have always been associated with sports. Recently I am preparing for 21 KM marathon. I run 35 KM in field in 07 days with 02 days off (5 days * 07 km average) . I have successfully completed 10 KM marathon recently. Many are objecting me to run these much to protect my knee joint, cartilage etc. But I don't feel any issue , rather I feel so energised although the day. Please let me know if I am harming my knee unknowingly. Please suggest any precautions to be followed so that I can take care of my joints and keep continuing my running. I also do light strength training in parallel with running.
Ans: Hello Rajib,
It is good to know that you are so fit overall.
At times yes excessive running can harm the soft tissues of the knees.
These are the precautions you may take:
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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8164 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 29, 2025

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Sir, My name is Ankit and i am 32 year old. Sir i invest 3000rupees per month for next 5 year in Axis max Nifty 500momentum 50 fund. Is it right to invest in this fund for a long time?
Ans: Your investment of Rs. 3,000 per month in Axis Nifty 500 Momentum 50 Fund for the next 5 years needs careful evaluation. Since you are 32 years old, your investment horizon can be long-term.

Let’s assess whether this fund is the right choice.

Understanding Your Investment
Fund Type: Index-based momentum fund

Investment Style: Follows momentum strategy within Nifty 500

Your SIP Amount: Rs. 3,000 per month

Investment Tenure: 5 years (as per your plan)

Your Age: 32 (long-term horizon possible)

Momentum funds invest in stocks that have recently shown strong performance. These funds can outperform in bullish phases but may underperform in volatile or bearish markets.

Is This Fund Suitable for Long-Term Investment?
1. Momentum Strategy is Cyclical
This fund invests in stocks that have performed well recently.

If market trends change, it may struggle to maintain returns.

Not ideal as a core long-term portfolio holding.

2. High Volatility and Risk
Momentum funds have higher risk than diversified equity funds.

In falling markets, momentum stocks drop sharply.

3. Index-Based Strategy Limits Flexibility
This fund is passively managed and cannot adjust based on market trends.

Actively managed funds can perform better in different cycles.

4. 5-Year Horizon is Short for Equity
Equity investments work best for 7+ years.

If you need money in 5 years, debt funds or balanced funds are better.

Better Approach for Your Investment
1. Diversify into Actively Managed Funds
Instead of relying on a single index-based momentum fund, diversify.

Large & multi-cap funds can provide stability with growth.

Mid-cap & flexi-cap funds can generate higher returns with controlled risk.

2. Extend Investment Horizon
Instead of stopping after 5 years, consider SIP for 10+ years.

Equity needs long duration to generate wealth.

3. Review and Rebalance Annually
If fund performance is inconsistent, shift to a better option.

Avoid locking yourself into one strategy for too long.

Final Insights
Axis Nifty 500 Momentum 50 Fund is not ideal as a standalone long-term investment.

Momentum strategy works in bull markets but struggles in volatility.

Instead of investing in only one fund, diversify into actively managed funds.

If your horizon is just 5 years, equity funds carry risk. Debt or hybrid funds can be better.

Review your goals and adjust your investment accordingly.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8164 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 27, 2025Hindi
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Hi, I am 47. want to start monthly SIP of Rs 50,000. I am not a risk taker and happy with 12-15% annual return. Can you please suggest best plans & combinations.
Ans: You want to invest Rs. 50,000 per month through SIP. You prefer lower risk and expect 12-15% annual returns.

A structured mutual fund portfolio can help balance risk and returns.

Understanding Your Investment Profile
Age: 47 years

Risk Tolerance: Low (not a risk taker)

Return Expectation: 12-15% annually

Investment Horizon: Long-term SIP (10+ years)

Preferred Investment Mode: Monthly SIP of Rs. 50,000

Your return expectation suggests a mix of equity and debt. But low risk means avoiding pure small-cap or mid-cap funds.

Suggested SIP Allocation (Rs. 50,000 per Month)
A 60:40 equity-to-debt ratio is ideal for your risk level.

Equity Mutual Funds – Rs. 30,000 (60%)
Large & Multi-Cap Funds (Rs. 20,000): Stability with growth potential

Sectoral or Thematic Funds (Rs. 10,000): Targeted growth in strong industries

Debt Mutual Funds – Rs. 20,000 (40%)
Corporate Bond or Dynamic Bond Funds (Rs. 15,000): Lower volatility, predictable returns

Short-Term Debt Funds (Rs. 5,000): For liquidity and lower risk

Why This Allocation?
Large & Multi-Cap Funds reduce risk while capturing market growth.

Debt Funds provide stability and lower market-linked volatility.

Sectoral Funds add controlled growth exposure.

This balance can help achieve your 12-15% return expectation.

Additional Considerations
1. Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) for Future Income
After 10-15 years, convert part of equity into SWP for regular income.

Ensure withdrawals are tax-efficient.

2. Portfolio Review Every Year
Check fund performance annually.

Rebalance if required to maintain risk balance.

3. Tax Efficiency
Equity Gains: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Debt Gains: Taxed as per your income slab.

Final Insights
A mix of equity and debt reduces risk while achieving your return goals.

Large & multi-cap funds provide stability, and debt funds add safety.

Annual reviews help adjust strategy as per market conditions.

SWP after 10+ years can convert SIPs into passive income.

This plan aligns with your risk profile and expected returns.

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K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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