Dietary changes can yield health benefits

Boalsburg resident Marci Hughes said eating a diet consisting of mostly raw fruits and vegetables cured her of cancer.

"I'm not really trying to lose weight, but I'm trying to prevent my disease from coming back," she said.

The Hallelujah diet, which is composed of raw fruits and vegetables, was created to help people who have illnesses related to what they are eating and also to help people have ultimate health by teaching lifestyle dieting changes. It is believed by its followers to be a simple way to live a longer, healthier life.

"People can see results immediately," said Janis Betz, a registered nurse and founder of Healthy Journey Ministry of Bellefonte.

Connie Bailey of Port Matilda had Grave's disease and said she overcame it by eating right and drinking plenty of fluids including raw carrot juice and plenty of water.

Others on the diet said they have simply felt healthier overall.

"I now have more energy and it's a good attitude adjuster; I'm more positive about things," said Nora Bell, State College resident.

Participants in the diet should consume 75 to 85 percent raw vegetables, 15 to 25 percent cooked vegetables and fresh carrot juice and Barleygreen juice daily, Betz said. They are also told to stay away from animal products, processed foods, fat, caffeine, salt, milk and other dairy products, Betz said.

The diet also encourages its participants to stay away from too much protein. Americans consume about 100 grams of protein a day, and the recommended amount is 10 to 30 grams a day, Betz said, referring to the book Everyday Cooking with Dr. Dean Ornish.

"Whatever you put in your mouth today will positively or negatively affect you tomorrow," Betz said.

The Hallelujah diet is strict, but once you become accustomed to eating healthy, it becomes second nature, Betz said.

Although a diet consisting of fruits, vegetables and grains is said to help prevent cancer, it has not been proven to heal cancer, said Tere Rill, executive director of the Centre Unit of the American Cancer Society.

"Extensive research is under way in the role that diet plays in healing cancer, but nothing has been proven yet," she said. "No diet can guarantee full protection."

Betz said cancer growth has proven to be conquered through the Hallelujah diet and that those on the diet said they have seen many positive effects, however, she added that while eating these foods can reduce the risk of disease, Betz said other factors can also.

The five main factors that contribute to disease are a poor diet, poor physical condition, gradual exposure to radiation and toxic substances in the environment and diet, tobacco and illegal drug use, and stress and emotional distress, Betz said.