Food as Medicine

“[When] you know that your life is a risk, that you’re gonna die and if you don’t [then] it’s a miracle… you change and you find the value of what really matters.” Glioblastoma changes things not just for the diagnosed patient, but for everyone around them, and it can be easy to lose hope when faced with its incurable nature. This wasn’t the case for Chef Lorena Garcia and her family, however. When glioblastoma hit her brother Carlos, they hit back harder with faith and food. A world-renowned culinary master and owner of multiple restaurants, Chef Lorena Garcia is a firm believer that food heals more than the body. She is joining Amber Barbach on Glioblastoma aka GBM to talk about how food intersects with physical and spiritual health, her experience as a caregiver, and how glioblastoma changed her family’s life. Hear us talk about: The correlation between food and health. What you eat is not only reflected in your mood, but also in the way you view yourself. Food is a big part of healing the mind, body, and soul, Lorena claims. It’s more than just eating right for your body - you even develop relationships over sharing meals. Everyone is more open to ideas while breaking bread than they would be if they were stuck in a stuffy office.  The strict diets doctors instruct patients to adhere to. Of course, the advice of medical professionals should always be considered, especially when it comes from your primary care physician, but having comfort food here and there in moderation is also okay. “My brother’s diet was very balanced, but I was [also] able to comfort him with things he liked,” Lorena shares. Lorena’s experience with her brother Carlos’ treatment. His first operation was not successful, but their family didn’t give up. When the doctor gave them a prognosis without hope, Lorena ran in the other direction to find someone who had it. Fortunately, she was able to find a “dream team” of doctors dedicated to helping her brother live on.  How the experience changed her life. Being Carlos’ caregiver gave her a better perspective of the things that truly matter in life, and in their family’s resolve to fight glioblastoma with him, they drew closer. They often spend time together just talking, eating, and feeding the soul.  An important lesson Lorena learned. Everybody stumbles from time to time, she says, and along that journey you find pieces of wood that you either have to burn or jump over - but at the end of the day, they’re all part of the same fire.  What’s Next? Chef Lorena Garcia, alongside the University of Miami and the GBMRO, have launched a brain cancer research project named Project Garcia, in honor of her brother Carlos. The project aims to improve treatment methods and options with novel research.  Resources Chef Lorena Garcia on the Web | Twitter As always, the information that is discussed in Glioblastoma AKA GBM is not meant to treat or diagnose any disease. What we and our guests share are personal stories of what has worked for the individuals in question, and should not be taken as medical advice or opinion, and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have any questions about your own situation, always consult with your medical provider and healthcare team.