The role of nutrition in overall wellness and recovery from disease was highlighted last month at the City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center in Irvine. Preeti Soni, an integrative oncology dietitian at the center, partnered with Dr. Richard T. Lee, Cherng family director’s chair for the Center for Integrative Oncology, and Panda Express head chef Jimmy Wang for a live cooking demonstration. Chef Wang's participation was personal, as his father received treatment at City of Hope.
Soni emphasizes that food acts as a support for the body, mind, and quality of life, rather than replacing medical treatment. For disease prevention and boosting general wellness, the focus should be on the overall pattern of what is consumed. A plant-forward or Mediterranean-style diet is recommended, which includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, healthy fats, and lean protein sources. This approach provides essential fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients.
To combat chronic inflammation, which contributes to many health risks, Soni suggests keeping several anti-inflammatory staples readily available in the pantry. These include beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. A range of herbs and spices, such as ginger and turmeric, are also valuable for both flavor and their plant compounds. These pantry items should be complemented with plenty of colorful vegetables and fruits, forming a framework that prioritizes fiber-rich plant foods, healthy fats, and minimally processed ingredients.
Enhancing the flavor of healthful dishes does not require sacrificing taste. Soni recommends using herbs, spices, garlic, ginger, citrus, and toasted nuts and seeds to add flavor and texture. Cooking methods like roasting vegetables can also bring out their natural sweetness. For family cooks supporting a loved one through illness or recovery, Soni advises meeting the individual where they are. This might mean offering smaller, more frequent meals, altering food textures, adjusting seasonings, or finding ways to incorporate adequate protein and calories when appropriate, as appetite and taste can change significantly during treatment.
Among the most impactful nutrition habits for long-term health, Soni suggested making plant-based foods a regular part of every meal. She recommends aiming for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily and regularly including whole grains and legumes. These foods deliver dietary fiber along with a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial plant compounds.
Beyond individual dietary choices, Irvine is home to numerous companies dedicated to promoting wellness through nutrition boosts and supplements. iHerb, an online retail shop that has aimed to make wellness accessible since 1996, maintains its headquarters at Spectrum Terrace in Irvine.
Other Irvine-based supplement businesses contribute to the local wellness landscape. One company is known for offering gummies containing nine essential amino acids along with vitamins and minerals, designed to support steady energy and moods. It was founded by a health coach to address missing amino acids in children’s diets. Another company provides protein shakes, powders, and bars for both adults and children, holding a Certified B Corporation status, which signifies its commitment to balancing purpose with profit for a positive impact on the planet.
A third Irvine-based business specializes in wafer protein bars for adults and kids, which are formulated to be easier to digest than many other options. This company was started by a world-champion bodybuilder with the goal of helping his infant son with a more digestible protein source. Additionally, an Irvine company promotes methods such as fasting and calorie restriction to enhance longevity, offering oral supplements and skin-care products like facial serums, masks, and lotions intended to promote cellular rejuvenation. Lastly, a company with a century-long history in plant-based nutrition operates in Irvine, providing meal replacement shakes, plant protein-based items, and herbal wellness products. Its owners notably partnered with Magic Johnson to broaden its message and reach. These businesses reflect Irvine's diverse involvement in the health and wellness sector, from dietary advice to specialized nutritional products.
