Cancer Prevention through Diet and LifestyleFifty percent of all men and thirty-three percent of all women in the United States will develop some form of cancer at some point in their lives, and one in three people in the United States will die of cancer. Cancer occurs in bodily tissues when damage to the DNA of a particular cell (liver, bone, lung, etc.) causes a mutation of the genetic code of reproduction causing a mutant line of cells to replicate rapidly without apoptosis or natural cell death, forming a mass of tissue growth known as a tumor. This malignant tumor interferes with the normal functioning of the particular organ and seeks to spread through the lymphatic system and bloodstream to the rest of the body. Abnormal cells with genetic damage to their DNA are normally identified by immune cells and destroyed before they can replicate out of control. However, if the immune system, due to factors such as depression and stress, does not function adequately these original cancer cells have the chance to grow into a tumor and metastasize. The extensive amount of research done on cancer has revealed that there are several factors that can either contribute to, or prevent, the development and growth of the various cancers. These can be roughly divided into three categories: environmental factors such as toxins and radiation, internal factors which include genetics and infections, and lifestyle which includes diet, smoking, drinking, and sun exposure. Anti Cancer Foods: | ||
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Foods and things to avoid: | ||
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As you can see, most of the anticancer foods are fruits and vegetables. A daily dosage of seven to ten servings of fruits and vegetables can reduce cancer risk by 30 percent due to the anticancer phyto-chemicals found in plant foods. Eat as organically as possible. Pesticide residues from the consumption non-organic fruits and vegetables have been directly linked to breast and prostate cancers, as well as cancer in general. The pesticide compounds can mimic hormones and bind to endocrine organs, causing tumor formation and growth. Always wash commercially grown fruits and veggies in salt water to neutralize the pesticide chemicals. Regular exercise lowers the risk of cancer by elevating one's mood and promoting oxygenation of the tissues. Cancer very often is preceded by years of repressed, unresolved, or painful emotional issues which create the underlying environment (immuno-suppression) that combines with the triggering environmental or genetic carcinogenic factor to create the cancer. Stress release and emotional clearance through spirit-centered therapy, meditation, breathing techniques, qigong, tai chi, yoga, and support groups is highly recommended. Excessive intake of estrogen is considered the leading cause of cancer in women. Cows, pigs, and poultry are loaded up with estrogens to make them heavier before slaughtering, and in the case of cows to produce more milk. The residues of this hormone remain in the fat and meat, as well as passing through into the cow's milk. Diets high in saturated fats from animal products, besides being dangerous due to the estrogen content, are also a major source of free radicals in the blood, tissues, and cells. These free radicals damage the DNA, which can cause a healthy cell to reproduce wildly, becoming a cancer cell. Antioxidants from foods and vitamins have the effect to neutralize these free radicals, preventing precancerous cells from becoming cancerous. For a list of foods with the highest antioxidant content go to Longevity Through Lifestyle. The two main red flags when it comes to cancer are abnormal persistent bleeding and unexplained rapid weight loss. So if you, or someone you know, is having either of these symptoms, make sure you report it immediately to your primary care practitioner so that he or she can determine if further investigation is necessary. All the best, Cofe Fiakpui L.Ac. MATCM | ||
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