Weight gain is epidemic in the South Africa, with over 70% of women being overweight or obese (this is the highest in Africa). Even more frightening is that 13% of our children are overweight or obese (this is more than double the world average!).1 Being overweight increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and dementia, respiratory problems, osteoarthritis and depression.2 The cost is enormous, not only in rands but also in pain and suffering. Continue reading “How Blood Sugar Levels Affect Weight Gain”
Everyone has heard that cancer patients are routinely told not to take supplements by their doctors. However, there is substantial evidence to show that supplementing with good quality multivitamin and mineral and anti-oxidant supplements can significantly increase one’s chance of surviving cancer. Continue reading “Supplementation can help cancer sufferers.”
Cancer Part 1 – Natural
Strategies for Preventing Cancer
CANCER – just the word is enough to frighten us but did you know –
Cancer is thought by some scientists to be significantly influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle choices1. By making simple lifestyle changes, we can reduce our chances of ever getting cancer! These same lifestyle changes can also support recovery for those diagnosed with cancer.
Cancer is the second biggest killer in the industrialized world after heart disease. According to Dr. Patrick Quillin, ex-Director of Nutrition for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, it became the leading cause of death in the USA as of January 20052. Approximately 40–45% of the industrialized world’s population can expect to develop cancer in their lifetime.
What Causes Cancer?
Cancer begins when a single cell mutates, usually due to external stimuli, and starts dividing uncontrollably. These external stimuli include toxic overload, stress, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise. However, a well-functioning immune system can eliminate mutated cells before they become cancerous. Thus, maintaining a strong immune system is the first line of defense in preventing cancer.
For cancer to thrive, certain conditions need to be present:
An acidic environment.
An anaerobic (low oxygen) environment.
A high-sugar environment, as sugar is a primary energy source for cancer cells.
By addressing these conditions, we can create an environment less conducive to cancer. Here are five areas to focus on:
Reducing toxic burden
Managing stress levels
Improving nutrition
Maintaining a healthy weight
Increasing physical activity
1. Reducing Toxic Burden
Every day, we are exposed to toxins from the air, water, food, and materials in our surroundings. These toxins accumulate over time and can contribute to cancer. Common toxins include heavy metals, pesticides, plastics, food additives, and pollutants. In the U.K. it’s estimated that the average person ingests ±4,5 litres of pesticides & herbicides and ±5kg of food additives every year.3
Strategies to Minimize Toxin Exposure:
Avoid smoking.
Choose fresh, natural foods and avoid processed foods with preservatives and additives. Become a label reader.
Use stainless steel or glass cookware instead of aluminum or non-stick materials. Aliminium leaches into the foods and there is increasing evidence that non-stick coatings release toxic chemicals when heated.
Drink filtered or distilled water and avoid plastic bottles.
Use natural cleaning products free of harmful chemicals. One study showed that women who stay at home and clean their own homes have a 54% higher chance of getting cancer than those women who have a job. This was caused by daily exposure to harmful chemicals in their cleaning products.4
Check your cosmetics. Many lipsticks and mascaras contain lead. Some skin whitening creams contain mercury. Hair colourants may contain chemicals that are harmful. Don’t assume that things are safe just because they’re popular – check the ingredients before using.
Avoid using pesticides, air fresheners and other sprays. Not only are the ingredients sometimes harmful, but the propellants in the aerosols may be as well.
Don’t use anti-perspirants, use natural deodorants instead.
Limit exposure to synthetic materials in furnishings and reduce pesticide, air fresheners and other sprays use at home. The ingredients, and the propellants, in the aerosols can be harmful.
If you’re stuck in heavy traffic switch the aircon onto recycle mode.
Detoxification Techniques:
Supplement with antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, carotenoids, selenium, and flavonoids.
Exercise regularly to promote natural detoxification.
Practice intermittent fasting or juice cleanses with freshly squeezed fruits and vegetables.
Use saunas or steam baths to eliminate toxins through sweating.
2. Managing Stress Levels
While stress may not directly cause cancer, it weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility. Adopting stress-management techniques can improve overall health:
Maintain a positive outlook by focusing on goals and practicing gratitude.
Engage in hobbies or physical activities to relieve stress.
Having a strong faith enables better management
Ensure adequate sleep (7–9 hours per night) to allow the body to repair and rejuvenate.
Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to calm the mind.
Good nutrition helps replace vital nutrients depleted by stress.
3. Improving Nutrition
Nutrition is one of the most critical factors in cancer prevention. Unfortunately, most people never stop to think about what they put into their bodies.
Foods to Avoid:
Refined sugars and high-fructose corn syrup.
Processed meats, red meats, and fried foods.
White flour, white rice, and other refined carbohydrates.
Here are just a few studies confirming how nutrients influence cancer risk:
Vitamin B may cut the risk of lung cancer by 50 percent5
Fish oil (Omega 3) lowers risk of breast cancer by 32 percent6
Natural flavonoids from fruits and vegetables dramatically lower cancer risk7
Omega 3s reduce risk of colon cancer8
Polyunsaturated fats linked to higher cancer risk9
Soda (soft drinks) consumption linked to pancreatic cancer10
Vitamin C prevents cancer11
Cruciferous compounds reduce cancer rates by 90 percent 12
Full spectrum vitamin E can halt cancer cell proliferation13
4. Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Obesity is a significant risk factor for several cancers, including breast, colon, and kidney cancers14. Maintaining a healthy weight involves:
Eating a balanced diet with portion control.
Incorporating regular physical activity.
Monitoring your Body Mass Index (BMI) to stay within a healthy range. BMI is calculated by dividing your weight (kg) by you height (m). For example, if you are 1,8m tall and weigh 80kg your BMI is 80 ÷ 1.82 = 24.7. Evaluate your status as follow: Underweight =<18.5 Healthy weight = 18.5-24.9 Overweight = 25-29.9 Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
5. Increasing Physical Activity
Exercise not only helps with weight management but also increases oxygen levels in the body, making it less hospitable to cancer. Studies show that even moderate exercise, such as brisk walking for 30 minutes a day, reduces the risk of certain cancers like breast and colon cancer15. Exercise also improves the immune system, the lymph flow, assists in detoxification and helps weight control. It also increases the feeling of wellbeing, enabling one to cope with stress more effectively.
Conclusion
Cancer prevention is possible through informed lifestyle choices. Reducing toxin exposure, managing stress, adopting a nutrient-rich diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying active can significantly reduce cancer risk.
More people than ever before are surviving cancer today.
The aim, however, should be to do more than just survive but rather to thrive. Thriving starts by minimizing the negative effects of conventional cancer treatments, achieving remission, and then living a healthy, vibrant life thereafter.
Recent studies have explored the extent to which cancer may be influenced by lifestyle choices and environmental conditions. While some researchers suggest that modern lifestyle factors contribute significantly to the prevalence of certain cancers, the disease’s complexity underscores the interplay of genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and individual behaviors. For instance, research published in “Nature Reviews Cancer” highlights that environmental factors such as tobacco use, diet, and exposure to carcinogens are major contributors to cancer risk, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures. Dr. Rachel Thompson of the World Cancer Research Fund remarked, “About one in three people in the UK will get cancer, so it is fairly commonplace in the modern world. Scientists now say a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight can prevent about 40% of the most common cancers.”1
It makes sense, therefore, to pay attention to lifestyle choices and environmental conditions if one has cancer, eliminating or minimizing those that negatively impact recovery chances. For more info on how lifestyle choices affect your cancer risk READ THIS
Empowering Your Immune System
We have all overcome cancer many times. Our immune system has protected us and will continue to do so, provided we give it the correct tools (nutrients) and conditions.
The biggest mistake a cancer patient can make is believing there’s nothing they can do to help themselves. The reality is that personal actions are more important than all the cancer treatments combined. This report provides proven strategies to help overcome cancer, achieve survival, and prevent recurrence.
Choosing the Right Care Team
Who you choose to treat you is as important as the treatment itself. Dr. Patrick Quillin, former Vice President of Nutrition for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, has highlighted that complications from malnutrition contribute significantly to cancer-related mortality, a concern echoed in recent research. For instance, a 2023 study published in the “Journal of Oncology Nutrition” underscores the ongoing challenges of malnutrition among cancer patients, exacerbated by treatment-induced appetite loss and metabolic alterations. The study emphasizes the importance of nutritional interventions in improving outcomes for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, which can cause severe appetite suppression and metabolic stress.2
Your body cannot fight back if it’s undernourished and your immune system is compromised. It is vital to receive super nutrition and choose a doctor willing to adopt a holistic approach, incorporating nutrition and supplementation alongside conventional treatments. Research supports that certain dietary and nutritional supplements can improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.
Changing the Conditions for Cancer
Cancer needs specific conditions to thrive: sugars, an acidic and anaerobic environment, and a compromised immune system.3 Altering these conditions increases the effectiveness of treatments and makes it harder for cancer to grow.
Mental Attitude Matters
Stress decreases the body’s ability to overcome disease by lowering the immune system. Emerging research suggests that a positive mental outlook may influence recovery outcomes, with recent studies highlighting links between mental well-being, stress management, and immune system functionality.4,5, Focusing on the good in life, practising gratitude, and fostering positive relationships can profoundly improve mental health and recovery.
Proven Strategies to Survive Cancer
1. Diet and Supplementation
Nourishing the body strengthens it to cope with cancer and treatments:
Eliminate harmful substances:
Refined sugars and high-fructose corn syrup feed cancer and suppress the immune system.
Avoid preservatives, additives, alcohol, caffeine, red meat, and processed foods.
Increase beneficial foods:
Fresh fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids, flavonoids, and cruciferous compounds.6,7
Juicing or pureeing vegetables (e.g., carrot, beetroot, celery, apple) to maximize nutrient absorption.
Drink 2 liters of good quality water daily to flush toxins and hydrate cells.
Supplementation: Use whole-food, organic supplements for vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Research suggests supplementation can enhance conventional treatments without adverse effects.,8,9,10 For more on how supplementation can help you READ THIS
2. Reduce Toxins and Pollutants
Quit smoking and reduce alcohol, tea, coffee, and soft drinks.
Use natural deodorants and avoid chemical sprays.
Switch to stainless steel or glass cookware and avoid plastic containers.
Invest in a water purifier.
3. Increase Oxygen Levels
Cancer thrives in low-oxygen environments. Increase oxygenation through:
Deep breathing exercises.
Daily exercise, even light activity.
Supplementing with full-spectrum vitamin E to boost oxygen-carrying capacity.11
4. Balance pH Levels
Cancer thrives in acidic environments. Increase alkalinity by:
Eating more fruits and vegetables.
Drinking water with freshly squeezed lemon juice each morning.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Recent advances in oncology suggest that alternatives to traditional chemotherapy and radiation therapy are gaining traction, particularly the use of repurposed drugs. For example, ivermectin and fenbendazole, originally developed as antiparasitic agents, have shown potential anticancer properties in preclinical studies.12 These drugs are believed to interfere with cancer cell metabolism and proliferation, offering a promising adjunct or alternative to conventional treatments. Additionally, treatments like immunotherapy and targeted therapies are increasingly being tailored to individual patient profiles, providing more effective and less toxic options. Patients are encouraged to explore these alternatives with their healthcare providers, ensuring a treatment plan aligned with the latest research and their specific needs. For more info on alternative treatments and drugs look at the Resources below
Detoxification Post-Treatment
Chemotherapy and radiation leave toxic residues in the body, which can cause secondary cancers.13,14 Detoxifying the body after treatments is crucial, especially for children with developing immune systems.
Taking Control
Your survival depends largely on you. The more informed you are, the better decisions you can make. There is overwhelming evidence showing it is possible to survive cancer and live a healthy life. Choosing an oncologist who integrates diet, supplementation, mental attitude, and exercise alongside conventional treatments will give your body the best chance to thrive.
