In Part 1 we looked at how diet and nutrition differ and how nutrients can only benefit us when they are assimilated into the cells. In Part 2 we learned why the the nutritional content of our foods has declined and how modern medications often aggravate the problem. Now we’ll look at the different types of nutrients there are, their relationships and how they benefit us.
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.
