Cancer Prevention and Therapies
Cancer PREVENTION can be a combination of Lifestyle, Nutrition, Movement, Screenings, Meditation, and at times supplementation. The following can also be used as protocol for cancer treatments for those that choose alternative therapy, along with Western Medicine and Doctors Care.
NUTRITION
"An estimated 1.9 million cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2022, according to the American Cancer Society. While some people have a higher genetic risk to develop cancer, research shows that nearly 25% of overall cancer cases could be prevented lifestyle and nutrition alone. Many cancers can take 10 or more years to develop, so everyday nutrition choices are crucial in cancer prevention.
Plant-based diets are full of fruits, vegetables and legumes, with little or no animal products. Plant-based foods do more than taste delicious. They are full of chemicals compounds, called phytochemicals, that protect the body from damage. Phytochemicals also interrupt processes in the body that encourage cancer production. Plant-based diets also are high in fiber, which has been shown to lower the risk for breast and colorectal cancer.
Plant chemicals: Phytochemicals offer many benefits. In addition to protecting from damage, they decrease inflammation and interrupt processes in the body that encourages cancer production. Two of the most helpful phytochemicals are…
Antioxidants: This type of phytochemical protects the body from damage. Cancer develops when DNA in cells is damaged. This causes abnormal cells to divide uncontrollably, which can infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. Cell damage also can be caused by radiation, viruses and exposure to other chemicals. The body's natural metabolism creates oxidants that can cause cell damage, as well. Antioxidants neutralize these damage processes while protecting and restoring cells. Some foods that contain a high level of antioxidants include dark chocolate, apples with the peel, avocados, artichokes, red cabbage, tea, coffee, nuts and grains.
Carotenoids: These are fat-soluble compounds, which means they need to be accompanied by a fat source to be absorbed. Carotenoids are naturally present in many fruits, grains, oils and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, apricots, green peppers and leafy greens. They are highly pigmented, so look for natural foods that are red, orange, yellow and green. Examples of carotenoids include beta carotene, lycopene, and lutein. They have been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, macular degeneration and cataracts. Many plant-based foods are also high in provitamins called alpha and gamma carotene. When consumed, these vitamins can be converted to vitamin A. This nutrient is important to vision, growth, cell division, reproduction and immunity. Vitamin A also has antioxidant properties.
Nutrients and phytochemicals found in plant-based foods seem to work independently and together to decrease cancer and disease risk. This means that plant-based foods work best when eaten in combination with other foods rather than alone. One prostate cancer study showed that a combination of tomato and broccoli diet was more effective at slowing tumor growth than either tomato or broccoli alone. This demonstrates the power that nutrition has when foods are teamed together.
Plant-based fiber: Plant-based diets are high in natural fiber. This has been shown to reduce cancer risk and moderate insulin levels. Young women who ate the most fiber-rich diets were 25% less likely to get breast cancer later in life, a study found. Other research finds that each 10 grams of daily fiber could lower the risk of colorectal cancer by 10%.
Healthy bacteria in the digestive track can ferment fiber and other starches to produce compounds known to help promote normal colon development and reduce inflammation. These bacteria convert some phytochemicals to more useable or active forms.
Eat for color, variety: There are many delicious options in a plant-based diet. Experiment with new fruits or vegetables, or new ways to incorporate staples.
Cost can be a factor in selecting a plant-based diet menu, as fresh fruits and vegetables may be more expensive. Good alternatives are frozen fruits and vegetables. They are flash-frozen to preserve nutrients and are less expensive. Canned options are available, as well, for people with a stricter budget. Be sure to look for options without added sugar or salt.
Aim to eat at least these amounts in your diet to feel full and get the necessary phytochemicals and fiber:
Fruits, 1.5 to 2.5 cups per day
Vegetables, 2.5 to 4 cups per day
Whole grains, 3 to 5 ounces per day
Legumes, 1.5 cups per week
Protein, 5 to 7 ounces per day. Legumes, dairy, tofu and eggs are excellent sources of protein. Or select lean cuts of meats and avoid processed meats
Fats, 3 to 5 servings per day. One serving equals one teaspoon of oil, four walnut halves or one-sixth of an avocado”
RERENCE ARTICLE HERE
DETOXIFICATION
This is a very important step; it's detoxifying not only the body but the home environment. Everything from personal care items, hair care, deodorant, skin care, make-up, cleaning, and air purification.
Cosmetics and personal care products are notoriously under regulated. Companies often spruce up labels with words like “naturally derived,” “nontoxic” and “clean” — which sound good but are basically just marketing terms. How is the average consumer supposed to sort through which chemicals might do them harm? Shop with manufactures that provide a “NO LIST” to avoid potentially harmful ingredients.
Cleaning helps to protect our health in our homes, schools and workplaces. However, household and cleaning products—including soaps, polishes and grooming supplies—often include harmful chemicals. Even products advertised as "green" or "natural" may contain ingredients that can cause health problems. Some cleaning supplies can even be flammable or corrosive. Fortunately, you can limit your exposure to those risks. Read all labels and follow instructions when using cleaning products.
Melaleuca's products in this category are 100% toxin free, carcinogen free, GMO free, and reasonably priced. Other companies are Tom's of Main, 7 Generation, California Baby, Mrs. Myers (to be honest these companies are changing hands all the time before committing to one continued research should be done).
REFERENCE ARTICLES: American Lung Association, Study Research: Environmental Conditions and Cancer
ESSENTIAL OILS
Specifically frankincense. Frankincense is the gold standard when it comes to cancer prevention and cancer care. Frankincense oil is a natural remedy that comes from the resin of a tree. People have used it in traditional medicine for centuries, and some say it has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. There are other essential oil companies out there; Melaleuca's are significantly better price. They are sourced indigenously, GMO free, and 100% pure grade.
REFERENCE: Melaleuca Frankincense
PROBIOTIC
Gut health is an extremely important part of prevention. "Probiotic bacteria have the ability to both increase and decrease the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines which play an important role in prevention of carcinogenesis. They are also capable of activating phagocytes in order to eliminate early-stage cancer cells."
Melaleuca's probiotic is 10,000 colonies seven strains. Again there are other probiotic companies on the market ours is just more reasonably priced. Floristor is another company I would trust.
VITAMIN D
For healthy-weight people at risk for developing cancer (because of lifestyle or a family history of cancer), it would be reasonable to take daily vitamin D supplements starting at about age 50. Melaleuca's vitamins have an 86% absorption rate I am 100% confident that they have been a game changer her for me. They have the highest absorption rate of any other supplement on the market.
REFERENCE: Study - Vitamin D and Cancer
YOGA, meditation, relaxation, and prayer is recommended.
An increasing body of research shows that yoga can help prevent cancer, and help cancer patients and survivors manage risk and side effects after treatment. Yoga strengthens the immune system. Yoga naturally detoxifies mind/body. Yoga builds bones. Yoga reduces stress.
REFERENCE: Benefits of Yoga
SLEEP
The body needs a ton of rest while completing any healing process. There are essential oils that can help with this including lavender. For additional information on sleep, visit our sleep blog post.