Nutritional Support for Cancer

Cancer is the result of abnormal cell growth and replication. In a healthy system these abnormal cells are destroyed by the immune system. Tumours form when the abnormal cell multiplies into a mass of tissue. If the cells do not pose a threat to health they are called benign or non-cancerous. Malignant or cancerous tumours pose a threat to the body. They can damage surrounding tissues, move to other areas of the body and will grow back if removed. Cancer can occur in any body tissue. Each type of cancer will have unique symptoms, growth rate and prognosis. The seven general early warning signs of cancer make up the acronym "CAUTION". Change in bowel or bladder habits. A sore that does not heal. Unusual bleeding or discharge. Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere. Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing. Obvious changes in a wart or mole. Nagging cough or hoarseness. Damaged cellular genetic material, usually from free radicals, the ultimate cause of cancer because DNA is responsible for regulating cell growth. DNA can be damaged by many different factors . Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol use, genetics, viruses, reproductive factors and carcinogen exposure are postulated to be responsible for 65 percent of cancer deaths. Prevention and treatment of cancer with natural therapies has basic tenets, some of which are described here. There are specific treatment protocols for each type of cancer and for the side effects of conventional cancer therapies. Consult a health care professional for more information. __________________________________ What you can do: -EAT LOTS OF VEGETABLES -CONTROL STRESS IN YOUR LIFE -EXERCISE, ESPECIALLY WITH DEEP BREATHING -DETOXIFY YOUR BODY WITH FASTING OR HERBS -BALANCE YOUR HORMONES WITH EFAS -IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY HISTORY, GET MONITORED BY YOUR DOCTOR WITH THE APPROPRIATE TESTS -WATCH CLOSELY FOR ANY OF THE TYPICAL SIGNS; IF YOU SEE ANY OF THEM, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT IMMEDIATELY -TAKE SUPPLEMENTS TO OPTIMIZE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM DID YOU KNOW?(CANCER FACTS) -The use of plastics contributes to cancer -Tobacco was once thought to be useful in treating cancer -Athletes get fewer cancers than the average person __________________________________ Lifestyle changes that have been shown to decrease cancer risk include preventative medical screening tests, regular exercise, deep breathing exercises, adequate sleep, regular internal cleansing, maintaining proper weight, stopping smoking and alcohol use and decreasing exposure to harmful chemicals and the sun. Water should be fluoride free and de-chlorinated for drinking, washing foods and bathing. Avoid x-rays, microwaves and electronic equipment, which are all sources of low-level radiation. Avoid chemicals in personal hygiene products, cleaning compounds and weed control products. Avoid iron supplements unless prescribed by a health professional. Stress puts a burden on the immune system and taxes the body’s resources, making it more susceptible to cancer. Use whatever stress-busting methods work for you to decrease your stress level. Strong support from family friends and support groups has been shown to increase longevity in those suffering from cancer. Increase the following things in your diet, filtered water, raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, soy, and wild, ocean going fish. Seven to ten daily servings of fruit and vegetables can reduce cancer risk by about 30 percent. Onions and garlic enhance the immune system and fight cancer. Consume them whenever possible or use supplementation. Limit the consumption of animal products, processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, salt, bleached flour products and sugar, tobacco and drugs. (Article written by a Naturopathic doctor and originally posted at: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/cancer/