Cancer prevention

Cancer needs lifestyle changes

Cancer cells are present in most of us, but they are not ‘activated’. Usually our natural immunity, body functions that control inflammation and foods that reduce the growing of blood vessels that feed the tumours prevent these cells from becoming the disease.

The problem is that at present too many of these defences are breaking down in too many people. Studies tell us that cancer is not only genetically transmitted but can be handed down to children who have been adopted and living in the same household despite no biological link. It is what we do not do that exposes us, as well as genetics.

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy etc target the tumour by killing enemy cells but these do not prevent the disease or keep it from coming back. For prevention or to reduce risk of it recurring, it is important to change the environment that surrounds cancer cells.

Research shows cancer grows faster: when we have a weak immune system, making it less capable of destroying tumours; when low-grade chronic inflammation supports invasion of nearby tissue; or when tumours develop new blood vessels and feed it.

Studies tell us that cancer is not only genetically transmitted but can be handed down to children who have been adopted and living in the same household despite no biological link.

If we reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system and reduce growth of new blood vessels it makes it harder for cancer to grow. Research shows that good nutrition, exercise and reducing stress all prolong the life of people who have had cancer in the past.

There are a number of foods that will aid your immunity and help you fight this illness. These are: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic, onions, leeks, salmon, sardines, mackerel, walnuts, green vegetables, turmeric, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, dark chocolate, green tea, pomegranate juice and Goji juice.

It is also important to note that stress causes inflammation and will weaken your immunity so, while we can’t avoid stress due to the responses we have to the world we live in, we can help alleviate it with such practices as meditation, yoga and tai chi, which will help us build up some resistance.

Another important thing to remember is all the toxins we have in our house will add to lowering our resistance. These toxins come from cleaning materials, preservatives in makeup, Teflon, plastic wrap and plastic just to name a few. While we can’t insulate ourselves from these substances and we need to live our lives, people who have had cancer need to be aware what they are exposing themselves to and decide what kind of balance they are going to strike with the world around them.

It is also important to realise that cancer is NOT a death sentence. There are many people who have lived with cancer for many years and usually people see a difference within a short period of time once they start putting natural processes to work. A change in lifestyle should render a result within a few weeks, heading someone in the right direction; however, it is also important to remember that that lifestyle needs to last for the rest of your life. This is not just a diet you go on and then throw away when you think you feel better. It just doesn’t work like that.

Jenetta Haim

Jenetta Haim

Jenetta Haim runs Stressfree Management at 36 Gipps Road, Greystanes, and specialises in assisting your health and lifestyle in all areas by developing programs on either a corporate or personal level to suit your needs. Jenetta has just published a book called Stress-Free Health Management, A Natural Solution for Your Health available from your favourite bookstore or online. For more information and to get in touch, visit her website at Stressfree Management.

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