In a previous blog we spoke about certain variables that may contribute to the cause of cancer. In today’s blog I would like to talk about initiating a better diet, one that will help strengthen the body’s immune system, prevent toxic buildup and help in the fight against cancer.
First I would like to say that in finding a cure for cancer you must first find the cause. Cancer is nothing more than your body signaling you that it is deteriorating from years of abuse. Trying to cure cancer without eliminating the cause would be like disconnecting the check engine light in your car instead of fixing the problem. In other words, eliminating the cancerous symptoms and not the cause will only be repercussive as the abuse to the body will still exist. This is one of the main reasons for reoccurring cancer.
Whether you’ve experienced cancer or are concerned about what to do to prevent it, a proper diet is important. A proper dietary intake can help to return your body to its natural state of balance and health. Focusing on a diet of whole foods will optimize immune function and detoxification. Some simple guidelines would be to eat clean, live foods. Look for food that’s organically grown. If you choose to consume any type of eat animal flesh, check the label to be sure the animal was not raised on antibiotics or other unnatural substances. In particular, when purchasing fresh fish, ask whether the product comes from a clean water source.
The cleaner and fresher your dietary intake is, the better. If you consume too many foods filled with chemicals, preservatives, pesticides or antibiotics, your liver has to process these toxins and cancer-promoting free radicals are produced in high quantities. When this happens, your body is over worked in trying to eliminate toxic substances which can eventually breakdown your immune system. When your immune system weakens, your body is environmentally ripe for disease.
To help protect yourself from disease, there are a number of things you can do starting with a proper diet and supplementation. In reference to free radicals, of all the antioxidants, glutathione is one of the best at counteracting the free radicals. Asparagus, avocados, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and walnuts are all excellent sources of glutathione. Make it a priority to put one or more of these foods on your menu every day.
Eat as many raw vegetables and fruits as possible, especially those that have deep, rich colors. These foods are high in fiber, which helps flush toxins from your system, and they’re potent sources of antioxidants. Eating them raw will also retain their natural enzymes, which also help to digest the food and absorb the maximum amount of nutrients into your bloodstream.
For additional fiber, eat plenty of whole grains, including oats and brown rice. Eat wheat germ, nuts, and seeds for their vitamin E content. Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant. Garlic, onions, and legumes will help keep your liver functioning at optimum capacity. Fermented soy products, such as tofu, tempeh, and miso also appear to have anticancer properties, based on population studies. Consume these products three to four times weekly, unless you are sensitive to soy products.
If you’re battling cancer, you don’t need to be told how important it is to keep up your strength and energy. Eat lean protein from beans, eggs, tofu, poultry, or fish. People undergoing conventional cancer therapy require increased protein intake to prevent tissue wasting. Studies in Japan show that in areas where people drink green tea, there are significantly lower rates of stomach, esophageal, and liver cancer. It also acts as a mild stimulant of the immune system. Tomatoes are high in lycopene, a substance that’s been shown to prevent and even help counteract prostate cancer. Cooked tomatoes are higher in lycopene than raw ones are.
Make sure to drink plenty of clean quality water to promote healthy detoxification. Fresh juicing with vegetable and fruit juices is highly advised. Try to consume 8 to 10 ounces a day of a variety of juices. For extra fiber and cancer-fighting phytonutrients known as lignans, take 4 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds daily with 10 ounces of water.
Now, here are some suggestions you probably don’t want to hear as it may take you out of your comfort zone. One thing I tell my clients is, “whatever goes into your body will do one of two things; harm you or benefit you”. The simplest rule to follow is this, “do not eat foods that don’t come from nature”. Processed food, junk food, and anything containing chemicals, additives, or dyes should be banished from your menu. Make every effort to avoid foods that have been sprayed, waxed, or otherwise treated. Also avoid any fruits or vegetables that are from outside the USA as they may be contaminated with chemicals that do not meet our standards. If you absolutely cannot avoid eating these foods, at least be sure to remove their peels, skins, or outer layers and to wash the food thoroughly in clean quality water before eating.
While there’s no evidence that refined sugar directly causes cancer, we do know that too much of it significantly depresses your immune system. A weak immune system may leave you vulnerable to cancer, and it can also sap your ability to handle aggressive cancer treatment. Do not eat products containing refined sugar. This includes sodas, candy, cakes, and cookies, as well as store-bought juices and many processed foods. You should also restrict your intake of natural sugars. Go easy on baked goods sweetened with molasses or honey.
If you are a family with young children, be aware that what your children learn to eat when they are young will stay with them their entire life. This also goes for their lifestyle. Encourage your children to get out and play. Exercise at an early age is important. So turn off the television and help your children prepare for a positive lifestyle that will stay with them a lifetime.
Well, here is a good place to start your new health regime. There’s no time like the present, so get started today and begin enjoying a lifetime of good health.
Are You Ready?
If you are ready to start your complete journey towards better health and don’t know where to begin, Craig’s new book “Dietary and Lifestyle Choices and their Effects on the Body” is filled with information on the basics and gives you a reality check on life. Find out more here at http://craigvelardi.com/book/