Natural cancer treatments
02 Nov 2009
Currently 1 in 3 people in the industrialised world are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and it is the 2nd biggest killer in the United States (or is it?). Natural cancer treatments make sense because approximately 90-95% of all cancers are caused by environment, lifestyle and have nothing to do with genetics.
So why natural cancer treatment? Small changes to lifestyle and diet can radically reduce a person’s likelihood of developing cancer rather than taking harmful drugs and medications to try and ‘cure’ it. Apart from the obvious factor of not smoking (or giving up) here are some simple ways to help prevent cancer.
The prevalence of cancer is much higher in industrialised nations where people are more likely to have a diet high in processed foods, refined sugars and flours, dairy products and a higher proportion of red meat. Even vegetables do not contain as many trace minerals as they did 70 years ago due to the depletion of our soils through increased use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers. Non dietary factors that can cause cancer include the higher usage of household cleaning and personal care products that contain harmful chemicals; many of which are by-products of the petro-chemical industry. Add to that the lack of exercise because of a more sedentary lifestyle.
One of the biggest myths perpetuated today is that the sun causes skin cancer. Ideally we need about 20 minutes unprotected sunlight a day to get the best source of Vitamin D. It has also been found that people living in sunnier climates are less likely to get any type of cancer. Toxic chemicals found in commercial sun screens can cause skin cancer as well as hindering absorption of vitamin D. Vitamin D can also help protect against other cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer and lung cancer.
There is not one single cause of cancer but several contributory factors. The medical profession are mostly taught about drug-based (money making) treatments. While these may get rid of tumours they do not cure the underlying problem and do not prevent its return. Treatments such as chemo-therapy and radiation therapy also attack the immune system which we need to keep us healthy.
There a several easy ways we can add foods to our diet to help us prevent cancer.
One is green tea which is high in anti-oxidants. In Japan green tea is recommended as one of the best alternative cancer preventions available. Green tea also strengthens the immune system and can help guard against many cancers such as prostate cancer, lung cancer and liver cancer. Berries such as acai, blueberries, cranberries contain chemicals which can destroy cancer cells as well as protect the body. Green vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and sprouts can prevent tumour growth in prostate cancer. Turmeric contains curcumin which is a poweful anti-oxidant and can be added to foods for extra flavour and colour.
Have fun experimenting and enjoy food again!