6 TIPS FOR PREVENTING CANCER

6 TIPS TO HELP YOU PREVENT AND CURE CANCER

 In my previous post I talked about the cause of cancer and the prevention, now here are tips to help you prevent cancer, or even cure it and regain your health. As cancer is caused by free radicals which damage our cells in our body, these damaged cells also need oxygen and nutrients to survive and multiply, so if we cut off the supply of oxygen and  nutrients to these free radicals by supplying antioxidants to the good cells in our body and boost immune system, then the cancer cells or bad cells will die out and the chain reaction of damaging good cells in our body will finally end, and leave our body will recover from time to time.

 

According to some research and studies, cancer cells can be eliminated or cured, and the earlier it is discovered, the higher rate of recovery it will be, so see your doctor and have a medical check-up if you feel something unusual with your body, discover it at an early stage plus determination to change the lifestyle is the key to fight it and regain your health.  Some preliminary studies on the benefit of veggies, beans, legumes and nuts have suggested that soy help to cure prostate cancer, and this may suggest a more important role for food in the treatment of cancer in the future.     

Here are tips to help cancer sufferers to help restraint the spread of bad cells and to recover  faster:

1.  Change your diet - become a vegetarian or vegan is good for both healthy individuals and cancer sufferers.  Studies results show that processed meat and fresh meat, charred and deep fried foods, or even poultry and contaminated fish can increase cancer risk, so become a vegetarian will help boost the immune system by increasing antioxidants in our body.  I became aware of the benefit of whole grains, fruits and vegetables since 15 years ago, but not until two years ago that I fully understood why a vegetarian could be healthier than a meat eater.   That was when I met someone who has been totally vegetarian, she suffered from ovarian cancer, back bone cancer and her vocal cord was damaged due to the spreading tumor several years ago, and after she had undergone surgeries and medication, she decided to become a vegetarian and change her lifestyle, joined detoxification program, and she survived, then she got better and better and became active in her church and community, now she is   a speaker and health promoter and help people to enhance health and recover from serious illness.

 
The main reason that make fruits and veggies the best for our body is that not only they contain antioxidants which inhibit oxidation of molecule and terminate the chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, they are also rich in plant protein and nutrients which can be easily digested and absorbed by our body, that is about 90~99% of  the plant protein we eat can be absorbed, compared to 70~80% of animal protein.   

2. Try detoxification – after we have changed our daily menu from a not-so-healthy one to a healthier one, we need to detoxify our body to optimize the benefit of whole foods and veggies and boost metabolism.  Detoxification is total cleansing to get rid of toxins in our body, it is not only good for cancer sufferers, but also good for sufferers of other diseases such as liver, kidney and heart disease, and it is great for everyone who wants to stay healthy.  Detoxification can be programs of  two days and 21 days, first try a one-day, or can also try a two-day program, this let us get used to the new eating habit before trying a much heavier detoxification program.  As for 21-days detoxification program each individual should have different daily menu depends on his or her health condition. Detox not only good for body cleansing, it has the effect reducing waistline, and make the body slimmer.

If you are interested and would like to know more about the 2-day detoxification program for free, just leave your comment and email address in the comment box at the bottom of this post.
 

3. Cut down refined salt, white sugar, white flour -  replace them with natural sea salt, palm sugar or brown sugar, whole grains or whole mea了 flour,  it is necessary for a cancer sufferers to limit the intake of salt and sugar since salt is water retention and can raise your blood pressure, and sugar is toxic to our body, while white flour can increase your blood sugar. 

4. Stop drinking alcohol and quit smoking - drinking alcohol can make the already vulnerable body even more susceptible to cell damage because alcohol can resolve the toxins and make it easily absorbed and transferred to the whole body and organs.  Smoking is known as the main cause of lung cancer, also avoid second-hand smoke since it has the same or even more dangerous level.  Some experts always suggest that we drink plenty of water or mineral water each day is good for health.

5. Cook healthily - if you used to cook your food by baking, frying or microwaving, now it is the time to change your way of cooking by steaming, low heat sautee, quick stir fry with less oil, and eat raw food as much as you can handle (about 70-80% raw is the best), you can make veggies salad with french dressing, or blender them with your favorite fruits. I will talk about these healthy cooking foods in other post in future, ask for it  or subscribe this blog to get updates.
For those with cancer it is better to eat organic leafy greens just to avoid intake of toxins from pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizer.  In case you cannot get organic veggies, you can grow some in your own garden, or grow microgreens in containers (will talk more about this in my next post ).

See also: Good Food and Habit Help Reduce Cancer Risk

6. Positive thinking -  usually if a person discovers that he or she has cancer, the feeling of hopeless and fear will take control and this actually worsen that person’s health condition.  Cancer is actually not that bad, considering that it is only good cells turn into bad cells which can be reverse under a certain condition, thus you still have a chance to fight it and regain your health and survive for years.

7. Do not forget to do exercise and avoid pollutant - choose one or two kinds of sports you like and do it routinely. Avoid polluted environment  while you go out, and look for clean open air space for doing exercise, brisk walking, swimming, or any exercise that suits you. If you cannot go the sports center or gym, you can do it at home, even 25 to 30 minutes three or four times a week will do, and keep your house well ventilated.

Related: Healthy foods to prevent and help cure diseases

Keep in mind that nutrition for the person with cancer is important and it enables the body to fight at full strength, and it is necesarry to bolster the immune system, and the diet may be adjusted to cope with various symptoms, such as constipation, diarrhea or nausea. Extra protein may be needed to help prevent loss of muscle from weight loss.

 

 

 

GOOD FOOD AND HABITS HELP REDUCE CANCER RISK

THE CAUSE OF CANCER

There are various kinds of cancer, and it is a kind of disease that makes most people feel horrible or scared, however if we have a better understanding of the causes of cancer and the way to prevent it, then we can reduce the risk, and hence avoid a lot of troubles and perhaps help us save a huge sum of money too.

What causes cancer?

Cancer is caused by free radicals, some free radicals are formed normally in our body during metabolism, that is when our immune system purposefully create free radicals to neutralize viruses and bacteria which attack our body.  Environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides can also spawn free radicals. Carcinogens in foods, such as moulds and char-grilled food also increase the cancer risks.

What are free radicals?

A normal body cell consists of atoms of protons(positively charged particles) and electrons(negatively charged particles), when one of the electrons is missing because of one or more of the above-mentioned factors and leaves a molecule with an odd, unpaired electron, then free radicals are formed, and the good cell becomes a bad one.  The unstable free radicals can react quickly with other compounds, and attack another nearest molecule to “steal” its electron to gain stability, and thus beginning a chain reaction because the "attacked" molecule which loses its electron becomes a free radical itself.  If there are antioxidants available in our body, the body can handle free radicals, otherwise the free-radical production becomes excessive, and finally damaged cells will spread and form a tumor.

HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK AND PREVENT CANCER

The foods we eat or bad eating habit and lifestyle, can affect our risk of developing certain types of cancer.

 

First we look at the foods that may increase cancer risks:

 
§  Burnt or charred meat or barbecued foods
Animal protein in meat, poultry and even fish can turn bad if not properly processed.  Burnt or charred meat may increase cancer risk. Carcinogenic substances can be produced if foods are overheated or burnt, and the protein in the food will be damaged and turn into bad protein.  it’s best to use relatively low temperature methods such as  boiling, stewing, steaming, casseroling, braising and stir-frying wherever possible.
 
§  Fatty processed red meats and highly processed foods that are low in fiber
High-energy,  high-fat and low-fiber diets are thought to increase the risk of some cancers including bowel, lung, prostate and uterine cancers.  World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) recommends that people avoid eating processed meat, including any meat preserved by salting, smoking or by adding chemical preservatives such as sausage, hot dogs, ham, bacon and burgers. Other food additives such as artificial coloring, flavoring and food enhancer should be avoided.

§  Fresh red meat, poultry and farm fish  
In this modern time some feed for livestock, poultry and farm fish always contain antibiotics, hormone and other chemicals which are dangerous to our health.  Besides, there is convincing evidence that red meat can increase bowel cancer risk, therefore if you are a meat eater, you should also limit the amount of fresh red meat you eat to 500g of cooked (or 700g uncooked) red meat a week.  

 §  Cured and heavily salted meat .  

These foods contain nitrate and are generally high in fat and salt. Salt not only has been associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer, but also can increase blood pressure which will also increase the risk for heart disease.
Limit the consumption of salt to 2300 mg/day is the rule of thumb. 

§  Peanuts
unlike other nuts such as almond, pecan, brazil nuts, it takes longer for our body to digest peanuts, and some studies show that animals that consume peanuts which are contaminated with toxin-producing moulds can develop cancer.

§  Artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin and cyclamate could be dangerous if consumed too often or in huge amounts.  

 §  Alcohol, cigarette and coffee 

Drinking alcohol if combined with smoking can be deadly, consuming alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, colon, breast and liver. The risk is even greater in those people who smoke.  If you can quit smoking and stop drinking then you can improve your health significantly.  Otherwise it is suggested that drink moderately one or two standard drinks a day, but no smoking. Coffee and tea contain caffeine that can cause irregular hearthbeat and sleeplessness, it is better to stop or reduce the consumption of these two beverages if you feel something wrong.

The new studies on alcohol , conducted in conjunction with researchers in the U.S., Canada, and France, shows that the cancer risks of alcohol far outweigh any heart-healthy benefits.

As according to Dr. Timothy Naimi , an alcohol researcher at Boston University's School of Public Health and a physician at the Boston University Medical Center "Alcohol has long been known and recognized as a human carcinogen, so even some alcohol consumption raises your risks.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

STAY SLIM AND FIT NATURALLY WITH HEALTHY DIET AND EXERCISE

How to Stay Slim Naturally with Healthy Diet Combined with Exercise and Fresh Air.

Most people know the importance of doing regular exercise, doing the warm up before you start your day, do some exercise or sports or to lift something heavier than usual.  But people always have too many reasons for not doing exercise – too busy, too tired, no spare time after work, household chores, can not find convenient or nice place or gym center, no friends to do it together, or simply lazy to do. Remember that exercise can burn extra calories, eliminate toxins from your body, speed up metabolism and help to lower your blood pressure and stress, and make you more energetic and naturally slimmer.

Here are some simple ways to keep you moving and healthy:

1)    Choose one or two kinds of activities or sports which you like, and do it regularly. You do not really need a sports center or gym center to do exercise, unless you like outdoor sports such as swimming, playing tennis or basket ball, otherwise you can do it at home anytime, make a schedule for your workout, for example in the early morning or in the afternoon when you can spare some 20 to 30 minutes, three or four time a week, is better than nothing.

Some useful outdoor exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, or Tai Ji or even gardening are good and would not cost you any money. If you prefer a weight loss solution offered by an expert, you can follow the Weight-Loss Plan by Doctor Oz too.

2)    Remember to do some warming up before a workout, whatever sports or exercise you do, you have to start slowly.  Even when you get up in the morning, before you leave your bed, stretch your body like a cat and do it several times from left to right, and turn your neck a bit too, with your arms stretch above your head.

3)    If you have more serious health problem, or if you suffer from osteoarthritis, bone fracture, spine problem or osteoporosis, it is better that you consult your doctor or chiropractor before you do any exercise.

4)    Get sunshine and fresh air whenever you can
As we know our body needs sunshine to make vitamin D for strong bones, and recent studies have shown a link between low levels of vitamin D and a higher risk for colon, breast, prostate, ovarian cancers and heart disease.  Actually 10-15 minutes in the morning or afternoon of sunshine will do, but make sure you get the sunshine early in the morning before 8am, so you will get extra infrared ray which is good for blood circulation without getting burned by ultraviolet ray.  Otherwise get some sunshine in the afternoon after 3pm.  Energy from the sunlight also keeps your eyes healthy.

If you do not have enough time to do the outdoor exercise, keep your house or work place well ventilated and let the sun shine into your house if possible.  Fresh air is important to keep your lung healthy and make you feel refreshing.
 
5)  Watch your diet 
Your body is what you eat, so if you want to be slimmer, take more fresh fruits and vegetables,  there are many great recipes for fresh green vegies and microgreens salads and juices that you can take any time and as much as you desire, besides try detox to flush out toxins and unwanted or excessive fat from your body.

6) Drink water to keep you hydrated
We are told to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day, but personally I feel that our body will tell us when it needs (you will feel thirsty and dry)  and when it is enough, especially if you do not do much exercise or sweat a lot, or during cool weather you may need less than that.  For health reason, to drink 2 glasses of water, that is about 600 cc. of water early in the morning right after you wake up,  to flush out the toxins in your body is highly recommended.

7) Your meal can be vgetables, fruits plus nuts and beans, to maintain proper body weight, the best way is to avoid taking too much foods which contain carbohydrate and sugar, vegetables and fruits give you more fiber to stimulate metabolism while nuts and beans also provide minerals and protein and some fiber.

 

 

Stay Healthy by Eating Whole Foods, Vegies, Fruits, Nuts & Seeds

When we talk about healthy, it should be inside out, as everyone wants to look and feel healthy, younger and even slim naturally without a crash diet, and there are so many ways to improve your health. Whether you're improving your diet or do some exercise, small steps can make a big impact and could be a healthy change for the better.  I would like to share some experience and knowledge how to pick healthy foods and incorporate the healthy lifestyle in your daily living. First start with the food we eat.

Eat natural whole foods:  take whole grain instead of processed cereal and cut down intake of white flour and white sugar

Eating whole-grain oatmeal daily -  your cholesterol and blood sugar will be lower significantly.  Whole grains not only provide carbohydrates and protein, but also the fiber which forms a gel that slows down your body's absorption of sugar as well as  cholesterol.  Instant cereal or processed food is lack of fiber and sometimes contains additives and substantial amount of sugar, white flour can raise your blood sugar too. Try oat meal, quinoa or  other whole grain with prunes, cranberries, banana ,seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) and molasses for your breakfast, you will like it.

Take fresh veggies and fruits

Try to take at least five kinds of different veggies and two or more servings of fruit per day.  Do not overcook the vegetables, or eat them raw as salads, because vegetables contain cancer-protective flavonoids, vitamins and minerals, some of them may be destroyed if cooked at high heat or too long , if you like, stir fry or sautee them for a few seconds in low heat, or steam the veggies for 3-4 minutes, and do not use microwave oven to cook vegetables.

During winter time when fresh veggies are hard to find, fermented sauerkraut can be a good substitute. A Finnish study found that cancer-fighting compounds are produced during the fermentation process of sauerkraut, and it has probiotics that can help break down toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. If you consume the canned sauerkraut instead of homemade one, rinse it to reduce sodium content before eating.

Nuts Nuts contains selenium, iron, zinc, trace minerals, protein , fiber and cancer fighting compounds. Almonds are known to help lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure, Brazil nuts are rich in selenium, that can help to kill cancer cells and help repair DNA, and can decrease cancer risks, others such as cashews, pistachios, macadamia, hazelnuts, walnuts are also good for you, for the best effects, eat them raw instead of baked or fried.  Beans and legumes Beans and legumes contain a lot of protein, iron, fiber and some vitamins and minerals. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, regular intake of three or four kinds of beans and legumes daily is good to prevent lack of protein in your body. Soy bean, lentils are good source of protein, while chick peas, kidney beans, small red beans provides you with more iron. The fiber contained in beans and legumes also help to increase bowel movements and hence help strengthening your body’s detoxification system.

Seeds
Seeds are source of oils, minerals and fiber and can help to prevent diseases.  Flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds are rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants which can lower cholesterol and hence have cardioprotective effects , flaxseeds also contain chemical compound called Lignan, which is one of the major classes of phytoestrogens, could help reduce the risk of hormone-associated cancers (breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate), while grape seeds, sunflower seeds and safflower seeds are high in Omega-6.

Tips: Better to eat the seeds raw, I routinely take one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with blended fruit in the morning before having breakfast.

Berries
A new study says that people who take at least three servings per week of berries, especially strawberries or blueberries may reduce the risk of heart attack by one-third compared with those who incorporated fewer of the colorful berries into their diet.Dietary flavonoids called anthocyanins are found in berries and are known to counter the buildup of that causes atherosclerosis.

Blueberry, cranberry, goji berry, strawberry and cherry are classified as super fruits,  they are packed with nutrients and antioxidants which help fight free radicals that damage or kill cells. 

Herbs and spices

Herbs :  fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano and pepermint have certain phytochemicals that may help prevent cancer and other diseases and fight inflammation.  Parsley which its high levels of apigenin can inhibit tumour growth and delay its formation, and it is also believed to act as a diuretic.
Spices:  garlic, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, capsicum which are used to enhance the food flavor provide health advantages that may range from lowering blood sugar to reducing joint inflammation.

Do not eat between meals
We need digestive enzymes to digest food that we eat, and our body can only produce limited amount of enzymes and it decreases along with age, meaning we get less and less enzymes as we get older, that is why people who like craving and snacking (especially sweet and fatty ones) will take more enzymes to digest, and eventually will have indigestion problems.

Regular exercise and sleep well

Do not be a cough potato, your body is a dynamic structure and is meant to move, any exercises from walking, swimming, station cycling, to stretching exercise like yoga and pilates are good to keep our body flexible and more energetic, and it can also help us to sleep better at night.

It is recommended that 7 to 8 hours sleep is necessary to keep us in good shape, although some people may feel good to have just 6 hours deep sleep.