Avoiding Cancer
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By Sally-Ann Creed
It’s a fact – according to studies, 80-90% of cancers can be avoided by choosing what we put in our mouths, and how we live. Yes, we’ve all got to “live a little” – so nothing needs to be avoided 100% if you are well and simply want to improve your chances of living to a ripe old age cancer free – and “living” while you are alive.  But be especially aware that our short-term choices profoundly influence our long-term health.

handsoilsproutOrganic or not?
Rather a controversial topic - there is increasing concern over the use of certain agricultural chemicals, including: 
• Hormones that encourage livestock growth but may leave residues in animal flesh 
• Pesticides & herbicides, some of which act as "environmental estrogens" (are carcinogenic) 
• Fertilizers - may contain high levels of heavy metals 
• Antibiotics - may leave residues in animal flesh 
• Steroids & growth promoters used in both plants and animals

Any of the above, or the accumulation of a few of these together, may be responsible for the plague-like incidence of cancer in the world today.  There is often a knock-on effect of ingesting these foreign substances if we are unable to detoxify them fast and efficiently enough.

This begs the question as to whether we should bother to eat organic produce. Of course the answer would have to be yes if you take the above into consideration. If it’s true that these substances may cause cancer, doesn’t it make sense to try as far as possible to eat organically produced food? When it comes to animal protein – don’t avoid eating it, rather choose organically raised or grass-fed animals which provide immune-boosting, health-promoting protein and nutrients you can’t get from a plant-based diet. Avoid any products whether from animals or plants, which have been interfered with, thus lowering your chances of ingesting unwanted chemicals and hormones.

Cold-water fish and omega-3 essential fats
oilOne of the most interesting aspects of population studies has been the tremendously protective effect of fish consumption on human health. Fish, particularly cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines etc, are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats have shown tremendous anticancer effects and are especially important in protection against breast cancer as well as almost all the other cancers.

In contrast, the omega-6 fatty acids found in most animal products and in common vegetable oils (such as corn, safflower, and sunflower) are positively associated with breast cancer. Research published in the November 2005 issue of the International Journal of Cancer revealed yet another way in which the omega-3 fatty acids found in cold water fish (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] and eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]) – curb the growth of cancer cells, in particular breast cancer.  In these experiments, mice were fed either omega-3 fish oil, or omega-6 corn oil fatty acids – after which time breast cells were implanted.  Three weeks later tumour volume weight was significantly lower in the mice on the omega-3 rich diet.

Vitamin C
If we had to target just one important nutrient – it would have be Vitamin C. A high intake of vitamin C has been shown to reduce the risks for virtually all forms of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers as well as sex hormone-related cancers like breast, prostate, cervix, and ovarian cancers. Vitamin C is your body’s first and most effective line of antioxidant protection as it protects cell structures like DNA from damage, it helps the body deal with environmental pollution and toxic chemicals, it enhances immune function, and it inhibits the formation of cancer-causing compounds in the body (such as nitrosamines). 
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Vitamin C functions in the body’s watery environments, which complements vitamin E’s protection of the body’s fatty environments. Vitamin C is also responsible for regenerating damaged (oxidized) vitamin E in the body. In a sense, these nutrients are like policemen that patrol different neighbourhoods. My choice is always Ester C as it has the ability to recycle itself, and you get more for your money in a sense in that it remains in the body many hours longer than normal vitamin C.

We do need an ‘arsenal’ of nutrients as our food is so adulterated and stripped of goodness today but no one nutrient or food will do it all for us.  By choosing fresh, whole food, avoiding processed food and all the sugar and chemicals that accompany this type of non-food – you will give yourself a head start in preventing cancer.  Add in some smart nutrients (such as Vitamin C and fish oil) and you are on your way to a healthier future.

healthy-mind-tipsAnother thing – don’t be “cancer-minded” – be health-minded – concentrate on being healthy, and don’t let even the notion of being unhealthy enter your mind.  Why worry about something which may never happen? Our minds influence our bodies very powerfully, and we become in a sense who we believe we are.  A great Bible verse says “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” [Proverbs 23:7].  So let’s focus on health - it certainly is more fun than focusing on disease!  Lastly – laughter and forgiveness have been shown to be enormously influential components of a healthy mind, body and soul – so laugh heartily every day - and forgive easily, quickly and completely!  

Here’s to your GOOD HEALTH!

Blessings!

Sally-Ann Creed Nutritional Therapist (Dip Clin Nutr, Aust)
Winner: SA's Most Influential Women in Business & Government 2009/2010
Member: Institute of Functional Medicine, USA
Member: SAANT
www.sallyanncreed.co.za