Home		View our 'Article Archive' I am "high-risk" for cancer, how can I try to prevent it? Understanding the Enemy - It is important to remember that all of us throughout our lives develop abnormal cells that could become cancerous. These abnormal cells are destroyed by our immune system before they cause us damage. We make staying free of cancer more difficult when we get in the way of our own "defense team", by smoking, eating excessive fats and calories, or by continually exposing ourselves to industrial chemicals. To stay healthy we must provide our bodies with the tools to do the job. It is not a "magic bullet" we need, but a well-rounded, commonsense plan. Diet Considerations for a Preventative Lifestyle It has been estimated by various researchers that 35 to 60% of all cancers are diet-related. It is not one factor only that must be considered, for the best results are obtained from mimicking Mother Nature and the combination of nutrients that work together for our benefit. Low Fat: • it has been estimated that for certain cancers such as breast cancer, risk is reduced by 1/3 with a low fat diet Good Fat: • the work of Udo Erasmus and others validates the importance to the immune system of essential fatty acids such as are found in unrefined, organic flax oil, Udo's choice oil and more Increase Fruits and Vegetables: • this is extremely important • 5 to 10 a day, emphasizing yellow and green vegetables • they are sources of antioxidants A, C, E, selenium, flavonoids, phenols, indoles, glutathione, and more • reduce your chemical load by using organic when possible Avoid Excess Sugar: • sugar depletes B vitamins and minerals and lowers immune response Increase Fibre: • whole grains, legumes, produce, nuts and seeds are all good choices • lignans found in flax are very valuable Green Tea: • contains important polyphenols Reduce Offenders: • smoked and pickled foods, alcohol, nitrates, excessive meat, fried foods, fatty chips & snacks Variety is Important: • garlic, soy foods, berries, dark leafy greens, cold water fatty fish, and many more whole foods are all sources of important immune building nutrients Other Considerations Don't Smoke Drink clean water Have a positive outlook Deal with chronic inflammations aggressively, such as hepatitis and parasites Prevent nutritional deficiencies by supplementation • the probability of benefit is good: the potential for side effects and toxicity is very low Obesity is a risk factor Reduce chemicals in your food, cleaning supplies, and your yard Boost the immune system to keep it functioning well: echinacea, vit. C, aged garlic, licorice, R 87 Supplement Considerations A combined approach rather than just a single nutrient taken on its own offers the most benefits • ACES (A, C, E, selenium) • co-enzyme Q10 • zinc • minerals such as calcium and magnesium • complex and especially folic acid • bioflavonoids • green supplements Well-formulated supplements from a knowledgeable reliable source are important for the results you are seeking Many herbs have antioxidant effects on the body • gingko, bilberry, garlic, milk thistle, to name a few Suggested Readings Free Radicals and Disease Prevention by David Lin Fat That Heal, Fats That Kill by Udo Erasmus Antioxidants: Your Complete Guide by Carolyn Reuben Cancer and Nutrition by Charles Simone, MD Everyday Cancer Risks and How to Avoid Them by Mary Levenstein Thirty Day Body Purification 20 Day Rejuvenation Diet by Jeffery Bland The Power of Super Foods by Sam Graci What to Eat if You Have Cancer - A Guide to Adding Nutritional Therapy Nutrition : The Cancer Answer by Maureen Salaman