You are in your doctor's surgeryand the dreaded ‘C’ word has been uttered - CANCER.
The word that most people dread to hear, hope they never will hear and the one word that people attach to the end of their life. Why me? When? How? Blame, Anger and Guilt are all things that go through your head when you first hear the diagnosis but after a while the fighting instinct kicks in.
We all know there are many different types of cancer - over two hundred in fact. Some have cures, others do not but what has to be realised is that some cancers, in their early stages, can be beaten, some can be prevented and some can be held at bay.
These are the times of Self Help and by helping ourselves. We can effect change through our food nutrition, fitness regime, decreasing our stress levels etc we can help our bodies resist the attack of carcinogens and any other foreign matter that comes in our body's direction. Unfortunately for some, the self help regime starts too late and disease takes over. |
Nutrition is a key factor in fighting off diseases and is the simplest area for people to change.
In today’s’ society nutrition comes in the form of fast food i.e. burgers, fries, pizzas which all have there place but in moderation. Unfortunately, parents are too busy and too stressed to prepare totally healthy meals and this is where fast food has come into its own. These sort of meals do not contain sufficient amounts of the vitamins and minerals which the body needs.
Through various studies, strong evidence has appeared to show that certain foods can help to protect against cancer, that low intakes of these foods may increase the risk, and that other foods contain cancer-forming agents which actually promote growth of tumours.
It might help if we understood the way cancer spreads. Normally, body cells grow and reproduce in an orderly fashion, in comparison however cancer cells grow rapidly and have no set pattern. Cancers are caused by damage to the genetic material within the cells which can be caused by external factors i.e. chemicals, viral infections, radiation. The cancer cells go on to invade and destroy other tissues at random as they develop into abnormal growths. In a lot of cases the cancers will spread from their initial site to other parts of the body, using the bloodstream and lymph vessels as transportation, where they will form secondary tumours or metastases.
It is an imbalance of free radicals which encourages the conditions that allow some cancers to develop. These free radicals are formed during the body’s chemical processes and also as part of its natural defense mechanism. You can be mislead to thinking that your body is actually the biggest threat but the body is actually trying to keep you immune to any kind of infection i.e. the MMR injection works in a similar way but is indirectly fed into our body. Any exposure to radiation or pollution or some foods can make these free radicals overproduce and this is when they can damage healthy cells which may then turn cancerous.
Some vitamins and minerals, known as antioxidants, can counteract the impact of this free radical process. Although our diet may start the cancer by supplying carcinogens, it can also provide agents that block their effects. Our immune system will react immediately to any foreign cells and will help to keep the cancer in check. However an immune system which has been damaged by a poor diet can allow a cancer to develop. Diet also affects the production of hormones which also determines a cancers growth rate.
Some cancers have been found to be linked with diets containing high intakes of fat and even though fat is important source of energy it has been said that fats should not provide more than 35% of your daily energy intake. It has also been noted that animal fats in high intakes can cause the liver to increase the production of bile and as the bacteria in the gut work on these, small amounts of carcinogens are produced. It is not dictated that everyone should cut out meat completely but studies have shown that vegans are at less risk of colon cancer that meat eaters or vegetarians.
A diet high in fat and low in fibre can lead to weight gain, and the changes which this weight gain can have on the body includes the function of the intestine and constipation - these all increase the risk of cancer.
Certain methods of cooking have also been implicated i.e. charring of food when roasting, grilling or barbecuing can all produce amounts of potential carcinogenic substances in the burnt areas. Burnt patches should therefore not be eaten (even at a BBQ), mouldy food should also be discarded.
Delicatessen meats should be eaten in moderation as they are preserved with nitrates and nitrites which react with amines to form nitrosamines - both substances have been linked with stomach cancer. On a general level these meats also contain a high level of sodium.
An ‘anti-cancer eating plan’ should include a healthy supply of vitamins especially vitamins A, C and E which are antioxidants. Vitamin A is found in offal and fish liver oils but it may be better to obtain beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, from any brightly coloured fruit and vegetables.
Reduced instances of cancer of the bladder, cervix, lining of the womb and breast have been linked with people who eat plenty of vegetables and fruit in their diets.
Vitamin C, which prevents nitrosamines forming in the stomach, is found in fresh fruit and vegetables, vitamin E protects fatty tissues and cells and helps to maintain a healthy heart.
Bioflavonoids (grapes, citrus fruits) have also been found to have antioxidant properties. Selenium, which is a trace element found in eggs, seafood, fruit and vegetables is a strong antioxidant and works in conjunction with vitamins A,C and E. A lack of selenium has been associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancers.
Foods that are high in dietary fibre may offer vital protection against cancer of the colon, rectum, breast, uterus, prostrate. These cancers are all linked to high fat and low fibre diets.
Insoluble fibre, found in bran , actually prevents the build up of food residues in the bowel and therefore reduces the extent to which the colon wall is exposed to potential carcinogens, this includes those that are produced by the bacterial action on bile acids. The soluble fibre found in fruit and vegetables is also important in the elimination and digestion processes which carry various toxins and carcinogens out of the body.
Even after all this has said, the protective merits of certain foods are only beginning to be accepted by the medical profession and the role that diet plays in the treatment of cancer is still up for debate.
However, if a person is at the stage where they can fight a pre cancer war then watching their diet and their general lifestyle is not to be taken lightly. Those who are unfortunately suffering from a type of cancer and are in the advanced stages must not be dissuaded from eating what they like, when they like. They should be able to try to enjoy foods for what they are whether they are seen as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ foods.
The general rules for an ‘anti cancer’ diet are :
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables for beta carotene and vitamin C, wholegrain cereals.
Cut down on alcohol, fats (particularly saturated fats), smoked or salt-preserved foods, meats (especially processed meats) and charred or barbecued foods.
Avoid smoking and sunbathing without protection. |
Herbs have also been used in the treatment of cancers/prevention of cancers but a qualified herbalist must be seen as some could make things worse.
The two most common herbs used for treating children’s Leukaemia are Vincristine and Vinblastine, both from the Rosy Periwinkle.
Within the herbal plant family there are a group called the ‘Hot Hundred’ which are used as anti cancer treatments. The following are some examples:
Astragalus - This herb is sometimes routinely given to patients that have undergone chemotherapy and radiation which kill the cancer cells but in the process can leave the body weakened and less immune to infections. Astragalus is known to boost the production and effectiveness of immune cells.
Cats Claw - This herb is known to improve the immune system and is anti-inflammatory. Although not scientifically proven to ‘cure’ cancer , it is seen as being useful because of its effect on the immune system.
Echinacea - This has become a very popular herb in general everyday use due to its shortening the length of time of colds and flu. A study has shown that this herb has tumour inhibiting properties and has also been shown to restore the immune system to normality in patients who have received chemotherapy.
Garlic - Has been shown to help fight infection, can destroy some types of cancer cells (i.e. prostrate cancer cells), digestive aid.
Ginseng - Further studies have to be carried out after it was found that not only did this herb inhibit the growth of cancer cells but it was also found to be able to convert diseased cells into normal cells. Other benefits include reduction of cholesterol, increase of energy, increase of physical and mental endurance.
Red Clover - Combined with other herbs, red clover is used in the treatment and prevention of cancer. This herb is rich in phytoestrogens which can block the effect of more forceful estrogens in the body. Weaker plant estrogens can help to the prevent the spreading of existing cancers by keeping the real estrogen away from the sensitive cells. This herb is also used to relax the body, treat skin inflammation and menopausal symptoms.
Other herbs known to treat various cancers are Licorice, Maitake Mushroom, Pau D’Arco and Turmeric.
As with all complimentary therapies it is always advised to carry on your normal medical treatment especially in the case of any cancer. These alternative methods can be used alongside as long as there is no effect on, for example, the chemotherapy drug. |
Alternative Therapies - With all illnesses comes some form of stress - either brought on by the unexpected diagnosis, the possibility of giving up work which then leads to worry over finances. This is where the alternative therapies come into their own. They are not seen as a complete cure, especially in illnesses such as cancer, but they can work in conjunction with other treatments to promote a sense of balance, positivity, a de-stress mechanism.
When the body shows signs of illness this is down to the body being in a state of imbalance. This then leads to the body being tired and not being able to cope with the various infections/virus’ that comes its way.
Reflexology (a foot ‘massage’ treatment that works on un-blocking your bodies channels), Meditation (gives the body and mind chance to engage as one),
Colour therapy (the use of colour to reflect the state of your inner self), - clients are asked to perhaps choose a coloured card by instinct, this will then show what state of mind they are in at present i.e. violet - you see yourself as being sacrificed to an ideal, an art or a cause, blue - shows that you are tactful, sincere, faithful and serene, it is the colour of contemplation and quiet reflection. Each colour has its own affirmation, and once the therapist has found out more about you, health etc certain colours will be ‘prescribed’ for you to use either by wearing, home decor, etc.
Visualisation (creating of peaceful, tranquil images i.e. a peaceful stream), Crystal healing (the use of crystals over the different chakras of your body i.e. healing zones) are only some forms of therapies that can restore the body to its natural balanced state, therefore giving the body its best chance to beat the invaders.
By bringing the body, mind and spirit together you are creating the perfect state which can lead you to achieve the things you want to be in life and to be able to live a longer, healthier life. |
