3 Tips For Preventing Cancer That You Can Use In Your Everyday Life
Who doesn’t want to prevent cancer? Whether you are someone that loves to workout and is super health conscious or someone carrying a cancer gene, this article will give you top tips on how to ward off the causes of this terrible disease.
Eat The Rainbow!
One word: phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are chemical compounds produced by all fruits and vegetables. And let me tell you nature has set us up to succeed! Have you ever heard people say “just eat the rainbow”? It means you should eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Why? Because these different phytochemicals (plant-based foods) can provide your body with the nutrients needed to fight pathogens and carcinogens, which in turn, can reduce the risk of cancer by as much as 40% (https://www.breastcancer.org/tips/nutrition/reduce_risk/foods/phytochem).
When these chemical compounds are digested, they are literally turning off the genes that can be or are cancer producing (Quillin, 12 Keys To A Healthy Cancer Patient). They send signals to your body, communicating with cells to stop cancer growth in its tracks. They can slow and stop tumor growth and boost immunity. Still not convinced of their worth? Incorporating colorful fruits and vegetable into your diet can also improve insulin sensitivities, which reduces your chances of getting cancer, as well as improve your cholesterol levels, and increase your longevity (https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/fill-up-on-phytochemicals).
In fact, according to a lecture called “Raw Vitality” hosted by David Wolfe, “cruciferous vegetables contain various amounts of anti-cancer compounds. They have chemical elements that break down cancer cells instantaneously in your body, especially if they are eaten raw. And they actually work indirectly and can transform your genetics.” These workhorse vegetables strengthen your body’s natural ability to prevent and fight cancer. Some cruciferous vegetables of notable mention are: bok choy, arugula, broccoli, brussel sprouts, horseradish, cauliflower, and kale (https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/cruciferous-vegetables-fact-sheet).
So next time you’re at the store, remember: Eat The Rainbow! Try and choose a variety of different fruits and vegetables because it literally does a body good (sorry milk)!
2. Bio-Individuality: You Are Unique!
What is bio-individuality? We (as humans) are all different. We are made up of different genes and have had various experiences that have shaped our minds, emotional states, and growth. Therefore, there is not just one diet or lifestyle that will fit everyone (Institute of Integrative Nutrition’s Founder, Joshua Rosenthal). Understanding your unique bio-individuality is key in preventing cancer and reducing the risk of other diseases.
Exploring your own bio-individuality will help you become aware of your own food sensitivities and your emotional triggers. Learning more about your relationship with food and movement will also help you identify those exercises that help your body versus those that can create stress. This understanding of your body’s unique needs allows you to have a better awareness of how to properly take care of it and to know which foods and lifestyle are best suited for you in order to reduce your risk of disease. As Joshua Rosenthal, founder of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, has said for years “one person’s food is another person’s poison”.
This is our time to take our health into our own hands and continue our health journey according to our bio-individual needs!
3. Stress Management: Turn Those Cancer Cells Off!
Stress is all around us. Stress simply means how our physical and emotional bodies respond to daily challenges (big and small). Stress is inevitable. It drives the way we think about food and how we choose food. It can even drive how much we physically eat. Most importantly, it affects our body in a chemical way because as stress levels rise, they create an environment for fat storage, heightens our blood pressure and blood sugar, and lowers our immunity (Stress and eating behaviors - PubMed (nih.gov)). All of these things turn cancer genes on by creating inflammation and making you more susceptible to various illnesses down the road.
Identifying the root cause of where stress is originating from is necessary to begin the process of stress management. For example, exploring the origins of stress in your life, such as relationships, finances, career, physical activity, etc., allows you to become aware of your own personal triggers so you can heal them once and for all!
The Takeaway.
Preventing cancer doesn’t have to be a daunting task! And, if you are someone that is a carrier of a cancer gene, please know it doesn’t define your destiny. Food and lifestyle choices allow your body to have the ability to turn genes on and off decreasing your chances of getting cancer and other chronic diseases (https://ketteringhealth.org/mediaroom/articles/index.cfm?x=859).
By incorporating these 3 tips into your daily life, you are taking control of your own health and practicing preventative measures to ensure you can live your best life possible!