These days cancer is one of the most talked about class of diseases, accounting for 1 out of every 4 deaths in the United States. There are over 100 types of cancer, depending on the initial cells impacted, many of which may be preventable with lifestyle changes. Even though genes do contribute to many cancer cases, there is also evidence that DNA can be altered by actively changing thought patterns, meaning we no longer need to feel victimized by our genetic make-up. Although many of these recommendations apply to overall general health, the following 10 suggestions will specifically support you in cancer prevention whether you have a predisposition to cancer or not.
1. Cultivate a Positive Spirit and Healthy Emotional State
Louise Hay, author of You Can Heal Your Life, cured herself of cancer by addressing her negative emotions. Her book points out that the development of cancer can be related to longstanding resentment, a deep secret or grief eating away at you, and/or carrying hatreds. By addressing these negative thought patterns often related to memories and beliefs that don’t serve you or your health, you reduce emotional stress on the body and improve your chances of maintaining good health. At this point in time, there should be no question that the body, mind and spirit impact one another. When aspects of the mind and spirit are ignored, the subconscious will sometimes finds ways to bring attention where it’s needed by producing illness in the body. Even more encouraging, scientists are now beginning to discover that we can influence our genes/DNA by our thoughts and therefore may not be bound by our genetic susceptibility.
2. Maintain an Alkaline Diet
It’s very important to keep the body alkaline (a pH of around 7.4), as cancer tends to flourish in an acidic environment. Some of the most acid producing foods are meats and dairy products so it’s great to keep these to a minimum. With an alkaline body (achieved by eating more vegetables and fruits), your immune system will be stronger, you’ll have a lower risk of chronic disease and more oxygen and nutrients will penetrate the tissue, producing long-term positive effects.
3. Eliminate Sugar and Processed Foods
Besides the fact that sugar and processed foods are also acidic in nature, there have been many studies connecting high consumption of these foods to cancer. When you eat a lot of sugar on a regular basis, cell damage occurs, increasing the chance that chronic diseases will develop. Diabetes and obesity, also linked to sugar consumption, further contribute to cancer risk. A recent study identified a specific gene that gets activated by high blood sugar levels, contributing to cancer progression. Additionally, fructose found in almost all processed foods has been shown to speed up the growth and spreading of cancer.
4. Optimize Important Nutrients
Maintaining good health and preventing diseases like cancer requires knowing where your nutrient deficiencies lie. This requires a regular blood and urine analysis as well as your own self-diagnosis (or professionally assisted one) of your overall energy and wellbeing. One of the most common deficiencies that may play a big role in cancer prevention is Vitamin D. Evidence has shown that Vitamin D3 supports healthy cell life spans, prevents excessive cell reproduction and hinders tumors by reducing new blood vessel formation. Keep in mind that in order to correctly metabolize and distribute calcium to the bones when taking Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2 is also needed. Another important nutrient for cancer prevention is Iodine, which has antioxidant, anti-proliferative and anti fungal properties. Omega 3 fatty acids (found in fish and flax seed) are also important for reducing inflammation, which has been linked to certain types of cancer. Lastly, there are an array of “superfoods” that are particularly high in nutrients and enzymes that can assist with achieving optimal health such as reishi mushrooms, cacao, bee pollen, maca, spirulina, goji berries (contain more antioxidants than most foods) and even coconut oil.
In Part 2, you’ll find 6 more recommendations for preventing cancer.
 (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancerbasics/economic-impact-of-cancer
 Hay, L. (1984). You can heal your life. (2nd ed.). Carlsbad: Hay House.
 (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.heartmath.org/templates/ihm/e-newsletter/publication/2011/summer/you-can-change-your-dna.php
 (2013, February 1). Excess sugar linked to cancer. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130201100149.htm
 Mercola, J. (2011, September 29).Is this simple sugar a major factor in the failure of the war on cancer? Retrieved from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/09/29/is-this-simple-sugar-a-major-factor-in-the-failure-of-the-war-on-cancer.aspx
 Hitti, M. (2007, September 5). Vitamin d for cancer prevention? Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20070905/vitamin-d-for-cancer-prevention
Published On: March 23, 2013