CANCER - The Fear Word
The FEAR Word...
Cancer is a life altering experience for the person involved, as wellas their close family and friends. However, it doesn’t occur over night. Inreality, cancer is the manifestation of chronic disease that has beendeveloping over time, with many factors contributing to its onset andprogression. The good news is that there is a multitude of supportive andpreventative measures available that can help you transform fear intounderstanding and empowerment, leading to a happier, healthier state of wellbeing.
The Seed and Soil of Cancer
As far back as 1889, an English surgeon, Stephen Paget proposedthe ‘seed and soil’ concept - that the spread of cancer depends on cancercells, “the seeds”, and the environment in the body, which he called “the soil”.It can take the body many years to produce the “soil” or environment that isjust right for cancer to flourish. Cancer may develop when changes occur insidethe cell and when coupled with the appropriate internal environment, the cancercell can proliferate in an uncontrolled manner.
More than 100 years later, the “seed and soil” concept still holdstrue; it is both the health of individual cells and the environment in the bodythat may determine whether a cancer may develop or not. By taking active stepsto improve our health, we have the potential to alter the environment in our bodies,reducing the risk of chronic disease and maintaining long-term health.
Prevention is Best Practice
You may be surprised to hear that genetics accounts for only
5-10% of cancers.1Research studies have shownthat healthy
diet and lifestyle factors have favourable effects in reducing
the incidence of many cancers, challenging us to modify our
diet and lifestyle for disease prevention.
The Protective Power of Herbal Medicine
The protective actions of particular herbs used in disease preventionare well documented. Key herbs can support the body’s resistance and resilienceto chronic disease such as cancer. They provide anti-inflammatory,anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant actions which are all beneficial insupporting the
health of our cells:
Green tea: Oxidative stress has been shown to damage the DNAin cells and can play a role in promoting cellular dysfunction implicated intumour development. EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) is found in the leaves ofgreen tea and is a powerful antioxidant which can protect against degenerativediseases. It may also be beneficial in preventing the cellular changes seen incancer development.
Turmeric: Curcumin is the active constituent of turmeric. Thispowerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herb has been widely researched forits anti-carcinogenic actions.
Resveratrol: Resveratrol is a phytochemical that is found in certainplants, in particular grapes. It has been shown to be an effectiveanti-inflammatory and inhibits the growth of a wide variety of tumour cells.
Yerba Maté: This herb has a long history of use as a tonic andstimulating drink in South America. It protects against oxidative damage, canpromote energy production and increases antioxidant defences.
Food Can Produce or Reduce Inflammation
The typical Western diet may actually promote inflammation; highamounts of sugar and refined carbohydrates break down quickly into glucose andhave been shown to induce inflammatory changes that are linked with manychronic diseases. In some susceptible people, foods such as dairy products andgluten-containing grains can trigger an inflammatory response.
Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Long-Term Health
The following diet and lifestyle recommendations can help keepyour cells and your body healthy for the long-term:
Quit smoking: Smoking is carcinogenic so make it apriority to quit smoking for disease prevention and anti-aging.
Minimise exposure to environmental toxins in thehousehold and workplace.
Make stress management a priority and ensure youare getting a good night’s sleep. Ask us about our Stress Less program forsupport during stressful periods.
Obesity and inactivity have been linked withcancer, so stay active and maintain a healthy weight.
Get moving! Just 30 minutes of movement andexercise enhances wellbeing and can help with disease prevention.
Cancer cells are said to be ‘addicted’ to sugar asthey are fuelled by glucose. Minimise your intake of processed, refined foodsto maintain healthy blood sugar balance.
Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables andcancer preventing antioxidants. Choose organic food where possible as it provideshigher levels of protective nutrients.
Drink pure, filtered water preferably from glass orBPA free bottles.
Empowered for Health
Consider cancer in a new light and accept the challenge to takeresponsibility for your health. Herbs and nutrients, together with a healthydiet and lifestyle may well be the ultimate tools for disease prevention.
Make anappointment soon and take charge and responsibility for your own health.
MariaAugustyn ND
Healt World Newsletter