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Everyday our bodies create
new cells.
Cancer occurs when some genetic abnormality in a cell causes it to
divide and multiply in an uncontrolled fashion. As
abnormal cells grow, they may metastasize, or spread, and destroy healthy
body tissue. A cluster of these abnormal cells designates a tumor. Malignant,
or cancerous, tumors disrupt body functions and rob the body of essential
nutrients. These cellular mutations are attributed to substances called
carcinogens. Carcinogens come in many forms, including environmental
pollutants, food additives, and some viruses. The damage caused by carcinogens
occurs gradually, until over time it appears as cancer. While there are
hundreds of kinds of cancer, there are four major types of this disease.
Carcinoma affects the skin, glands, and organs. Sarcomas involve cancers
of the bones, tissues, and muscles. Lymphomas are cancers that occur
in the lymphatic system. Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects bone
marrow and blood.
Cancer is believed to be
caused by a variety of factors, some which can be controlled
and some, which cannot. Cancers have been attributed
to alcohol, smoking, and environmental carcinogens. Diets high in fat
and sugar and low in fiber may significantly increase some cancer risks.
Low levels of antioxidants in the body may also contribute to the development
of this disease. There has even been some suggestion that there may be
a “cancer” personality, though there is
no real evidence to support this. Drinks such as coffee and tea contain
substances that may act as a potential carcinogen. However, there is no
indication that consuming these drinks causes cancer. Early detection and
treatment increases the chances for recovery when cancer does strike. While
many cancers will initially be silent, any of the following warning signs are
likely to appear: discovery of an unusual lump, bloody stools or urine, a
change in bowel and or bladder habits, unexplained weight loss, decreased
appetite, fatigue, sores that don’t heal, a change in the appearance
of a mole or wart, indigestion, difficulty swallowing,
coughing, and hoarseness.
The statistics are grim: one
out of every three Americans will get some form of cancer during their lifetime
and one in five will die from it.(1) Despite this sobering ratio, there are
steps which can be taken to significantly reduce the chances of getting cancer.
The national cancer institute reported that about 35% of cancers are rooted in
diet.(2) Other sources suggest the number is much higher. It is therefore
extremely important to make wise and informed decisions about what to
eat.
Eating foods low in fat, high
in fiber, and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables (5-9 servings per day)
is a positive step in cancer prevention. Cruciferous vegetables are powerful
against cancer as they contain enzymes that destroy cancer-causing agents.
Saturated and polyunsaturated fats should be avoided as they can produce
by-products, which may promote tumor growth. Monounsaturated fats, such as
olive and canola oils, are healthier choices. A 1993 study suggested that the
omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils could inhibit cancerous growth. Keeping
a dietary fat intake at 30% of the total daily calories may lessen cancer
risks, particularly of the breast and colon.(3) Fiber is an especially
important component in the prevention of colon cancer, as it speeds the
transport of toxic wastes from the body. A daily intake of 15-35 grams of fiber
per day is recommended. Avoiding cured and smoked foods is wise, as the
nitrates in these foods can be converted to carcinogens in the body. It is also
recommended to avoid foods cooked at excessive temperatures because heat
destroys nutrients and creates carcinogens. Methods of cooking to avoid include
frying, broiling, and charcoal grilling.
About a third of the risk of
cancer deaths arise from smoking.(4) These risks immediately
drop upon quitting smoking. The combined use of tobacco
and alcohol increases chances of developing cancers of the digestive
tract. Second-hand smoke increases one’s cancer risk by 30%.(5)
Alcohol itself is thought to stimulate the growth of abnormal cells,
inhibit nutrient absorption, suppress the immune system, and contribute
to formation of free radicals. Consuming two or more alcoholic drinks
per day is thought to increase the odds of oral, esophageal, and colon
cancer. The majority of skin cancers result from sun exposure. This risk
is greatly reduced by using a natural sunscreen with SPF 15. A high calcium
(over 1000 mg/day) has been shown to decrease the
rate of colon cancer. Folic acid has proved effective against cancer
of the cervix and colon. A prolonged period of high-powered rays may
enhance cancers of the breast and thyroid. An excessive alcohol intake
has been associated with liver, esophageal, and breast cancer.
Vulnerable to disease by
weakening the immune response and altering the pH to fight carcinogens.
Antioxidant nutrients are recommended for anti-cancer benefits. Mixed carotenes
should be taken at a level of 50,000-75,000 IU per day. It is advised to take
3000-10,000 mg./day of Vitamin C and 800 IU daily of Vitamin E. Other
nutrients, which may play an important role in fighting carcinogens, include
selenium, Vitamin B-6, magnesium, and zinc.
The recent commotion about
breast cancer in America is not without good cause. An estimated 115,000
American women are diagnosed with this disease each year.(6) The statistics
report this to mean that one in twelve women will get breast cancer. While some
breast cancers can be attributed to a list of risk factors, there are others,
which have no apparent risk factors. In those that do, age is an important one.
Breast cancer is rare among younger women. It becomes of greater concern after
age fifty. Having a family history or previous history of breast cancer is also
a risk factor. Women who began menstruating before age twelve, who experience
menopause after age fifty-five, who give birth to their first child after age
thirty, or who remain childless may all have an increased risk of breast
cancer. Diets high in fat and being overweight have also been linked to this
disease. Prevention is facilitated by early detection. Breast self-exams,
regular checkups, and mammograms are all part of a responsible prevention
strategy. Though there has been no direct link, many health specialists agree
that eating a diet low in fat may be important in preventing breast cancer.
This claim may be supported by the fact that women in Japan eat a diet less fat
than the typical American woman and have a much lower breast cancer rate.
Japanese women who were raised in the United States show an increase risk for
cancer which has been attributed to consumption of an American diet.(7) Animal
studies also find more breast tumors in animals with the highest fat intake.
Other experts suggest that high caloric intake may be a risk factor, regardless
of fat intake.
Some breast cancers have been
shown to be stimulated in the presence of the hormones estrogen and
progesterone. This may be especially important for older women considering
hormone replacement therapy. Being overweight can increase estrogen production,
and may therefore increase cancer risks. Having more than one alcoholic drink
per day may also contribute to the disease. A diet rich in cruciferous
vegetables is recommended as these plants can facilitate estrogen metabolism.
Smoking has recently been associated with one type of breast cancer.
Recommendations:
Vita - Minz Plus (Montiff)
2 capsules
2 times daily after meals.
Glycoplex (Progressive)
1 capsule
2 times daily after meals
The New Anti-Ox (Cysteine Free) (ARG)
1
capsule 2 times daily after meals.
Pro Antho Forte (Progressive)
1 capsule
2 times daily empty Stomach
Comprehensive Minerals (EF)
2 capsules
at night after dinner.
References:
- Kessler D, The Doctor’s Complete Guide to Healing Foods, 59.
- Kessler D, The Doctor’s Complete Guide to Healing Foods, 52.
- As cited in Women’s Day, 1992 Nov. 24; 56(1): 70, 74-75.
- Passwater, The New Super-Nutrition, 124.
- Passwater, The New Super-Nutrition, 104.
- Passwater, The New Super-Nutrition, 131.
- Passwater, The Super-Nutrition, 123
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