Cancer, take 2
Eat This, Cancer – Part 2
All too often we hear of stories of cancer springing up amongst our friends, families, and loved ones. Cancer does not care what you look like or how much money you have. It does not care about your religion or lack of one. What cancer needs is the perfect environment in which to form.
Cancer requires certain conditions to grow. Tumors cannot expand, let alone survive, if they lack nutrients. To overcome this, cancer stimulates the growth of new blood vessels that feed into tumors, a process called angiogenesis. The word literally translates to “blood vessel beginning.” If this process is halted, cancer cells may be prevented from dividing and tumors may be stopped from growing. Fortunately, there is an entire category of foods called angiogenesis inhibitors that may help to disrupt this process. Just look it up!!!
Food as Medicine. My, man Hippocrates
In addition to these angiogenesis inhibitors, research continues to uncover nutrients that may support the body in resisting cancer. Food can indeed be used therapeutically, targeting and strengthening the body’s natural defenses. Some approaches, such as those developed by Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez, combined diet, supplements, and detoxification as part of cancer treatment.
While conventional medicine continues to lean heavily on chemotherapy and radiation, there have always been integrative and complementary approaches in the conversation. This is not to suggest self-treatment, but it is both responsible and necessary to educate ourselves on the how and why of disease, and what role nutrition and lifestyle can play in healing. Countless survival stories highlight not only medical interventions, but also the role of nutrition, reduced stress, spiritual practice, and changes in environment.
Nutrients with Cancer-Fighting Potential
Certain compounds in foods are gaining attention for their role in cancer prevention and healing:
Carotenoids – These are pigments that give fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors. With over 700 naturally occurring carotenoids, many can be obtained through a diet rich in organic produce. Carotenoids are some of the most potent antioxidants, helping to protect cells from damage.
Sulforaphane – Found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, sulforaphane has been shown to selectively target cancer stem cells. By doing so, it may help prevent cancer from spreading or reoccurring.
Flavonoids – These natural compounds are found in fruits, vegetables, and many plant-based foods. With several thousand types identified, flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that may help the body repair, restore, and protect itself.
Each of these compounds supports the body’s defense system, helping to maintain wellness and reduce cancer risk.
Cancer and Lifestyle
Cancer is often described as a man-made disease, influenced by the environments we create for ourselves. As modern society leans toward convenience, overconsumption, and chemical exposure, our health suffers. We continually introduce substances and combinations of chemicals into our bodies that our ancestors would never have considered food.
In the wellness field, we encourage individuals to take responsibility for their health. Prevention is powerful. A lifestyle grounded in real food, daily movement, stress reduction, strong community, and abundant plant-based nutritioncan make a difference. Surround yourself with fresh vegetables and fruits, keep stress low, exercise regularly, and live with intention.