Diet To Prevent Cancer

·       Whether you have a history of cancer in your family, or are currently battling the disease, lifestyle factors, including your diet, can make a huge difference in helping you fight off cancer.

·       Some foods actually increase your risk of cancer, while others support your body and strengthen your immune system.

·       By making smart food choices, you can protect your health, feel better, and boost your ability fight off cancer and other diseases.

·       Not all health problems are avoidable, but you have more control over your health than you may think.

·       Research shows that a large percentage of cancer-related deaths are directly linked to lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking, a lack of exercise, and an unhealthy diet.

·       Avoiding cigarettes, limiting alcohol, reaching a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise are a great start to preventing cancer. But to best support your health, you also need to look at your eating habits.

DIET

·       Avoid red meat.

o   Processed and even unprocessed red meat is apparently no good for us. Red meat has been linked to various cancers including colorectal, prostate, kidney and pancreatic cancer.  This includes beef, bacon, sausage, ham, etc.

·       Eat fruits and vegetables every day.

o   Eat a wide variety of fruits and veggies such as broccoli and berries.   Dark-green leafy vegetables are especially helpful in fighting cancer.

·       Add turmeric to your food.

o   Turmeric is an Indian spice. It is also a polyphenol that has excellent anti-inflammatory properties.

·       Include more fiber.

o   Good sources of fiber include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Did you know that every 10 grams of daily fiber intake reduces the risk of colon cancer by 10 percent? Aim for 25 grams of fiber daily.

·       Limit or avoid alcohol consumption.

o   Alcohol is a risk factor for oral cancers. This includes esophageal, liver, colon, breast, and possibly pancreatic cancer. It is recommended that women drink no more than one drink daily and men drink no more than two drinks daily.

·       Eat more fish.

o   Fish that are low in saturated fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon reduce inflammation, which is linked to cancer.

·       Eat organic.

o   The development of at least nine different cancers is associated with exposure to certain pesticides. Buy organic.

·       Drink green tea.

o   Green tea contains catechins which are also known as antioxidants. Antioxidants are great source or protection for our cells from DNA damage. They also strengthen our immune system and activate enzymes that fight off tumors.

·       Avoid foods with trans fats.

o   Trans fat is often found in fried foods and sweets. Trans fat increases your risk for cancers including breast and prostate cancer.

·       Get enough vitamin D.

o   More vitamin D in the blood is associated with lower rates of various cancers including colon, breast, ovarian, renal, pancreatic, and prostate. Ask your doctor about a supplement, and whether you should eat more vitamin D rich foods, or get more sun.