Well, here it is everyone! Just as I have been promising…my blog about cancer.
This one is going to be a compilation of some of the research I have done on cancer. The sources include the Weston A. Price Foundation and other sites that focus on natural health and healing. I think it is important to give you information that might generally assist you in prevention and treatment of cancer, as some people might respond or relate well to different methods while others might like more or less.
So, without further ado, let’s learn about cancer treatment and prevention measures!
There are some nutrients that play roles in protecting against cancer. Most of these nutrients can be found in those great whole foods I have so often talked about. Of course, we should all realize that healthy foods that are real and whole will lead us toward better health overall; however, when it comes to cancer some of these added benefits may not be known.
Vitamin A is an immune system booster. It helps metabolize minerals and detoxifies the system. Vitamin A also supports the endocrine system. This important nutrient reduces the amount of free-radicals in the body and prevents cholesterol oxidation. Since it does all of this, it is surely a nutrient that would be linked to cancer prevention. You can get vitamin A from cod liver oil, fish, shellfish, liver, egg yolks, butter, and pastured animals. It is best for you to get your vitamin A from foods rather than supplements; however, if you have determined that you need to supplement for some treatment or prevention, I would recommend you use cod liver oil. This is because pill forms of vitamin A are often not the same as what you would get from the above list. Vitamin A could also have a toxicity when not used properly or in conjunction with vitamin D (which helps to minimize possibility of vitamin A toxicity). Cod liver oil has both A and D, and when used in conjunction with a healthy, nutrient rich diet, it can really help. Here are the dosages the Weston A. Price Foundation recommends:
Children 3 months to 12 years: 1 tsp. high-quality cod liver oil providing 5,000 International Units (IU) per day.
12 and older: 2 tsp. regular high-quality cod liver oil providing 10,000 IU per day.
Women who are pregnant and/or nursing: 4 tsp. regular high-quality cod liver oil providing 20,000 IU per day.
Vitamin C: this is an antioxidant that can prevent free radical damage. You can find vitamin C in fruits, vegetables, and some organ meats. For some dosages of vitamin C supplements, the amounts can really vary. This is because it is based on many mitigating factors such as age, sex, height, weight, smoking habits, etc. RDAs are pretty much minimal to prevent deficiency. Also, Vitamin C can seem to cause some issues if you take too much. Your best bet? Do an n=1 for yourself but just don’t go crazy with the dosages. Try something like a max of 200 mg (throughout the day, not all at once) to start.
B Vitamins: Here we are generally talking about Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B17. B6 contributes to enzyme function in over 100 enzymes. Many people in today’s society have B6 deficiencies. In some research studies these deficiencies have been associated with risk of cancer. You can get Vitamin B6 from raw animal foods (raw pastured, grass-fed meat and dairy). Vitamin B6 supplements are also available. The supplemental dosage of B6 would depend on many factors: sex, consumption of protein, age, etc. A great paper on this supplement is located at the Weston A. Price Foundation here: http://westonaprice.org/abcs-of-nutrition/2163-vitamin-b6-the-under-appreciated-vitamin
B12 Vitamins: Again, there have been links to cancer with vitamin B12 deficiencies. These are only found in animal foods. You can also find them in supplement form. Check here for more: http://westonaprice.org/abcs-of-nutrition/174-vitamin-b12
B17 Vitamins: This is a B vitamin that will protect against cancer. It is found in nuts and berries.
Vitamin D: One of the nutrients that most people today are deficient in is Vitamin D. It is unfortunate too, because Vitamin D is very protective against breast and colon cancer. In order to absorb minerals, vitamin D is required. Cod liver oil is a great source of vitamin D. So are lard, shellfish, butterfat, organ meats, grass-fed animals, and egg yolks. Probably the best source of vitamin D comes from the mid-afternoon sun. I know what you are thinking…”but we’ve always been told that exposure to sun can cause skin cancer.” Well, that is not exactly true. While prolonged exposure can cause burns and risk, a good 15 minutes for pale skinned people up to 2 hours for darker skinned people between the hours of noon and 3pm with no sunblock on can give you enough vitamin D for the day. Personally, this is my favorite way to get my own vitamin D, but I do also take my cod liver oil.
Vitamin E: This vitamin is another antioxidant. It works at the cellular level. You can get vitamin E in animal fats, butter, and egg yolks.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Found in butterfat and grass-fed ruminant animals, CLA is protective against breast cancer.
Cholesterol: Yes, cholesterol is an antioxidant that protects against free radicals in the cell membranes. It is found in animal foods. Believe it or not, cholesterol is used by every part of the body. You need a good level (not low levels in the blood like the statin makers and pill pushers would have you believe…but that is a whole other topic we will save for another day).
Minerals: Minerals are super important for the body. Things like magnesium, selenium, and zinc help the body fight carcinogens. You can get them from animal foods easily. Supplements are also available, but you should get tested and work with a professional if you choose to supplement.
Saturated fats: Your lungs cannot function without saturated fats…which are found in animal products. Even though we have been told that these are bad for a long time, this is just not true. In fact, it is the opposite. Saturated fats help to strengthen the immune system.
Long-chain Fatty Acids: Arachadonic Acid (AA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) are all fatty acids that work on the cellular level to fight cancer. You can get these from animal products, cod liver oil, seafood, and organ meats.
Short- and medium-Chain Fatty Acids: Can be found in coconut oil and in butter. These help grow a strong immune system and assist in communication at the intercellular level.
COQ10: A supplement I feel is highly under-rated these days. COQ10 (Co-Enzyme Q10) has many benefits. The list of things this does is endless! One thing it does for us is protect us from cancer. It is found in animal foods and supplements.
Garlic: Another antioxidant, garlic boosts the immune system and seems to protect cells from damage. It may also help reduce the risk of prostate, colon, breast, and ovarian cancer, but this has not been scientifically determined.
Maca Root: Has been shown to slow down the growth of cancer cells in animals.
Tumeric: Some studies and research have shown that tumeric may reduce lesions in colon cancer and might have benefits for prostate, lung, breast, and skin tissues as well.
Ginseng: Some people have seen results in population studies with ginseng. It may lower the risk of lung, lip, mouth, and liver cancers.
NOW…for some things that are cancer-promoting. These are also from the Weston A. Price Foundation information. I will give you that link once again at the end of this blog. It is an extremely worth-while website that I recommend you check out! I just can’t say that enough!
Processed foods have the following in them. These have been linked to cancer:
Transfatty acids: Shortenings, margarines, baked goods, snack foods, etc. have been seriously associated with lung and reproductive organ cancer.
Rancid Fats: Believe it or not, when you buy those vegetable and other cheap hydrogenated oils at the store, they are already generally rancid. The industrial processing makes them that way. This creates free radicals, hence, cancer.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Out of balance with Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Omega 6s contribute to cancer. These fatty acids are needed in small amounts, but we get way too much from the processed and hydrogenated foods in the SAD diet. Our ratio should be 1 or 2: 1 (Omega 3 to Omega 6), but it is currently more like 1:21!
MSG: Yes, this is why it should be avoided. I used to wonder about this, but found out that there have been studies where MSG was associated with brain cancer! Be warned: Processed food often contains MSG in it even though it may not be listed as MSG in the ingredients! It could be labeled as flavorings, hydrolyzed protein, and more!
Aspartame: It is a neurotoxin. Let’s leave it at that (see All About Sweeteners).
Pesticides: Uggh! These have almost always been associated with a variety of cancer. Pesticides are everywhere…and getting worse with the GMOs!
Artificial Hormones for Animals: Confined animals that are industrially raised and fed soy and grains have high levels of hormones. Also, there are tons of phytoestrogens in soy!
Refined Carbs: Sugar, HFCS, Agave nectar, white flour, grains that are not fermented, and starches are all associated with inflammation and tumor growth. Like I always said, the more of them you avoid the better!
Well guys and girls, this has been a long one! Sorry if it is too long!
Have a healthy day!
Rachel
References
Weston A. Price Foundation: http://westonaprice.org
Natural Remedies Review: http://www.natural-remedies-review.com/natural-remedies-for-cancer.html
Mark Sisson: http://marksdailyapple.com
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