Diet and cancer have consistently been linked in a variety of studies. The following guide to lowering cancer risk using your diet is for information purposes only. If you are worried about developing cancer, you should contact your GP or hospital immediately for medical advice.
Things you can do to lower your risk of cancer
While cancer is often unavoidable, many health studies have identified a range of factors that may increase or reduce the risk of cancer developing.
Cut out cancer-causing foods
If you wish to enhance your immune system in order to be able to combat cancer, it is essential to cut out those foods which increase your likelihood of getting cancer.
Foods to avoid include: white flour, sugar, animal fats and most kinds of processed food. It is vital to consume foods and drink that contain phytochemicals which combat cancer. Food and drink of this type includes broccoli, berries and soy sauce, turmeric and green tea. Phytochemicals have protective or disease preventative properties.
Release emotional/psychological pressures and trauma
In order to strengthen your immune system, it is also crucial to heal any psychological traumas which may be suppressing it.
Accepting yourself may help to release suppressed energy and release emotional stress and baggage. Meditation, tai chi and yoga all help release negative energy and help you connect to your authentic self.
Wear eau de toilette rather than perfume
Wearing eau de toilette is considered better than perfume because it has fewer dangerous phthalates (dangerous chemicals). This, however, depends on the brand and in no way is a claim that perfume causes cancer.
Heating food
It is considered healthier not to microwave food and use glass or ceramic containers for heating food and drink in, rather than plastic as this is thought to possible transfer chemicals. This does, of course, depend on the brand and type of cooking container used.
Do not smoke
Smoking is well known to increase the risk of developing cancer, particularly lung cancer.
Exercise
Individuals who exercise are not as prone to getting cancer, as proven in countless studies. As an example, relapse rates for women who have breast cancer and walk to work are a lot lower than those who opt not to walk to work.
Try eating more organic and plant-based foods
It is best to try and eat as much organic food as possible and eat entire dishes of vegetables. Many Indians and Chinese people do this and the cancer rates within these communities are generally lower than that of Western communities.
Anti-cancerous foods
The following foods are thought to have preventative properties relating to cancer. Diet and cancer are strongly linked, and eating the following foods may lower cancer risk for some individuals.
- Berries
Blueberries in particular consist of molecules which can ensure the self destruction of cancer cells. - Broccoli
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage have anti-carcinogenic molecules which prevent cells from becoming tumours. - Chives, garlic, leeks and onions
All contain sulphur which lowers the amount of carcinogens in tobacco as well as over-grilled meat. It also combats breast, colonic, lung, prostate and kidney cancer. - Ginger
Is an effective anti-inflammatory. It acts as an antioxidant, blocking fresh cancer cells. - Green tea
Green tea contains a lot of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and is considered to prevent tumour growth. - Mushrooms
These contain a lot of lentinan, an immune system stimulant. Stomach cancer rates amongst Japanese people who eat a lot of mushrooms are 50% lower than those who do not do so. - Oranges
All citrus fruits contain flavonoids which are anti-inflammatory and assist the liver in the detoxification of carcinogens. - Red wine
Red wine has a lot of polyphenols, anti-carcinogenic agents. Pinot noir is very high in polyphenol. - Soy
Miso, mung beans, tofu and beansprouts contain a lot of isoflavones which contain phytochemical molecules and are critical in combating breast cancer. - Turmeric
A major spice when making curries. It lowers the risk of cancer growth, particularly colonic, stomach, liver, ovary and breast cancer.
