Some Natural Ways to Prevent or Even Cure Cancer
Before I get into the drugs versus foods and supplements portion of this article I would like to address the surprising fact that many people have cancer cells in their bodies that never progress to actual cancer. Believe it or not there are common foods that can cut off the food supply to the cancer cells, thus starving them to death.
The cancer cells lying dormant in most people would need additional energy in order to grow and produce malignant tumors. This occurs due to out of control blood vessels. Our amazing bodies are designed to regulate the blood vessels necessary to run our “well oiled machines.” For example when we receive a wound new blood vessels are produced in order to heal that wound. This is done by the releasing of proteins called angiogenics. However an imbalance can occur if the body is unable to grow the correct amount and diseases can result.
Cancer cells are no different. They also rely on blood vessels in order to grow into lethal tumors. Unfortunately these nasty cells are able to release their own angiogenic factors thus creating their own blood supply.
Thankfully the nutrients in certain ordinary foods are rich in anti-angiogenics. If consumed in your regular diet, these inhibitors have the ability to stop the bad guys in their tracks. Here is a list of the potent angiogenic fighters and the foods which contain them:
Quercetin is a flavonol found in onions, broccoli, apples, berries, olive oil, grapes, and tea. It has been shown to target tumor angiogenesis and reduce it.
Myricetin, also a flavonol, found in onions, herbs, and berries, is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and has anti-tumor effects.
Genistein is a polyphenol found in soybean. It has been proven to inhibit the growth of different types of cancer.
Green tea polyphenols have anti-antiogenic properties. The regular consumption of green tea can reduce the risk of some cancers.
Ursolic acid is present in the leaves of rosemary, lemon balm, verbena, oregano, and sage plants as well as apples and cranberries. It’s biological duties include inhibiting angiogenesis.
Cafestol, found in coffee beans and unfiltered coffee have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties and can interfere with the formation of extracellular blood vessels.
Emodin and aloe-emodin exist in rhubarb and aloe vera and both have anti-cancer fighters in the form of anti-angiogenics.
Consumption of these foods, on a regular basis, can help to cut off the nutrients going to cancer cells, starving them before giving them a chance to become tumors.
There are now several positive methods of fighting the “big C” and most of them involve the use of foods. You can take it from there.
The Gerson Theory seems to be the most popular natural treatment at this time and involves flooding the body with organic fruits and vegetables. Developed by Dr. Max Gerson in the early 1900’s, he developed his theory in order to cure his own migraines, which was successful. He then applied his method to tuberculosis patients, most of whom showed a complete recovery. Using it on cancer patients with the same results, his discovery came to the attention of the entire medical community. However, as per usual in these cases, there was a great deal of pushback from other medical and pharmaceutical professionals who rejected his treatment out of hand.
The Gerson Therapy treats cancer as a systemic disease, being caused by an accumulation of toxins in the whole body. His intention is to strengthen the body’s natural immune system to ward off disease. The therapy consists of an organic, plant-based diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and juices taken every hour. This onslaught of nutrients activates the immune system, facilitating healing. Salt, sugar, and processed foods are prohibited, as are oils, meat, fish, and caffeine. Nutritional supplements are encouraged. Patients using the Gerson Therapy are required to drink up to thirteen glasses of freshly squeezed juice per day. Orange juice is especially successful as it is packed with vitamin C which is believed to destroy cancer cells and remove toxins. The majority of scientific studies proved that this vitamin reduced chemotherapy-related side effects in cancer patients as well.
The Food Cure, a documentary by Sarah Mabrouk, follows six patients using this therapy. It is well worth watching.
It is universally agreed that there are many cancer causing foods out there that must be avoided in order to prevent cancer. As we all know, processed food
is at the top of that list. This is due to the fact that our digestive system is incapable of breaking down highly processed foods, which leads to colorectal or stomach cancers. Processed meat is the number one culprit and is considered anything that is modified to improve flavour, appearance, or shelf life. Packaged ham, bacon, hot dogs, canned meat, and fast food meat products are the worst.
Chips, cookies, and store bought breakfast cereals are full of additives and “fake” ingredients that are not digestible. This severely harms the gut lining leading to many digestive problems and diseases.
Sugar is the worst, with a capital W, for cancer. Cancer, as stated above, relies on glucose to rapidly grow and spread.
Pain is always a huge part of cancer patients’ suffering. Thus they rely on painkillers to ease their suffering. Unfortunately these drugs come with terrible side effects and often, if taken for long periods of time, damage the brain, liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal system, and immune system. However there is a more gentle alternative. Many nutrients in certain foods can help to alleviate pain.
Cherries are almost a super food when it comes to relieving pain, inflammation, and stiffness. It has been proven that the anti-inflammatory effect of tart cherries is ten times stronger than aspirin. Gout sufferers have utilized cherries for pain relief for years.
Nutritional yeast, due to being rich in Vitamin B, is a whiz at relieving nerve inflammation.
Butterbur is a Chinese herb that reduces swelling and pain and detoxifies the body. Many cancer patients have switched from morphine to butterbur.
Curcumin found in turmeric is another super spice. Its health benefits include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and provides pain relief.
Noni juice can enhance immunity and relieve pain very rapidly. It helps to repair cells and metabolize toxins. It stimulates the body to produce nitric oxide which regulates blood circulation and inhibits the growth of tumors. One disclaimer here: Patients with liver or white blood cell damage, or after chemotherapy or radiation, should not drink noni juice.
Chili peppers (containing capsaicin), garlic(containing allicin and sulphide), and ginger have a strong anti-cancer effect as well as reducing pain.
Organic wines are good for blood circulation and have an analgesic effect. Just remember….moderation.
Health professionals are often surprised by the remission rates in their patients who recovered using natural healing treatments rather than chemotherapy or radiation. Unfortunately doctors often do not give these methods much credibility. Consequently many patients are met with negative pressure by these doctors who discourage alternative healing therapies. Part of this attitude is due to the fact that the medical industry is funded by pharmaceutical companies. For example, oncologists are permitted to profit handsomely from prescribing chemotherapy drugs to patients.
I am not suggesting for a minute that cancer sufferers should never take chemo or radiation. All I am suggesting is that it is best to research other methods thoroughly and weigh the pros and cons of all. Your diet is one of the major considerations as the food you eat can nourish and protect your body or contribute to your unhealthy condition. Bottom line, as usual: …Your body, your choice.