What's Good For Cancer Prevention?

Cells are the building blocks of all living things. Cells in the human body are replaced regularly, with each being replaced on a certain timetable. Within each cell is a code that tells it when to multiply and when to die. Cancer grows out of normal cells in which something has disrupted the normal multiplication process, allowing cells to develop abnormally and grow uncontrollably. Cancer can develop in almost any organ or tissue. When these malignant cells multiply and spread, they damage healthy tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.

Fortunately, in many cases the body is able to identify these rogue cells and destroy them before they become a threat to health. Boosting the immune system to it's optimum level, by eating lots of fruits and vegetables, is a key ingredient in the body's defense system. Antioxidants, produced by the body or derived from food and supplements, can inactivate free radicals and aid the immune system in early purging of cancer cells.

Some vitamins and herbs are considered helpful in preventing cancer. Herbs, and other healing foods, which may be beneficial include: almonds, apples, amaranth, apricots, artichoke, asparagus, avocado, banana, barley, basil, beans, beets, berries, bilberry, blackberries, black walnut, blueberries, broccoli, brown rice, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cayenne, chickpeas, citrus fruits, coffee, collards, corn, cruciferous vegetables, cucumber, currants, dates, eggplant, figs, fish, flaxseed, garlic, ginger, ginseng, goldenseal, grapefruit, grapes, green & black teas, horseradish, kale, kelp, kiwi, legumes, lemons, lentils, licorice root, limes, mango, melons, mustard greens, nectarines, nuts & seeds, oats, okra, olive oil, onions, orange, papaya, parsley, peach, peanuts, pears, pecans, peppers, persimmon, pineapple, pomegranate, pumpkin, quinoa, radish, raspberries, rosemary, spinach, squash, spicy foods, strawberries, sweet potatoes, tangerine, thyme, tomatoes, turmeric, turnips, watercress, watermelon, wheat bran, whole grains, yarrow, yogurt, and yucca. Supplements which may be helpful, include: arginine, B6 (pyrodoxine), B complex, beta-carotene, C, calcium & magnesium, cysteine, D, E, folic acid, glutathione, multi-vitamin, multi-mineral, omega-3 fatty acids, and selenium. It should be noted, however, that the best recommendation may be to simply include lots of fruits and vegetables in the diet.

Certain types of food may actually increase the risk of cancer. Those to avoid include: alcohol, animal fats, artificial coloring, artificial sweeteners, artificial anything, fake foods (man-made substitutes), fluoridated water, fried foods, hydrogenated & partially hydrogenated oils, imitation foods, iron supplements, meats cooked in intense heat, any cured or smoked meats, canned meats, micro-waved foods, moldy foods, overcooked foods, pork, processed meats, roasted nuts, sugar, white bread and other products made from white flour, white rice, any food barbecued or burned, and bread crusts or any other toasted foods. Also avoid antibiotics, household pesticides, low-fat diets, stress, tobacco smoke, and unnecessary x-rays. Avoid the ACA's inadequate recommendation of fives servings of fruits and vegetables daily (you need at least nine). In addition, limit: coffee (2-3 cups daily), dairy foods, all meats, processed foods, protein, and salt.

Maintain a healthy weight and get moderate exercise (strenuous exercise may increase risk of cancer). Have a positive outlook and enjoy life. Drink 8-12 cups of water daily. Consume 9+ servings of fruits & vegetables daily (especially raw) daily. Eat whole grains, and get a high fiber diet. Get 7-9 hours sleep nightly.

In case I haven't mentioned it, in this article, it is very important to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. You should get 9-11 servings a day. A serving is about half a cup.

Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended for use as diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for consulting a licensed medical professional.

Charles Browne is an ezine author promoting nutritional healing, and disease prevention. He is also co-author of the web comic The Adventures of Deaf Duck.