Your Cancer Lifestyle
by John King
If you were diagnosed with diabetes your doctor would probably tell you not to eat sugar and to stay away from bread and pasta. Likewise, if you were to be diagnosed with hypertension your physician may tell you to follow the DASH Diet, a diet low in sodium. He may even tell you to change your lifestyle and get more exercise. It just makes sense, right? Diet and lifestyle directly influence health. Ironically, when diagnosed with cancer, this type of advice is rarely given. Because diet and lifestyle go unmentioned, one could leave the doctor’s office thinking that these things do not have much bearing on their prognosis. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, not taking your diet and daily habits into consideration could reduce your chances of successful treatment and recovery.
Below is a list of Lifestyle Do’s and Don’ts for anyone diagnosed with cancer. Some of these things will be difficult to implement for most people as we are most certainly creatures of habit. Don’t be discouraged, just keep at it and in time you can change your lifestyle to be “cancer friendly”. Even after a successful treatment outcome, DO NOT FORGET this list of Do’s and Don’ts! Many people make the mistake of going back to their old ways after successful treatment only to have their cancer return. Please don’t make that mistake.
Dietary Recommendations
Things to avoid:
Sugar: Cancer has often been compared to fungi, which makes perfect sense since the environments that promote the survival of both are similar. Thus, it is logical that sugar would be a primary food source for cancer cells. As much as possible avoid all foods with added sugar. This includes high fructose corn syrup.
Acceptable forms of sugar are those natural to food such as in fruit. Try to stick with fruits that have a lower glycemic index. Acceptable sweeteners that can be used in moderation are: raw unfiltered honey, unsulphured black strap molasses, pure maple syrup, rice syrup and “date sugar”. Stevia is an all natural sweetener that can be used any time. Liquid stevia mixes well, generally tastes better and can be used in cooking. Beware of products that are labeled as stevia but contain other ingredients.
White Flour Products: White flour brakes down into sugar very rapidly and should be avoided. White bread, white pasta products and white rice all fall into this category. Instead, lean toward products made with whole grain and brown rice. Please note that people with gluten sensitivities will need to avoid whole grains containing gluten such as: wheat, oats, rye, barley and possibly others. While you may not be aware that you have any gluten sensitivity, my advice is to limit the consumption of gluten containing products to no more than once or twice per week.
Hydrogenated Fats: Hydrogenated fats (also called trans fats) are oils that have been modified by the addition of hydrogen atoms to convert them into solid form. Not only are trans fats bad for your heart, they are associated with a wide range of other health problems. Examples of foods containing hydrogenated fats are: Crisco, margarine, mayonnaise, processed peanut butter, frozen dough and pizza products, microwave popcorn, coffee creamers and fried foods. Deep fried foods should also be avoided as many contain trans fats. Additionally, oils heated to high temperatures start to break down and form dangerous free radicals. Saturated fats such as butter, coconut and palm oil are allowed in moderation. (Please note that the use of dairy products by people with cancer is highly controversial.) Unsaturated oils that have been cold pressed such as safflower, sesame, sunflower, avocado and virgin olive may be used. When cooking with oil use minimal heat so as not to damage the oil. Avocado oil is especially good for sauteing as it has a high smoke point.
Animal Products: The consumption of animal products by people with cancer is a controversial subject. Many say an all plant diet is the only way to go for cancer patients. Another school of thought states that limited amounts of certain animal proteins are beneficial. My opinion is that it depends on your body type. Some people just cannot meet their protein requirements on a plant based diet. They would simply have to eat too much food. The amino acid profile of plant and animal protein is also very different. Another important point to note is that animal protein is basically the only natural source of vital Co-Q-10, an essential antioxidant.
If you are going to eat animal protein stick with skinless organic free range chicken and low mercury wild caught seafood. If you like sushi, stick to low risk fish. Beef and pork should be avoided due to their high fat content. Some people find that they have trouble maintaining their iron levels when giving up beef. Beef is a primary source of iron and Vitamin B12 for humans. If you have trouble maintaining your iron levels, consider a low dose iron supplement a few times a week. You may also consider having no more than two servings per week of lean organic grass fed beef.
Dairy Products: Dairy is another controversial topic. There is evidence that suggests dairy products increase the risk and voracity of certain types of cancer. Some argue that raw organic and or fermented milk products do not pose this risk and may actually be beneficial. In my opinion there is just not enough evidence to that effect to risk it. Thus, my advice is to eliminate all diary products from your diet. This includes milk, yogurt, cheese and eggs. Switch to non-dairy alternatives such as nut milks and cheeses. Eggs have also been linked to certain types of cancer and should be avoided.
Alcohol: Alcohol is linked to several type of cancers. Eliminate alcoholic beverages like beer, wine and hard liquor from your diet. Instead, substitute seltzer with a twist of lemon or lime as your social beverage.
Caffeine: Cut back on caffeine. Caffeine can be dehydrating and you need to stay fully hydrated to ensure your body detoxifies properly. Some caffeinated beverages, such as organic coffee and tea, provide valuable antioxidants. Moderate amounts of caffeine actually serve to stimulate the immune system, just don’t over-do. If you choose to drink decaffeinated coffee, stick to organic water decaffeinated, as many of the chemicals used in the decaffeination process are highly toxic. Sugary caffeinated drinks such as colas, Red Bull, Monster and the like, should never be consumed. Instead, incorporate more herbal teas into your daily routine. Not only are they tasty, but many can have therapeutic effects.
Food Additives: One of the most important things you can do is to learn to READ LABELS! If you are not already a label reader you will be amazed at the number of chemicals that are added to your food. None of these chemicals are good for you and certainly will not help you heal from cancer. Although there are literally thousands of food additives they all fall info a few major categories.
Preservatives: Look for things like BHA, BHT, nitrites, nitrates, sodium benzoate, benzoic acid and sulphites. All processed and cured meats such as bologna, salami, hot dogs, corned beef and pastrami should be avoided because they contain nitrates which when ingested produce cancer causing nitrosamines.
Colorings: Avoid artificial colorings. They can be found in most anything but are most common in meats, soda, candy, maraschino cherries, juice drinks and the like. Manufacturers add artificial colorings to foods to make them more appetizing. Sometimes they are easy to spot like when they are used in cake frosting or Mountain Dew. Other uses are more insidious such as when used in meats where the use of artificial color is not expected.
Artificial Flavors: The less real ingredients in a product the more it will require the use of artificial flavors, avoid them. Look for them in: soda, cake, pastries, candy, juice drinks and frozen treats.
Flavor Enhancers: Avoid artificial sweeteners such as: aspartame (NutraSweet), sucralose (Splenda) and saccharine (Sweet ‘n Low). These sweeteners are not only linked to cancer and numerous other side effects but have a number of other deleterious effects. Contrary to popular belief, artificial sweeteners actually cause you to gain weight, not lose it. Additionally, the corruption of gut health, malabsorption of nutrients, metabolic syndrome and cognitive impairment are all consequences of using these products. Stevia is the only safe non-caloric sweetener. I prefer the organic liquid form as it mixes easily with everything. MSG is a substance used to bring out the flavor in foods and I have been finding it unexpected places. MSG is classified as an excitotoxin and should not be consumed.
Fluoride: Generally considered safe, fluoride is a mutagen linked to cancer. If you have city water and not a well you will want to remove the fluoride or use bottled spring water. In order to remove fluoride from tap water you will need a reverse osmosis system. There are many types of reverse osmosis systems (RO), some will even fit right on your kitchen counter. Do not use fluoride containing supplements, dental treatments or toothpaste. You can get fluoride free toothpaste at any health food store.
Bromide & Bromine: Bromine and bromine compounds are all hazardous to your health. They are added to flour to enhance it’s strength and elasticity. Commercially baked goods are usually always made from brominated flour. And that’s not all. Bromine is often used in hot tubs in lieu of chlorine. Bathing in bromine allows it to be absorbed directly through the skin. If you own a hot tub consider installing an ozone purification system (also available for pools), it’s healthy and you’ll never have to buy those nasty chemicals ever again
Chlorine: Chlorine can affect health in several ways. It damages DNA and over time this damage could lead to cancer. Ingesting chlorine also disrupts gut health. However not all damage is done directly to the body. When used to sterilize water, chlorine reacts with substances in the water supply to produce carcinogenic compounds. Filter your water to remove chlorine.
Genetically Modified Foods: Genetically modified foods or GMOs are the scourge of the 21st Century. Read labels and avoid these foods whenever you can. Support projects and companies that promote truth in labeling. It is beyond the scope of this article to take on the health hazards of GMOs. Click here to learn more.
What to eat:
Unprocessed Foods: Eat whole unprocessed foods as much as possible. If a food does not spoil it’s probably not a good idea to eat it. Likewise, if you cannot tell what something was made from just by looking at it, it’s been processed too much. The outer isles/perimeter of the supermarket usually contains the least processed foods. Learn to shop there.
Organic: As much as you can afford to, buy organic. I know organic foods can be pricey, but it’s kind of a “pay me now or pay me later” proposition. If you’re on a budget and cannot afford to go 100% organic but want to reduce your toxic burden, try and buy according to this list of critical organic foods.
Raw Foods: Try to eat the majority of your fruits and vegetables raw. Plants are living things that contain many vitamins, enzymes and phytonutrients that can be damaged by cooking. Eating these foods raw preserves these nutrients and all the plant’s life forces. If you’re not accustomed to eating raw foods they can be a little hard to digest for some people. In this case start out by lightly steaming or sauteing your vegetables, gradually incorporating more raw foods over time.
Probiotics & Fermented Foods: Take a daily probiotic supplement first thing every morning upon arising. The addition of fermented/cultured foods to your diet also adds beneficial microorganisms to your digestive tract. Research is telling us that up to 70-80% of our immune system is located in our gut and that poor gut health is linked to many health problems.
Choose Plants: Emphasize fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Consume animal protein sparingly if at all. Think of your plate as a canvas and paint it with a wide variety of colors and foods. Try not to eat the same foods day after day as this lends itself to the development of food sensitivities.
Water: Water is essential to life. Drink plenty of un-chlorinated non-fluoridated water. Without adequate hydration our bodies cannot detoxify, digest food, or perform well physically or mentally. Many symptoms of illness we have may not be illness at all but can be attributed to chronic dehydration.
More and more stories are popping up in the news about contaminated municipal water supplies such as in Flint, Michigan and Newark, New Jersey. Likewise well water contamination is becoming more widespread. With over drilling, farm and petro-chemical contamination becoming the norm, I am recommending everyone have their water tested and treated if required.
Chew Your Food!: Learn to be a mindful eater and take your time with meals. Don’t just eat, dine. Chewing your food well helps to ensure proper digestion. While chewing, be mindful of your food, really taste it and imagine it’s beneficial affect on your body. Consider the use of nutritional supplements, they are required in most cases. The use of a digestive enzyme will not only help you to digest your meal but will also help with the proper digestion and utilization of fats, vitamins and minerals.
Consider Food Sensitivities: When developing your new diet consider food sensitivities. You’re already fighting cancer the last thing you need to do is inadvertently add additional challenges to your immune system. There are many tests out there to detect food sensitivities and to outline them all is beyond the scope of this article. To learn more about food allergies and sensitivities, click here. Eating a wide variety of foods will help in preventing sensitivities.
Non-Dietary Recommendations
What to avoid:
Tobacco: Don’t smoke! Smoking is probably the single worst thing you can do to your body. If you smoke, quit! Avoid cigarettes, pipes, cigars and all tobacco smoke. Avoid breathing other people’s second hand smoke.
Recreational Drugs: Avoid the use of recreational drugs. With the exception of marijuana, there are no recreational drugs that have any beneficial effect on the body. Most all recreational drugs are contaminated with potentially deadly ingredients, you can never be sure what’s in them. That safety concern aside, they are just a bad idea. If you have cancer why would you want to further poison your body? Medical marijuana has shown some success with some cancers, pain management and some psychological problems. It is not a silver bullet and should not be used as a stand alone treatment.
Prescription Drugs: If you use prescription drugs, check with your doctor and see if you can take a lower dose or possibly eliminate them altogether. Over time we tend to “accumulate prescriptions” and sometimes continue to take things we no longer need. Our society is chronically overdosed with prescription medications. Not everyone needs the maximum dose of a medication. Talk with your physician and take an inventory of your prescriptions. Eliminate the ones you no longer need and reduce dosages on others if possible.
OTC Medications: We are truly a “pill society”. Have a headache, take a pill! Got a rash, there’s a cream for that! We have been brainwashed into self medicating at the slightest discomfort. Meanwhile, that headache could be simple dehydration and that rash is because you changed laundry detergent. Make Over The Counter medications the exception rather than the rule. Drug interactions are a major problem that send thousands to the Emergency Room each year. Speak to a qualified holistic practitioner to find natural remedies to replace your OTC medications and ferret out the hidden causes of your discomfort.
Synthetic Hormones: Synthetic hormones used for HRT (men & Women) should not be used. If hormone replacement is truly required use only bio-identical hormones and have levels monitored regularly. Note that is important to monitor not only the hormones you are replacing but also their metabolites. Consult with someone well versed in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.
Chemical Exposure: We are exposed to numerous toxic chemicals everyday. Reduce or eliminate your chemical exposures. Consider these products, many are used daily: cleaning products, anti-bacterial soap, spray paint, pesticides, weed killer, air fresheners, moth balls, automotive products and the list goes on. If you must use these products be sure to wear protective gloves and a respirator so as not to inhale their fumes.
Antiperspirants / Deodorants: Aluminum is a toxic metal that is an ingredient in most antiperspirants. Stick to products that do not contain aluminum or better yet don’t use them at all. Plain corn starch can be used to absorb excess perspiration. Avoid the use of talcum powder as talc in it’s natural form does contain asbestos, a deadly carcinogen.
Hair Dyes: Most hair dyes contain carcinogenic chemicals and should be avoided by men and women. Some natural plant based dyes available in health food stores are probably safe to use.
Lipstick: Most lipsticks contain lead and other toxic heavy metals. Research your cosmetics and only buy products free of these toxins.
Soaps / Lotions: Antibacterial soaps contain cancer causing triclosan. Stick with pure castile soap containing as few ingredients as possible. Many moisturizing lotions along with cosmetics contain toxic chemicals. Be discriminating when buying these products.
Suntan Lotion: Sunscreen may be used to prevent skin damage from long exposures to the sun. However, moderate sun exposure directly to the skin (without burning) is necessary for optimum health. Sun exposure to 80% of the body to the point where the skin just begins to turn pink, without burning, several times per week will help to ensure adequate Vitamin D production.
Mercury: Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that is extremely difficult to remove from the body. We are exposed to mercury on almost a daily basis from a variety of sources. If you have any kind of chronic illness I recommend heavy metal testing. Having a high burden of heavy metals will make it difficult if not impossible for the body to heal.
Dental Fillings: “Silver” dental fillings are not really silver but are made from an amalgam of metals that include mercury. If you have amalgam dental fillings consider having them removed. Have this done by a holistic dentist experienced in the safe removal of amalgams. Contact me for a do it yourself protocol that helps protect you from mercury contamination during this process.
Fish: Unfortunately most fish has some degree of mercury contamination. Generally, the larger the fish the more mercury it will contain. Choose fish that tend to contain the least mercury. Do not consume fish that are high in mercury or limit their consumption to no more than once per month.
Vaccines: Thimerosal is a mercury containing preservative used in vaccines. Exposure to this compound can be very dangerous and should be avoided. Vaccines have also been found to contain other toxic metals such as aluminum. Check the ingredients in all vaccines before you receive them. You have the right to informed consent!
Electronics: Electronic devices contain a myriad of toxic metals from mercury to cadmium to lead,…and the list goes on. Should any of the components become damaged you may be exposed to toxins. Likewise, smoke detectors, florescent and LED light bulbs contain mercury, so be careful in disposing of them that they do not break and expose you to their toxic payload. Batteries contain lead, nickel and cadmium. Be careful in disposing of them, never expose them to heat and if they are leaking do not touch them!
Aluminum & Teflon Cookware: Although a fantastic conductor of heat, aluminum is probably one of the worst metals to cook in. Acid in foods leaches aluminum from the cookware and that ends up in your food! The biggest concern for aluminum is that it is a neurotoxin linked to Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. When heated, Teflon cookware releases fluoride which was discussed earlier in this article. Avoid using both of these. Stick to seasoned cast iron, stainless steel or ceramic cookware.
Plastic Food Containers: Most plastic food containers contain phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). Both of these chemicals are endocrine disruptors and cause cancer. Only use glass containers for food storage and never heat foods in plastic containers.
Canned Food: In order to prevent corrosion, food cans are lined with a coating that contains BPA and other toxic chemicals. Stick to buying foods that are packed in glass jars.
Microwave Ovens: Microwaves devitalize food and emit harmful radiation in their immediate vicinity. Even the best microwave ovens have “hot spots” where harmful electromagnetic radiation leaks out. Just don’t use them.
High Voltage Power Lines: The human body is a highly complex electro-chemical machine. Thus it makes sense to avoid powerful electromagnetic fields. Avoid high voltage power lines. If you live near them consider moving. If you don’t think that there is much radiation under high voltage power lines, watch this video.
Radio Frequency & Electromagnetic Radiation: Avoid electromagnetic fields as much as possible. Our modern wireless world is laden with sources of electromagnetic radiation. Common sources include: cell phones, Bluetooth devices, electric blankets, water beds (heating element), diagnostic x-rays and CT scans, computers, TVs and microwave ovens. If you’ve had repeated medical imaging studies you can calculate your x-ray exposure risk here.
Tight Clothing: Avoid tight clothing that restricts the flow of lymph. Your lymphatic system needs to be unencumbered to facilitate circulation and drainage. Women who wear tight bras may be increasing their risk of breast cancer. Bras should be as loose fitting as possible.
What to do:
Exercise: Our modern sedentary lifestyle is the root of more health problems than I can enumerate in this article. The human body is a complex machine that needs physical activity to stay in tune and function at it’s peak. Looking past physical health, one must have a healthy body to have a healthy mind. The converse is also true in that when our emotional health is neglected our bodies suffer. Exercise oxygenates the blood, burns excess calories, lowers blood sugar, maintains muscle mass, improves cardiovascular health, promotes the circulation of lymph, stimulates a healthy immune response and detoxifies the body. Thus, it is easy to see why exercise is so beneficial for the cancer patient/survivor.
If you are not already in the habit of exercising daily, consult with your physician to ensure it is safe for you to do so. Start slow and set realistic goals for yourself. Going from a sedentary lifestyle to trying to run a marathon overnight will most certainly result in injury. Additionally, it is possible to exercise too much and overtax the body which could result in reduced immune function. The key is to take your time, be consistent and you will reach your fitness goals.
You will want to combine aerobic exercise with both strength training and stretching routines. Each of these three types of exercise have their own unique benefits. Aerobic exercise is good for he cardiovascular system and improves blood oxygenation. Strength training prevents muscle loss and improves quality of life. In experiments with mice, stretching has been shown to slow tumor growth. The great thing about stretching is that it can be done by anyone, regardless of your level of fitness. It is important to learn to breathe properly while stretching to obtain it’s full benefits. I suggest taking a yoga class or you can start here.
Work up to exercising at least 45 minutes four times a week. We all have our own individual capacity for exercise, some higher than others. Some people will be able to do more than others. Realize that you are not in competition with anyone except yourself. Each time you exercise you should do so to the point of perspiration. Working up a “good sweat” means you have worked your body sufficiently. Choose activities that you enjoy and look forward to. After all, this is not a punishment! The most important things to remember are: be consistent, set realistic goals and don’t over train.
Stress Management: Everyone should take part in some form of daily stress management. Having cancer makes stress management all that more important. Chronic long term stress weakens the immune system. We must remember to treat the body as a whole. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind and a healthy mind helps us to maintain a healthy body.
There are many stress reduction techniques one can employ to calm the body. Mindfulness meditation, Tai Chi, Qi Gong are popular stress reducing practices. If you find it difficult to meditate try Yoga. With it’s melding of stretching, breathing and physical toning of the body, Yoga gives you a lot of bang for the buck. The key is to find something you like and stick with it. If you find yourself losing track of time when performing your practice you are on the right track. If you find it difficult to maintain a practice I suggest taking a class where you are required to show up at least several times per week. If you have paid for a class you are much more likely to go and have it become a habit.
Take steps to release any stored trauma in the body. This includes past trauma and that which you may experience as a result of your cancer. Having PTSD as a result of your cancer treatment is not unusual. If you suspect that you may have PTSD consult with a mental health professional. When treating your PTSD try to employ techniques that do not involve the use of drugs. Medications should only be used when you have exhausted all other methods. Some popular drug free techniques for managing PTSD are EMDR, EFT and TRE. If you have long standing trauma or are treatment resistant, I recommend giving Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises or TRE a try. What I love about this technique is that there are no affirmations, no recalling of past events, you don’t even have to believe that it will work, it just does!
Psychotherapy: I always recommend some type of talk therapy for my clients with chronic illness. Having cancer or any other chronic illness is extremely stressful. There is the cost, quality of life issues, uncertainty, issues with self-worth, relationship problems and just going to so many doctors! Even if you don’t think you need psychotherapy, I recommend at least consulting with one occasionally to “check in”. You will be surprised at all the hidden issues that surface when you start talking. Also, if you are in a relationship, you don’t want your significant other to become your “therapist”. This is a sure fire way to put unnecessary strain on your relationship. If you can find a therapist who has experience with your particular malady, all the better as the problems faced by the chronically ill are unique.
Another option is to seek out the assistance of a support group. If your ability to travel is limited you can take advantage of the many on-line support groups. However, if you are able, I highly recommend attending a local group in person. Making time to actually go to the group gets you out of your head more so than sitting at your computer. Also the chances of making a meaningful personal connection are greater. Local groups may not meet as frequently as you need them too, so in this case a combination of in person and on-line support may be required.
Relationships: Build yourself a strong support system. Improve your current relationships with family and friends. Detach from and eliminate toxic relationships from your life when possible. Toxic people lead to toxic emotions and are not conducive to healing. Do not place unnecessary strain on your relationships by overtaxing them with your worries. This is the role of your therapist and or support group. Don’t forget about your primary caregiver as they are under great stress as well. They may need their own support apart from you and that is OK. Click here for some key points about relationships and chronic illness.
Achieve Life Balance: Strive to achieve a healthy balance in your life between work, relationships, exercise and play. As important as your career is to you, your health is your primary concern. Work and relationships are important but can be taxing. Learn to take time for yourself. As adults sometimes we lose site of the fact that children are not the only one that need to “play” and have fun. I recommend taking up a hobby. It doesn’t matter what it is so long as you enjoy doing it. If it is something that you get totally engrossed in, losing all track of time, then you are on the right track. Schedule time for your hobby aside from your other “alone time” or exercise. This time is your time solely for your enjoyment.
Detoxify Your Body: Throughout our daily lives we are bombarded with toxic substances. From the food we eat to the air we breathe, toxins are everywhere. Even our water supply in many places has been contaminated with pollutants. As these toxic substances accumulate in our bodies they inhibit our ability to heal and may even become a source of illness in and of themselves. Thus, when one has a chronic illness it’s a good idea to employ some kind daily detoxification regime.
There are many ways to incorporate a detoxification program into your daily life. Some methods of detoxification are specific to certain substances while others are more universal. Both have their place. When starting a detox program it is important to start slowly to avoid a detoxification reaction. When a body laden with toxins begins to release them too quickly we can suffer from a detox reaction. Symptoms may include: headache, nausea, joint/muscle pain, mucosal discharge, bowel disturbances and “flu-like” symptoms. Should this occur, drink plenty of pure water and back off of your program a bit until symptoms subside.
A good place to start with detoxification is just to make sure your bowels are kept clear. This can easily be accomplished with a nightly dose of psyllium husk (follow label directions). Other methods of detoxification include: intermittent fasting, saunas (steam & infrared), herbal capsules and teas, colon irrigation and homeopathy.
One important thing to note when detoxifying your body. If you are taking any chemotherapy or cancer drugs it’s important to verify that you’re not negating their effectiveness by flushing from your body too quickly. In this case I recommend working with a holistic practitioner along with your oncologist. If you do not know where to begin with your regime, contact me and I’ll be happy to assist you.
Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight is important for our health. When the weather permits, try to expose yourself to the sun for 20-30 minutes minimum without sunglasses or the use of sun screen. Expose as much skin surface area as possible. You know you have had sufficient exposure when your skin just begins to turn pink without burning. Do not get sunburned!
Optimize Critical Nutrients: If you have spent any time on the internet researching nutritional supplements for cancer you are probably overwhelmed with their number and claims of a cure. Certain specific supplements have proved to be beneficial for certain cancers but there are three critical nutrients you need to optimize. They are vitamins D, K and C. These nutrients have been shown to be effective in helping to treat most types of cancer. The effective dosages of these nutrients is far higher than would be recommended by any other than a holistic physician. Vitamin D dosage should be optimized based on actual blood levels, there is no other way to verify that you are taking enough to be of benefit. Use only vitamin D3 in softgel form and consume your full dose with the largest meal of the day. If you are taking anticoagulants check with your doctor before using vitamin K. You may want to ask to be switched to an anticoagulant that is not affected by vitamin K supplementation. There are many forms of vitamin C. Plain ascorbic acid (preferably with bioflavonoids) is probably the cheapest and most effective form of vitamin C. Other forms of vitamin C are available which may or may not be more effective. Divide your total daily vitamin C dosage and consume with meals.
Reduce Inflammation: Inflammation is an important factor in cancer progression and many other diseases. Chronic low grade inflammation may be present in your body without you even knowing it. Root out sources of inflammation and eliminate them from your life. Go on an anti-inflammatory diet. Try nutritional supplements that combat inflammation. Some basic information to help you get started can be found here. Unless your life depends on it, do not use steroids to treat inflammation as they suppress the body’s immune system for extended periods of time.
Earthing: Earthing is a simple concept and easy to practice. It is merely the act of connecting one’s self to earth ground either by walking barefoot outdoors or connecting yourself to earth ground via a conductive system. Modern man insulates himself from the earth by wearing shoes. This prevents the flow of free electrons from the earth into the body. Earthing has many health benefits such as: reducing inflammation & chronic pain, improving sleep & overall vitality, reducing stress, normalizing circadian rhythm, improved blood viscosity & hormone balance, mitigation of electromagnetic fields (EMF), reduced muscle tension & headaches and accelerated healing.
Get Back To Basics: We have survived for thousands of years without antibacterial soap, air fresheners and caustic cleaning products. Convinced by clever marketing campaigns, we buy these products because we “need” them not realizing what they are doing to our health. The fact is most cleaning around the home and office can be accomplished with simple non toxic substances you already have in your cupboard or medicine cabinet.
A 50/50 solutions of vinegar and water will clean windows and counter tops. Baking soda is also a highly effective non-toxic cleaning agent. For sanitizing bathroom surfaces plain old hydrogen peroxide from the drug store works great! Instead of using a toxic air freshener try using a diffuser with natural oils to freshen your home. Natural essential oils are essentially non-toxic and can have a therapeutic affect. Click here for some tips on getting your home clean as a whistle without chemicals.
Read Labels: Learn to read labels! It’s a real education when you start to read the labels on your food, cosmetics, cleaning products and household supplies. Avoid foodstuffs with ingredients that you cannot pronounce or do not recognize. When it comes to food the fewer ingredients the better. Check the labels on your cosmetics for toxic metals and endocrine disruptors.
The list of cancer causing chemicals we are exposed to grows almost daily as companies try to provide “better living through chemistry”. How many substances on this list of common carcinogens can you find in products around your home?
Closing Thoughts
Cancer is a life long proposition in that even if cured, one must remain ever vigilant against it’s return. It’s a tough battle, one where losing is not an option. Take advantage of any edge you can gain in your fight. Living a “clean life” is the best way to lay a solid foundation for healing and to preserve your progress. Following these guidelines will help you to clean up your life and lay that foundation. As you do your own research you will undoubtedly find things to add to this this list that are germane to your specific cancer or illness. This is part of the learning curve of cancer and chronic illness. The more knowledge you gain, the more powerful you will become in your fight. There was much information presented here to digest. Try not to be overwhelmed. Focus on the easiest things to implement first and then move on to the next. Take time to acknowledge the positive changes you are making and give yourself credit for all your hard work. And remember, it is hard work so be patient and kind to yourself. If you happen to stumble you can always start tomorrow anew.
Best in Health,
John