ANTI-COLORECTAL LIFESTYLE PART II

More changes you can make in your lifestyle to help prevent colorectal cancer.  See part I below.

• Limit alcohol.  If you drink, cut way back.  Studies have shown that people who average 2 to 4 drinks a day have a 23% higher risk than those averaging less than 1 drink a day.  (Personal note:  I have never drunk alcohol but still had colon cancer.  Again, I have serious digestive system issues which probably caused mine.)
• Exercise.  Sedentary people are about twice as likely to develop colorectal cancer as highly active exercisers.  Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderately intensive exercise a day.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Don't smoke.  Researchers have enough evidence to conclude definitively that smoking tobacco contributes to colorectal cancer.  Women appear to be more susceptible to precancerous polyps from smoking than men, according to a study published online in July 2011 in the Journal Digestive Diseases and Sciences.

Trust me, this is a disease you don't ever want to deal with.  Do what you can to prevent it!

ANTI-COLORECTAL CANCER LIFESTYLE

Studies have shown that up to 40% of all colorectal cancers could be eliminated by the following changes in our diets.  As one who has been faced with this cancer and has lost a relative to it, let me tell you that you want to do everything you can to possibly prevent it!  These are simple changes and I believe it would behoove each of us to make these changes.

• Eat less red meat.  (Not eliminate, reduce).  During digestion red and processed meats form carcinogenic chemicals.  The colorectal cancer risk was 22% higher among people who ate 5 oz of red and processed meat a day compared to those who ate less than 1 oz a day.  This statistic comes from a 2011 meta-analysis combining results of 21 studies.  
• Eat more vegetables, fruits, and fiber.  A recent study using data from the U.S. Polyp Prevention Trial looked at the impact of diet on 1,900 people with a history of precancerous polyps.  Those who met goals for cutting fat and consumed at least 18 grams of fiber and 3 1/2 servings of fruit and vegetables per 1,000 calories daily were 35% less likely to develop new polyps during the study.

Note:  To be continued tomorrow.

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REASONS TO EAT CANTALOUPE

Studies at Kansas State University showed that a carcinogen in cigarette smoke depletes Vitamin A, which may lead to emphysema and lung inflammation.  Not only is cantaloupe a rich source of vitamin A which can help make up for this deficiency for anyone exposed to second-hand smoke, it is also an anti-inflammatory.  The American Cancer Society also suggests eating melons to protect against colorectal cancer and other cancers.  The best part?  Cantaloupe tastes great.

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BROCCOLI AND CANCER

We all know broccoli is good for us and we should eat more of it.  That said, here is some information about broccoli and cancer.  Broccoli has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and both are important to the person dealing with cancer.  Both are also important in helping to prevent cancer.

Sulforaphane, a well-studied phytochemical in broccoli, appears to slow the growth of leukemia and melanoma cells.  Another metabolite, glucosinolate, can inhibit the growth of breast cancer.  If you are battling any of those three mentioned cancers, be sure to make broccoli an important part of your diet.

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ALCOHOL AND ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

Note: This information is from 2015. However, I checked this week, and the information is still valid. Also, alcohol may play a role in other cancers.

The International Journal of Cancer has reported that having two or more alcoholic drinks a day raises estrogen levels and doubles endometrial cancer risk.

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WOMENS TOP CAUSES OF DEATH IN US

Women are often lead to believe that breast and ovarian cancers are their major health concerns. Not so. Women need to be concerned about their overall health the same as men. According to the statistics in 2021 the number one cause of death for females overall (all ages, racial and ethnical females) was heart disease. That was followed by cancer, covid-19 (note 2021 was during the covid crisis), stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. Women pay special attention to your entire body where health is concerned.

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WEIGHT AND CANCER

Disclaimer: I am 5' 6" tall and have never weighted over 150 pounds in my life, except for pregnancies. I have survived breast cancer, colon cancer and am currently doing well with leukemia. I know that you don't have to be overweight to have cancer.

To say that everyone who gets cancer is overweight would be a vast exaggeration.  However, according to research by the American Cancer Society, obesity does raise the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, colon, esophageal, kidney, pancreatic, uterine, and other cancers.  Just one more big reason to watch what you eat and to keep your weight under control.  Make changes to your diet gradually and lose that excess weight.  Not only will you feel better, you may be reducing your chances of getting a nasty cancer.  Cut back on fast food, eat more fruits and vegetables, etc. Make a lifestyle change in your diet!  The life you save could be your own!

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HAVING SOME CONTROL OVER CANCER WITH DIET

The following is a quote from Jeanne Wallace, PhD, a researcher and expert in cancer nutrition.  "When you get a cancer diagnosis, suddenly you become a very powerless person.  You are traipsing through the hospital as a name and number, people do all kinds of procedures to you, and you have a life-threatening condition, which many doctors maintain you have no control over."  Her advice to patients?  She tells them, "You could make some changes with your diet and it would give you some sense of empowerment."  She continues to say, "Even though patients might not have total control over their cancer, they do have some influence."  There are many posts on this blog about foods that will help you fight cancer.  I believe diet is one of the most overlooked but important pieces of the arsenal in a persons cancer fight.

 This is, of course, general information. Certain foods work better with certain types of cancer. Your doctor and nutritionist will be able to help you know what will work best for you. Just remember to consider your foods as part of your medicines to help you get better. 

SHREDDED CARROTS (WITH A SALAD RECIPE)

Many nutritionists and experts on nutrition and health suggest grating carrots.  They say that when carrots are grated or shredded our bodies are able to get the most therapeutic benefits.  Grating or shredding the carrots breaks down cell walls which enables the body to absorb more beta-carotene.  Beta-carotene is the compound in carrots that is believed to help protect against cancer and some of the effects of aging.

Here is a recipe for a tasty grated carrot salad.
3 cups grated carrots
1 cup canned, crushed pineapple in its own juice (no added sugar)
1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (a very healthy nut)

Mix the ingredients together in a bowl.  No dressing needed as the pineapple juice works as a dressing.  Let your imagination go wild with the combinations you can come up with.

 

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'LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE' lX

Today's food as medicine is actually a beverage, green tea.  There is a phytochemical known as EGCG. ECEG which stands for epigallocatechin gallate, in green tea. It has been shown to have some anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, it may have some heart health benefits. It is also believed green tea's antioxidant quality may protect the skin from sun damage. Nature does have many ways to protect us and green tea is definitely one of those ways.

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"LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE" Vll

 Continuing the series about foods as medicine, we reach number 7. Number 7 is garlic and other allium family members. Those family members include garlic, onions, leeks, shallots and scallions. According to the American Institute for Cancer Reasearch, research shows probable evidence the foods listed above reduce the risk of developing common cancers. I believe that is enough to make sure at least some of these foods are included in your diet on a regular basis.

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"LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE" II

Continuing with the medicinal values of foods, we go to broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. These vegetables contain several phytonutrients that research suggests have a variety of positive effects on human health, including reducing chronic inflammation and cancer risk. Both chronic inflammation and cancer issues we all wish to avoid. And remember, even if you don't like broccoli, cabbage, etc, you don't have to just eat them. You can sneak them into casseroles, soups, etc. Give it a try, your body will probably thank you.

"LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE"

 In the 4th Century, Hippocrates authored this famous oath, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be they food". Today, in the 21st Century, the MAHA movement is turning our attention back to what we eat, how it affects our health, overuse of medications, etc. Over the next few days, my posts will discuss foods with the most promising disease-busting benefits. This will be about the foods that should definitely be a part of your diet. These foods will be discussed in alphabetical order, not in any order of one being more important than another. The information was compiled by Carrie Dennett, MPH, RDN. We will start today with BERRIES.

Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are a rich source of numerous phytochemicals that research suggests have a variety of positive effects on human health, including reducing chronic inflammation and cancer risk. Eat your berries!

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NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER

Quick Facts:

• Lung cancer happens when cells in the lungs grow out of control and form tumors.
• Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer.
• Lung cancer is serious, but there are many treatments available. Research into new treatments is ongoing.
• The sooner cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of a good outcome. Do not be afraid to go to the doctor if you think there might be a problem.

HEALTHY CLUE ON BANANA SKINS

 FYI

APPLES

  

LUNG CANCER IS NOT JUST CAUSED BY SMOKING

If you or someone you know receives a lung cancer diagnosis, please know it may not be caused by smoking. Sometimes people think someone with lung cancer should have known better than to smoke cigarettes, etc., but that may not be the reason for the cancer. Yes, smoking may be the cause but there are several other causes to be considered. Lung cancer can be caused by exposure to radon gas, secondhand smoke and other chemicals. Unfortunately, some just have a higher risk for cancer due to heredity. A higher risk for cancer can be passed down from a family member. There are several articles on this blog about cancer causes, treatments, diet for someone with cancer, etc. If you or someone you know, has been diagnosed, type cancer in the search bar for other posts.

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ANOTHER BENEFIT IN EATING DARK LEAFY GREENS

I know many get tired of hearing about dark leafy greens. Having said that, here I go again on benefits of eating dark leafy greens. According to an article, last year I believe, in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating dark leafy greens may reduce bowel cancer risk. Researchers say these greens are high in folate, which is crucial for the repair of damaged DNA and to optimize immunity. Both of those factors contribute to a reduced risk of cancer. The researchers suggest 400 mcg, of folate daily. Some foods to eat are spinach, broccoli, kale, etc. Below is a good group of foods to choose from.

MALNOURISHMENT AND CANCER PATIENTS

NOTE: This is general information and may not work in specific situations. First and foremost, follow your doctor's advice. But do your best to stay nourished properly!

One of the biggest problems many cancer patients face is a lack of appetite and the foods they do eat not tasting so good.  Ironically, good nourishment is one of the things they need most.  The body simply cannot fight cancer (or other illnesses) without proper nourishment.  It is one of the most important overlooked areas in so many patients' cancer treatments.  If someone you know is fighting this horrific disease, one of the most important things you can do to help is to see that they eat and eat properly.  They do not have to eat a big meal.  In fact, small meals are preferable.  But something as important as the proper broth or soup can do wonders to help the body heal.   Often these patients are too sick to cook for themselves so make sure they have soups, broths, fruits, etc available at all times.  There are several articles on this site to help you with that. Rebecca Katz, a chef who works with oncologists, nutritionists, and cancer wellness professionals says, "As many as 80% of cancer patients are malnourished, often leaving them too weakened to withstand ongoing treatment.  Keeping them nourished with healthy foods gives patients a better chance of making the transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor."  Dr. Keith I. Block, MD has said, "Eating a plant-based diet is fundamental to a successful cancer fight."  Something as simple as a handful of blueberries can be very helpful to patients.

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ASPARAGUS AS AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Asparagus is a great natural anti-inflammatory.  Since inflammation in the body is known to contribute to many illnesses and is thought by the medical community to contribute to the proliferation of cancer, asparagus should be on all our list of foods we eat!  This is one of the vegetables we need to get our children to start eating as young as possible.

The phytochemicals in asparagus mimic a type of anti-inflammatory known as a COX-2 inhibitor.  Other nutrients in which asparagus is rich are other cancer-fighters such as Vitamin-A which has been shown in lab and animal studies to take on skin, breast, liver, colon, and prostate cancers.  Another is Vitamin-K (prostate and lung cancers).  Also, folic acid which is known as an excellent fighter of many cancers including colorectal, esophageal, stomach, and breast.

If you don't like asparagus, think of it as preventative medicine and learn to like it.  If you suffer from any of the above-mentioned cancers, it is imperative to add asparagus to your diet!

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