The Times They Are A Changing

We all carry at least a few cancer cells in our bodies all the time. Our natural defenses usually keep these cells from forming a disease. Aside from this fact, more than 1/3 of Americans will develop a detectable cancer - wow, that’s a large portion of the population. However, it means that 2/3 of the population was able to keep their body’s defenses strong enough to keep the disease from taking hold. It’s true that there is some genetic predisposition to certain cancers. But, it certainly isn’t the whole answer. It only contributes 15% of the actual risk. Keeping our defenses strong is the control we have over cancer.

Research says that cancer has a better chance of growing if:

* immune systems are weak
* low-grade chronic inflammation persists
* blood vessels arise to feed the tumor

Exercise

The only power we have is to make healthy decisions that will keep these growing factors at bay. Exercise, the dreaded, hated activity is so important to health. You always hear to choose something you love. But, it really isn’t that easy unless you really, really love doing some activity. If you just kind of like it, you won’t be drawn to continue it on a regular basis. The answer really is to find something convenient that you can form into a habit. The suggestions about parking your car at the end of the parking lot and walking every day is a better choice because it creates a habit. The habit becomes part of life rather than something you have to think about doing and then talking yourself out of.

Sugar

Take sugar out of your life. Sugar is a big contributor in fueling cancer growth and inflammation. Refined sugar is bad, bad, bad. Much worse than most people realize. Not only sugar, but consider the foods that quickly turn into sugar in the body, such as white flour and all the things that are made from it. Check out the Glycemic Index to choose foods that are low in refined sugar as well as give the body slow even levels of sugar.

Cancer Fighting Foods

Add these to your diet where ever you can. Studies have shown them to be powerful fighters against cancer.

* Herbs: thyme, rosemary, basil, mint, sage, ginger and turmeric.
* Omega 3 foods: walnuts, green vegetables, salmon, mackerel and sardines.
* Cruciferous Vegetables: cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli.
*Garlic, onions and leaks
* Raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and blueberries.
* Dark Chocolate
* Green tea (white tea), pomegranate juice, red wine (moderate).

Stress

Stress weakens the immune system. You must find ways to relieve it. Yoga, meditation, exercise are just three ways to alleviate stress. Just getting away from a stressful situation for a few minutes, take deep breaths and consciously relaxing your muscles is a help.

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