Cancer prevention goes beyond environmental control; what we put in our bodies can make a big difference.

 

Eating a healthy diet is important when it comes to cancer prevention; in fact,  no more so than protecting the body from free-radicals such as environmental toxins, household chemicals and cigarette smoke.

Supplements serve a multitude of purposes in cancer prevention and treatment, including detoxifying the body, providing foundational nutrients, balance and support immune system, and target and kill circulating tumor cells and/or stem cells.

Some herbs and supplements that have been shown to decrease the risk of cancer. These include:

Chorella, Blue-green algae and Spirulina:

These single-celled animals are a source of Vitamin B12 and bind with heavy metals, helping to eliminate them from the body.

Coriolus Mushrooms:

These disease fighting mushrooms have specific polysaccharides that boost the immune system, reduce tumor growth and combat cancer.

Medicinal Mushrooms:

Medicinal mushrooms are used globally to boost immune system function. Shiitake, maitake, ganoderma, reishi and cordyceps are just a few of the more commonly used mushrooms. Mushrooms have immune-modulating, anti-cancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory properties.

Melatonin:

Melatonin is a hormone that helps to regulate our sleep and waking cycles. This hormone’s levels are closely linked to immune system function. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep and reducing stress will boost your melatonin levels.

Artemisia, or wormwood.

Lab studies have shown artemisinin to have anti-cancer effects upon 55 different types of cancer cells, ranging from leukemia, to colon, to breast and lung cancer cells, and fibrosarcomas (cancers derived from fibrous connective tissue). As one of the best cancer fighting herbs, it has also been proven to kill cancers that have traditionally been resistant to chemotherapy.

Garlic:

Studies suggest that garlic may lower the risk of cancer due to its immune boosting properties, especially gastrointestinal cancers, such as stomach and colon cancers, but also esophageal, pancreatic and breast cancers.

Alpha-linolenic acid (Omega-3 fatty acid):

Omega-3 fatty acids are getting so much attention because the Western diet is so unbalanced with an overabundance of omega-6’s. Omega-3’s have a host of health benefits and research is still underway to validate their benefits in combating cancer.

Green Tea Extract (EGCG):

Green tea contains chemicals called polyphenols, which have potent anti-cancer herbal properties. The most famous of these is called EGCG, which is a powerful free radical scavenger and anti-inflammatory agent that can protect cells from DNA damage that may lead to cancer. EGCG’s antioxidant effects are considered by some researchers to be more powerful than those of either Vitamins E or C.

Curcumin:

Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory chemical that comes from the popular Asian spice turmeric, which has a number of anti-cancer properties, making it a powerful cancer fighting herb.

 

There are countless other herbs and supplements that can help prevent cancer;  a great resource can be found in Conscious Lifestyle Magazine. Prevention measures such as radon testing and mitigation, smoking cessation, diet, and exercise can go a long way toward maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing devastating diseases such as cancer.