Last month, my family hit me with the news that my Dad was just diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Anytime you find out someone you love has the Big C, it’s a blow to your heart. Well, luckily my Dad’s cancer was caught in the early stage. He will be undergoing surgery sometime this month, then hopefully, that will be the end of it!
I believe that all cancers are related to the choices that we make everyday. We are so fortunate to live in America, the land of the free, where we get to make our own decisions. The bummer is that most Americans make poor decisions, especially towards our health, which contribute too many degenerative diseases. Some general risk factors are poor diet, inactivity, over-use of toxic chemicals (cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, caffeine, etc), high stress, and the lists goes on. It is known that one third of all cancers are related to nutrition. Poor diet has been recognized as a contributing cause for breast, colon, endometrial, lung, prostate, and stomach cancer.
So here are some basic health tips that you can do to prevent cancer and other degenerative diseases:
- Eat whole foods, not that processed crap out there! Include lots of fresh veggies and fruit.
- Do not eat the same thing everyday. Eat a wide variety of healthy, whole foods.
- Stay active and flexible. Do not do cardio exercise only. We all need a wide range of activity, including resistance, calming, and cardo activity.
- Drink plenty of pure water, not soda or juice or milk – we need H2O.
- Do not get wrapped up in the high stress lifestyle. This entails long work hours, eating on the go, eating processed foods (not enough time to cook), daily consumption of caffeine, and not enough sleep.
- Try to avoid drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol.
- Take a good multi-vitamin everyday, as well as omega 3 fish oils.
According to the American Cancer Society, there are some components in food that may fight cancer.
| Active Components | Food Sources |
| Allyl Sulfides: Increase antioxidant enzymes that inhibit carcinogens from forming | Garlic, onions, leeks, chives, watercress |
| Carotenoids (beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein): Antioxidants that scavenge free radicals and control cancer growth | Fruits and vegetables with bright red, yellow, or orange color |
| Catechins: Inhibit the initiation, promotion, and progression of cancer cells | Green and black tea, berries |
| Capsaicin: Inhibits tumor promotion | Chili peppers |
| Flavonoids: Block receptor sites in cells involved in tumor promotion and cell proliferation | Broccoli, carrots, cabbage, eggplant, tomatoes, squash, yams, parsley, peppers, berries, and citrus fruit |
| Monoterpenes: Antioxidants that stimulate anticarcinogenic enzymes | Mint, basil, caraway, coriander, thyme |
| Isothiocyanates: Modulate protective enzymes that metabolize drugs | Cruciferous vegetables (brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage) |
| Phenolic acids: Inhibit nitrosamine formation and affects anticancer enzyme activity | Cruciferous vegetables, eggplant, flaxseed, peppers, celery licorice root, berries, and citrus |
Remember, there is plenty that we can do to prevent the Big C plus many other diseases. Therefore, make good choices and have fun.
Live your life to the fullest!
Dear Dad,I wanted to take this opportunity to write you a personal message. I hope you don’t mind that I used your situation as an example. We all love you very much and want you to live a full, healthy life. Please take care of yourself and let mom help you make good decisions. More than anyone I know, you have the biggest heart and believe in everyone. Keep up the great attitude and remember to believe in yourself too.
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