Diet Treatment for Cancer
According to the Alternative Medicine Channel, nutrition plays a key role in both the prevention and treatment of cancer. Cancer cells find nourishment in certain types of food; cutting off their food supply can halt their growth and even cause cancer cells to weaken and die. Eating a healthy diet not only boosts the immune system, but also starves cancer cells.
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A Healthy Diet
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A diet that provides proper nutrition can help reduce your risk of cancer or halt its progression. Eat plenty of fresh, unrefined foods that have no added hormones or preservatives. Fresh fruits and vegetables, preferably raw, are essential to strengthening the immune system and maintaining health. Organic foods are best, as pesticides and other chemicals in food can increase the risk of cancer. Drink juices made from fresh fruits and vegetables. Dr. Lorraine Day, orthopedic surgeon and specialist in alternative therapies who successfully treated her own invasive breast cancer with diet and exercise, recommends drinking eight glasses of fresh carrot juice daily.
Other Beneficial Foods
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Olive oil, flaxseed oil and raw almonds are all beneficial foods to add to your diet. Dr. Joseph Mercola, osteopathic physician and leading natural health care practitioner, advises cooking with unrefined virgin coconut oil, which is anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Dr. Mercola also recommends balancing your levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fats by taking fish oil supplements or cod liver oil.
Foods to Avoid
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Eliminate or reduce your intake of sugar, dairy and refined foods---all of which can feed cancer. Refined foods include pasta and white flour. Instead, choose products made from whole grains or pasta made from quinoa, a seed from a plant that is related to spinach. Avoid fried food and other junk foods, alcohol and caffeine. Dr. Day recommends limiting protein and avoiding the use of microwave ovens.
Fluids
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Drink plenty of spring water or distilled water daily. Dr. Day notes that unrecognized symptoms of dehydration can frequently lead to misdiagnosis of other conditions. Avoid water that contains chlorine or fluoride. Drink green tea or black tea. They contain antioxidants and polyphenols, which can shut down the production of tumor cells. When choosing teas, exercise caution to select teas that do not contain fluoride or other harmful ingredients, and choose teas that are caffeine free.
Other Factors
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Exercise, sunlight, fresh air, and a regular sleep schedule are all important components of a healthy lifestyle. According to NaturalNews.com, direct exposure to sunlight stimulates vitamin D production, which helps prevent and treat cancer and also helps the body absorb calcium. Dr. Mercola recommends avoiding sunscreens--which contain toxins and block the body's ability to produce vitamin D--and instead limit your sun exposure to prevent burning.
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