February 4th is World Cancer Day.
February 4th is World Cancer Day.
At Hope Spring, we help support men and women diagnosed with cancer to achieve a better quality of life, with the implementation of a supportive naturopathic treatment plan that complements ‘gold standard' treatments chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Working within the field of oncology is not for the faint-hearted and for us at times can be heart-breaking, however, when a patient's symptoms improve or we hear they are in remission it is most definitely rewarding news. Whilst we are here to help and support, our motto is always 'Prevention is Better Than Cure'.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports between 30-50% of all cancer cases are preventable. Prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer and all disease. The WHO agrees national policies and programs should be implemented to raise awareness, to reduce exposure to cancer risk factors and to ensure that people are provided with the information and support they need to adopt healthy lifestyles.
In support of World Cancer Day, today's focus will be on cancer prevention and daily factors we all need to address.
Dietary Modifications, Physical Inactivity, Obesity and Overweight
Dietary modification and hydration is an important approach to cancer control. There is a link between being overweight and obese to many types of cancer such as oesophagus, colorectum, breast, endometrium, and kidney. Diets high in organic or biodynamic fruits and vegetables may have an independent protective effect against many cancers. Regular physical activity and the maintenance of healthy body weight, along with a healthy diet, considerably reduce cancer risk. In addition, healthy eating habits that prevent the development of diet-associated cancers will also lower the risk of other noncommunicable diseases.
Knowing which foods feed cancer cells, which interfere with treatment, and which assist in healing is vital.
Refined sugar feeds and strengthens cancer cells and should be the first substance to be eliminated.
Sugar substitutes, refined flour and trans fatty acids damage the body and numerous studies link them to cancer.
Dairy and all mucus-forming foods should also be avoided.
Processed foods, carbonated beverages, coffee, alcohol, chlorine and fluoride fall into the category of foods and substances that interfere with healing and may fuel cancer's growth.
Herbs, organic and biodynamic fruits and vegetables have properties that protect against and inhibit the proliferation of cancer while strengthening, cleansing and repairing the body. These include:
green leafy vegetables
cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc.)
sea vegetables
fruits (especially berries and dark grapes with seeds and skins)
garlic
ginger
turmeric
green tea, among many others
Comprehensive bespoke nutritional plans are available with our Master Nutritionist, Juliana, or Aliyyaa. If you require a more in-depth service about what and how to eat, get in touch to discuss booking our NEW UPCOMING online cookery classes with our Nutritional Chef from the comfort of your own home.
Alcohol Use
Alcohol use is a risk factor for many cancer types including cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colorectum and breast. Risk of cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. For several types of cancer, heavy drinking of alcohol combined with tobacco use substantially increases the risks of cancer. In 2010, alcohol-attributable cancers were estimated to be responsible for 337,400 deaths worldwide, predominantly among men.
Reducing your daily or weekly intake of alcohol will lower your risk of cancer. Speak to us about supporting you through alcohol withdrawal in collaboration with Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MCBT).
Infections
In 2012, approximately 15% of all cancers were attributable to infectious agents such as helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, and Epstein-Barr virus. The fraction of infection-attributable cancers varied between countries and development status, from less than 5% in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States and select countries in western and northern Europe to more than 50% in some countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Two-thirds of infection-attributable cancers (1.4 million cases) occur in less developed countries.
At Hope Spring Clinic all Laboratory tests are available respectively. Speak to us about building a strong immune system that protects your body against recurrent infections.
Environmental Pollution
Pollution of air, water and soil with carcinogenic chemicals contributes to the cancer burden to differing degrees depending on the geographical settings. Outdoor air pollution is classified as carcinogenic, or cancer-causing, for humans. It has been estimated that outdoor air pollution contributed to 3.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2012 including more than 200,000 lung cancer deaths. Additionally, over 4 million people die prematurely from illness attributable to the household air pollution from cooking with solid fuels, 6% of these deaths are from lung cancer. Indoor air pollution from coal fires doubles the risk of lung cancer, particularly among non-smoking women. Exposure to carcinogens also occurs via the contamination of food, such as aflatoxins or dioxins.
Ensuring optimum methylation/detoxification is essential. An active clean bowel is necessary to eliminate all known toxins from the body. Speak to us about the Liver and Gall Bladder Flush, coffee enemas and potent herbs to cleanse your body.
Radiation
Exposure to all types of ionising radiation, from both natural and man-made sources, increases the risk of various types of malignancy including leukemia and a number of solid tumours. Risks increase when the exposure occurs at a young age and also when the exposure amount is higher. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and in particular solar radiation, is carcinogenic to humans, causing all major types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. Avoiding excessive exposure, use of sunscreen and protective clothing are effective preventive measures. UV-emitting tanning devices are now also classified as carcinogenic to humans based on their association with skin and ocular melanoma cancers.
Radiation is used in medicine and can help save lives as well as prevent the need for more invasive procedures. However, inappropriate use may cause harm because of unnecessary and unintended radiation doses for patients. Radiologic tests and procedures should be appropriately prescribed and properly performed to reduce unnecessary radiation doses, particularly in children.
Residential exposure is high amongst stay at home mums. To reduce exposure improve ventilation, use natural cleaning products (Ecover), organic paints (Farrow and Ball), avoid air freshens and smart meters. Do you need an Xray, CT Scan, PET Scan or MRI with Contrast dye? Speak to us about first about effective homeopathic remedies to take before and after radiation exposure.
Electromagnetic Exposure - 5G, Wi-Fi, Mobile Phones
The World Health Organisation classified RF radiation as a “possible carcinogen” in 2011, shortly after an extensive study that looked at over 5000 cases of Glioma and Meningioma to determine what level of cell-phone use was observed. Ultimately they found that those with the highest exposure to RF radiation from cell-phones did have an increased chance of developing brain tumours during their lifetimes. Refrain from using your cell phone for long periods of time, including never keeping your cell phone on your person or in your bedroom. If possible, keep your mobile devices five to ten feet away from you. When travelling with your cell phone, store it in an EMF protective bag to reduce exposure.
5G (or 5th Generation) technology refers to the latest trend in wireless systems, involving larger channels, higher speeds, and the ability to connect a host of devices from one location. There has been minimal testing of the effects of 5G. At the very least, 5G can cause nausea, hair loss, depression, confusion, and infection. The International Society of Doctors for the Environment, its subsidiaries in 27 countries and more than 200 doctors and scientists are all calling for a stop to be put to the roll-out of 5G, ‘due to concern that 5G radio frequency radiation will have adverse health effects
One of the most important things you can do, if you feel so inclined, is to do your part advocating against the rollout of 5G. Purchase a quality EMF meter that allows you to measure the radiation exposure around you. Get a quality EMF protection cell phone case. Turn your cell phone off at night and also place it on flight mode when not in use.
