Cancer is a debilitating medical condition that is caused by cell mutation. Experts also point out to stress as the initiator of cancer genesis. Mind-body healing provides many alternative ways to combat cancer and prevent it from happening. One strategy is through the selection of the food that we eat every day.
The research found out that some food favorites such as bacon, ham and other processed meat increase the risk of acquiring some forms of cancer that affect the gastrointestinal system. Yes, all may agree that cancer can destroy a patient’s lives to a devastating extent. So how can we fight this frightening and aggressive disease if we are still fond of eating McDonalds and Spam? Do people find it very hard to resist this type of temptation for the sake of their precious health?
Another important risk factor that needs to be considered in the onset of cancer is obesity, particularly in men. It entails that overeating can also cause cancer, especially colorectal cancer, not just by the type of foods mentioned above. Nonetheless, there is good news for everybody. There are also some foods that can help in the prevention of colon cancer. These include a variety of fruits and vegetables along with the fiber from whole grains. “A balanced diet that includes lots of fiber helps keep your gut system running efficiently by helping to support a more diverse gut microbiome.” John M. Grohol, Psy.D. explains. Below is a thorough explanation of some foods that’s ideal for a person who does not want to acquire colorectal cancer.
Vegetables
We can’t admit that plants are the number one enemy of kids during mealtime. But for the sake of humanity’s warfare against colorectal cancer, people are obliged to eat it. Vegetables, especially the green leafy ones, provides a wide variety of essential vitamins and minerals such as A, B, C, potassium, and iron that are essential for effective body functioning. Fiber, a vital factor for the prevention of colon cancer through keeping our bowel healthy and clean, are provided by carrots, beets, and onions. Folate-rich vegetables like legumes and other leafy greens are in the same wavelength of fiber in fighting colorectal cancer. On the other hand, cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli can hinder cancer’s exacerbation.
Low-Fat
“Certain foods are linked to mental health issues such as increased symptoms of depression and decreased self-esteem.” Christina L. Gmyr, LMHC, NCC said. Fast-food chains and commercial restaurants lovingly provide the public saturated fats, commonly derived from animals, which are damaging to the digestive system. An inevitable byproduct of these fats after it was broken down by the digestive system is popular in causing cancer. It is present mostly in eggs, meat and dairy products that people commonly consume on a daily basis. Instead, health organizations encourage an increase in the consumption of healthy fats that can be derived from nut, seeds, olive oil and avocados.
Fruits
“An apple a day makes the doctor away.” Scientifically, this famous phrase is genuinely sincere. Apples, just like vegetables, contain a lot of fiber that aids digestion. Other fruits, specifically berries, provide a high level of antioxidants that are known to clean digestive tracts. Most fruits are rich in vitamins and nutrients that are essential in keeping the body healthy.
Whole Grains
Bread and other bakery products containing whole grains are good sources of healthy fiber compared to those made out mostly with white flour. Grains which undergone processes of removing the germ and bran from it also eliminates the needed health benefits to one’s body. The same situation can be applied to rice. Brown rice is better than white rice because it still contains the outer hull that includes the fiber which makes rice healthy.
Green Tea
As commercially advertised, green tea is known to contain a high concentration of antioxidants which slow down the growth of cancer cells and can even kill them. Doctors recommend drinking four or more cups of the brew to decrease the chances of the advent of cancer.
If you know of a person with a high risk of developing cancer due to family history or unhealthy lifestyle practices, this can be a great start to examine their nutritional intake and start them on healthy eating. Julia Hogan, LCPC used to say, “It’s important to underscore here the importance of monitoring your mental health and knowing how different medications and lifestyle changes can impact your mental health.”