VITAMINS TO HELP PREVENT CANCER…INTERESTING!
Many people take vitamins and supplements while they are being treated for cancer, and many more are starting to take certain vitamins to help prevent cancer.
The World Health Organization estimates that one out of every six deaths is related to cancer, and the number of new cancer cases reached nearly 1.7 million in 2017 alone. As one of the leading causes of mortality in the U.S., it’s worth adjusting one’s diet to keep our bodies healthy and cancer-free.
Potential Causes Of Cancer
While there are numerous factors that can cause cancer, the most common are tobacco use, nutrient deficiencies, poor diet, lack of exercise, and sexually transmitted diseases. Tobacco use alone is responsible for 22% of fatal cancers globally. Other potential causes are exposure to toxins, being overweight, alcohol abuse and occasionally genetic predisposition.
An important point to note is that we have a decent amount of control over many of the main causes of cancer. This is a light of hope for those worried about dealing with a possible future cancer, as it’s possible to adjust one’s lifestyle today to prevent cancer in many situations.
The Role Of Vitamins And Nutrients To Prevent Cancer
(Note: Before starting any new vitamin regiment, please first consult your wellness professional)
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” ~Benjamin Franklin
Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, as well as getting a good amount of exercise can work wonders for cancer prevention. These two key factors can help to keep the body’s immune system in optimal shape.
The following 5 Vitamins Can Help Prevent Cancer
1. VITAMIN D
Vitamin D is one of the most studied and supported supplements for cancer prevention and treatment currently. The majority of a person’s daily vitamin D intake comes from sunshine. Early epidemiologic research reported that incidence and mortality rates for certain cancers were lower among individuals living in southern latitudes, where levels of sunlight exposure are relatively high, than among those living at northern latitudes. Because exposure to ultraviolet light from sunlight leads to the production of vitamin D, researchers hypothesized that variation in vitamin D levels might account for this association.
Further studies have also shown that in cancer cells of tumors in mice, vitamin D has been found to have several activities that might slow or prevent the development of cancer.
A large number of people don’t get enough of this wonderful vitamin. The amount we need depends largely on age: professionals recommend 600 IU (international units) a day for people aged 1 to 70, and 800 IU a day for anyone over 70.
Fatty fish, low-fat milk, orange juice, cereals, beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks are all good sources of ‘D.’ There are also plenty of high-quality Vitamin D supplements online.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Chronic inflammation has been linked to the growth of several cancers. Unhealthy and excessive inflammation suppresses the immune system, and can lead to higher risks for developing a variety of conditions.
Omega-3 fatty acids act as a natural and healthy anti-inflammatory. Research is showing that they may also reduce the risk of cancer. In a 2015 study, women who regularly consumed EPA and DHA, two forms of omega-3’s, had a lower incidence of breast cancer than women who did not.
3. Vitamins A, C, and E
Vitamins A, C, and E are potent antioxidants and The National Cancer Institute advises taking these vitamins to eliminate harmful free radicals. At high levels, free radicals can damage cell membranes, DNA, and proteins, which in some cases speeds up the development of cancer.
Studies have found that antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, prevent numerous types of bodily damage caused by the formation of free radicals. Many researchers agree that antioxidants fight the growth of different types of cancer. One study found evidence which suggests that vitamin C can inhibit the formation of some carcinogens. Another study states that vitamin E also may be useful in cancer prevention and inhibit carcinogenesis by the stimulation of the immune system. It’s important to remember to take vitamins on a consistent basis to get their full health benefits.
4. Polyphenols
Polyphenols are chemicals found in plants which act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Research has shown that drinking green tea, which is a powerful source of polyphenols, may significantly reduce the risks of various types of cancer. Studies have shown that polyphenols reduce the risk of breast, bladder, esophagus, ovarian, pancreas, prostate and colorectal cancers.
These wonderful health benefits come from drinking real, organic, and sugar-free green tea, as opposed to the tasty corn syrup drinks which are labeled “green tea.” For those taking prescription medications, it’s advised to consult with your doctor first before adding green tea regularly to your diet, as with some medications the properties of green tea may cause interactions.
5. Curcumin
Curcumin is an active ingredient in turmeric, a common spice used in a variety of meals. Laboratory and animal research suggests that curcumin may prevent cancer, slow the spread of cancer, make chemotherapy more effective and protect healthy cells from damage by radiation therapy. Curcumin is being studied for use in many types of cancer. Curcumin has been found to be effective against bowel cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, and stomach cancer. Curcumin also serves as a wonderful anti-inflammatory agent.
Turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Turmeric powder can be added to teas, curry, smoothies, juices and cooked or roasted vegetables.
To Sum It All Up
While the risk of cancer is something many of us worry about, we do have a good amount of control over many dietary causes and ways to prevent it. By doing our best to eat a balanced diet, get enough exercise, and regularly take enough vitamins, we can stay hopeful and positive about our health knowing that we are doing our best. Try the ounce of prevention now that Ben Franklin suggested, and save yourself from needing the pound of cure later.
Do you take any of these or other vitamins to prevent cancer?
Let us know in the comments.
You are loved.
See Also: This Healthy Ginger, Apple And Lemon Mixture Will Flush Pounds Of Toxins From Your Body.
