About Holistic Cancer
Treatment
Holistic health care advocates accepting personal responsibility for one's health and strengthening the body's natural ability to heal itself. It views physical and mental health as closely connected and equally important in fighting disease. A holistic cancer treatment involves various lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise habits and sleep patterns, all of which can greatly enhance your body's ability to fight disease.
A healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet is one of the most important steps in preventing or fighting cancer. Dr. Lorraine Day, an orthopedic surgeon and specialist in alternative therapies who successfully treated her own invasive breast cancer with diet and exercise, believes that when you eat is as important as what you eat. For example, she believes that fruits and vegetables should be eaten in large quantities, but not during the same meal. Red grapes, which contain cancer-fighting compounds known as resveratrol, should not be eaten at the same time as any other foods.
Foods to avoid
Eliminating certain foods from your diet is also essential in fighting cancer. Dr. Day strongly advocates avoiding sugar, coffee and alcohol. Do not eat processed or refined foods such as white bread or pasta, junk food or fried food. Although Dr. Day cautions against eating meat or too much protein, some natural health care practitioners are in favor of adopting a diet that is specific to your unique nutritional type. Dr. Joseph Mercola, an osteopathic physician trained in both traditional and natural medicine, believes that everyone belongs to one of three general types: protein, carb, or mixed, and that the optimal diet for each person depends on this classification. His website offers information on different body types and resources for determining your best personal diet.
Balancing fatty acids
Dr. Mercola believes that a common contributing factor to cancer cell growth is an imbalance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Though the idea ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids is 1:1, most Americas have a ratio between 20:1 and 50:1, leaving people at risk of disease. Omega-6 fats are easily obtained from food, while the best sources of Omega-3 fats are fish oil or cod liver oil supplements. To reduce Omega-6 fatty acid intake, Dr. Mercola recommends avoiding oils such as sunflower, corn, soy, safflower or canola, as well as consuming grass-fed or free-range beef rather than traditionally raised grain-fed beef.
Fluids
Dr. Day notes that dehydration can lead to physical and emotional problems that are often misdiagnosed as other health problems. For optimal health, drink plenty of spring water or distilled water daily. Also drink black tea and green tea, which contain antioxidants and polyphenols that inhibit the growth of cancer cells. When choosing teas, look for teas that are free of fluoride or other harmful chemicals, and choose teas that are caffeine free. Dr. Day also recommends drinking eight glasses of fresh carrot juice daily.
Other factors for fighting disease
Both Dr. Day and Dr. Mercola recommend getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and avoiding toxins such as pesticides, household chemicals and air pollution. Spending time outdoors and getting regular exposure to sunlight can also raise your Vitamin D levels, which helps ward off cancers. Though conventional wisdom recommends wearing sunscreen outdoors, Dr. Mercola believes that most sunscreens contain dangerous chemicals and should be avoided. He recommends limiting your sun exposure to prevent burning.
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