Fight Cancer with Your Diet

Did you know that nearly half of all cancers are considered preventable? Though there are more than 100 different types of this disease, cancer of any kind is a devastating diagnosis. Therefore, it is important to understand and implement the tactics you can use to lower your risk for cancer. When it comes to preventing cancer, you may be familiar with recommendations to stop smoking and wear sunscreen. However, you should know that your diet plays a strong role in cancer prevention too. In fact, there is extensive research that shows a connection between certain foods and a lower cancer risk.

Foods that Fight Cancer

Adding wholesome, plant-based foods to your plate can go a long way in your fight against cancer. Consider the following choices that are rich in antioxidants and fiber:

• Berries and other fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Healthy proteins

The Importance of Metabolic Health

While there are over twelve cancers that are associated with obesity, it is not the number of the scale that contributes to cancer. Instead, it is metabolic health. Healthline defines metabolic health as “having ideal levels of blood sugar, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist circumference, without using medications.” Therefore, staying within a healthy weight range, eating nutrient-rich foods and exercising regularly become very important lifestyle choices in your quest to fight cancer.

Want to Avoid Cancer? Avoid This

What we put into our bodies can make or break its health. A healthy body is less likely to provide an environment for certain types of cancer cells. Therefore, research suggest that cancer prevention should also include limiting the following:

• Red or processed meats
• Alcohol
• Sugars (increases blood sugar)
• Tobacco

Building a Healthy Plate to Prevent Cancer

There is no single food that can fight cancer. Instead, it is important to find a balance of healthy foods to fill your plate at mealtime. Consider a plate with two-thirds plant-based foods and no more than one-third in animal protein. In general, the more colorful your fruits and vegetables are, the more ammunition you are gaining against cancer causing agents.

More and more research is being conducted about the specific nutrients and vitamins we can consume to fight specific cancers. For example, we already know that naturally occurring folate may help to prevent cancers of the breast, rectum and colon while the lycopene in tomatoes is showing great promise in fighting against prostate cancer.

Want to learn more about how to prevent cancer with what you eat? Call the office of Dr. Brent Michael in Santa Monica. We proudly offer services in cancer prevention and cancer screening.