A Word About Cancer Prevention

In both naturopathic and Chinese medicine, prevention is the best medicine. Nutrition and lifestyle habits are some of the most important factors in cancer prevention and treatment. Here are some tips to help reduce your risk of cancer.

American Institute for Cancer Research’s Cancer Prevention Tips

• Be as lean as possible within your normal range of body mass.
• Be physically active as a part of everyday life.
• Limit consumption of calorie-dense foods and sugary drinks.
• Eat mostly foods of plant origin.
• Limit intake of red meat and avoid processed meat.
• Limit alcoholic drinks.
• Limit salt consumption.
• Avoid moldy grains, nuts and beans (these may contain aflatoxins).
• Aim to meet nutritional needs through diet.
• Do not smoke and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke.

Additional Naturopathic Tips on Prevention 
In addition to these common sense tips, naturopathic doctors believe there are extra steps we can take to lead healthy lives and reduce our risk of cancer. It means eating well, getting exercise and sunshine, and living balanced lives. Here are a few more cancer prevention tips from a naturopathic perspective:

• Emphasize organic, unrefined, unprocessed and hormone-free whole foods that are high in fiber and essential fatty acids as well as healthy fats. Eat fresh and local as possible. 
• Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables that are colorful or dark green. 
  Drink green tea instead of coffee.
• Avoid food additives and preservatives, food colorings, and saturated fats (especially trans fats).
• Limit or avoid caffeine, fried foods, junk foods and fast foods.
  Manage your stress with regular exercise including yoga, Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Have a good laugh daily.
• Keep strong family and personal ties. 
• Eliminate food sensitivities and improve digestion.
• Get adequate restful sleep.
• Be outdoors and get some sun exposure, but avoid burning.