The Simple, Natural Enemy of Cancer

Are you afraid of cancer? If you are, then you are probably not alone. In surveys, people commonly report dying as their #2 fear. What’s the #1 fear? Public speaking. Interestingly, about 74% of people have a fear of public speaking. Perhaps that’s why good public speakers get paid so much!

Here are some very interesting statistics on fear and worry…

• Percent of things feared that will never take place: 60%
• Percent of things feared that happened in the past and can’t be changed: 30%
• Percent of things feared that are considered to be insignificant issues: 90%
• Percent of things feared in relation to health that will not happen: 88%

Wow! What’s worse is that all this utterly useless worrying and stress may even cause a health problem that most likely would never have occurred. Stress unleashes some very toxic chemicals inside the body and should be avoided whenever possible.

So, the first message here is stop the unnecessary, useless, and actually harmful worrying. I know. I know. Easier said than done. But just being aware of it helps.

Here Is Something Else That Can Help Reduce Worry and Stress…

The best way to reduce worry and stress about ANYTHING is to be properly prepared in the first place. For example, if you have to speak in front of a crowd, you will be much less worried about it if you are completely prepared. Sure, you may still get nervous, but if you have done your research and rehearsed your speech until you can say it in your sleep, then your stress level will be much lower than if you went on stage tried to wing it.

The same approach holds true with your health…

First, let’s look at the statistics. According to Cancer.org: “In 2016, there will be an estimated 1,685,210 new cancer cases diagnosed and 595,690 cancer deaths in the [United States].”

Sure, that’s a lot, but at the time of this writing, there were almost 323 million people living in the United States (US) and there is a NET gain of one person every 15 seconds. This NET gain comes from one person being born every 8 seconds, one dying every 11 seconds, and one person immigrating to the US every 27 seconds.

Not only that, the really good news is that there appears to be simple things you can do to lower your odds of getting cancer. For example, it has long been claimed that certain foods can fight cancer, especially “greens.”

There is finally research backing up some of these claims. According to an article published February 10, 2016 by Oregon State University: “One of the first clinical studies to look at the effect of sulforaphane on breast tissues of women diagnosed with breast cancer showed that this compound was well tolerated and slowed the growth of cancer cells, especially at early stages.

“Sulforaphane is a compound found in broccoli and many other cruciferous vegetables, and it has long shown evidence of value in cancer prevention, researchers say.

“This new research suggests it may ultimately play a role in slowing cancer growth as well—along with other proven approaches such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.”

The researchers also report that past studies have shown an association between a high intake of cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli) and a reduced risk of breast cancer. They add, “Research has also shown that sulforaphane, which is found at the highest levels in such foods, can modulate breast cancer risk at several stages of carcinogenesis and through different mechanisms.”

More on These “Cruciferous” Vegetables

What are cruciferous vegetables? Here is a list: arugula, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, horseradish, kale, radishes, rutabaga, turnips, watercress, and wasabi.

Cruciferous vegetables are rich in nutrients, including several carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin), vitamins (C, E, and K), folate, and minerals. They are also a good source of fiber.

According to the National Cancer Institute, “During food preparation, chewing, and digestion, the glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables are broken down to form biologically active compounds such as indoles, nitriles, thiocyanates, and isothiocyanates. Indole-3-carbinol (an indole) and sulforaphane (an isothiocyanate) have been most frequently examined for their anti-cancer effects.

“Indoles and isothiocyanates have been found to inhibit the development of cancer in several organs in rats and mice, including the bladder, breast, colon, liver, lung, and stomach. Studies in animals and experiments with cells grown in the laboratory have identified several potential ways in which these compounds may help prevent cancer:

1. They help protect cells from DNA damage.
2. They help inactivate carcinogens.
3. They have anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects.
4. They have anti-inflammatory effects.
5. They induce cell death (apoptosis).
6. They inhibit tumor blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) and tumor cell migration (needed for metastasis).”

The article also listed studies that show cruciferous vegetables might lower the risk of prostate cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer.

One of the best sources of sulforaphane is broccoli, specifically broccoli sprouts. The good news is that you can quickly and easily grow your own broccoli sprouts at home and reap all their health benefits without spending much money!

Don’t forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health, talk to us. Contact us with your questions. We’re here to help and don’t enjoy anything more than participating in providing you natural pain relief.