Cancer. It's a word that instills fear, yet there's power in understanding that there are steps we can take to fortify our bodies against it. In this blog, we'll explore how you can proactively take charge of your health to create an environment within your body that is resistant to cancer. We'll delve into the importance of understanding your bloodwork, adopting a holistic approach to wellness, and conducting a deep dive into the microbiome of your specific cancer or tumor.
Understanding Your Blood work: The Gateway to Prevention
Your blood work holds invaluable insights into your body's inner workings. While your physician may interpret basic markers, such as cholesterol levels or blood cell counts, understanding these results in greater depth can uncover early signs of imbalance or disease, including cancer. Beyond conventional interpretations, diving into your blood work with a trained eye or functional medicine practitioner can unveil subtle nuances that may indicate increased cancer risk or inflammation levels. MOJO Health has identified the full list of blood tests that can be helpful for baseline health.
For instance, elevated levels of markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) might signify underlying inflammation or heightened cancer susceptibility. Additionally, imbalances in hormone levels, such as estrogen or testosterone, could contribute to cancer development. By deciphering your blood work within the context of your individual health profile, you gain the insight needed to address any potential risk factors proactively. With this information, you take the right steps to make your body resistant to cancer.
Adopting a Holistic Approach to Wellness
While conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, target cancer cells directly, they often overlook the underlying factors that fuel cancer growth. A holistic approach to cancer prevention seeks to address these root causes and create an internal environment that is resistant to cancer development.
This holistic approach encompasses several key factors:
Nutrition: Opting for a diet rich in whole foods, including colorful fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins supplies your body with vital nutrients, antioxidants, and immune-supporting compounds. By nourishing your body with the right fuel, you bolster its natural defenses against cancer. For example, nutritionist Peter Brodhead, recently featured on our MOJO Rising podcast, suggests the kiwi fruit as a powerhouse to help damaged DNA, which can be a cause of cancer. Mushrooms are always a superfood to help with making your body inhospitable to cancer as well. He also urges people to replace all cooking oils in their homes with the healthier options of olive oil, avocado oil and coconut oil. These three cooking aids are full of health benefits, such as antioxidants and antimicrobials. Â
Lifestyle: Incorporating regular exercise, stress management techniques, and prioritizing sufficient sleep enhances your body's resilience and can help create a microbiome that is resistant to cancer. Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique. You can do this by breathing in for 4 seconds, holding your breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds. This breathing pattern can reduce anxiety and promote healthy sleep. You can find plentiful suggestions for lifestyle shifts by using the free MOJO Health Strategy Builder.
Supplementation: Targeted supplementation with vitamins, minerals, and botanicals can further bolster your body's defenses against cancer. For instance, vitamin D plays a pivotal role in cancer prevention. Compounds like Natura’s Botanical Treasures and Inflamaway offer potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In addition to taking supplements, another way to enhance your diet is to regularly add spices to your meals. For example, adding seasonings such as paprika or cinnamon can benefit your heart health. Turmeric, another tasty spice, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Detoxification: Supporting your body's detoxification pathways—such as the liver and lymphatic system—can aid in eliminating toxins and carcinogens that contribute to cancer development. This may involve incorporating detoxifying foods like cruciferous vegetables, broccoli sprouts, taking Milk Thistle or NAC, and embracing practices like dry brushing or sauna therapy. Exercising or simply moving your body can also aid in detoxification, as it promotes lymphatic drainage and digestion.Â
Mind-Body Connection: Recognizing the intricate interplay between mind, body, and spirit is fundamental to holistic cancer prevention. Practices like mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, and energy healing modalities can foster relaxation, reduce stress, and amplify the body's innate healing capacities. Even a simple 5-minute morning meditation can set the stage for your body to be calm and your mind to be clear, fostering a state of inner harmony and balance.
A Deep Dive into the Microbiome
In recent years, researchers have uncovered the profound impact of the microbiome—the community of microorganisms inhabiting our gut—on cancer development and progression. The gut microbiome is a fascinating area of research that is showing us how important this is to rebuild for our overall health, whether you have cancer or not, but especially if you are using immunotherapy as part of your conventional treatment approach. Based on recent research from UT Southwestern, the microbiome seems to accelerate the immune system to find and kill cancer. This means if antibiotics are part of your conventional health strategy, you need to re-build your gut microbiome as quickly as possible.
Empowering Yourself on Your Health Journey
Empowerment lies at the heart of cancer prevention and wellness. By taking an active role in your health journey and arming yourself with knowledge, you can navigate with confidence and resilience. Seek out reputable resources, collaborate with knowledgeable practitioners, and embrace a multifaceted approach to wellness that addresses the root causes of disease.
Remember, you are the champion of your health and every choice you make plays a vital role in shaping your well-being. By integrating insights from your blood work, adopting a holistic approach to wellness, and conducting a deep dive into the microbiome of your cancer or tumor, you can forge a path towards greater resilience, vitality, and longevity, ultimately making your body resistant to cancer.
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