Leukemia Prevention Tips
Leukemia Prevention Tips
Leukemia-Cure.com
Leukemia prevention means being healthy and there are things you can do and avoid to help you and your family.
The cause of leukemia is not known but there are factors that are believed to increase the risk of developing the disease.
Some of these factors are things that we cannot change. One of these is genetics, such as Down syndrome. The factors that we do have control over and can change are diet, exercise and environmental factors.
Diet
What we put into our bodies has a lot to do with our overall health. Since my son's leukemia diagnosis I have done research on foods that are known to prevent different types of cancer. Here is a list of cancer fighting foods:
Avocados - rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body - also a strong source of beta-carotene.
Black Raspberries - contain an antioxidant that research has found to selectively kill leukemia cells without harming healthy cells
Blueberries - contain antioxidants
Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower - contain a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol that can convert a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective variety to protect against breast cancer. Broccoli, especially sprouts, contain a product that can deactivate free radicals and carcinogens and inhibit the growth of tumors.
Carrots - contain beta carotene, which may help reduce cancers
Chili peppers and jalapenos - contain capsaicin which may neutralize certain cancer-causing substances (nitrosamines).
Cruciferous vegetables - broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage contain two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin that may help decrease cancer.
Curcumin - has anti-inflammatory effects that fight cancer and it interferes with cell-signaling pathways, thereby suppressing the transformation, proliferation, and invasion of cancerous cells.
Figs - contain a derivative of benzaldehyde which is thought to be highly effective at shrinking tumors.
Flax - contains lignans, which may have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. It is also high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Folate-Rich Foods (B-complex vitamin) - mutations in DNA are more likely to occur with low levels of folate therefore adequate levels of folate protect against such mutations. Folate can be found in many 'good for you' foods and cereals, pastas, and breads are often fortified with folate.
Garlic - increases the activity of immune cells and helps break down substances that cause cancer.
Grapefruits, oranges and other citrus fruits - believed to help prevent cancer by sweeping carcinogens out of the body.
Nuts - contain antioxidants that may suppress the growth of cancers.
Papayas - contain an antioxidant that may reduce absorption of cancer-causing nitrosamines.
Pomegranate juice - studies show it may inhibit the growth of cancer
Raspberries - contain many vitamins, minerals, plant compounds and antioxidants
Rosemary - may help increase the activity of detoxification enzymes.
Soy products - (such as tofu) help by blocking and suppressing cancerous changes. They are also a potent inhibitor of the growth and spread of cancerous cells.
Seaweed
Sweet potatoes - help protect DNA in the cell nucleus from cancer-causing chemicals outside the nuclear membrane.
Teas - green tea and black tea contain antioxidants which appear to prevent cancer cells from dividing.
Tomatoes - contain lycopene, an antioxidant that attacks free radicals.They also have vitamin C which can prevent cellular damage that leads to cancer.
Leukemia Prevention Diet Tips
* It is recommended to eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. It is also important to cut down on high fat foods.
* Eat foods as close to their natural state as possible.
* Shop the perimeter of the grocery store. These aisles contain foods that are not heavily processed. Processed foods should be avoided.
* Choose whole grains over processed grains.
* Avoid sugar. Cancer loves sugar.
* Limit the amount of red meats that you eat.
* Limit alcohol consumption.
* Add more cancer fighting foods to your diet.
* Avoid products that contain aspartame and splenda which have been linked to an increased risk for cancer.
* Avoid foods that contain nitrites.
If you would like to receive a leukemia prevention / cancer fighting recipe each month you can do so by subscribing to my Leukemia H.O.P.E. e-zine. You will find a recipe along with other interesting and encouraging information in each issue.
Exercise
Exercise is another form of leukemia prevention. Although it is something we have heard all of our lives, we still tend to overlook the importance of it to our overall good health. Here are a few exercise tips for you to consider.
* Choose a physically active lifestyle
Adults - at least 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 or more times per week.
Children - at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous activity at least 5 days per week.
* Balance your caloric intake with physical activity.
* Lose weight if you are overweight.
I would like to share with you the program that I use and have experienced great results with. I like this program because along with the work out videos you also get a 10 day kick start program and a turbo results guidebook full of great information and tips (including recipes). I highly recommend Turbo Jam if you are serious about exercising and eating for good health.
Environmental Factors
There are things around us (even in our homes) that we can avoid or limit our exposure to to help with leukemia prevention. Here is a list of things that are thought to be linked to an increased risk of leukemia or other cancers.
* Avoid pesticides and products that have cancer causing ingredients.
* Avoid prolonged exposure to benzene.
* Limit exposure to ionizing radiation (particularly x-rays).
* Limit exposure to tobacco smoke and other tobacco products.
* Avoid exposure to high levels of EMFs (electromagnetic fields).
Copyright 2009 Leukemia-Cure.com
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