Battle against Cancer with Diet and Lifestyle changes

Cancer is a condition occurring with an uncontrollable multiplication of cells in an organ or tissue. In some parts of the body lumps may appear as a symptom. In some parts the cancer may not be apparent until the function of that organ is disturbed. In some cases there is pain and in some we see severe loss of appetite and weight loss.

A cancer starts off when the genetic material inside a cell is damaged by a carcinogenic substance. The commonest causes of cancer are

  • Exposure to cigarette smoke, alcohol, certain plastics, etc.
  • Diet is a major factor that influences the development of most types of cancer. High fat diets contribute to the development of certain types of cancer.
  • Those who have a high percentage of body fat are more at risk of developing many types of cancer.

So in our battle against cancer our first step is to avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, avoid consumption of alcohol and avoid the use of plastics as much as possible. If using plastic containers for the micro wave or as food carriers try to use a branded make of good quality plastic.

Examine the food consumption of your family and yourself and clean out or avoid consumption of high fat foods like the following

  • Butter, ghee, cream.
  • Cookies, cakes, pastries, puffs, pizza, burgers.
  • Deep fried foods, chips, chaat, mixture, bughia, fried chicken.
  • Red meat – mutton, beef, pork.

If these foods are eaten, it must not be more than once in a week provided you are of normal body weight and percent fat. None of the above must be included daily.

If you are over weight the above should be completely avoided for at least 3 months till the body weight comes down and regular cardiovascular exercises like walking or jogging are a must for all.

Consuming fruits, vegetables, dhals/ pulses, whole cereals (atta rotis/whole wheat bread) and skimmed milk/curd can appreciably help to reduce the risk of developing many types of cancer. One of the most important cancer protective measures is the consumption of five or more serving of fruits and vegetables a day. You may consume a fruit as a midmorning snack and another fruit at 6pm or after dinner. We recommend the consumption of a fresh salad with lunch and with dinner and besides this if there is a cooked vegetable (sabji/pallya) daily this would make five servings.

These foods contain Vitamin A, E and C which work as antioxidants and help to fight against cancer growth in the body. Last but not the least is to drink 2 ½ to 3 liters water which help to flush out toxic waste and pollutants from the body.

 
 
 
 
BALANCED FOOD
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