How to Prevent Cancer With Nutrition

Cancer is one of the most deadliest and life-changing diseases known to man. It takes its toll not just on the victims, but also on their friends and family members. Although there are many treatment options available, there is still no concrete cure. That is what leads to preventive maintenance measures to avoid it from happening in the first place. One of the main ways to approach this is with nutrition.

Step 1

Get your fruits and vegetables. One of the key things to do to prevent cancer is to rev up your immunity. This is not going to get done by eating foods that are high in saturated fats and empty calories. It is going to get done by eating fruits and vegetables that are loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients. According to the Department of Agriculture, you should eat nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day to prevent cancer.

Step 2

Keep your colon clean. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States." Other than heredity, the risk for colon cancer can go up if you follow a low fiber diet. Fiber is a non-digestible substance that helps push toxins out of the colon and promotes regularity. To help prevent cancer get 25 to 30 g of fiber a day. Fiber can be found in oatmeal, oat bran, whole wheat bread, brown rice, prunes, pears and beans.

Step 3

Keep your alcohol intake to a minimum. When alcohol is consumed in excessive amounts, it can increase your risk cancer, especially of the liver. Keep your intake to one to two drinks a day.

Step 4

Watch your caloric intake. Overeating can lead to excessive weight gain and obesity, which can increase your risk for certain cancers. In order to keep your weight maintained, keep your meals respectable sizes.

Step 5

Eat some flax seeds. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer seen in women. A way to reduce this risk is by eating 1 to 3 tbsp. of ground flax seeds daily. As an added benefit, flax seeds are also high in fiber.

Step 6

Keep your prostate healthy. Prostate cancer is as common in men as breast cancer is in women. To help prevent it, make sure to eat red pigmented fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, watermelon, red peppers and grapefruit.

References

Article reviewed by JPC Last updated on: Aug 20, 2009

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