Cancer is described as a group of diseases that causes the cells in a specific part of your body to mutate, multiply and spread to other tissues or organs. Almost any part of your body can be affected by cancer, but the most common types are breast, lung, prostate, cervical and colon cancer. The exact cause of cancer varies, depending on the type, but tobacco, poor diet, genetics, hormones, infections, radiation, toxins and environmental stressors appear to play a role in its onset and development. Some common symptoms associated with cancer include chronic fatigue, sudden weight loss, localized pain, fever, bowel changes and a persistent cough. A variety of vitamins and minerals can help fight cancer and reduce cancer-related symptoms.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that boosts immune system function and prevents cancerous cells from spreading throughout your body, according to Ewan Cameron, author of "Cancer and Vitamin C: A Discussion of the Nature, Causes, Prevention and Treatment of Cancer with Special Reference to the Value of Vitamin C." Cameron explains that vitamin C also accelerates the healing process, repairs any tissues damaged by cancer, aids in tissue reproduction and lowers your risk of developing breast, colon, cervical, liver, skin or prostate cancer. Cameron recommends that adult cancer patients attain 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily for the treatment of cancer. Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, spinach, kiwi, tomatoes, cranberries, strawberries, guava, Brussels sprouts, red peppers, turnip greens, pineapples and grapefruits.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and protects your body from genetic mutations that can accelerate malignant tumor growth, according to Andreas Papas, author of "The Vitamin E Factor: The Miraculous Antioxidant for the Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease, Cancer and Aging." Papas explains that vitamin E also prevents cancer from spreading throughout your body, aids in cellular reproduction, increases red blood cell production, repairs tissues that have been damaged by cancer and lowers your risk of developing prostate cancer. Papas recommends that adult cancer patients obtain 15 mg of vitamin E daily for the treatment of cancer. Foods rich in vitamin E include pistachio nuts, turnip greens, broccoli, spinach, kiwi, peanuts, mangoes, corn oil, almonds and wheat germ oil.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral that improves immune system function and protects your body from harmful free radicals that can cause cancer growth, according to Kedar Prasad, author of "Fight Cancer With Vitamins and Supplements: A Guide to Prevention and Treatment." Prasad explains that zinc also prevents genetic mutations that can encourage the spread of cancer and eases symptoms commonly associated with cancer, such as localized pain, cough and severe fatigue. Prasad recommends that adult cancer patients acquire 11 mg of zinc daily to improve their condition. Foods rich in zinc include oysters, crab, milk, fruit yogurt, cheddar cheese, veal liver, roast beef, pumpkin seeds, chocolate and watermelon seeds.
Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral that enhances immune system function and prevents cellular damage that can cause cancer and malignant tumors, according to Leonard Cohen, author of "Selenium and Cancer: Larry C. Clark Memorial Issue." Cohen explains that selenium also kills pre-cancerous and cancerous cells, slows malignant tumor growth and lowers your risk for prostate cancer. Cohen recommends that adult cancer patients obtain 55 mg of selenium daily for the treatment of cancer. Foods rich in selenium include cod, beef, light tuna canned in oil, black walnuts, cheddar cheese, whole wheat bread, eggs, instant oatmeal, enriched noodles, poultry and low-fat cottage cheese.
References
- "The Vitamin E Factor: The Miraculous Antioxidant for the Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease, Cancer and Aging"; Andreas M. Papas; 1999
- "American Cancer Society Complete Guide to Nutrition for Cancer Survivors: Eating Well, Staying Well During and After Cancer"; Abby Bloch; 2010
- "What to Eat If You Have Cancer: Healing Foods That Boost Your Immune System"; Maureen Keane; 2006
- "Fight Cancer With Vitamins and Supplements: A Guide to Prevention and Treatment"; Kedar N. Prasad; 2001
- "Cancer and Vitamin C: A Discussion of the Nature, Causes, Prevention and Treatment of Cancer with Special Reference to the Value of Vitamin C"; Ewan Cameron; 2003
- "Selenium and Cancer: Larry C. Clark Memorial Issue"; Leonard A. Cohen; 2002
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