Preventative Steps to Take in The Fight Against Cancer

While the medical community cannot say definitively what causes breast cancer they believe that it comes from a combination of inherited and internal factors coupled with external or environmental factors. Their ongoing efforts to provide safe treatments and a cure are to be applauded.

However, too often it seems, we take good health for granted until we are faced with a health crisis or a life altering disease and then we are forced into trying to find a cure for ourselves and then making the commitment to live in a healthier manner.

How much better if we begin taking preventative steps now to avoid getting cancer. In doing so, we are taking a proactive stance against this terrible disease. But if we don’t know what the exact cause is – how can we fight it?Well, statistically, researchers have been able to find patterns for individuals who may be at higher risk. While it doesn’t mean that they will develop cancer it does indicate that there are definite areas to be watched.

Some things that are recommended are:

To keep one’s weight within healthy boundaries. They have found a link between obesity and the occurrence of breast cancer. This connection is more marked with women who gain weight later in life especially following menopause.

To limit daily alcohol intake. There is a strong connection between breast cancer and over drinking. It doesn’t seem to matter what the alcohol is. It is recommended to limit one’s intake to at the very most – one drink a day. Or if you feel that you are in a higher risk category to avoid it altogether.

To stay physically active. The human body functions best when it is used and healthy oxygen intake can do wonders for the immune system.

To use more olive oil. Olive oil contains oleic acid that appears to work to suppress the oncogene in breast cancer.

To eat plenty of good fiber. It is recommended between twenty and thirty grams daily. It seems that fiber may keep excess estrogen from circulating in the body. Good fiber is found in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. When possible buy organically grown food as this will limit the intake of pesticides which have been linked to cancer as well. At the very least it is important to scrub these vegetables and fruit well.

To drink plenty of good water along with the fiber each day. Not only does it help the fiber to move through the body well, it helps cleanse the body of toxins.

To incorporate more flaxseed in your diet. Flaxseed contains lignan This appears to reduce the body’s production of estrogen and to lower the amounts of it circulating in the system.

To stay away from over processed foods and hormone enhanced dairy products. Again, searching out organically grown products will allow you to have more of your favorite things.

To get proper rest and to seek out activities and/or hobbies that build up positive feelings and feedback.

To avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.

It is important to point out that the World Health Organization has stated that up to eighty percent of cancers are believed to be caused by toxins in our environment. The air we breathe and the food we eat. There is also concern over excess low frequency radiation that comes from cellular phones, some household appliances and electromagnetic fields.

While no guarantees can be given about taking these preventative measures, common sense tells us that we can do much to help build up our immune systems and help our bodies fight this terrible disease.