The Dreaded “C” Word

It seems there is no one immune from having first hand knowledge and experience with a friend, loved one, or themselves and cancer. Personally speaking, my mother had breast cancer. My grandmother had stomach cancer. My husband has had prostate cancer. I have had gestational trophoblastic disease, which in itself is benign, but if it had spread, it could have become malignant very rapidly.

Through the years of seeing loved ones suffer the cruel effects of this potentially devastating disease, I have learned a lot of information regarding the connection between gut health, body alkalinity and cancer. Research has proven that 80% of our immune system lives in our gut. Without a healthy gut, you won’t be healthy elsewhere. It is so critical to maintain a healthy digestive system! In a healthy gut, colonies of “good” bacteria thrive and grow. They regulate digestion, safeguard your immunity and boost weight loss. Use of antibiotics and other prescription and OTC medications can alter the gut environment and be detrimental to the good bacteria and prohibit their growth.

Certain foods we eat can also contribute to the decline of the healthy bacteria in the digestive system. Sugar is a prime culprit. Other contributors to the decline include excess dairy, meat, and mold. You can help counter the effects of those by eliminating sugar, reducing dairy and meat intake, eliminate sources of mold (old, stale foods) and by including probiotics in your daily routine. You want to look for a probiotic with the highest number of live cultures possible (shoot for 10 BILLION!). It’s best if the probiotic supplement also includes a PREbiotic. A prebiotic is a non-digestable food ingredient that “feeds” the probiotic colony, keeping them happy, healthy and working hard for your body.

The other aspect to consider for cancer prevention and treatment is body pH. Studies have shown for decades that cancer cannot live in a well oxygenated, alkaline environment. The pH scale goes from 0-14, with 7 being “neutral”. The lower the number on the scale, the more acidic something is. And by converse, the higher the number on the scale, the more alkaline. Research studies show that cancer thrives in a pH range of 6.5-7.5. To increase the body’s alkaline pH, eliminate the same items that negatively effect the good gut bacteria mentioned above. Also, include more fruits and vegetables daily along with plenty of fresh, clean water. Someone already treating cancer may have a diminished appetite and find eating enough fruits and vegetables to maintain a level alkaline pH to be difficult to accomplish.

A high quality supplement is the best choice in that case. Look for one that has as many vegetables and fruits as the main ingredients that you can find. Some of the best ingredients to look for include kale, broccoli, celery, bell peppers, spinach, avocado, melons, beets, coconut water, just to name a few.

The adage that prevention is the best medicine is certainly very true. Help support your body, or a loved one’s, with good nutrition and supplements that will give the best possible opportunity to fight the dreaded “c” should it ever rear its ugly head or prevent it altogether.

Always consult your doctor for a specific diagnosis and treatment plan but I’d love to help you with any concerns or questions you may have or suggest specific products to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Contact us today!