Fiber Helps to Fight Cancer

Dennis Burkitt, a British physician in 1970, observed that a high-fiber diet reduces digestive tract diseases. He observed that few cases of cancer developed in countries that consume plant-based diets high in fiber content.  Similar results are observed around the world. Non-industrialized nations where meat is scarce and the menu is mainly plant food-based have lower rates of cancer. However, western countries and the United States that consume mainly animal-based diets low in fiber content have the highest rates of many cancers, including colon cancer.

Fiber is food contents that cannot be digested early in the digestive process by humans. Therefore, they are available to move and eliminate carcinogens in the body. Furthermore, by drawing water into the digestive tract, they dilute the carcinogens. This combination of fiber and water make the feces bulkier and easier to effectively eliminate carcinogens out of the body.

Additionally, fiber binds with bile acids that are secreted into the intestine to aid the digestion of fats. Certain bacteria in the intestine are capable of changing this bile acid into chemicals that can promote colon cancer.  When fiber binds with these bile acids, it eliminates the chemicals from the intestines.¹

Fiber prevents cancer

Fiber also protects from other forms of cancer. Studies have shown that high-fiber diet consumers have a lower incidence of breast cancer and stomach cancer.^2,3 Fiber is known to affect the estrogen level in the body. Fiber binds with estrogen when the it is secreted into the intestine and moves it out of the body.⁴ Without adequate fiber, the estrogen reabsorbs into the bloodstream from the intestine. High levels of estrogen show a strong link to higher risk of breast cancer.

Food experts recommend 30 to 40 grams of fiber consumed per day.

 However, the average daily fiber intake in the United States is 10 to 20 grams per day. Whole grains, peas, lentils, beans, vegetables, and fruits constitute the best source of fiber. Also, foods that are closest to  their natural state, unrefined, and unpeeled foods in their natural state have the highest fiber content. Many studies reveal that fat in foods increases one’s risk for cancer, and for those who already have cancer, it may adversely affect breast cancer survival rates.⁵

There is also evidence to show that animal fat is more harmful than vegetable fat. One study conducted revealed that there is a 200% increase in breast cancer among those who consume pork or beef five to six times per week. A prominent cancer researcher from the University of Cambridge named Dr. Sheila Bingham,  observed that meats appear more closely associated with colon cancer than any other factor.⁶ Ovarian and prostate cancers have also been associated with milk and meat consumption.⁷

The Value of Vegetables

Vegetables are not just low in fat and high in fiber. They also have many cancer-fighting substances. For example, carotenoids, the fruit and vegetable pigment that gives them their dark colors, have been shown to be of help in preventing cancer. In a similar vein, beta-carotene that is present in yellow and dark green vegetables helps to protect against lung cancer. Additional studies show it helps in preventing cancers of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, bladder, breast, and prostate cancer.

A Rainbow of Colors

Nutritionists suggest eating from the rainbow for a vegan diet for cancer. Actually, the same diet offers health benefits for all. Each type of plant-based food offers unique nutrients.

For example, vegetables such as cabbage, turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, kales and Brussels sprouts contain indoles and flavones. These contribute to increasing resistance to anti-cancer.

Furthermore, vitamin C,  found in many vegetables and citrus fruits, promotes a lower risk potential for cancers of the esophagus and stomach. Vitamin C  acts as an antioxidant that neutralizes cancer-causing chemicals formed in the body. It also blocks the conversion of nitrates to nitrosamines which causes cancer in the stomach.

Selenium that is found in whole grains offers the same antioxidant effects of beta-carotene and vitamin C.  However, selenium is toxic in large dosage, hence its use as food supplement must be done with caution. Vitamin E also provides an antioxidant effect.

Vegan Diet for Cancer Patents

A vegan diet often proves quite helpful for the well-informed cancer patient. If you are new to a vegan diet, consult your physician for the best manner to change. Start by including as many familiar foods as possible, and use “new” foods to fill in the gaps. Use products that are quick and simple to prepare. Look for those easily exchanged for animal products in familiar dishes. However, if you consumed a vegan or nearly vegan diet before you are diagnosed of cancer, your health professional might suggest you increase your calorie and protein rich foods.

If you intend to follow a macrobiotic diet during cancer treatment, you need to consult a nutritionist who is familiar with both the diet as well as the specific cancer-related nutritional problems that are likely to develop and which you may encounter. While a plant-based vegan diet offers the ideal nutrition, you may need your nutrients adjusted during this time of increased stress on your body. Some undergoing treatment experience eating difficulties. Your nutritionist and physician should help adjust your vegan diet for cancer treatment.

Vegan Diet is Hugely Helpful Against Cancer

Cancer Prevention

The following guidelines can help reduce your risk of any type of cancer:

•  Don’t smoke.

  1. Smoking has been shown to dramatically increase the risk of development of cancer.

• Consume plenty of vegetables and plant-based food each day.

  1. While the American Cancer Society recommends a healthy diet consisting of 2-3 cups of vegetables a day, your body utilizes much more to increase your health. Most nutritionists advise incorporating a larger amount of vegetables into your diet; two cups seems quite minimal for maintaining a healthy diet. Additionally, the more vegetables you eat, the more antioxidants are available to your body to support your overall well-being.

• Have one or less alcoholic drink daily.

  1. Women especially should have a maximum of one drink per day. Studies show that excess alcohol has a negative effect on your overall health and wellness program.

• Avoid processed meats entirely.

  1. Also, consume little to none of any meat. Meats often contain a high-fat content and preservatives. Even low-fat meats such as chicken provide a strain on the body. Also, studies show that poultry fat like chicken skin or other visible fat forms the same pro-carcinogenic compounds as red meats when exposed to high heat.

• Maintain an active lifestyle and healthy weight.

  1. If you are exercising for weight-loss, it is advised that you get at least five hours of exercise a week. Further, recommendations show that exercise helps even if you don’t need to lose weight. It helps retain a healthy weight and strengthens the entire body, including the immune system. Some studies show that 14 to 20 percent of cancer-associated mortality in America is due to overweight and obesity.

Adopt a Vegan Diet for Cancer Prevention and Treatment

You will achieve the best benefits by following a healthy, plant-based eating plan, also known as a vegan diet. It is important to follow the principles consistently, especially late in life when there is an increase in the risk to develop different types of cancer.

Mainstream organizations such as the American Cancer Society recommend putting a limit to consumption of meat and processed foods while increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, excessive heat destroys most of the protein, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and phytonutrients in foods. This is why major healing centers such as the Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center, the Hippocrates Institute, the Optimum Health Institute and Hallelujah Acres teach a raw, vegan approach to nutrition. Alternatively, consider eating at least half of your foods raw, while lightly cooking the remainder.