Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Fight Cancer

By Victoria Gravini, CPT

Alignment Studio

. https://www.facebook.com/alignmentstudio/

More Cancer Awareness Articles

Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Fight Cancer

Being told you have cancer is probably one of the scariest moments in the doctor's office. A myriad of emotions and thoughts fly through your mind starting with “I don't have time for this!” and ending with “What do I need to do to beat this?” Your doctor will lay out a plan with you for the medical side of treatment, but there are a few things you can do to help.

First, check your BMI, or height-to-weight ratio. BMI is measured by height in centimeters divided by weight in kilograms. One way to lower your risk of getting cancer or of having a recurrence of cancer is to maintain a healthy BMI. A healthy BMI is between 18.5-24.9. Studies have shown that people who eat foods closest to the source, meaning people who eat minimally processed foods, have a lower prevalence of cancer.

Second, did you know that you need to discuss any vitamins and other supplements you are taking with your doctor? Supplements like vitamin E, Omegas 3 and 6, and iron can increase bleeding, so you may need to back off those until after treatment. Other supplements, like vitamin C, may be helpful. When you discuss your supplements with your doctor, he or she will make suggestions on what to continue to take and what to shelve until after treatment.

Third, make a few lifestyle changes. There are certain times when your body tells you it is time to back off and take care of the self. Cancer is certainly one of those times where you delegate everything you can housekeeping, cooking, car pool, etc. You allow yourself the time to get healing sleep and you focus on good nutrition. You will be amazed at how much more resilient you will feel by cutting out the sugars and the refined foods.

Last, eating a diet rich in dark green leafy vegetables, berries, ancient grains like quinoa, and lean proteins like chicken is essential for optimal vitality during treatment. Eating the rainbow, or choosing a wide variety of colors in the fruit and vegetable department, helps ensure you consume an assortment of phytochemicals for optimal health. Side note phytochemicals are the non-essential nutrients from plant foods that help the body fight disease.

No matter what your risk for cancer, choosing to eat a healthy, clean diet is beneficial to your well-being. When you choose real food over boxed food, you are consuming more nutrients and fewer calories. Your mind is clearer, you handle stress better, you have more energy, and you feel like you could take over the world. Watching what you eat before, during, and after treatment can make the process more bearable.