Disease Prevention Eating: Cancer and Other Ailments

Everyone reading this knows of someone who has contracted cancer, heart disease, diabetes or arthritis. The media does a lot of talking. And, grabbing attention on finding a breast cancer cure, early detection and treatment options. Conspicuously absent is a focus on the very significant role of diet and nutrition in both preventing and treating cancer, among other ailments. 

Aren’t dietary and lifestyle changes at least up there in importance as finding a cancer cure? Certainly, we can and should choose a diet and lifestyle that minimizes our risk of contracting cancer and other degenerative diseases. Meaning, when does the shift happen in terms of prevention – versus solely being about reaction. 

Does Diet Play a Role in Cancer -Prevention and Fighting? 

The link between higher fat consumption and the increasing occurrence of common cancers has been known for years (Mayo Clinic). We also know that the link between fat and breast cancer is also well established. Because, breast tumors are fueled by estrogens. Women who eat a plant-based, low fat diet can potentially drop their estrogen level.

A National Cancer Institute report stated …

.. that vegetables and fruits protect against cancers if consumed in large enough quantities. Hundreds of scientific studies have determined this as well. Research indicates that raw vegetables contain the most powerful anti-cancer ingredients of all foods. And beans, have added anti-cancer benefits protecting against reproductive cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer.

The “Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine” states: “It’s hardly news that vegetables and fruits are good for you. People who typically eat generous helpings of vegetables and fruits run a lower risk of developing the leading killers of adults: cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes.”

 Familiar with the Book Eat to Live?

The author, Dr. Joel Fuhrman explains: “Research shows that those who avoid meat and dairy have lower rates of heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Remember, long-term vegans almost never get heart attacks.” 

What does that mean? This might even tie back to a recent post we did on mindful eating – Do you think about what you are enjoying? Or perhaps how it makes you feel while you are eating or once you are finished.

Listen, I am by no means a perfect eater.

However, when Ki’s Kitchen came to be, I knew we needed to bring something different to the community (and beyond). I love the saying Eat to Heal, because so many of our answers are there. I loved meat, still crave it here and there – but finding the alternatives was imperative. 

Story of Impact: A client/customer of Ki’s Kitchen, had to stop eating meat at the recommendation of her specialist to combat liver disease. Because meat can be harder to digest, and go through its process on the body, she needed to stop. We worked together finding alternatives that would satisfy those cravings. Don’t wait until health is in jeopardy if you can. 

Prevention versus Reaction 

Lastly, I want to leave you with a list of the top foods that are recommended we consume to help prevent, manage and fight against disease. 

Ki’s Kitchen Five Food List to Fight Against Disease Today

#1 Alfalfa sprouts  

1 cup of alfalfa sprouts has less than 10 calories, virtually fat-free, and contains phytochemicals called saponins, which may protect against cancer and help lower cholesterol.