In this current blog, I want to make a point that you and I have as much influence in preventing and curing cancer as the current medically accepted cancer treatments.  My message is in no way disrespectful to what physicians are doing today in the treatment of cancer.  More than 99 percent of practicing physicians and oncologists are sincere in their interest to help cancer victims find a cure, or help them find the best quality of life possible. HOWEVER, I THINK THAT THEY COULD BE DOING MORE TO HELP THEIR PATIENTS UNDERSTAND THE CONNECTION BETWEEN PERSONAL LIFESTYLE CHOICES AND CANCER RISK.

We have to understand that cancer, in most cases, is not something that attacks us without our permission.  Many of the lifestyle choices we make significantly increase our risk of cancer. These lifestyle choices are usually classified as modifiable risk factors, and include our diet, whether or not we smoke or drink excessively, and if we forgo any physical activity and allow ourselves to not only become physically inactive and out of shape, but grossly overweight and obese. Not only are these modifiable choices well within our control, they not only lower the risk of cancer but of all other diseases as well.

SEVENTY PERCENT of all cancer is caused by our lifestyle choices; smoking is responsible for 30 percent of our cancers in America; 40 percent of our cancers are caused by a deficient diet, primarily of antioxidants and polyphenols that are found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and berries.  And approximately 30 percent of cancer is caused by chemicals IN THE ENVIRONMENT that we may or may not be able to control.  For example, formaldehyde is used in manufacturing (textiles, paper, resins, and wood composites) and indoor HOME environments (HOME FURNISHINGS, PERMANENT PRESS CLOTHING, COSMETICS, SMOKE FROM CIGARETTES).  Formaldehyde (considered one of the major components responsible for sick building syndrome) and many other chemicals CREATE HUGE AMOUNTS OF OXIDATIVE STRESS and represent a potential mechanism of toxicity that can lead to cancer.

According to research by Dr. Rajesh Agarwal and his team at the University of Colorado, colon cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women, and accounts for 9 percent of total deaths due to cancer of all organ sites.  Colorectal cancer is preventable. Healthy dietary changes CAN SIGNIFICANTLY reduce the risk of this malignancy.  Thus, nutritional recommendations from the American Cancer Society for prevention of cancer include adequate intake of fruits and vegetables in a regular diet.  Fruits and vegetables represent a source OF NUTRIENTS THAT HAS been studied extensively for their potential anticancer EFFECTS.  Fruits and vegetables not only NATURALLY REDUCE cancer risk without any side effects, but also MAINTAIN good general health BECAUSE they are the major sources of BENEFICIAL vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Our diet has changed more in the last 80 years than it has in the last three million years.  We eat because food delays hunger and satisfies us to the next meal.  We eat for pleasure as it is part of our society, almost a national pastime.  We don’t stop to think why we are eating or what we are eating, LET ALONE CONSIDER what the natural compounds, vitamins, minerals, etc. in food have to do with our health. We should BE EATING up to 5 to 7 servings OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES EVERY day.  However, less than 9 percent of Americans achieve these serving levels and only 5 percent of children.  To fill in this gap, I highly recommend adding grape seed extract and curcumin as dietary supplements to bridge the gap of nutrients not consumed.

Grapes and curcumin have been used for thousands of years in many cultures around the world.  In fact, grapes are the most consumed fruit in the world, and grape seed extracts have been marketed in France for decades as treatment for venous and capillary disorders, retinopathies, venous insufficiency, and vascular fragility.  Between grape seed extract and curcumin, there are close to 20,000 studies showing that they REDUCE the risk of many diseases – including cancer.  They are both powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Grape seed extract exhibits more powerful antioxidant effects than other well-known antioxidants such as vitamins E and C.  Grape seed extract reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, prevents skin aging, and decreases the risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

While our emphasis should be on making smart choices to prevent disease and cancer, it TAKES sacrifice and discipline to make LASTING changes in our lifestyle. In the meantime, support your health with the two most powerful natural medicines nature has to offer, grape seed extract and curcumin.