Cancer
What Is It?
The human body is made up of cells; old ones continually replacing new ones in what is known as ‘cell renewal’. If for some reason this process gets out of control, the cells just carry on dividing and eventually develop into a lump - more commonly termed as a tumour. These lumps are either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A benign (non-cancerous) tumour will remain quite localised, possibly causing a problem to surrounding organs if it continues to grow. However, the cells of a malignant (cancerous) tumour have the ability to spread beyond the original area of the body which, if left untreated, may spread into surrounding tissues.
Very simply, the definition provided by Cancer Research UK is: ‘Cancer is a disease where body cells grow and divide uncontrollably. They can spread into nearby tissues, and may spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.’
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK accounting for 53 per cent of new cases in women (2014).
Cause and Effect
According to Cancer Research UK, four out of ten UK cancer cases could be prevented, largely through lifestyle changes, so this is good news for those of us looking to prevent or reduce our risk. Research has shown that whilst not all cancers are lifestyle related, following a daily routine which reduces your risk can help to reduce our risk of developing the disease.
The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) 2012 found a positive association between obesity (BMI>30) and ovarian cancer risk in post-menopausal women, so looking after ourselves through all our life cycles is important.
Various cancers can be triggered by many varied internal and external factors, and whilst we are not advocating living in a cave, it does appear the more in tune with nature and our natural cycles we can be, the better the body appears to be able to fend off disease or support itself during illness. Often cancer patients are told it doesn’t matter what they eat as long as they eat, but we would suggest that providing your body with fresh natural foods may better support your body in its recovery from the cancer.
For more information on specific types of cancer visit www.cancerresearchuk.org
Juice Pharmacy Recommendations
What to Avoid
In 2007, the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer research (WCFR/AICR) issued eight general and two special recommendations on diet, physical activity and weight management for cancer prevention on the basis of the most comprehensive collection of available evidence. www.preventcancer.aicr.org
Its recommendations included: being as lean as possible without becoming underweight; being physically active for at least 30 minutes a day; avoiding sugary drinks; limiting consumption of energy-dense foods (particularly processed foods which are high in added sugar, low in fibre or high in fat); and eating an increased variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes, such as beans.
Stress - Reducing your stress levels is important to minimising your risk or supporting you through treatment, so try finding a hobby and be sure to stay socially involved.
What to Include
It is outside the scope of Natural Juice Therapy to be able to claim to cure cancer. The treatment of cancer is a complex and highly skilled subject and unique to each individual. Whichever treatment path you decide to take, it is also important to focus on building and strengthening the immune system and using Juice Therapy may help to support this.
When we review the recommendations from Cancer Research UK, they also emphasise the following key points relating to diet which can help your body to cope with treatment side effects; handle the most beneficial dose of certain treatments; recover and heal faster; fight off infections; feel stronger, healthier and have more energy. (www.cancerresearchuk.org)
Beetroots - Naturally high in disease-fighting phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and trace minerals. Beetroot is an excellent source of phytonutrients called betalains (categorised as betanin and vulgaxanthin) which function as cancer-protective beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules. The highest supply of these free radical damage-fighting antioxidants are found in the greens of beetroot. This part of the vegetable contains more lutein and zeaxanthin than the purple root itself, but even the roots provide a good source, especially golden beets.
Broccoli - Contains an anti-estrogenic compound known as glucosinolates which are especially helpful to excrete excess oestrogen which are linked to breast cancer. Sulforaphane, a sulphur compound also created by broccoli (as well as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale), has caught the attention of researchers with its ability to suppress breast cancer cell activity, inhibit cancer cell mobility and enhance detoxification through methylation support. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Calories - Even in good health, roughly a third of all the calories you eat are used up by your immune system. This is again where juices and smoothies can support your body especially when you don’t feel like eating - liquid nutrition may be just what your body needs to ensure you are keeping yourself nourished and getting everything your body needs to support itself.
Celery - This super salad vegetable is known to contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds. Among them are acetylenics which have been shown to stop the growth of tumour cells; phenolic acids which block the action of prostaglandins that encourage the growth of tumour cells; and coumarins which help prevent free radicals from damaging cells.
Flax seeds - Both flax and sesame seeds, which are high in lignans, phytoestrogens with estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activity and high lignan exposure may be associated with a reduced breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women. Other studies have found a diet rich in plant lignans can reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Ginger - A useful multipurpose herb that can support neuropathy often felt after treatment. Drinking ginger tea can have a beneficial effect on some of the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, such as nausea associated with treatment. www.cancerresearchuk.org
Greens - Chlorophyll acts as our internal healer, cleanser, antiseptic, cell stimulator, rejuvenator and red blood cell builder. The greener a plant, the more chlorophyll it contains. The best sources are spirulina, chlorella, barley grass, wheatgrass, kale, spinach, celery, alfalfa sprouts and all green vegetables. Kale is found to contain indole-3-carbinol which boosts the health of DNA and also lowers the growth of cancer cells.
Matcha powder - You could try adding matcha powder to your juices to give them an additional boost and help reduce the inflammation, or make a matcha latte with your own almond milk.
Protein - We need extra protein for healing, particularly after surgery, and to support the detoxification process. There are a number of ways to increase your intake via juices. We can source plant-based protein such as hemp or pea protein. Soaked chia seeds and avocado are also a good source of plant-based protein.
Pomegranate - Research has found that pomegranate juice can inhibit the proliferation of various prostate cancer cells. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Spinach - The fine chlorophyll and carotene (lutein) found in spinach is beneficial in fighting and preventing cancer. A variety of flavonoid compounds found in this vegetable are powerful antioxidants and anti-cancer agents. Studies have shown that properties in spinach slow down cancerous cell division, especially in cancers of the breast, cervical, prostate, stomach and skin.
Turmeric - A powerful anti-inflammatory, turmeric can help rebuild mucosal lining as well as being shown to increase cancer cell death. Less than one teaspoon a day of turmeric with black pepper and good fat increases its efficacy, and is even better when taken with ginger. www.scienceblog.cancerresearchuk.org
The Juice Recipes
Shot: The G & T
½ Apple
1 Inch Ginger Root
1 Inch Turmeric
1 tsp Juice Master Powergreens (optional)
2-3 Drops of Udo's Choice Ultimate Oil Omega 3-6-9 (optional)
Juice apple, ginger and turmeric together and pour into a shot glass. Add the Udo's oil or Juice Master Powergreens and stir in well. Down it in one!
Juice: Pure Muscle Builder - taken from the Funky Fresh Juice Book
2 Golden Delicious apples
1 Large Handful Spinach
¾ Medium Pineapple
1 Medium Avocado
1 tsp Spirulina
1 Heaped tsp of Juice Master Hemp Protein Power (optional)
Ice
Juice the apples, spinach and pineapple (no need to peel if you have a good juicer). Make sure you pack the spinach tightly into the chute, behind the apple, to get the most juice. Pour the fresh juice into the blender then add the avocado, spirulina, hemp powder and ice. Blend until smooth making sure all the powder has been full dissolved.
Blend: Tahini Choco Beaney
1 tbsp Fairtrade Raw Cocoa Powder
1 tbsp Tahini
2 tsp Manuka Honey
½ Banana (ripe and peeled)
250ml Almond Milk
Ice
Just add all the ingredients to the blender and whizz-up until smoothly scrumptious.
Disclaimer
Please note, it is impossible to give a definitive list as what supports one person can be a trigger food or allergen for another. You must stay your own juice detective at all times and listen to how your own body responds to certain foods and always consult with your healthcare provider when making changes to your diet which may affect your medication. Please be aware that we are not doctors, so it is important to consult with your GP or medical practitioner BEFORE making any changes to your diet. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, or a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, are provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.