Isn’t it funny how life’s twists and turns are much like currents of unexpected change? Life is filled with thrills, excitement, disappointment, calm, and chaos that really weren’t meant for the faint of heart. The best part of life is that it comes with an abundance of choices; however, life also has no warranties, no guarantees, no expiration date, and no return policy. Some of life’s choices are simple with few consequences; others are complex and can bring about chaos.
Part of life’s chaos is fueled by the never-ending information that bombards us daily. Thousands of cancer treatment and prevention studies have been done and many more are currently underway. But what do we know and how do we bring calm to the chaos of information?
According to the National Cancer Institute, 30% of cancers are due to tobacco use. By now we know that smoking is the nemesis of good health. But, we may not realize how the foods we consume contribute to as many as 60% of all cancers. What about obesity? In recent years obesity has been recognized as a significant cancer risk. These factors—smoking and obesity—bring validity to the theory that 80% of cancers may be preventable. If smoking is linked to lung cancer and obesity is linked to breast, esophageal, pancreatic, colorectal, endometrial, and kidney cancers, then it is easy to see how lifestyle choices affect our overall health.
Today the old saying, “you are what you eat,” could not be truer. With fast food restaurants increasing in record numbers, so are our waistlines. We live in an era of fast, convenient, and disposable food—the result is that two thirds of us are considered obese. The number one killer in America is heart disease; cancer is number two. Obviously, diets consisting of high fat, red meats, and dairy products are associated with many health problems ranging from heart disease to prostate cancer.
So, does everything cause cancer? You may be surprised to learn the answer is no. The things that are good for us may also protect our health; they are nature’s fast foods: fruits and vegetables. Bananas, apples, and oranges come in nature’s own value pack—ready to eat and full of nourishment; plus their natural packaging is biodegradable.
Cancer-preventing and heart healthy foods include the following: 1) vegetables–sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, spinach, and asparagus; 2) fruits–strawberries, kiwi, melon, bananas, and apples; 3) whole grains–breads, cereal, oatmeal, pasta, and brown rice; and 4) legumes–beans, peas, and lentils. In multiple studies, cruciferous vegetables have been shown to have the most powerful anticancer properties of all foods. Cruciferous vegetables include kale, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, and radishes.
I recommend limiting fatty foods, red meats, and processed foods. The more natural and closer you are to the way nature prepared it, the better it is for you. The National Cancer Institute recommends nine servings of fruit and vegetables per day. I think we need to consume at least six servings of fresh fruit and eight servings of fresh vegetables for better health. Be mindful of the cruciferous vegetables and incorporate at least two into your daily diet. Please discuss any diet and exercise modifications with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before making any changes.
I believe a healthier life can be achieved in part by the choices we make. Plan for the unexpected and protect your health. Life is about choices; what we eat and drink is how we live.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
