Cancer (an uncontrolled growth of cells) starts when something causes a change.

Most people by now have heard of free radicals: caused by smog, overeating, high fat diets, trauma, injury, inflammation, too much sun, too much radiation, (from TVs, computers, cell phones, etc.) high blood sugar, aging and chronic diseases. Our bodies need antioxidants to fight these free radicals. These include: garlic, fruits and vegetables, (especially cruciferous) B12, magnesium, folic acid, Lycopene, Vitamins A, C, E and Selenium.

The worst things that actually promote cancer are: sugar and refined carbohydrates, alcohol, obesity and tobacco. Animal products also figure highly in cancer risk.

Here’s a cheat sheet of what to eat and do and what not to eat and do:

Do:

Eat foods like oranges, apples, grapes, tomatoes, garlic, onions, Brussels sprouts, spinach, broccoli, red bell pepper, blue berries, black berries, green tea, turmeric, thyme, rosemary, mint, basil, sage, ginger, omega-3 fatty acid (walnuts are a good source), soy beans, black beans, carrots, olive oil and tofu.

Increase fiber in your diet

Exercise (walking is great)

Get enough sleep

Don’t:

At least cut way back on meat, fats (especially Trans fats), processed foods and cheese.

Avoid excessive exposure to chemicals, hydrocarbons and cleaning solvents.

Cut back on caffeine.

Sugar is a cancer feeder. So is white flour.

Maintain a good weight.

Cut stress as much as possible

The seminar I went to said if we just didn’t smoke, drink, eat meat and had a diet high in fiber and low in fat and kept a normal weight we could prevent 80% of cancers.