Diet Changes that may help reduce Cancer

With the incidences of cancer seeming to rise frequently according to the media outlets, many people wonder if there is anything they can do in order to significantly reduce that risk. While a diagnosis of cancer can be a devastating blow, there are some steps that people can take to reduce their risk of getting a number of different types of cancer. One of the things that an individual has the most control over is the diet that is consumed. By making some dietary changes, it is possible to lower the risk of getting cancer.

Increase fiber

There is a reason why so many health experts espouse a diet that is high in fiber. Repeated studies have shown that there is a strong relationship between a high-fiber diet and a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Fiber helps move those potentially toxic compounds through the intestinal walls faster as well as bindS them together so that they are kept away from the intestinal walls. This is even true for those people who are at high risk for colon cancer. A study showed that, when those people ate a high-fiber diet of no less than 13 grams of wheat bran fiber each day, less growth was noted in those cells that were potentially cancerous.

Increase consumption of raw fruits and vegetables

Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables is not just a good idea to keep sugar cravings to a minimum and help keep weight manageable. Along the same vein, eating an abundance of fruits and vegetables helps an individual reduce their craving for fatty foods, a notorious component of the diet that can increase the risk of cancer. In addition, fruits and vegetables are high in phytochemicals. These phytochemicals are natural compounds that can help the body fight off cancer and lower risk. Those vegetables that are cruciferous, such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, kale and mustard greens, are considered cancer-fighting powerhouses, because they contain three powerful phytochemcals.

Make the switch from an animal-based diet

Studies that have looked at the diets of vegetarians, as well as Seventh Day Adventists, have found that these groups tend to have a much lower risk of developing cancer. Some researchers believe that the skyrocketing rates of cancer during modern times is directly correlated to the switch humans made from a primarily plant-based diet to one that focuses on animal products. Indeed, plants have a three-prong advantage over animal products. They contain phytochemicals, as well as more fiber than animal products. In addition, plants contain a great deal less fat than animal products.

By making a few changes to eat in a healthier fashion, individuals can greatly decrease their risk of being diagnosed with cancer. Following these dietary changes over the course of a lifetime can help them remain cancer-free.