Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), it is one of the three most common cancers and ranks second as the leading cause of cancer deaths. (Lung cancer is the first). Breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, it is the result of a DNA change in normal breast cells that inhibit regular growth/death rates of the breast cells. The cause for this DNA change is yet unknown, but risk factors linked to the disease include age, genetics, family history, environment, and lifestyle choices. Hormones also play a part in cancer development. Breast cancer is conventionally treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation. Many women, however, are declining such treatments (which come with varying side effects) and are looking into breast cancer alternative treatment.
Types of Breast Cancer Alternative Treatment
Breast cancer alternative treatment utilizes non-traditional cancer therapy to treat the disease of cancer. This could include culturally-based healing traditions such as acupuncture and ayerveda, mind-body medicines such as prayer and meditation, biologically-based practices such as nutritional therapy and herbal medicine, or energy treatments such as reiki and qigong. Whatever the treatment, most alternative health practitioners agree that diet and exercise are an important aspect of fighting cancer naturally. With diet comes an array of foods that are good for boosting the immune system and providing anti-cancerous nutrients for combating the disease. There also exists a list of potentially harmful foods or foods that should be avoided when treating breast cancer alternatively.
Foods to Avoid in Breast Cancer Alternative Treatment
Food is not a poison in itself. Some foods, however, contain a large amount of mold, fungus, yeast, and pleomorphic bacteria. These harmful substances are typically present in stored and fermented foods, but can be found in other food sources as well. According to Dr. Robert Young of the Consumer Health Organization of Canada, today’s “civilized food” contains an over- abundance of animal protein and sugar which causes the blood to become too acidic. Excessive acids, molds, fungi, and yeasts in the body tend toward disease. Eliminating contaminating foods from the diet is paramount to the success of any cancer alternative treatment program.
The following foods should be avoided in breast cancer alternative treatment as they contain a high content of harmful substances and toxins:
- animal meat (sausage, salami, bacon, ham, beef, lamb, chicken, turkey) and animal byproducts (eggs)
- dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese, butter and ice-cream)
- mushrooms
- potatoes
- corn and corn products
- peanuts, cashews, and other high-protein nuts
- barley and other stored grains and cereals
- dried salt fish and raw fish (sushi)
- dried fruits (such as raisins) and citrus or high fructose fruits (oranges, pineapples, grapefruit, figs, plums, bananas and raspberries)
- hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils (margarine, shortening and vegetable oils)
- aged or fermented foods (yeast, soy sauce, sauerkraut and pickled relish)
- carbohydrate-rich foods (sugar, honey, high fructose corn syrup, concentrated sweeteners, white flour and white flour products)
Most of the fungus and bacteria in the aforementioned foods can be killed if the foods are cooked, but cooking poses another problem in alternative breast cancer treatment. According to natural food experts, cooking kills vital enzymes in food and enzymes are an essential part of a cancer-fighting diet. Individuals seeking alternative treatment for breast cancer should consume an abundance of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, fresh vegetable juices, whole grains, and specific nuts and seeds (especially flax seed). All alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine should be avoided. Individuals should also remember to consult with a holistic practitioner before embarking on a plan of self-recovery.
Sources:
Cancer Cure Foundation
Loraine R. Degraff - Loraine Degraff is a writer and educator of over 10 years. Although much of her writing focuses on natural health, she enjoys learning and ...
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