Women’s
Magazine October 2002
By
Debbie Sarfati
Over
50,000 women die of breast cancer each year, a figure up 60% from
one generation ago. Studies report that one in nine women will develop
breast cancer in their life. Current theories on the cause of breast
cancer involve hormone and dietary factors. Breast cancer is an
estrogen-dependant disease. Elevated levels of estrogen occur when
a high fat diet is consumed. Breast cancer is also related to an
imbalance of the intestine. When constipation or diarrhea occur,
lymph vessels in the intestinal
absorb
additional waste which is then sent upward and can become stagnant
in breast tissue.
Many
cancers respond well to an improvement in diet because most are
at least partially related to poor nutrition. Because nutritional
deficiencies change the chemistry of the body, they often precede
cancer. When biochemistry is altered, the immune system is unable
to defend the body properly. There are many things you can do nutritionally
to decrease your odds of getting cancer. Follow the guidelines below,
keeping in mind that prevention is the best medicine.
Eliminate
Foods that Clog your System: Foods such as red meat, pork, fried
foods, refined carbohydrates, sugars, caffeine, preserved and artificially
colored foods place a greater burden on your organs of detoxification,
making it difficult for your body to clean out enough waste to maintain
good health.
Eliminate
your Exposure to Chemicals and Drugs: Post WWII generations show
a rise in breast cancer. This era is marked by an increase in new
chemicals and drugs like antibiotics, hormone replacement therapy,
processed foods, chemical cleaning agents, and pesticides. Adopting
a more natural diet and lifestyle will help reduce your exposure
to these harsh chemicals.
Add
Exercise to your Daily Routine: While 1 out of 3 Americans falls
victim to cancer, only 1 out of 7 active Americans do. Exercise
reduces your cancer risk by improving lymphatic function, boosting
immunity, enhancing oxygen use, and accelerating the passage of
waste from the body.
Add
Fresh Fruits, Veggies, and Whole Grains to your Diet: It has been
proven that the more fruits and vegetables you eat, the lower your
cancer risk. High fiber foods such as these help maintain intestinal
health and decrease estrogen levels. Additionally, these foods contain
phyto-chemicals, potent cancer-fighting nutrients. Adding an abundance
of fresh, unprocessed foods to your diet will help your body to
repair and maintain health. Start by experimenting with the recipes
below:
Autumn
Vegetable Sauté
1
cup water
1
carrot, sliced
1
cup broccoli, cut small
1
stalk celery, sliced
1
cup summer squash, diced
1
cup asparagus, sliced small
1
cup green beans
2
cups bok choy, cut small
2
Tbsp tamari soy sauce
1
Tbsp toasted sesame oil
1
Tbsp olive oil
1.
Wash and slice all of the vegetables and add to a large pan.
2.
Add the water, cover, and bring to boil.
3.
Cook until the vegetables are slightly soft.
4.
Drain any remaining water from the pan.
5.
Add the tamari, sesame oil, and olive oil and sauté over
medium heat until the vegetables and dressing are well mingled.
Mint
Quinoa
1
cup quinoa
1/3
cup almond slivers, lightly toasted
2
¼ cups filtered water
1/3
cup dried cranberries
pinch
of salt
¼
cup fresh mint leaves, minced
salt,
to taste
1.
In a small strainer, rinse the quinoa thoroughly
2.
Combine the quinoa, water, and salt in a pot and bring to a boil;
lower the heat, cover, and simmer until all of the water is absorbed
(approximately 15 minutes)
3.
While the quinoa is cooking, wash and cut the mint leaves and lightly
toast the almonds.
4.
When the quinoa is finished cooking, gently stir in the mint, almonds,
and cranberries.
5.
Cover and let sit for 5 minutes before serving
Debbie
Sarfati is a Nutrition Counselor and Natural Foods Cooking Instructor
in Boulder. Debbie works with clients to create a customized nutrition
plan that will improve diet, enhance wellness, and eliminate health
problems.
|
