Colorectal cancer or colon cancer occurs in the colon or
rectum. The colon is the part of the large intestine. The rectum is the
passageway that connects the colon to the anus.
Colon cancer, when discovered early is treatable. Even if it
spreads into nearby lymph nodes, surgical treatment followed by chemotherapy is
highly effective. In the most difficult cases when cancer has spread to the
liver, lungs, or other site treatment can help make surgery options for many,
as well as prolonging and adding to one's quality of life. Research is
constantly being done to learn more and provide hope for people no matter what
stages they are at?
Most colon cancer develops first as polyps, which are
abnormal growth inside the colon or rectum that may later become cancerous if
not removed. Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in men
and women in all the different countries. Deaths from colorectal cancer have
decreased with the use of colonoscopies and fecal outlets blood tests, which
check for the blood in the stool.
Although I have written about this subject in previous articles, after a
recent conversation, I feel the need to re-address the importance of working
toward a healthy immune system during and following treatment.
The treatment of cancer has made some wonderful progress in the area of
looking at the body as a whole, and thus merging conventional methods of
treatment with alternative methods more than ever before. However, in my
opinion, a very important message is still not being shared with to cancer
patients.
That message is this: Cancer signals an immune system gone awry; cancer
treatment is immune suppressing; and rebuilding one's immune system needs to be
a top priority following treatment.
This breakdown begins for varied reasons and becomes the silent cause behind
many health issues. However, as important as I believe it is to be aware of
this and hopefully stave of disease and illness by addressing how this
breakdown begins, that is not the purpose of this article.
Nor is the purpose to write about the many things that can be done during
treatment to support and build out immune responses. Let me just say, " there
ARE lots of things that can be done".
The purpose of this article is to inform, encourage and equip cancer
patients who are at the finish line of their treatment. Your body has been
ravaged by a deadly disease, but through treatment of various kinds both
allopathic and holistic, you are on the verge of remission. This is time for
CELEBRATION, but it also a time for renewed vigilance regarding regaining
complete health.
There a many great supplements, essential oils, herbs and exercises that
build up one's immune system. But, I want to focus on the simple concept that
"you are what you eat". All of those other things are good, but what
you eat day after day can either build you up, tear you down or keep you in
your current suppressed state.
Simply put, your body needs organic, unprocessed food. Yes, you are going to
pay more for your food, but you are worth it. I am very sad when I see someone
just finishing treatment at a public event and they are busy eating all the
chemical filled, processed, genetically modified, sugary foods. Unknowingly
they are sometimes writing their epitaph.
Antioxidants are powerful compounds in real foods that keep our immune
systems working strong.
Life itself causes cellular processes in our bodies that create waste, some
of which form free radicals. These highly reactive substances need to be
neutralized so that they don't do damage in our bodies. Damage that results
from free radicals leads to inflammation. A consistently high state of
inflammation is considered to be a precursor to many common conditions, such as
cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer.
The good news is that given the correct fuel, our bodies create antioxidants
to balance this damage out! Antioxidants bind to free radicals and suppress
their damage.
Antioxidants are found in many plant foods
Here are some of the best sources for the following antioxidants
Vitamin C is found in citrus, kiwi, strawberries, bell peppers and broccoli
Vitamin E is contained in almonds, avocados and olive oil.
Beta-carotene creates vitamin A, which is important for bone health. Good
sources are carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, chard and papayas.
Lycopene is found in red fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, papaya and
watermelon.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in dark green leafy veggies like spinach,
kale, collard greens and broccoli.
Anthocyanins are found in blue and purple foods like blueberries,
raspberries, plums, pomegranates, eggplant, and red cabbage.
Like anything else important to healthy living, it takes action of some sort
to achieve gain. Be it exercise, good sleep habits, fighting substance abuses
or a strong immune system - you have to take action to see results. Take action
today to begin building up what cancer has broken down. Change your eating
patterns and give cancer a blow!
Some information taken from "Project Open Hand"








