Cancer: The Big "C" Strikes Again

It seems that cancer is becoming more and more prevalent. And, in fact cancer rates for all types of cancers are on the rise. It strikes the young and the old and lots of individuals in between. In my own experience, it is striking my Mom's generation the most severely. Today, I'd like to explore the why and the what - why are cancer rates on the rise and what can you do about it should it strike?

My Mom and some of her sisters have been diagnosed in very recent years with different forms of cancer at reasonably young ages. When I looked at their risk profiles, I asked myself the question: "What did all these women have in common?" Most were smokers, except my Mom. Most ate reasonably well, although not enough fresh fruit and vegetables and other high fiber foods. Most were more than 10% overweight. Most were reasonably active, although not as active as recommended by the medical community. And all lived in a first-world country with all the associated advantages - so it appears on the surface. But what are the "underlying" factors? Let's look at cancer from a deeper and less conventional point-of-view.

According to practitioners of alternative medicine (and increasingly more traditional physicians) cancer can be treated (sometimes fully cured) by:

1. Killing cancer cells without harming the body, using alternative medicinal practices in conjunction with/instead of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
2. Increasing oxygen levels at the cellular level to kill cancer cells because low levels of cellular oxygen are an underlying factor that breeds cancer.
3. Increasing pH levels to normal levels because acidic pH environments lead to cancer. This is why alkaline diets are becoming increasingly popular in wellness circles.
4. Getting methylglyoxal into cells, arresting the development of cancer and putting cells back into a resting state.
5. Strengthening the immune system to help rid the body of cancer cells because a weakened immune system can lead to cancer.
6. Ridding the body of fungal infections, such as Candida to help eliminate cancer. Some doctors believe that such infections contribute to the development of cancer.
   
7. Detoxifying the body because toxic environments can lead to cancer. Eating genetically-modified foods (rather than organic foods) and drinking chlorinated water is toxic for the body.
   
8. Eliminating free radicals (with antioxidants) from the body that damage DNA leading to a host of diseases, including cancer.
   
9. Increasing enzyme levels to assist in the breakdown of foods. Low enzyme levels result from eating processed, irradiated and cooked foods rather than a "raw food diet" which is a prescription for greater health.
10. Raising the level of energy vibration of the body to help rid the body of cancer, which has low vibratory levels.
    
11. Eliminating stress, which is crucial to ridding the body of cancer. Stress is a leading factor of all kinds of diseases, including cancer.

Now that you are armed with this knowledge, what should you do?

1. Become educated about alternative medicine and wellness by consulting many of the online resources available.
   
2. Stop eating processed and junk foods and start eating organically-grown raw foods.
3. Exercise regularly and include antioxidants, like blueberries, in your diet.
4. Lose the excess weight and detoxify your body with cleansing products like colon cleanses and liver cleanses and detoxifiers.
   
5. Begin a regime of taking nutritional supplements and/or natural herbal supplements that are designed specifically to keep your body in an optimal state.
6. Grab a book such as The New Detox Diet and eat an alkaline diet, rather than the very acidic typical American diet.
7. Consult an alternative medicine practitioner such as a doctor of Chinese Medicine, a naturopath or herbalist. Adhere to the recommendations and make changes if necessary.
   
8. De-stress with regular massage, meditation and/or yoga. Seek counsel if needed.
9. Stop smoking. Stop excessive drinking. Live life in moderation.
   

Before cancer strikes you or someone you love, make the necessary changes and live your life to the fullest.

Sandy Huard, Women's Health Supply International

Soy Protein: What is the Truth About Soy?

If you haven't heard much about the benefits of soy protein, you could be missing out. Now, if you eat soy regularly, do you know that soy has a potential downside too? In fact, there are risks associated with eating soy. So, here are the straight goods, both good and bad, about soy protein.

First off, let's talk about the benefits of consuming soy protein. Eat soy because:

1. It has been shown to significantly reduce LDL cholesterol levels (the bad cholesterol).
2. It has a beneficial effect on heart health.
3. It has been linked to improved prostate health.
4. It can help reduce menopausal symptoms.
5. It helps maintain muscle mass, which is critical for bodybuilders.
6. It has recently been linked to increased bone mass and reduced bone fracture in older women.

How about that for some great benefits? And for most vegetarians, soy protein is a staple. As for non-vegetarians who consume meat, fish and poultry, maybe not so much. Before making a recommendation on how much soy you should consume, let's turn to the risks of eating soy protein.

Although there is still debate on the matter, studies have shown that the primary risk for women who consume high amounts of soy is an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This is especially true for women who are in high risk groups already. The culprit? The plant-based estrogens called isoflavones found in soy are believed to play a role. No doubt there will be further research because some claim that these isoflavones in fact reduce your cancer risk.

Suffice to say, that if you are a vegetarian, ensure that you do not solely consume soy daily. Instead, eat other high-protein food sources in your diet, such as chickpeas, beans and lentils. If you are a non-vegetarian, by all means add soy to your diet because of the many benefits mentioned above. Finally, if you are at high risk of developing breast cancer, avoid soy and talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

One further note: Flaxseeds are a great alternative for anyone who doesn't eat soy. Also consider a soy protein supplement, especially if you strength-train. It'll help you build muscle and get lean.

So that's it. Check out some of the great soy recipes online. When prepared properly, soy is delicious!

Until tomorrow,

Sandy Huard, Women's Health Supply International

A Sample 1,800 Calorie Diet to Help You Lose Weight

I thought I might design a typical and healthy 1,800 calorie daily diet plan for some of you that are dieting and having trouble with your calorie counting and your meal planning. So here we go...

Breakfast

1. Two boiled eggs = 150 calories
2. One piece of whole grain toast with 1 tbsp margarine = 62 + 68 = 130 calories
   
3. One slice of cantaloupe (1/6th of a large cantaloupe) = 65 calories
   
4. One cup of coffee = 5 calories
5. Water = 0 calories

Total (breakfast) = 350 calories

Mid-Morning Snack

1. One medium apple = 81 calories
2. One low-fat yogurt = 50 calories
3. Water = 0 calories
   

Total (mid-morning snack) = 111 calories

Lunch

1. Large leafy green salad (sliced peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots) = about 100 calories
   
2. 1 tbsp olive oil with vinegar = 119
   
3. 1/2 of a sliced chicken breast (roasted no skin) = 286/2 = 143 calories
4. Water = 0 calories
   

Total (lunch) = 362 calories

Mid-Afternoon Snack

1. Raw almonds (1/8th of a cup or about 12) = 100 calories
2. Cup of coffee = 5 calories
3. Water = 0 calories
   

Total (mid-afternoon snack) = 105 calories

Dinner

1. 4 oz broiled salmon with lemon = 349 + 22 = 371 calories
2. 1 cup of cooked wild rice = 166 calories
3. 1 cup of steamed asparagus = 31 calories
4. 1 cup of boiled or baked yams = 158 calories
5. Water = 0 calories
   

Total (dinner) = 726 calories

After Dinner Snack = 126 calories remaining

Choose from:

1. Berries with low-fat yogurt
   
2. Bowl of instant unsweetened oatmeal with Splenda
   
3. 2oz of chocolate

So, there you have it - approximately 1,800 calories. This is a nice diet for the typical woman trying to lose weight. If you knock out a snack, you'll lose weight that much faster. Don't go lower than about 1,500 calories and mix up the amount of calories that you consume daily. And remember to get your heart pumping and do your strength-training on opposite days.

Take your multivitamin religiously too! You have calcium needs and other vitamin and mineral needs that are just not met during dieting (or in the typical person's diet as a matter of fact).

Eat and enjoy your food! You deserve it.

Healthy. Fit. Living Fully.

Sandy Huard, President, Women's Health Supply International

Health and Wellness: The New Detox Diet

Tonight I wanted to give a huge nod to the book "The New Detox Diet: The Complete Guide for Lifelong Vitality with Recipes, Menus & Detox Plans" by Elson M. Haas, M.D.

Much of the information in this book forms the foundation of the program at Grail Springs in Bancroft, Canada, a Health and Wellness Spa. If you want to get on the right track of lifelong Health, Wellness and Vitality, this book is a great place to start. Not only will your understanding of detoxification increase, but you'll have your pick of great recipes. There are breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes, recipes for great soups, salads and side dishes, recipes for sauces, dips and dressings, snacks and treats, hot and cold drinks, fabulous smoothies and terrific fresh vegetable and fruit juices.

At the end of the chapter on "Supplements for Detoxification", you'll find a table that recommends daily amounts of vitamins and minerals, amino and fatty acids that support the body and the detoxification process in general.

You may decide (and it's a good idea) to get most of the Book's recommended vitamins and minerals in a daily multi-vitamin. In addition, do some product research on the detox formula herbs including: echinacea, yellow dock, goldenseal, garlic, parsley, licorice, and cayenne pepper.

If you are looking for detoxification diets, you'll find a number of diets to choose from in "The New Detox Diet", including sugar, nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and drug detoxifications. So, if you have decided that this is your year to quick smoking as an example, it's great to include the recommended "Stop Smoking Diet" and to detoxify as well. Check out this book, it is really worth the read. More importantly, use the information to get on the right track to ensure a lifetime of good health and wellness.

Well, I'm off to do my 30-minute strength-training session. I'm breaking one of my "Top 10 Health, Fitness, and Wellness Tips" from yesterday and waiting until the end of the day to get my workout in. However, better late than never. I'm committed as are you. Our goals again are: "Healthy. Fit. Living Fully."

Until tomorrow. Have a great evening!

Sandy Huard, President, Women's Health Supply International