Your Immune System and Cancer

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