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Much has been said and written about the power of food in the prevention of cancer, and certainly good nutrition is one of the fundamentals of good health. However, what often gets overlooked when people discuss cancer fighting foods is the importance of choosing the right food combinations to maximize the effectiveness of a healthy diet. It is sometimes too easy to view cancer fighting foods in isolation, and to assume that if one simply adds more walnuts to one’s diet that will effectively prevent, or combat, cancer. But a balanced diet is just that, and it is important to realize that the foods we eat work in concert to provide our bodies with the health giving nutrients they need to thrive.

No Single Food Is A Star

No single food stuff is a miracle cure in and of itself. Once we accept this idea, we can better understand the misleading reports that are generated by conventional medicine and the pharmacological industry. For example, when researchers into natural cancer prevention assert that the Lycopene found in tomatoes is instrumental in the fight against cancer, conventional medicine tries to refute that research by claiming that they have tested Lycopene in the lab and the results are inconclusive. The problem is, they have isolated the Lycopene compound and simply tested it in a vacuum. In essence, they are saying, “We fed our subjects nothing but tomatoes and they don’t seem to be any healthier”.

By ignoring the importance of nutritional balance, conventional medicine is not taking into account functional and holistic approaches.

Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements are a good way for people to augment their healthy diets, and to increase their intake of important vitamins and nutrients. However, they should never be seen as an alternative to a balanced diet. Again, because the nutrients are taken in isolation, they can lack much of their cancer fighting properties. This is why nutritionists always stress the importance of relying on whole foods as a source for vitamins, minerals and other life giving nutrients. Supplements can play a part in good nutrition, but they can never supersede an all natural, organic, plant based diet.

Some Examples of Cancer Fighting Food Combinations

Now that we’ve talked a bit about the importance of combining the right foods for the prevention and treatment of cancer, let’s look at a few key examples of cancer fighting food combos.

• Tomatoes and Broccoli – As we know, tomatoes are rich in Lycopene, an antioxidant that helps to prevent the formation of cancer causing free radicals. Broccoli contains glucosinolates, which help to flush carcinogens from the body. A recent study by the American Institute for Cancer Research International Research Conference demonstrated that test subjects given a diet of both tomatoes and broccoli showed a significantly reduced instance of cancerous tumors than subjects fed on only one of these vegetables.
• Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli – Both of these vegetables are rich in vitamin C and folate, which are instrumental in the prevention of cancer. They also both contain phytonutrients, crambene in the case of Brussels sprouts and indole-3-carbinol in the case of broccoli. These phytonutrients work together to prevent dangerous carcinogens from damaging otherwise healthy cells at the DNA level.
• Tomatoes and Fat – We’ve all been taught that fat is bad for us, but in reality the body does actually need a lot of “good”fat for optimal health. The Lycopene in tomatoes is fat soluble, and the body can’t absorb it without the presence of fat. A healthy combination would be a tomato salad with avocados and olive oil.

God made the living and raw food to supply everything we need to protect ourselves from disease, but it is important to understand that no single plant or vegetable holds the ultimate answer. How we combine our food is just as important as the food we choose to put on our table. We must learn to combine natural and organic sprouts, seeds, nuts and vegetables in a way that will maximize their health giving properties. Only then will we be in all that God has created us to be in physical health and do all that He has called us to do.

The consumption of sugar has long been recognized as a direct cause of obesity and diabetes, two of the major health concerns facing Americans today. However, it may be surprising for some people to learn that there is a direct correlation between sugar rich diets and the development of many common cancers. With nearly 13 million people being diagnosed with some form of cancer every year, it is clear that cancer has become an ongoing epidemic that shows little sign of abating. And while environmental factors can account for a percentage of those cancer diagnoses, lifestyle and diet remain the primary causes of many of the most common forms of cancer. Clearly, our Western diet, with its over reliance on high cooked and processed fat and sugar rich processed foods, is taking its toll on our health.

But Surely the Body Needs Sugar for Fuel?

As most of us learned in our high school biology classes, the human body converts sugars into the fuel it needs to survive and thrive. This is, of course, true. The body burns sugars for fuel, and uses that fuel to provide the basic energy we need to live. However, the body naturally produces the sugar it needs by converting proteins and starches into glucose. In this way it fuels the metabolism, promotes healthy cell growth and regeneration, and energizes the blood, tissues and organs of the body. The only outside sources of sugars the body needs, are those that are found in a vegetarian based diet, rich in organic vegetables. Foods that are high in either refined sugar or even natural sugars do not, in fact, boost the body’s energy levels. They only serve to throw the body’s natural mechanisms off kilter, resulting in ill health and chronic disease. The body’s metabolism actually works far better burning living and raw plant fats for fuel than starches and sugars.

Excess Dietary Sugar and Cancer

Once we accept that the body can produce all of the natural glucose it needs from a healthy diet, we can begin to look at the negative effects of the over consumption of sugars on our overall health, and how it can lead to the development of cancer. All cells rely on sugar for the energy they need to reproduce, but cancer cells are particularly ravenous for sugars. And when we have too much sugar in our daily diet it tends to feed cancerous cells, giving them the fuel they need to multiply and form into colonies. Moreover, excess dietary sugar leads to an increase in insulin production, as well as an increase in the protein B-catenin, both of which have been linked to an elevated risk for developing a number of different types of cancer. Recent studies have shown that B-catenin unnaturally extends cell-life while encouraging cell proliferation, thereby increasing the potential for cells to mutate and turn cancerous.

Beware of Hidden Sugars

At first glance, reducing our intake of sugar would appear to be simple. However, refined sugars lurk in often surprising places, and foods that appear healthy may actually be packed with unnecessary, and unwanted, sugars. In addition to the obvious offenders, soda, candy, and pastries, excess refined sugars can also be found in the following:

• Sports Drinks
• Protein/Nutrition Bars
• Salad Dressings
• Breads
• Pastas
• Grains
• Starches- rice, potatoes
• Processed Meats
• Canned Goods
• Frozen Vegetables and Frozen Prepared Meals
• Fruit Juices
• Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements

Because unwanted sugar can hide in the most surprising places, it is important to be an informed consumer, and to be vigilant about what one includes in one’s diet.

We have known for a long time that too much sugar in the diet is a primary cause of diabetes, and that high cooked and processed fat and sugar rich, diets lead to obesity and heart disease. But sugar is also a contributing factor in the development of many common forms of cancer. By eliminating sugar and starch from the diet, and allowing the body to produce the natural glucose it needs from a healthy vegetarian diet, we can all greatly reduce our risk for a variety of chronic illnesses, including cancer.

When searching for powerful aids in the fight against cancer, one need look no further than nature itself. Often, what we consider the lowliest of God’s creations turns out to be an indispensable ally in the prevention and treatment of many life threatening diseases. A case in point is the lowly dandelion. Common to many lawns and gardens across the world, and often considered little more than a weed and a gardener’s nuisance, the lowly dandelion offers many surprising health benefits. Instead of spending our summers trying to eradicate this plant from our gardens and lawns, we should be taking a closer look at what the dandelion has to offer in support of our total health.

The Dandelion – Pest or Providence?

The dandelion, though often considered a weed, is in fact a member of the daisy family. It is entirely edible and extremely nutritious. In fact, the dandelion was a common part of the American diet prior to industrialization and the rise of prepackaged and over processed food stuffs. Dandelions have been used to make tea, to flavor wine, and have been eaten raw and/or cooked as a component of tasty and healthful summer salads. Just why this remarkable plant has become so despised is unclear, but the time has come to reevaluate the daisy’s cousin, and bring it back into the American diet.

Dandelion Root and Cancer Prevention

There is much anecdotal evidence linking the dandelion among the successful cancer fighting foods, So much so, that a wide range of clinical tests and trials are currently being conducted at universities around the world. What these studies are showing, is that the dandelion, most specifically the root of the dandelion, possesses properties that kill cancerous cells. Dandelion Root is rich in polysaccharides, a polymer that inhibits the formation and growth of tumors. By killing cancerous cells before they can multiply and form into colonies, dandelion root helps to ward off many common cancers, including breast cancer, skin cancer, and prostate cancer.

Dandelion Root and the Treatment of Cancer

While Dandelion Root can be a powerful ally in the prevention of cancer, it is also proving to be a remarkably effective tool in the treatment of existing cancers as well. One of the major problems with conventional cancer therapy is the reliance on chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is indiscriminate, and while it does effectively kill off cancerous cells, it also kills healthy cells. This is what makes it such a dangerous treatment option for patients whose health has already been compromised by cancer. Current studies into the effects of Dandelion Root on cancer are showing that the polysaccharides found in the Dandelion Root appear to leave healthy cells untouched, while successfully killing off the cancerous cells. This is an important step forward in the treatment of all types of cancer.

Further Health Benefits of Dandelion Root

In addition to its value in the fight against cancer, Dandelion Root offers many other health benefits. Studies have shown that Dandelion Root extract helps to promote healthy liver function, while protecting the liver from the damage caused by dangerous toxins. It also improves the activity of antioxidant enzymes that can help to lower cholesterol while preventing the formation of arterial plaque that can lead to heart disease.

Reaping the Benefits of Dandelion Root

Dandelion Root can be found in dried form, and as a tincture, in most reputable health food stores. As always, look for purely organically grown and processed supplements when purchasing Dandelion Root. Dandelion Root can also be harvested out of your own garden, provided it is free of pesticides or potentially toxic chemicals. Fresh Dandelion Root can be roasted and ground, and prepared as you would a traditional tea. It can also be included in spring salads.

Whether you harvest your Dandelion Root from your own garden, or take it as a daily dietary supplement, the time is right to begin including this powerful plant in your regular nutritional regimen. The health benefits of this often overlooked cousin to the daisy are far reaching, and can help to both prevent cancer, and to treat it in its earliest stages. So the next time you are tempted to curse your lawn or garden for being overrun with dandelions, remember that they have been sent help you maintain your total optimal health.

The links between obesity and a variety of serious health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, have been well documented over the last few decades. It is clear that obesity has become one of the greatest health challenges facing Americans in the 21st century. But the dangers of obesity may be even greater than originally observed. Recent research is proving that obesity is also a major contributing factor in the occurrence of many common cancers, and is second only to tobacco as a causal link in the development of a wide range of otherwise preventable cancers. Excess body weight has been directly linked to the ever increasing number of cases of breast cancer, prostate cancer, bowel and colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and cervical and ovarian cancer. It is clear that cancer prevention begins with weight control, and there is no better time than now to seriously reassess America’s ongoing battle with obesity.

Cancer, Obesity, and Biology

In 2007, the World Health Organization recorded more than 80,000 new cases of cancer which could be directly linked to obesity. These cases involved both sexes, with obesity related cancers being slightly more prevalent amongst post-menopausal women. While it is not yet known exactly how excess body weight increases an individual’s cancer risk, some biological factors are clear. First, fatty tissue creates an environment in which cancer causing toxins can be stored and in which they can thrive. Excess body fat also leads to an increase in the production of estrogen in women, as well as insulin in both men and women. Both of which have been linked to an increased risk for cancer. Moreover, obesity appears to cause hormonal changes that interfere with the body’s natural ability to regulate cell growth and cell repair, putting the body at a greater risk for the development of cancerous growths and tumors.

Obesity and Cancer Treatment

If obesity greatly increases the risk for cancer, it also greatly reduces the efficacy of many cancer treatments. The stresses and strains created by excess body weight can seriously compromise the body’s ability to heal itself and can adversely impact a patient’s recovery from many common cancers. This is why it is so important for obese, and borderline obese, men and women to begin addressing the problem immediately. Returning to, and maintaining, a health body mass index will not only reduce the risk for developing cancer, it will also help to improve the effectiveness of any natural therapies should cancer occur.

Attacking the Problem Head On

While obesity is a growing epidemic in many Western developed nations, the good news is that it is entirely treatable. Admittedly, the cure for obesity may be easier to articulate than it is to implement, but the time to attack the problem is now. With some serious lifestyle changes, it is possible to lose weight, feel better, and reduce your risk for developing a variety of life threatening diseases.

The first step is to make the transition to a wholly vegetarian diet, with an emphasis on fresh organically grown vegetables and raw plant fats like avocados, seeds, nuts, olive oil and coconut oil. These raw plant fats do not make you fat but instead shift you into a fat burning metabolism. Choosing organic is vital, particularly with the current rise of genetically modified foods. It is also important to eliminate sugars, solid fats, and alcohol from the diet. In addition to addressing the quality of the food you eat, it is also necessary to make some strategic behavioral changes. It is important to learn to eat only to assuage hunger, and not out of habit. Many of us were taught to “clean our plates”, but it turns out that was bad advice. Eat until you are no longer hungry, not until you are full.

Second, a regular routine of exercise should be adopted. This may be difficult at first for those who are overweight, but over time the routine will become easier and it will be possible to increase your exercise regimen. This will not only help to reduce your body weight, but will also help to strengthen the heart and cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of a variety of chronic conditions, as well as cancer.

To reduce the risk of cancer, it is vital to learn how to maintain a healthy body mass index. The research is undeniable, and the links between obesity and increased risk for a great variety of cancers cannot be ignored. The time to take control of your weight is now, for a longer life and a healthier future.

Nature’s bounty provides a wide variety of God given weapons that can be used in the prevention and treatment of cancer. It sometimes seems that many of the secrets of God’s garden have been lost to us throughout the centuries, and we are only recently rediscovering what the earth itself can offer us in our quest for total health. Spirulina is only the latest in a long line of rediscoveries, and it is proving to be a powerful tool in the natural prevention and treatment of a vast array of different types of cancers. Spirulina has been used in the East for centuries as a medicinal supplement, but it is only recently that Western science has taken a closer look at the health benefits of this naturally occurring algae. The latest research is yielding remarkable results, and Spirulina is proving to be one of the most powerful weapons in the natural treatment and prevention of cancer.

What Is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a naturally occurring blue-green algae that grows in high alkaline warm water lakes. Its blue-green color is the result of phycocyanin, a protein that has been shown to inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. Spirulina, like most plants and algae, also contains high levels of chlorophyll. Recent studies have shown that chlorophyll binds with cancer cells, allowing them to be more easily excreted from the body. Thereby eliminating cancerous cells before they can group into colonies and develop into tumors or spread into other parts of the body. Spirulina is also a rich source of vitamin B12 and beta carotene, as well as other minerals and fatty acids which aid in the fight against cancer.

Spirulina and the Immune System

Many people mistakenly believe that cancer is, in and of itself, an aberration. The truth is that cancer cells develop, and exist, in all healthy bodies. The immune system, when it is operating at peak levels, isolates most cancer cells and either destroys them or redirects them to be excreted as waste. When a person is diagnosed with “cancer”, it means that their immune system has not effectively killed off the naturally occurring cancer cells, and they have been able to multiply and bloom into a systematic cancer. The vitamins and minerals in Spirulina help to boost the immune system, allowing it to more effectively deal with cancer cells as they appear in the body, thus reducing their chances of multiplying and developing into a systematic cancer.

Further Benefits of Spirulina

In addition to fighting cancer, Spirulina has a number of other positive health benefits, including;

• Fighting fungal and yeast infections, including Candida Albicans and Aspergillus Fumigatus.
• Strengthening the respiratory system, and relieving the symptoms of many chronic breathing disorders including asthma, bronchitis and allergies.
• Helping to regulate blood sugar, particularly in people with type-2 diabetes.
• Strengthening bones and teeth. Spirulina is rich in calcium and can help people maintain strong bones and teeth while avoiding milk and dairy products.

Sources of Spirulina

For centuries, Spirulina was primarily found in parts of Asia, Africa, and Mexico. It grows naturally in tropical seas and large fresh water lakes. Recently, Spirulina “farms” have been created around the world, most notably in Hawaii. Due to contamination issues in parts of Asia and Africa, “farmed” Spirulina is recommended over most naturally occurring sources. It is important to always look for organically grown and processed Spirulina. Some manufacturers have been known to use potentially harmful additives, including heavy metals, in the processing of Spirulina, and these can often carry unwanted side effects. Spirulina should be taken as a daily supplement, usually 1 to 2 tablespoons in a glass of water.

God has a way of providing everything we need to maintain our total health. The food He provides is overflowing with the resources we need to restore our bodies to optimal health, and to protect them from damage and disease, all we need do is learn to partake of them.

Click Here for the 6 Cancer Fighting Foods Infographic

The best defense against cancer is a strong offense, and that means tending to the health of our bodies before the disease can take hold. Cancer prevention begins by making serious dietary and lifestyle choices. Choices that will provide our bodies with the energy and nutrients they need to protect themselves from damage and disease. The continued rise of various types of cancers in the western world can be directly connected to diet. As a whole, we rely too heavily on highly processed foods. We eat too much meat, we drink too many sugary soft drinks, and we seem culturally opposed to fresh vegetables. More to the point, we simply eat too much. If cancer prevention begins with diet, than it is important to know what foods we should add to our diets to reduce our risks for a number of different types of cancers.

The following half dozen foods have been shown to greatly reduce the risk of cancer in otherwise healthy adults. These are common foods, available to all, so there is no reason they should not become an integral part of your diet.

Flax seeds

Flax seeds have been shown to contain a number of cancer fighting compounds, including phytoestrogens, fiber, and antioxidants. When taken as part of a healthy diet they have been shown to reduce the risk of many common cancers. Now, when we speak of flax seeds the emphasis is on organically grown, unprocessed seeds. Remember, the more highly processed the food is, the less cancer fighting nutrients remain.

The list of healthy seeds includes:

• Flax
• Hemp
• Chia

Tomatoes

Fresh, organically grown, tomatoes are rich in lycopene. Lycopene has been linked to a reduced risk for heart disease, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Raw tomatoes are highly beneficial. Raw tomatoes should be added to the diet to protect against a variety of diseases, including cancer.

Garlic

Fresh garlic contains diallyl disulfide, a chemical that inhibits the growth of tumors. It has been shown to be particularly effective in the prevention of colon cancer, skin cancer, and lung cancer. Again, garlic should be certified organic, and should be eaten raw as cooking reduces garlic’s inherent cancer fighting attributes.

Avocado

Avocados are one of the best cancer fighting foods, high in numerous   nutrients, including phytochemicals like lutein as well as vitamins like vitamin E, carotenoids, minerals, anti-oxidants,  glutathione precursors and the health promoting monounsaturated fat, oleic acid.Phytochemicals plant bound chemicals that naturally protect plants from getting cancer. So when plants like avocados that are very high in phytochemicals are eaten they prevent cancer formation and growth.

Avocados are a very anti-inflammatory food and cancer like most other diseases are caused by inflammation.  Avocados have a unique characteristic that makes it clearly one of God’s foods.  When avocados are consumed they cause and anti-inflammatory response in healthy cells but in cancer cells they do the opposite. They increase inflammation and cause the cancer cells to go into apoptosis which means it causes them to automatically die. Avocados help the healthy cells stay healthy and cause the unhealthy cells to die.

Beans (Legumes)

Beans are rich in fiber and protein, as well as the B vitamin folate. Beans and legumes are also rich in antioxidants which have been proven to protect healthy cells from damage. Adding legumes to the diet greatly reduces the risk for a number of cancers, but most especially prostate cancer, and cancers of the digestive system.

Cancer fighting legumes include:

• Mung beans
• Adzuki beans

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and cancer fighting phytochemicals, and are the most powerful foods in the fight against cancer and disease. The latest research advises that adults should add several servings per week of cruciferous vegetables to their diet as a way to promote and maintain their total health. People with diets high in cruciferous vegetables have been shown to have a greatly reduced risk for prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer and lung cancer.

There are many members of the cruciferous food family, including:

• Broccoli
• Kale
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Brussels sprouts
• Collard greens

Cancer prevention begins with good nutrition, and good nutrition begins with transitioning to a predominantly vegetarian diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables. The food God created for us to eat in the Garden offers everything we need to keep our bodies and minds operating at top efficiency, all we have to do is understand that what was best for us in the beginning is still best for us today.

Conventional treatments for cancer can be almost as frightening as the disease itself. Chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation can have devastating effects on the body, and are often as life threatening as the cancer they are being used to treat.

Many cancer patients are looking for alternatives to conventional treatments and therapies, and are investigating all natural approaches to the prevention and treatment of this dread disease. For years, proponents of natural healing have championed the power and versatility of Omega-3 fatty acids in the fight against numerous diseases, including cancer. Recent studies, both in America and abroad, are just now coming to the same conclusions regarding the power of Omega-3s, and are verifying that Omega-3 fatty acids can play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of many different types of cancer.

What Exactly are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that the human body needs in order to maintain its total health potential. They are not manufactured by the body, and must be obtained through good nutrition and/or natural supplements. There are several different types of Omega-3s, all of which offer varying degrees of health benefits. EPA and DHA, found in algae (not fish because of the heavy metal toxicity), appear to be the most beneficial of the Omega-3s. ALA fatty acids, found in flax-seed oil, green leafy vegetables, and some vegetable oils, also have positive effects on the body’s metabolism and immune system. The full range of Omega-3s have been linked to a reduced risk for a number of adverse health conditions including cardiovascular disease, asthma, dementia, and cancers of the breast, prostate and colon.

Omega-3 and Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Omega-3 fatty acids help to protect the cells of the body, safe guarding them from the damages caused by oxidative stress and free radicals. Omega-3s also help provide the energy cells need to replicate and repair themselves. Damaged, or compromised, cells have a greater potential for cancer, but by keeping the cells healthy it is possible to greatly reduce the risk of cancerous growths. Recent studies have shown the Omega-3 fats inhibit the proliferation of cancerous cell lines by as much as 20 to 60 %.

Omega-3s have also been shown to have a positive effect on existing cancers. It would appear that Omega-3s block the growth of blood vessels to cancerous tumors, in effect starving the tumor and inhibiting its growth. Conventional medicine has developed a number of drug therapies to achieve the same result, although they all come with dangerous side effects. The most recent research into the use of Omega-3s in cancer treatment has shown that cancer patients taking Omega-3s saw a definite reduction in the size of their existing tumors without any of the unwanted side effects associated with conventional treatments.

Adding Omega-3 to Your Diet

Since the body does not manufacture Omega-3, it must be obtained through a healthy diet. There are a number of good sources for Omega-3 fatty acids that are easily added to anyone’s nutritional plan. Flax-seed, hemp seeds and walnuts are all prime sources of Omega-3s.

For those who find it difficult to get the desired amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids through diet, all natural supplements can be taken. Omega-3 supplements are typically derived from algae are the safest, and it is important to choose the supplement carefully.

The health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids have been making the news for decades, and it seems that each new research project gives people more reasons to add them to their daily dietary routines. In addition to promoting a strong immune system, and reducing the risks of cardiovascular disease, Omega-3s also play a vital role in the prevention and successful treatment of cancer.

Selenium is a naturally occurring mineral which is essential to the total health of the human body. Existing in two forms, organic and inorganic, selenium plays a vital role in protecting the body from infection and cellular damage. It is also a key component in maintaining healthy thyroid hormone levels, and in DNA synthesis. While the general importance of selenium has been recognized for years, recent studies are showing that it has a profound effect on the prevention and treatment of many diseases, including most forms of cancer. Unfortunately, like many nutritional building blocks, the majority of Americans fail to get their the daily recommended allowance on a regular basis. Most American adults are only getting 60 to 100 micrograms of selenium from their diet, falling far short of the recommended daily allowance of 200 micrograms. This deficiency leaves the body open to a wide range of diseases and disorders, including cancer.

Selenium and Cancer

Because so many adults fail to get the recommended daily dosage of selenium from dietary sources, research has been ongoing in the effects of selenium supplements on human health. Studies are showing that selenium supplements, taken in conjunction with vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene actively work to block the creation of free radicals within the body. These free radicals can lead to damage at the DNA level, causing cell mutation and cellular damage that can lead to cancer. These same studies are showing that selenium also helps to prevent damaged cells from reproducing. In effect, maintaining optimal selenium levels in the body forces cancerous, and precancerous, cells to die before they can multiply. Basically stopping the cancer before it starts. The research indicates that selenium is effective in the prevention of a number of different cancers, but most particularly breast cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer and cancers of the stomach and esophagus.

Sources of Selenium

The best source of selenium is through a healthy diet. It can be found in a wide range of foods, including mushrooms, asparagus, garlic, tomatoes, onions, broccoli and various grains. Unfortunately, the levels of selenium in these foods is largely dependent on the mineral make-up of the soil in which they are grown. Crops grown in soil that is rich in volcanic ash, or irrigated with seawater, typically show higher levels of selenium. Consequently, selenium levels in crops can vary greatly according to region. For example, crops grown in the western United States generally show higher levels than crops grown in the eastern part of the county.

To optimize the dietary sources of selenium, it is best to stick to organically grown fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Organically grown foods have been shown to contain higher levels of selenium, as well as the vitamin E and beta-carotene that the body needs to maximize the selenium’s effectiveness. A top tip for adding selenium to the diet is Brazil nuts. One Brazil nut contains as much as 120 micrograms of selenium, more than half of the recommended daily allowance. But remember, the Brazil nuts should be organically grown and as fresh as possible.

Selenium as a Supplement

Even with a wholly organic diet it can be difficult for some adults to get their recommended daily allowance of selenium. In these cases it may be necessary to boost selenium levels by taking all natural nutritional supplements. As we have seen, selenium works in conjunction with vitamins C and E, as well as beta-carotene, so any daily nutritional supplements should include all of these in order to receive the full benefits.

Most people fail to get their recommended daily allowance of selenium, leaving their body’s at risk for developing a variety of different cancers. But by adding more selenium rich foods to the diet, and by taking all natural supplements when necessary, it is possible to greatly reduce the risk for cancer in otherwise healthy adults. To maintain the body’s total health, and to increase your overall well-being, consider adding selenium to your diet.

Magnesium is a vital micro-mineral that is essential to the total health of the human body. It is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, and is instrumental in more than 300 metabolic functions necessary to human health. Unfortunately, more than half of all American adults are suffering from a magnesium deficiency. The modern western diet, with its reliance on unnatural processed foods, has created a near epidemic of people suffering from a deficiency of this vital mineral. Low levels of magnesium in the blood stream can lead to a host of conditions, and left unchecked can present a serious health risk.

What Magnesium Does for Your Body

Magnesium is an extremely versatile mineral, and it plays many roles in the total health of the body, including:

• Regulating blood pressure
• Maintaining optimal insulin levels
• Strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis
• Preventing strokes and congestive heart failure
• Preventing kidney stones
• Lowering bad cholesterol levels
• Reduces the instances of migraine headaches
• Promotes healthy circulation
• Protects against asthma and emphysema

Causes and Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

A magnesium deficiency is most commonly the result of poor diet and nutrition. As highly processed foods force fresh fruits and vegetables off the national dinner table, more and more people are suffering from unhealthy nutritional imbalances. In rare cases, magnesium deficiency can have other causes such as kidney disease, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, cancer or alcohol abuse.

Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency often goes undiagnosed. More often than not the symptoms end up being attributed to an unconnected disease, and patients receive treatment that does not address the very real underlying nutritional cause. Because magnesium is vital to a wide range of bodily functions, the symptoms of chronic deficiency are many and varied. The most common symptoms include:

• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness and fatigue
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart palpitations
• Depression, anxiety, and/or a loss of mental agility
• High blood pressure
• Headache, backache, and muscle soreness

Treating Magnesium Deficiency

While a magnesium deficiency can be the cause of many health concerns, it can easily be corrected by making some key lifestyle changes. The first step is to eliminate the highly processed foods that make up so much of the American diet. Foods that are full of refined sugars and flour have had the magnesium removed, and provide little if any nutritional value. Transitioning to a largely vegetarian diet, with an emphasis on organically grown fruits and vegetables, is the first step to restoring magnesium levels to normal. Dark green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach, are good sources of magnesium. Likewise, beans, lentils, and avocados provide a rich source of natural magnesium. Adding probiotics to the diet will help the body absorb magnesium, maximizing the effect of any dietary changes.

Over the counter magnesium supplements can be taken by those who find it difficult to get the proper amounts from their diet. However, these should be taken sparingly and carefully monitored. The body welcomes natural sources of magnesium, but man made supplements can lead to an overabundance of magnesium in the blood stream. This can lead to an overdose, causing nausea, cramps and diarrhea. Diet should always be the preferred method of boosting magnesium levels in the body, and it is important to observe the recommended daily allowances. The recommended daily allowance of magnesium for women aged 14 and up ranges from 320 mg to 360 mg, while the recommended daily allowance for men in the same age group ranges from 400 mg to 420 mg.

Magnesium plays a vital role in keeping the body healthy and operating at optimal efficiency. When magnesium levels are low, the body is more likely to suffer from chronic disorders. While magnesium deficiency is a widespread problem in American adults, treatment is relatively easy. Through diet and nutrition it is possible to restore the body’s magnesium levels and maintain the body’s optimal health.