Cancer: How to Support Your Body Naturally
Cancer. It’s a word none of us wants to hear, especially not at the doctor's office. Yet, 1 in 3 people is or will be affected by cancer in the United States. All of us know someone who has, had, or has died from cancer. I still remember receiving my stage 2 cervical cancer diagnosis on March 8th, 2008. It wasn’t a happy day. But I decided to take my health into my own hands. I made some significant changes in my life and today, I’m healthier than ever. (Read my story here.)
So what can you do about cancer? How to support your body to reduce your risk of cancer? How to support your recovery if you do get cancer? How to become a health warrior cancer-thriver? In this article, I will cover that.
You will learn what cancer is. I will go over the most common types of cancer. I will go over the most common symptoms of cancer. You will learn about diagnosis and testing for cancer. I will discuss the risk factors and common root causes of cancer. You will learn about conventional treatment for cancer. I will discuss my favorite natural support strategies to support your health, energy, and well-being.
What Is Cancer?
Cancer is a disease we hear about every day. If you haven’t had and don’t have cancer, you certainly know someone who has suffered from or perhaps died from the disease. It’s not surprising since cancer affects 1 in 3 people in the United States (1). But what is cancer?
Cancer is a disease that is characterized by cells that grow uncontrollably and may spread uncontrollably to other parts of your body. Normal, healthy human cells grow and multiply as your body requires them. When these cells become damaged or old, they die and get replaced by new, younger cells. When cancer develops, abnormal or damaged cells end up growing, multiplying and spreading in areas they shouldn’t. These unhealthy cells will form a lump of tissue called a tumor. These tumors may be benign (not cancerous) or cancerous.
Cancer develops due to genetic changes that take control over certain cellular functions, including growth and division due to an error during cell division, damage to the DNA from environmental toxins or chemicals, or other factors. Cancer may start anywhere in your body. It may grow slowly or rapidly. Cancerous tumors can attack nearby tissues. Though not always, cancerous tumors can grow back after being removed. The growth, behavior, and characteristics of the tumor generally depend on the type of cancer and the stage of cancer. Though most cancerous tumors are solid, blood cancers, such as leukemia, are not (2).
Common Types of Cancer
There are over 200 types of known cancers out there and possibly more we haven’t identified yet. Some of the most common types of cancer include (3):
Skin cancer
Lung cancer
Colorectal cancer
Cervical cancer
Ovarian cancer
Endometrial cancer
Prostate Cancer
Bladder Cancer
Kidney (renal) cancer
Liver cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Lymphoma
Leukemia
Myeloma
Common Symptoms of Cancer
Signs and symptoms of cancer may depend on the type of cancer and the stage of your cancer. However, there are some common signs you may experience (4):
Fatigue or extreme tiredness
Not feeling hungry, trouble swallowing, or having other eating issues
Changes in stool, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, or other digestive issues
Bladder changes, including pain or blood in the urine
Weight loss without trying
Headaches or migraines
Fever
Night sweats
Swelling, thickening, or lumps in the body
Pain that doesn’t go away and/or may get worse
Skin changes, including new moles, changes in a mole, or lumps
Unusual bruising or bleeding
Vision or hearing changes
Mouth changes, including pain, bleeding, or sores
Since these issues may be signs of other health problems, it’s important to visit your doctor, get some testing done, and receive the right diagnosis. Early diagnosis can help the prognosis of your cancer.
Diagnosis and Testing for Cancer
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Diagnosis of cancer usually starts with a visit to your doctor, a physical exam, and going over your symptoms, health history, and family history. Your doctor will likely order some lab tests, including blood, urine, and stool testing. These tests will look for any abnormalities, signs of inflammation, tumor markers, blood in the stool, and other issues.
Usually, you will require some imaging to locate the tumor and look for potential spread. Imaging may include x-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, PET scan, MRI scan, nuclear scan, and bone scan depending on your specific situation.
Lastly, to diagnose your cancer, you will likely require a biopsy as well, through a needle, endoscopy, or surgery. These tests will allow your doctors to rule out or diagnose cancer, stage your cancer, look at certain genetic markers in your tumor, and recommend appropriate treatment strategies (5).
Walk-In Lab Testing for Cancer
If you cannot afford all the tests required or want to feel empowered and check for certain cancer markers yourself, you can. Walk-In Lab is a leader in lab tests and wellness screenings. They offer at-home and lab testing without doctor’s visits or prescriptions. Their tests are affordable, usually 85% less than standard lab prices, yet are accurate, reliable, and fast.
Though these tests can’t replace doctor's visits and they do not offer biopsies or imaging, they can help to reduce your costs, make cancer screening more convenient, and allow you to take control of your health. If you want to take your health into your own hands and feel empowered on your health journey, I recommend that you choose Walk-In Lab testing. You can learn more about Walk-In-Lab testing in this article.
Walk-In Lab also offers screening tests for cancer. Cancer screening tests include:
Common Root Causes of Cancer
There is no one single known cause of cancer. Usually, a combination of factors can increase your risk and lead to cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, the following factors may increase the risk of cancer (6):
Age
Chronic inflammation
Diet
Obesity
Cancer-causing substances
Alcohol
Tobacco
Radiation
Hormones
Infectious agents
Immunosuppression
Sunlight
However, if you are familiar with functional and holistic medicine, you know that functional medicine, integrative medicine, naturopathic medicine, holistic medicine, and natural medicine practitioners tend to recommend digging beyond the surface. It’s not enough to look at your symptoms and general risk factors, we need to dig deeper and look for the root cause of your symptoms and health issues. Let’s look at some of the most common root causes of cancer.
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is the most common root cause of most modern-day chronic diseases. Inflammation is not always a bad thing though. Inflammation is there for your protection. If you encounter an allergen, toxin, or infection, or have an injury or accident, your body will send inflammation to support you. You may experience some redness, swelling, itching, congestion, or bleeding depending on the issue. This acute inflammation supports recovery and will gradually get better within a few days, weeks, or at most, a few months, depending on the problem.
Inflammation becomes a problem when it turns chronic. If you are following an inflammatory diet, not sleeping enough, experiencing a lot of stress, being exposed to environmental toxins, not moving your body regularly, or making other poor lifestyle choices, you may develop chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a low-grade inflammation that increases the risk of pain, symptoms, gut dysbiosis, chronic health issues, and cancer.
There are many research studies that have shown the connection between chronic inflammation and cancer A 2013 study published in Currents Topics in Microbiology and Immunology has found that chronic inflammation may increase the risk of stomach cancer (7). According to a 2010 study published in Endocrine-Related Cancer, chronic inflammation may contribute to endometrial cancer (8). According to a 2021 review published in Cancer (Basel), chronic inflammation may increase the risk of developing breast cancer (9).
Inflammatory Diet and Obesity
An inflammatory diet and obesity may both increase your risk of chronic inflammation and cancer. Refined sugar and carbs, refined oils, processed meat, artificial ingredients, additives, non-organic food with pesticides, herbicides, and hormones, junk food, and overly processed food can all contribute to chronic inflammation, obesity, and consequently, cancer (10, 11, 12).
A 2019 study published in PLoS One has found that a pro-inflammatory diet may increase the risk of cancer (13). A 2020 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition has found that a pro-inflammatory diet may contribute to the development of lymphoma (14). According to a 2018 study published in Pancreas, obesity may contribute to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer (15). A 2017 review published in the CA: A Cancer Journal for Physicians has found that obesity may also increase the risk of breast cancer and poor outcomes (16).
Gut Dysbiosis
When you think about gut problems, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation may come to mind. The truth is, your gut health is responsible for much more than just keeping you free from digestive symptoms and intestinal problems. Your gut is connected to everything.
Your gut microbiome is the home of trillions of bacteria. Some of these bacteria are beneficial to your health, others are not. The goal is to have a healthy balance between the two and have more good bugs than bad ones. If you have too many bad bacteria in your gut microbiome, you have gut dysbiosis. Gut dysbiosis can increase your risk of chronic inflammation, leaky gut syndrome, autoimmunity, digestive symptoms, and cancer (17, 18, 19).
According to a 2014 study published in Cancer Journal, gut microbiome imbalance may lead to inflammation-driven cancer in pancreatic cancer (20). According to a 2013 study in PLoS One, helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection may disrupt your gut microbiome increasing your risk of pancreatic cancer (21). A 2014 study published in Current Oncology Reports has found that gut dysbiosis may be cancer-promoting in cancer, gastric, breast, gallbladder, pancreatic, laryngeal, and esophageal cancer (22).
Poor Sleep and Chronic Stress
Poor sleep and chronic stress are two other factors that may contribute to chronic inflammation and related health issues. Insomnia, not sleeping enough, and general poor sleep may increase your daily stress levels, reduce your energy, and contribute to chronic inflammation (23, 24). Chronic stress, anxiety, and poor emotional health, on the other hand, can interfere with your sleep. It may contribute to insomnia or interrupt your sleep during the night. Chronic stress may also increase chronic inflammation (25, 26). Unless you are careful, you can quickly get into the cycle of poor sleep, chronic stress, and chronic inflammation, increasing your risk of cancer.
According to a 2019 study published in Cell Death and Disease, chronic stress may contribute to both the progression and metastasis of stomach cancer (27). According to a 2009 study published in Cancer Research and Treatment, stress may play a role in stomach cancer, and eliminating stress may have helped to prevent cancer in nearly 70 percent of cases (28). A 2021 study published in the Croatian Medical Journal, disrupted sleep may play a major role in brain cancer (29). According to a 2021 study published in Science Reports, poor sleep may increase the risk of stomach cancer (30).
Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is an increasingly common health issue. Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas. Insulin regulates the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. If you have insulin resistance it means that your body cannot respond to insulin as it should. This means that it also won’t be able to take care of all the glucose in your blood. This may lead to blood sugar fluctuations and increase your risk of prediabetes and diabetes.
Insulin resistance, however, is not only a risk factor for diabetes. It is a common underlying culprit behind many other health issues, including cancer. According to a 2012 study published in Molecular Carcinogenic, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer (31). According to a 2020 study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, insulin resistance may increase mortality in pancreatic cancer patients even without diabetes (32). A 2012 review published in Gynecologic Oncology has found that high insulin levels and insulin resistance may increase the risk of endometrial cancer (33). According to a 2014 study published in the Current Health Sciences Journal, insulin resistance may play a role in the metastasis and complications of brain cancer (34).
Side Note
For a wonderful Diabetes Summit click here to sign up. It is free and you can also get a ton of valuable free downloads. I love the cookbook!
Environmental Toxins
Unfortunately, the world around us is full of toxins. Air pollution from car and truck exhaust, factories, wildfires, mold spores, dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, and other sources are affecting our bodies. Our tap water is polluted with fluoride and other chemicals. Mold is hiding in our homes. Heavy metals are affecting our bodies from dental treatment, paint, tap water, medicine, and processed foods. There are pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals hiding in non-organic food products. Conventional household products, including cleaning, hygiene, and beauty products, are full of chemicals and allergens. Not to mention all the plastic we use. I could go on.
Unfortunately, all these environmental toxins can increase your risk of cancer. According to a 2015 study published in Cancer Causes & Control, based on 14 years of research, environmental chemicals and heavy metal exposure can increase the risk for pancreatic cancer (35). According to a 2020 analysis published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, occupational exposure to toxic chemicals may be linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer (36).
According to a 2012 review published in Molecular Carcinogenesis, occupational exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds, pesticides, radiation, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, nitrosamines, and various airborne particles can increase pancreatic cancer risk (37). According to a 2018 review published in Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy, cadmium may contribute to the risk factors of endometrial cancer (38). According to a 2021 case study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, BPA, parabens, and phthalates may also increase the risk of endometrial cancer (39).
According to a 2009 study of 89,000 published in the International Journal of Cancer, agricultural pesticides may be linked to the development of pancreatic cancer (40). According to a 2019 study published in Environmental Epidemiology, exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of breast cancer in the wife of farmers (41).
Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and heavy drinking may also contribute to chronic inflammation and the risk of all kinds of health issues. Among many other health problems, smoking tobacco and heavy use of alcohol may increase your risk of cancer.
A 2013 study published in the Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal has found that smoking tobacco may increase the risk of lung cancer (42). According to a 2012 multiethnic cohort study published in Cancer Causes and Control and a 2018 study published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, smoking may increase the risk of stomach cancer, especially in men (43, 44). According to a 2020 study published in Pancreas, smoking impacts the risk and outcome of a form of pancreatic cancer called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) (45).
A 2015 meta-analysis published in Cancer Causes & Control has found that drinking alcohol may increase the risk of liver cancer (46). According to a 2013 meta-analysis published in the Annals of Oncology, drinking alcohol may increase the risk of brain cancer (47). According to a 2017 meta-analysis published in Oncotarget, drinking alcohol may increase the risk of stomach cancer (48). According to a 2017 review and meta-analysis published in Medical Science Monitor, both moderate and heavy alcohol consumption may contribute to an increased risk of stomach cancer (49).
Poor Oral Health
Oral health plays a much more impactful role in your life than just having a beautiful smile. Your oral health is essential for your entire body. Since digestion starts in your mouth, if you have a poor oral microbiome, dealing with dental issues, or have other oral health imbalances, it may increase the risk of chronic inflammation, digestive issue, chronic health problems, and even cancer.
A 2021 review published in Oncology Reports has found a connection between oral microbiome health and oral cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and other gastrointestinal cancer (50). According to a 2018 study published in the International Journal of Cancer, poor oral health, denture-related problems, or tooth loss may contribute to an increased risk of developing stomach cancer (51). A 2022 study published in The Lancet has found that poor oral health may contribute to the incidence of stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, and liver cancer, and may increase the risk of death from esophageal and liver cancer (52).
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
You may develop vitamin, mineral, and other nutrient deficiencies due to a poor diet, malabsorption, eating disorders, certain medications, and various health issues. Nutrient deficiencies, however, may increase your risk of health issues, including cancer. Some of the most common nutrient deficiencies linked to cancer include low levels of vitamin D, B vitamins, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Vitamin D
According to a 2006 paper published in Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarker, and Prevention vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the increased risk of pancreatic cancer (53). According to a 2017 meta-analysis published in Oncotarget, low vitamin D levels may increase the risk and mortality of pancreatic cancer (54). A 2016 analysis published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology and a 2021 study published in Cureus have found that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of stomach cancer (55, 56). A 2020 study published in Scientific Reports has found that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of skin cancer (57).
B Vitamins
A 2020 study published in Nutrients has found that B vitamins may play a role in immune regulation in brain cancer (58). A 2021 study published in Biology (Basel) has found that deficiencies in vitamin B12 may play a role in brain cancer (59). According to a 2013 review published in Public Health, folate supplementation may improve folate deficiency and may play a protective role against pancreatic cancer (60). According to a 2014 systematic review and meta-analysis, folate deficiencies may increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers (61).
Zinc
A 2016 review published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, zinc supplementation correcting deficiencies may play an important role in both the prevention and treatment of prostate, breast, and pancreatic cancer (62). According to a 2017 meta-analysis published in Bioscience Reports, zinc deficiencies may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer (63). According to a 2020 study published in Nutrients, having a poor zinc:copper ratio characterized by low zinc levels and high copper levels may increase the risk of female cancers: copper ratio can increase the risk of gynecological issues, including female cancers, including breast, cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer, as well as, other cancers, including lung, gallbladder, and gastrointestinal cancer (64). According to a 2014 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Clinical Nutrition, zinc deficiency may increase the risk of digestive tract cancers, including stomach, colorectal, and esophageal cancer (65).
Vitamin A
A 2021 review published in Nutrients has found that vitamin A deficiency may increase the risk of various cancers, including breast and lung cancer (66). A 2016 meta-analysis has found that vitamin A deficiency may increase pancreatic cancer risk (67).
Vitamin C
According to a 2015 study published in Science Reports, low vitamin C may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer (68). A 2018 review published in Frontiers in Physiology has found that vitamin C may support recovery from skin cancer (69).
Vitamin E
A 2015 meta-analysis published in Medical Science Monitor has found that vitamin E deficiency may increase the risk for pancreatic cancer (70). A 2013 study published in Cancer Prevention Research (Philadelphia, PA) has found that vitamin E from diet and γ- and δ-tocopherols rich supplements may help to reduce the risk of cancer but supplements with high doses of α-tocopherol may not (71).
Selenium
According to a 2015 study published in the Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, selenium deficiency may be common in stomach cancer (73). According to a 2016 review published in Oncotarget, selenium deficiency may increase the risk of stomach cancer (74).
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
A 2013 study published in P&T has found that omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer (75). According to a 2012 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition, omega-3 fatty acids may offer anti-carcinogenic benefits and omega-3 fish oil supplementation may help to decrease the risk of endometrial cancer (76). According to a 2015 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, omega-3 fatty acids may help to decrease chronic inflammation and the risk of related endometrial cancer (78). A 2015 study published in Breast Cancer Research has found that omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce the risk of breast cancer (79).
Conventional Treatment Options for Cancer
Conventional treatment for cancer depends on the type of cancer you have, the stage of your cancer, other health issues you may be dealing with, and other factors (80).
Conventional treatment options for cancer may include:
Surgery: Surgery may help to remove the tumor and other affected areas. Surgery is often combined with other treatment options.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a drug that kills cancer cells. It may be used in combination with other cancer treatments.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses radiation in high doses to shrink tumors and kill cancer.
Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is used to stop or slow cancer growth for cancers that use hormones to grow, including breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia is a treatment method that heats up your tissues to 113F to kill cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a therapy for cancer that supports your immune system to fight cancer.
Photodynamic therapy: Photodynamic therapy utilizes a drug that is activated by light to fight cancer cells.
Stem cell transplant: Stem cell transplant helps to restore your stem cells that were destroyed from radiation or chemotherapy.
Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy acts on specific changes in your cancer cells that allow them to grow, divide, or spread in your body.
Natural Support Option for Cancer
Whether you want to lower your risk or support your recovery journey, there are some wonderful natural support strategies you can try to support your health and well-being. Whether you opt for conventional treatment or not, these strategies may help to support your body. Here are my favorite strategies I personally use to support my health naturally:
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
As we discussed earlier, chronic inflammation and following a pro-inflammatory diet are among the major driving forces of cancer. Following an anti-inflammatory diet may help. According to a 2020 study published in Breast Cancer, a long-term anti-inflammatory diet may improve the prognosis of breast cancer (81). A 2018 review published in the Journal of Translational Medicine has found that a nutrient-dense diet rich in polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics may support immune responsiveness in cancer (82). The study specifically highlighted the benefits of plant-based vegetarian, Mediterranean, Japanese, low-calorie ketogenic, and microbiota-regulating diets on cancer.
To get started with an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense, whole foods diet, remove all pro-inflammatory foods from your diet, including refined sugar, refined oils, artificial ingredients, additives, gluten and grains, flours food allergens, food sensitivities, and overly processed foods. I recommend following a whole foods plant-based diet. Eat plenty of greens, vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, fermented foods, nuts, and seeds. Eat plenty of healthy fats, including flaxseed oil, hemp oil, black seed oil, coconut oil, avocadoes, and seeds. I recommend Andreas seed oils for healthy oils and healthy fats. I recommend sticking to an organic diet to avoid pesticides, herbicides, and added hormones.
Within a plant-based whole foods diet, there are lots of options. Raw food or a higher raw diet is something that many cancer-thrivers find helpful. I personally find that following an 80% raw and 20% cooked plant-based diet works best for me. Some people thrive on a lower-carb diet. If you choose to go keto or low-carb, I recommend still sticking to a plant-based vegan diet.
Don’t forget to hydrate your body well. Drink plenty of water, 8 to 10 glasses a day minimum. Make sure it's clean, filtered water instead of a regular tap. I highly recommend and personally use the Berkey water filter system to remove toxins and chemicals from your tap water. Drink plenty of herbal tea, green juices, and green smoothies. I also recommend Invigorated Water for alkaline water.
For tea, I love Mountain Rose Herbs, Terra Life Store Herbal Tea. If you love coffee, I recommend Life Boost coffee, as it is low acidic. For your juicing needs, I recommend Omega Juicers, the Sana Juicer with an Oil Extractor attachment, Commercial Grade Samon Juicer, the Slowstar Vertical Slow Juicer, the
Hurricane Manual Stainless Steel Wheatgrass Juicer, and Hamana wheatgrass for juicing. Terra Life Store also sells some wonderful green juice powders. If you are into smoothies and other blended drinks and foods, I recommend Omega blenders for your smoothies, shakes, nut milk, nut butter, dips, sauces, and soups.
Starting this new diet with organic whole foods may sound overwhelming. I understand. You are a busy person and may not have the time and energy to cook every day. If you are unwell and a healing crisis is bugging you, you may not have the energy to fix your meals either. I recommend the Organic Pharmer for your rescue. They have some amazing juices, shakes, soups, energy shots, and healthy food bars. Their Phast program is perfect if you have a healing crisis. Their products are not only healthy but absolutely delicious too.
Intermittent Fasting
Practicing intermittent fasting or other fasting methods may support your recovery along with a nutrient-dense whole foods diet. According to a 2016 review published in Recent Results in Cancer Prevention, fasting and caloric restriction may help to lower the risk of cancer and may also help to support treatment and recovery (83). According to a 2018 study published in the National Reviews Cancer, fasting, including periodic fasting (PF), fasting-mimicking diets (FMDs®), and dietary restriction (DR) may offer cellular protection, reduce chemotherapy resistance, and support cancer treatment methods without serious risks or side effects (84). According to a 2015 study published in Cell Metabolism, a fasting-mimicking diet may reduce the risk of cancer, among other health benefits (85).
Intermittent fasting is an eating strategy. If you are practicing intermittent fasting, you cycle between a period of fasting and a period of feasting within one day. During your fasting period, you may only drink purified water, herbal tea, and in some cases, black coffee. This fasting period may last anywhere from 12 hours to 23 hours within one day. The remaining time is reserved for your meals. The eating or feasting period is not a time for restriction, but to meet your caloric and nutrient needs through an anti-inflammatory nutrient-dense diet I outlined earlier.
I recommend starting with a 12-hour fast. Stop eating after dinner at 7 pm and don’t eat until 7 am in the morning. Gradually extend your fasting window by delaying breakfast. Most people do their best with a 16-hour fasting window. However, pay attention to your body to find your sweet spot. If you are a menstruating female, pay attention to your cycle. If you notice changes, lose your period, or lose too much weight, you may need to shorten your fasting window, fast only on certain days of the week, or stop intermittent fasting.
Beyond intermittent fasting, you may also try some other ways of fasting. Doing a green juice cleanse for 3 days, 7 days, or even 2 weeks, may support cleansing and detoxification. You may try a liquid fast focusing on green juices, green smoothies, herbal tea, and soups for a week.
You may try a Fasting Mimicking Diet® or FMD®, which is a form of partial fast. The FMD® is high in nutrients, low in protein, and low in carbohydrates and lasts for 5 days. On Day 1, you can only eat 1,100 calories a day of 500 calories of healthy fats, 500 calories of complex carbs, and 100 calories of plant-based protein. Between Day 2 and 5, you can only eat 800 calories of 400 calories of healthy fats and 400 calories of complex carbohydrates.
You may try the Daniel Fast which is a 21-day vegetarian, plant-based diet focusing on Biblical principles. This is a great way to get started with a long-term plant-based diet if you are new to it. Focus on greens, vegetables, herbs, spices, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
If you want to try a green juice cleanse, liquid fast, or simply want to add more green juices, green smoothies, healthy shakes, and smoothies into your life, I recommend Omega Juicers, the Sana Juicer with an Oil Extractor attachment, the Commercial Grade Samon Juicer, and the Slowstar Vertical Slow Juicer for juicing, the
Hurricane Manual Stainless Steel Wheatgrass Juicer and the Hamana wheatgrass for juicing, and the Omega blenders for smoothies, shakes, nut milks, and soups. Terra Life Store also sells some wonderful green juice powders. I also love Organifi Green Juice. If you are too busy or tired to prepare your own juices, smoothies, and soups, I recommend the Organic Pharmer’s Phast to try a nutrient-dense mostly liquid cleanse with delicious juices, shakes, and smoothies.
Improve Your Gut Health
Since gut dysbiosis and gut infections are common underlying causes of cancer, especially gut-related cancers, it’s important to improve your gut health. You may want to consider some gut testing, such as the Comprehensive Stool Analysis and the Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) Breath Test by Walk-In Lab to see what problem areas need to be corrected.
I recommend that you follow a healthy, anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense, gut-friendly diet as I outlined earlier. Probiotics are critical for improving your gut microbiome health. According to a 2018 study published in Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench, probiotics may help to reduce inflammation, microbiome imbalances, and nutrition absorption issues, thus they may also help to reduce the risk and support recovery from gastrointestinal cancer (86). There are no probiotics without prebiotics though. Prebiotics are certain fiber-rich foods that feed good bacteria (probiotics) and help them support your body.
Eat lots of prebiotic-rich foods, such as asparagus, jicama, Jerusalem artichokes, apples, leeks, garlic, onions, and dandelion greens. Eat plenty of probiotic-rich foods, including sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented vegetables, fermented herbs, coconut kefir, coconut yogurt, and kombucha. I also recommend taking a high-quality probiotic supplement daily. If you have SIBO, choose soil-based (SBO) probiotics as other types may be triggering SIBO. I recommend using probiotics, digestive enzymes, and other gut-supporting supplements from Silver Fern.
Reduce Your Toxin Load and Detoxify Your Body
Reducing your toxin and chemical exposure and detoxifying your body are critical for your health and recovery. A 2003 review published in Integrative Cancer Therapies has found that detoxifying from cancer-causing agents may help to reduce the risk of cancer (87). Here is what you can do:
Choose organic food at all times to avoid your exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and hormones.
Drink purified water instead of regular tap water. I recommend the Berkey water filter system to remove toxins and chemicals from your tap water.
Use a high-quality HEPA air filtration system to improve your indoor air by reducing mold, allergens, dust, pathogens, and other toxins in your indoor air. My favorite air purifiers include AirOasis, Alen Air, or EOS.
Stop smoking. If you are not a smoker don’t start. Avoid second-hand smoke as much as possible. Avoid vaping as well.
Choose organic, natural, and homemade household, cleaning, hygiene, body, and beauty products. For your natural household cleaning needs, I recommend Young Living and Branch Basics. For personal hygiene, body, and beauty care, I recommend Young Living, Primal Life Organics, Purity Woods, and Holistic Thingz.
Avoid using plastic, especially BPA. Choose glassware, ceramics, wood, bamboo, organic cotton, and other natural, safer options instead of plastic. For safe and non-toxic cookware, I recommend Xtrema Pure Ceramic Cookware. I also recommend this New Titan water bottle.
If you are working at a high-risk job, you may want to consider changing your job if you can and pay extra attention to daily detoxification strategies.
Follow a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory, gut-supporting, antioxidant-rich diet full of greens, vegetables, herbs, spices, and fruits to support digestion, absorption, cleansing, and elimination. Check out Organic Pharmer’s Phast for some delicious nutrition support.
Grow your own organic food. Try organic gardening with True Leaf, High Mowing Organic Seeds, and Hamana,
Hydrate your body well with plenty of purified water, green juices, herbal tea, and hydrating fruits and veggies to support detoxification through urine and sweating. Try Invigorated Water, Organifi Green Juice, and Terra Life green juices and herbal tea for hydration.
Move your body to support lymphatic cleansing and detoxification through sweating. Try rebounding with Rebound-Air rebounders.
Try an infrared sauna to support detoxification through the skin. I recommend the infrared sauna domes and sauna blankets by 1LoveHealth and the infrared PEMF mats by HealthyLine.
Try dry brushing to support detoxification and lymphatic cleansing. Try this Relaxus Bamboo Dry Brush.
Try some lymphatic cleansing tea. I recommend Organic Sana Blood & Lymphatic Detox Tea.
Try toxin binders, such as activated charcoal, to remove waste through bowel movements.
Try castor oil packs for liver health and detoxification. I recommend Queen of the Thrones.
Try coffee enemas to remove waste through your bowels.
Try Global Healing Oxy-Powder for colon cleansing.
Reduce EMF exposure. I recommend EMF protection products by Defender Shield.
Improve Your Oral Health
As you’ve learned earlier, your oral health plays a critical role in your health. Poor oral and dental health may lead to gut microbiome imbalances, gastrointestinal infections, chronic inflammation, and various health issues. According to a 2021 review published in Oncology Reports and a 2022 study published in The Lancet, poor oral health may increase the risk of oral cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, and other gastrointestinal cancers and may increase the risk of death from cancer (50, 52).
I recommend eliminating refined sugar and other inflammation processed foods, which may increase bacterial growth, cavities, gum disease, and oral health issues. Choose fluoride-free natural dental care with essential oils and other organic, natural ingredients. Clean your tongue with a Copper Tongue Scraper every morning. Floss regularly with Bamboo-Charcoal Dental Floss. Try the V3 Reel White Teeth Whitening System for natural whitening and dental support. I recommend products by Primal Life Organics for holistic oral and dental care. Choose holistic dental care and work with a holistic dentist to avoid dental amalgam fillings, root canals, and fluoride and receive natural and herbal oral care recommendations.
Move Your Body
Inactivity and being overweight may contribute to your risk and may slow your recovery from cancer. According to a 2021 review published in Radiology and Oncology, regular exercise may reduce the risk of cancer (88).
I recommend moving your body daily. Stay active throughout the day by stretching and getting up regularly, going for a stroll, dancing to your favorite song, walking or biking instead of driving whenever possible, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and finding other simple ways to add some movement in.
Exercise at least 5 days a week. Combine cardiovascular exercise, resistance and strength training, and low-impact exercise. I love rebounding for cardio and lymphatic support. I can even sneak in some strength training into my rebounding workouts. I recommend Rebound-Air rebounders. Swimming, hiking, biking, dancing, and jogging are some other good options for cardio. I highly recommend the Scoop Leg Exercise Machine for a convenient workout. It is also great for hip problems.
For resistance and strength training you can try bodyweight workouts, resistance bands, free weights, weight machines, kettlebells, and TRX. I highly recommend trying the Power Plate. Yoga, pilates, and Barre are great lower-impact workouts that strengthen and lengthen your body. For more lymph movement and workouts, I also love the Melt Method.
If you are currently recovering from cancer, you may not be able to do as much as you want to. Don’t worry. Do as much as you can. Even a 10-minute walk or a short yoga session matters. Try to get up and move around regularly as much as your body allows it. You may want to work with a physical therapist and other bodywork support to get some function and strength back.
Lower Your Stress Levels
Chronic stress can increase chronic inflammation and increase your risk of cancer. Being in a stressed state may also compromise your recovery. A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Oncology has found that chronic stress may increase the risk of cancer (89). Reducing your stress levels is critical for your health and well-being.
I recommend practicing meditation, breathwork, and gratitude daily. You may try progressive muscle relaxation, guided relaxation, and visualization. Try journaling to let your feelings out and also to notice negative thought patterns that you’d like to change. Practice positive affirmations and positive mindset shifts. You may benefit from spiritual practices. Spend time in nature. Go for a hike, try grounding, and hug some trees. Spend time with supportive and kind people, including family and friends. Stay engaged in your community. Play with pets. If you need further support, don’t be shy to seek out a support group, therapist, counselor, life coach, or spiritual counselor.
Improve Sleep
Getting quality restorative sleep every night is essential for reducing your risk and supporting your recovery from cancer. According to a 2018 review published in BMC Cancer, sleep duration may be linked to the risk of cancer (90). Getting enough sleep may help to support your body in restoring health and balance.
I recommend 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. If you are unwell, sleeping more and taking naps during the day is great. Honor your body’s needs. Avoid refined sugar and unhealthy foods, especially in the evening. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy foods late at night. Reduce your stress throughout the day, especially in the evening. Avoid electronics 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
Engage in relaxing activities, such as healing baths, meditation, journaling, coloring, and reading, before going to bed. Try sipping on some herbal tea from Numi. Try some essential oils by Young Living or use a salt lamp to create a relaxing mood. Invest in comfortable organic sheets and pillow cases, supporting pillows and a mattress. Use comforting blankets, such as Weighted Evolution organic bamboo blankets. Try Mosaic Weighted Blankets for rest and relaxation. Use an eye mask or black-out curtains to ensure sleeping in the dark.
Try Some Supplements
Nutrient deficiencies may play a role in your risks and recovery from cancer. Some of the most common nutrient deficiencies connected to cancer include the following
Vitamin D (53, 54, 55, 56, 57) (Tip: Try Micro Ingredient Vitamin D3/K2.)
B Vitamins (58, 59, 60, 61) (Tip: Try Micro Ingredients Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins from Micro Ingredients.)
Zinc (64, 65) (Try Micro Ingredients Zinc Complex.)
Vitamin A (66, 67) (Tip: Try Micro Ingredients Vitamin A.)
Vitamin C (68, 69) (Tip: Try Liposomal Vitamin C by Purity Health!)
Vitamin E (70, 71) (Tip: Try Micro Ingredients Vitamin E.)
Selenium (73, 74) (Tips: Eating only 2 Brazil nuts a day may take care of all your needs.)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (75, 76, 78, 79) (Tip: Try Micro Ingredients Omega-3 Fish Oil.)
You may want to consider supplementing with these nutrients on a daily basis. Additionally, I love the following supplements with extra nutritional support for health and energy:
Cymbiotika Magnesium for relaxation, muscle health, brain and mental health
Organic Fruiting Lion’s Mane Mushroom for immune health and cognition
Organifi Green Juice for immunity, stress, hormonal health, and more
Organifi Gold Juice for sleep, immune health, inflammation, and nourishment
Organifi Red Juice for energy and antioxidant support
Organifi Ashwagandha for stress, fatigue, and adrenal fatigue
Organifi Liver Reset for liver health
Zuma Nutrition supplements for immunity, gut health, and more
Vertigone for dizziness
HumanX No Junk Artmisinin for immune support
New 100% Clean Sulforaphane for antioxidant protection
Haley Nutrition Colloidal Silver for immune and gut health
Micro Ingredients Quercetin for inflammation and histamine
Micro Ingredients Curcumin for inflammation and pain
Micro Ingredients supplements and powders for all your nutritional needs
Living Fuel nutrition powders for overall nutrition support
Lone Star Botanicals for herbs, teas, and superfoods for overall health support
Mushroom Revival supplements for all the benefits from medicinal mushrooms
Real Mushrooms for health benefits from medicinal mushrooms
Silver Fern supplements for gut support
Starwest Botanicals for herbs and tea
Sunset Valley Organic Certified Raspberry Powder for antioxidant support
Vibrant Blue Oils for healing oils
Final Thoughts
Cancer is scary. Fortunately, you can support your body naturally. I recommend following my tips and trying the products I recommend to support your health and well-being. One day at a time, you can reclaim your health, energy, and happiness.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are based on personal experiences, opinions, and my own research. Information on this website is for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose, replace, treat or cure any medical or mental health condition. Please see your doctor with any health-related questions. Statements on this website have not been approved or evaluated by the FDA. While perusing this site, please use your best judgment in conjunction with your Naturopath or other health care provider.
