WHY DID I GET CANCER?
Why me? Was it bad luck? Or maybe bad genes?
“Why did I get cancer?” is one of the most common questions asked by newly diagnosed people. Obviously, there is no simple answer, but there are a few critical concepts that everyone should understand.
GENETICS
Yes, it is true that we are all dealt a genetic hand, but how our genes actually express themselves is largely determined by lifestyle and environment. In other words, only some people trigger a disease (heart disease, cancer, etc.) despite having the same genetic predisposition for the condition. This fact is illustrated via the many studies involving identical twins, who are (nearly) genetically identical, but often develop different diseases based on lifestyle choices.
In other words, a disease may be triggered when you:
work a stressful job
smoke a pack a day (or routinely drink an Irishman under the table)
avoid exercise, but choose extra fries
catch a whole 4-5 hours of zzz’s a night
eat a Standard American Diet (dairy, processed foods, bacon, sugar, etc.)
Conversely, disease genes may never express themselves when you choose to treat your body with a plant-based diet, daily exercise, meditation, supplements, etc.
In fact, many researchers now believe that only about 5% of cancers are genetic. This means the other 95% are related to lifestyle and the environment, which is great news– because it means you are in the DRIVERS SEAT!
95% of cancers are related to lifestyle and environment
YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM AND BACKGROUND NOISE
The clear difference between a person with cancer and a person without cancer, is their immune system. Our immune system can become over-taxed by “background noise” or underlying health issues. In other words, our immune system may get distracted while trying to deal with something that’s going on in our body (i.e. an infection, allergies, candida, Lyme, or perhaps toxic burden), and it may inadvertently overlook a cancer cell and a tumor may begin to form.
This is why integrative/holistic doctors are interested in getting to the root of the problem (i.e. underlying health concerns that may be occupying your immune system), rather than simply treating symptoms.
IT DIDN’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT
By the time you notice a lump, it has likely been brewing for 8-10 years.
We all have micro-tumors and our immune systems take care of them on a regular basis. Remember, a tumor is a sign that our body is unbalanced and our immune system is not properly functioning. A tumor is actually the body’s way of surrounding/encapsulating the cancer cells with healthy protective tissue to prevent spreading. This is why many doctors believe that the piercing of this protective tissue via a biopsy is dangerous and can actually release and spread the disease.
By the time you notice a lump, it has likely been brewing for 8-10 years.
INFLAMMATION
Inflammation is the root cause of disease. We are not talking about the helpful kind of inflammation that occurs to help the body heal after a sprained ankle. We are ralking about chronic inflammation (caused by poor diet, allergens, stress, etc.) that silently wreaks havoc on the body. Inflammatory response testing can be helpful in honing in on specific causes. An organic plant-based (anti-inflammatory) diet is one of the most effective ways to quell inflammation and improve health.
IMBALANCE
Cancer/disease is a sign that the body is out of balance. It's a call (a God whisper). It's your body telling you (perhaps it may even be screaming) that you need to pay it some attention. We have all been blessed with an amazing body that has an innate ability to heal itself when kept in balance.
THE SOLUTION
Although you may never discover the exact reason you developed cancer, there is a good chance that the cause and the remedy are rooted somewhere in the Big 6 Pillars of Health. These pillars provide a comprehensive foundation for wellness, allowing us to assess our health holistically (mind, body, spirit).
1. DIET; FOOD IS MEDICINE
Foods to include in your diet:
God’s food; an organic, plant based diet (not processed)
Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouted grains
If you choose to consume animal products, select; organic, grass fed, antibiotic free, nitrate free humanely raised, free range and wild caught products and eat as a side-dish
One of the easiest ways to get the nutrition you need is by juicing (lots of green vegetables and an occasional fruit)
Foods to eliminate or limit:
White Sugar
White Flour
Gluten
Dairy
Processed food
Meat
GMO’S
Soy (can be controversial)
2. SUPPLEMENTS
Get the bulk of your nutrition from whole foods
Supplements cannot make up for a poor diet
Use supplements
To fill nutritional gaps
For specific anti-cancer/anti-disease effects
To reduce side effects and increase efficacy of modern medical treatments
3. EXERCISE
Intentional exercise sparks immune function and helps to detoxify
Cardio and strength training are both important
Critically important during conventional treatments to increase efficacy and prevent side effects
4. REST
Rest allows the body to heal and repair
Get adequate rest (7-8 hours for adults)
Have regular bedtime rituals (meditation, prayer, essential oils, etc.)
5. RID TOXINS
It’s a toxic world. And for that reason, the list of “toxins to avoid” could go on for days. Here's a few to get you started:
Avoid:
Tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs
Pesticides
BPA (found in plastics)
Non-stick cookware
Microwaves
Cell phones and Wi-Fi exposure
EMF’s
Use:
Filtered/reverse osmosis water
Natural household cleaners and essential oils
Stainless steel, ceramic, or cast iron pots and pans
Organic cosmetics
Air filtration systems
Saunas and Rebounders
6. HAPPINESS (This includes spirituality, stress reduction, love, etc.)
Of the Big 6, this may be the most important pillar of health, as it focuses on the profound importance of the mind/body connection. Based on mounds of clinical data, it's clear that our mental health directly impacts our physical health.
Reduce stress with meditation, yoga, aroma-therapy, exercise, etc.
Engage in a daily spirit practice/pray
Live with purpose and passion
Connect with nature
Engage in meaningful relationships
Have loads of fun
Choose love
Have gratitude
Forgive
Live mindfully and be present in the beauty of the moment
Manifest your dreams
Be positive and attract positive
Serve others