Healthy diet lowers risk of cancer patient death up to 65 percent, new research finally figures it out

(NaturalHealth365) What most people have known their whole lives is now being verified by formal research. A healthy diet loaded with plenty of organic (chemical free) fruits and vegetables can make all the difference in the world, according to University of Florida researchers.

And, in terms of lowering the risk of cancer, nothing could be more powerful – on a long-term basis – than maintaining a healthy diet, especially with all the toxins in our environment. This is particularly important for cancer patients because those eating this way were up to 65 percent less likely to die from cancer.

Often unrecognized by Western medicine: The wonders of a healthy diet for cancer patients

A balanced diet should provide plenty of unprocessed carbohydrates, clean proteins and non-toxic fats. In addition, the focus should be on nutrient dense foods – loaded with of vitamins and minerals.

So, whether you choose to eat animal food or not, be sure to eat a good portion of organic fruits and vegetables – every day. (Note: If costs for quality are a concern, eat in accordance to the season and buy your produce from community supported agriculture (CSA) or local farmers markets.)

Worth mentioning (again!): A balanced diet was found to reduce the risk of dying from cancer by up to 65 percent, according to researchers from the Public Health and Health Professions of the University of Florida’s College.

The study was based on an assessment of data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), which collected data from 1988 to 1994 from nearly 34,000 people.

Of this number, 1,200 were diagnosed with cancer. All participants kept a food diary, documenting what they ate each day during the survey period.

Most important message: A healthy diet is pivotal to beating cancer and enhancing longevity

The team used the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) dietary guidelines to rank the nutritional quality of the diets of each cancer patient. And, the group was tracked for 17 years.

By this time, half had died. However, those who ate the most balanced and nutritious diets were found to have a 65 percent lower chance of dying early from cancer or any other cause. That’s a powerful message!

Exercise and other lifestyle factors were not included in the results, and the precise length of survival after the cancer diagnosis was not determined. However, these findings support what most people have known for years – that the healthier you eat, the healthier you are.

By the way, for those that like to do research, the findings were published in the journal JNCI Cancer Spectrum.

Simply put: these results should empower both the cancer patient and health-minded individuals hoping to avoid cancer to follow this type of eating plan – despite the obvious temptations out there to eat ‘junk’ food.

Stay away from box, canned or bagged food. Avoid artificial sweeteners (i.e. aspartame) and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) – as much as possible.

In terms of ‘action steps,’ be sure to eat dark leafy greens like, kale, collards or Swiss chard. Stay well hydrated with clean water (no chlorine or fluoride) and take high-quality, nutritional supplements like, vitamin C and D.

Bonus action step: Regular exercise routine will reduce stress and boost immune system health

Clearly, we all need to pay close attention to our activity level. After all, we know that a sedentary lifestyle is quite dangerous to our health. But, this message is especially important for those diagnosed with cancer. (don’t give up – do something today!)

Avoid heavily processed foods, excess sugar and destructive additives like MSG. If you don’t exercise, start walking and build up to 12 – 15 miles per week. The physical, mental and emotional benefits are amazing!

Naturally, a meditation or spiritual practice will always help to reduce mental and emotional stress – which immediately improves immune function. After all, strengthening immunity is the key to overcoming a cancer diagnosis.

Bottom line: anything you can do to clear the mind, strengthen the body and nourish the soul – is a good thing. Eating a healthy diet is always a great place to start.

Sources for this article include:

Medicalxpress.com
NaturalHealth365.com
NaturalHealth365.com
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