Prevention of genetic predispositions

Hi there,

This week I wanted to address your genetic predisposition for two conditions (cancer and MS) that are caused by a weakened or dysfunctional immune system, and what you can do now to limit your susceptibility!

First, some interesting facts about cancer:

• Genetic factors contribute to at most 15 percent to your likelihood of developing this disease, that leaves 85% to lifestyle variability, those are pretty good odds and you're already on your way to prevention by making minor lifestyle changes and getting a good diagnosis.
• The 4 approaches to creating anticancer biology are 1) guarding ourselves against the imbalances of our environment that have developed since 1940 and promote the current epidemic of cancer, 2) adjusting our diet so as to cut back on cancer promoters and include the greatest number of phytochemical component that actively fight tumors, 3) understanding and healing the psychological woulds that feed the biological mechanisms at work in cancer, and 4) creating a relationship with our bodies that stimulates the immune system and reduces the inflammation that makes tumors grow.
• Lifestyle plays as important a role in cancer-prevention as diet, having balance in your career, relationships, exercise, and self-care practices are crucial to maintaining a strong immune system, here are 20 great anticancer tips.
• Three known contributors to cancer which were nonexistent when our human genes were forming and not consumed prior to the 20th century now account for 56% of the Western diet, these are 1) refined sugars (cane and beet sugar, corn syrup), 2) bleached flour (white bread, white pasta), and 3) vegetable oils (soybean, sunflower, corn, trans fats).
• Cancer arises only from those cancer cells that find fertile 'terrain' in which to grow, thus they will flourish only within an individual whose immune defenses have been weakened. It may be primarily the lack of healthy defenses that allows otherwise dormant cancer cells to become aggressive tumors.
• Studies show that we can 'urge on' our white blood cells and like soldiers, immune cells fight all the harder when 1) they are treated with respect (they are well fed and protected from toxins) and 2) their commanding officer keeps a cool head (by dealing with our emotions and acting with poise).
• Tumors thrive in an inflammatory environment, it is crucial to limit the inflammatory response in the body to prevent cancer's supply lines from forming.
• Everything that strengthens our immune system, impedes the growth of cancer and vice versa.
• Approximately 60% of your immune system is in your digestive tract, feeding your body nutrient-rich and immune boosting whole foods will strengthen your body's own natural defenses against invaders.

We've already talked quite a bit about inflammatory foods, but here's a handy dandy chart to help guide your food shopping choices.

It is no surprise that the dietary recommendations for Multiple Sclerosis prevention by holistic-oriented health professionals are very similar to those we have discussed for an overall balanced healthy lifestyle. Limiting stress, eating organic whole foods, drinking lots of water, taking appropriate supplements, limiting exposure to toxins, and exercising the body for good circulation all combine to having a balanced immune system. In cases of autoimmune diseases one must also think about the psychological influences on the body and not undermine the importance of our thoughts. Our bodies are essentially giant versions of all of our tiny cells. If you have, or at risk for having, a condition where your own body is attacking itself (like Hashimoto's thyroid disease or MS), consider the other areas of your life where you might be attacking yourself. Are you putting pressure on yourself at work or in your relationships to accomplish some sense of perfection that is never quite acquired? Do you have negative thoughts about yourself that are repeated in your mind on a daily basis? If so, it is important to notice these things and to consciously forgive and love yourself. Develop positive affirmations of how you are truly a beautiful person just as you are who is worthy of love and happiness. You have to care enough to make the time to take care of yourself, love your body and nourish it with wholesome foods, positive thoughts, and conscientious activities of self-preservation and balance. 

Have you been making time to write, breathe deeply, and do your favorite relaxing activities? 

There is one activity that I have begun doing which I'm finding to be very soothing for my body and mind: self-massage. Using a simple natural oil (like vitamin E oil, or jojoba oil - which can be purchased in most eco-health progressive pharmacies) instead of a lotion is healthier for your skin and you can combine this with essence oils like lavender, jasmine, or ylangylang to make it even more pleasing to your olfactory senses. Begin simply by planning this activity, get your oils ready in a quiet relaxing space like your bedroom, turn down the lights, perhaps put on some relaxing music, wear a robe or light loose clothing, and sit on a towel on the floor. Start to rub the oil on one foot and really focus your attention on every part of that foot and rub it like you LOVE it (maybe that sounds strange but the aim here is to focus your positive energy as you do this), try not to think about other things and tell your foot to relax fully as you rub it with warmth and tenderness. Then do this with the other foot, then your legs, then thighs, belly, back, arms, and neck. With each body part, give love to yourself, breathe deeply, and allow yourself to fully relax into this self-care activity. Then go to sleep and allow the oil to nourish your skin and joints from the outside in. This is a simple and enjoyable immune-boosting, stress-reducing activity. You'll find that if you do this several times a week you feel an even sense of being calm and centered throughout the day and you come to look forward to this practice as necessary as your other personal hygiene acts. Using this sort of oil is also much better than using lotions (just compare the ingredients of vitamin E oil to any general lotion, it's 1 vs. 25!).

Now that the weather is cooling down, you may find that your body is craving more warm comfort foods, this is a good time to limit consumption of tropical fruits (keep eating those apples though, they're still in season!), increase root vegetables and squashes, increase healthy fats and proteins (like organic chicken or grass-fed beef, organic butter), and make warm filling foods like stews, pilafs and casseroles. I also recommend eating lots of garlic for it's antiviral properties since cold season has begun!

Here's a thyroid health seasonal recipe to try, it's super easy to make and delicious!

Savory Quinoa Pilaf
1tbsp. olive oil, butter, or ghee
3/4 yellow onion, peeled and diced
1tbsp. fresh sage (or 1tsp. dried sage)
2-3 links of organic turkey sausage
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup quinoa, rinsed (red quinoa works really well here, white is ok too)
2 cups of water (or chicken or veggie stock)
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1tbsp. fresh parsley (optional)

Saute onion 2-3 minutes on a medium high heat in deep pan. Add diced turkey sausage, fresh sage, and cranberries. Mix for 1-2 minutes. Add water or stock and rinsed quinoa. Bring to a boil. Add sea salt. Cover and reduce flame to simmer. Cook 12 minutes or until the liquid evaporates. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!