We should all be eating fruits and vegetables
as if our lives depend on them - because they do!
Dr. Michael Greger
I had the opportunity to learn from many physicians, naturopaths, pathologists, and other leading researchers in the field of integrative and functional oncology at the Breakthrough Summit 2024. Ph.D. Michael Greger, MD FACLM, author of How Not to Die from Cancer, was one of my favourites.
Since this was a conference on breast cancer breakthroughs, Dr. Greg talked about researched facts about breast cancer. However, he noted that his research could help everyone prevent cancer and maintain optimal health. The three most important things we can do to support the prevention, reoccurrence, or metastatic breast cancer are eating whole and plant-based foods, limiting alcohol consumption, and optimizing our body mass index.
Alcohol affects both men and women, but women don't fare as well as men. He discusses alcohol as a major variable in women and breast cancer. Alcohol increases estrogen levels, which can lead to breast cancer. In giving up alcohol, I am fortunate that wineries now produce alcohol-free and low-sugar wines so I can continue to enjoy my meal with wine.
The average body mass index has increased in Canada and the United States. He recommends keeping your BMI under 25. The higher the ratio of fat to muscle, the higher the risk of breast cancer. Fat tissue produces estrogen, which is the fuel for cancer. Visceral fat, the deep abdominal fat below the torso, is the most dangerous, he points out. Fortunately, this is the first fat to go when you start eating healthily.
Eating whole foods and a plant-based diet provides us with fibre. Fibre is found in all plants, whole grain products, beans, chickpeas and lentils. They act as prebiotics for our gut flora. We feed them and they feed us. They support the blood-brain barrier, strengthen our immune system, reduce appetite and reduce inflammation.
In his book, he shares 12 things we should incorporate into our daily lives;
Legumes, berries, other fruits, flaxseeds, nuts, spices, cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, other vegetables, whole grains, clean drinks, and exercise.
The side effects I have gotten following many of the suggestions above are a BMI of 22, no side effects (except low neutrophils) from 3 monthly/daily treatments, and feeling the best I have in a long time. Dr. Greg has published two cookbooks, How to Not Die Recipes 1 and 2. I'm looking forward to getting one of his books and trying some of his recipes.
Stay tuned for upcoming “How Not to Die” recipes!
コメント