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Fight cancer by fasting

With cancer poised to become the number one killer in North America and traditional therapies not cutting the mustard for long-term success, it may be time to rethink the war on cancer. We have been focused on killing it conventionally at all costs, even when the collateral damage is significant and often accelerates the demise of a weakened immune system.

So instead of an all out attack on a weakened immune system, how about choosing a method that allows the immune system to regenerate and heal itself with its infinite wisdom?

Feasting vs fasting

The irony of the state of nutrition in North America is that most people are overfed and undernourished. We tend to overeat and this constant feasting puts a continual strain on our digestive system and organs that are responsible for breaking down this often questionable food. This puts undue stress on our immune system, of which 80% lies in the gut.

With this constant feasting our digestive and immune systems are chewing up a large part of our available energy to undertake this arduous task. This means less energy is available to the body to detoxify and to repair cells, tissues, and organs.

So what happens when we fast?

When the body is not directing its energy towards digestion, it uses that extra power to clean our internal abode. When fasting (whether it is just water or liquids), the body starts to use stored fat as a source of energy. In the beginning, it will rid itself of diseased tissues, excess nutrients, and accumulated wastes and toxins. This process creates an environment for the body to begin healing by repairing and regenerating different areas of the body, including the digestive and immune system.

Fasting and its effects on cancer

A study by researchers at the University of Southern California showed that extended fasting not only protects against immune system damage, but also induces immune system regeneration.

In a clinical trial involving patients who were receiving chemotherapy, scientists found that when patients didn’t eat for an extended period of time, their white blood cell count went down. This induces changes that trigger stem cell based regeneration of new immune system cells, so cycles of fasting basically help generate a new immune system.

Another study conducted on the effects of fasting on cancer patients has shown that those who included fasting in their therapy had fewer side effects from chemotherapy and it slowed down the growth of tumors and even eliminated the threat of cancer in some patients. According to Research Professor Valter Longo, University of Southern California:

“What we are seeing is that the cancer cell tries to compensate the lack of all these things missing in the blood after fasting. It may be trying to replace them, but it can’t. The cell is, in fact, committing cellular suicide”.

The researchers also stated that fasting essentially “…flips a regenerative switch” which prompts stem cells to create new white blood cells and begin regenerating the entire immune system. Not only that, but they found that prolonged fasting also reduces the enzyme PKA, which is linked to a hormone which increases cancer risk and tumor growth.

In response to criticism that fasting could cause issues in cancer patients, Dr. Longo stated “…there is no evidence at all that fasting would be dangerous while there is strong evidence that it is beneficial. Thus far the great majority have reported doing very well and only a few have reported some side effects including fainting and a temporary increase in liver markers.”

It’s important to note there are several types of fasting, including no food or drink, just water, and just liquids. There are also different types of fasting that can be as little as 16 hours and as much as 30 or more days.

One of the more popular and safer fasting rituals is green juicing, which is a great way to give your digestive system a rest while it nourishes and detoxifies your system with beneficial, regenerating nutrients. Doing this type of therapy over a period of 3 days at least once a month can accelerate the repair of a damaged immune system, and help the body heal from cancer and its conventional treatments like chemotherapy.

If you are new to these types of fasting, consult a knowledgeable holistic health coach or naturopath on how to approach it so it works best for you. In addition to that, understand the complete picture of what causes cancer and how to nourish and detoxify your body to eliminate it by reading Naturally Avoid and Eliminate Cancer. For when you aren’t fasting, check out these Foods that Kill Cancer.

Learn more:  http://www.naturalnews.com/048451_cancer_prevention_fasting_natural_cures.html#ixzz3RT0g4CKq

Sources:

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

http://fractalenlightenment.com

http://www.telegraph.co.uk

http://www.naturalhealth365.com

About the author:
Derek Henry, B.Kin, is a highly revered holistic health coach and world renowned natural health blogger and educator who created Healing the Body to help people understand the fundamental principles to exceptional health so they can overcome their own health challenges.

Learn more:  http://www.naturalnews.com/048451_cancer_prevention_fasting_natural_cures.html#ixzz3RT0lKnkC

Simple Natural Remedies to Help You Combat the Flu

By Heidi Kristoffer
Posted Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at 12:24pm EDT

The flu season is upon us again and there are a number of ways to keep your family healthy. While the flu vaccine is usually touted as your best defense, the flu shot alone is not enough to help keep your family healthy, and many people wonder if it does anything at all.

Hydrate

What can you do? Well, at the onset of first symptoms, it is important to hydrate! Drink a lot of water; up to a gallon and a half a day! Any hot liquid will do really, hot tea or even homemade bone broth or soup broth will stimulate the immune system and stop the proliferation of the flu virus in the body.

You can also continuously sip hot herbal teas, hot water lemon and honey, and of course, sip chicken soup–always good for what ails you.

Add More Vitamin C

We have all heard the old adage, ‘Vitamin C staves off the flu.’ Well, it turns out it is true. Studies have shown that vitamin C can help get rid of the flu and a number of other viruses better than any over the counter medication.

At the first sign of the flu, taking a 500 mg supplement each day can help.

Get More Sun

Vitamin D can boost your immune system, too. Eating too much sugar can devastate your immune system and wipe out your vitamin D supplies, and heading outside can replenish them much better than popping a supplement can. Vitamin D deficiency is most common in winter months, when colds and flu and more prevalent, and research has confirmed that catching a cold or flu from someone actually has a lot to do with having a depleted store of vitamin D. So, head outside and catch some sunshine! (Of course, remember you can still grab that important vitamin D even with your sunscreen on, so be safe!)

Other Natural Remedies for Fighting the Flu

Other things you can do at home to prevent, or get rid of the flu include adding Oil of Oregano to your water. Oil of Oregano has both antibiotic and antiviral properties that can help stave off a number of ailments. You can add one drop to your water several times a day.

Adding organic apple cider vinegar to your glass of water can alkalize the body and reset your PH levels. This will kill any yeast that has been feeding your infection. You will need to add a full tablespoon to a glass of water. If you cannot stand the taste, you can add it to a glass of herbal or green tea to mask the taste a bit.

To really expedite the process, you will want to get rid of all carbohydrates in your diet. Eat healthy! Carbohydrates, especially sugars, feed the infection in the body and allows it to spread.

And of course, get plenty of rest! Note that temperatures above 104 do need a trip to the doctor.