Installment number three... this group is of the more serious diseases. Remember, your body starts out with little warning signs - getting a cold, a headache, upset stomach, headaches, chronic illness is next... and it continues to escalate if you don't pay attention to the warning signs being given. We all have the ability to resolve the issues at hand and make our life a healthy one.
Heart Disease - There are many other ailments that contribute to heart disease - diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Smoking, drinking, and other self destroying lifestyles also play a big part. How you handle stress, how often you eat our "standard" list of bad foods, how often you exercise make a difference as well.
Foods that will help heal as well as prevent heart disease include fresh fruit and vegetables that are high in antioxidants - dark green leafy vegetables, orange fruits & vegetables, onions, garlic. Other foods to consider lean meat, olive oil (instead of other kinds), whole grains, tuna, salmon, nuts and seeds.
Foods to completely remove from the diet include fatty meats, processed meats with nitrates (bologna, deli meat, sausage, and hot dogs), processed white sugar / flour, ice cream, fried foods, junk food, salt, and crackers.
Recommended reading:
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/alternative/alternative-medicines-for-heart-disease.htm
Cancer - It is hard to pinpoint one thing that causes cancer since there are so many different types. As in all things involved with Naturopathy - there are three things required - good mental health, good diet, and plenty of exercise. Eating a well balanced diet high in leafy green vegetables and dark fruits, plenty of sunshine, exercise 30 minutes a day at least five days a week - if you are groaning with that idea - start slow, walking, biking, and grow to at least 30 minutes 3 - 4 days a week of cardio.
Certain foods are very well known for destroying cancer cells - asparagus, avocado, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, chili peppers, figs, flax seed, garlic, grapefruit, grapes, kale, licorice root, and carrots. Green tea has also been known to have cancer fighting capabilities. Cancer weakens the immune system and so foods that strengthen the immune system also should be considered daily - foods high in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin B complex, vitamin E.
Mentally, one must believe they can be healed, that their change of diet, exercise and mental attitude will help heal their body.
Recommended reading - more on foods / spices / herbs that fight cancer:
http://www.cancure.org/cancer_fighting_foods.htm
More on the proper cancer fighting diet:
http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_diet_cancer_prevention.htm
Alzheimer's - Studies are showing that Alzheimer's disease is characterized by deposits of protein in and between nerves. This again leads us to believe that dehydration plays a part in the cause of this debilitating disease. There are also links to lifestyle and Alzheimer's - alcohol consumption, smoking, not getting enough sleep, and not getting enough mental stimulation. Many of the same factors that cause heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are the same for Alzheimer's, as are the lifestyle changes needed.
Foods that are a must to fight Alzheimer's are the same ones that build strong nerve cells, strong immune system, and good mental health. Vitamin B12 (snapper, tofu, venison, liver, sea plants, and miso) helps regenerate / strengthen nerve cells. Vitamins B Complex, C, and E help build a strong immune system. Ginkgo Biloba, Omega 3/6/9, Vitamin B Complex, along with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables all work for brain power.
Recommended Reading - foods that fight Alzeimer's:
http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20100409/foods-that-fight-alzheimers
Additional Reading on alternative cures:
http://curezone.com/dis/1.asp?C0=35
Tumors - these can be cancerous or non-cancerous in nature. Since cancer has been addressed above, we will be focusing on non-cancerous (benign). Like with cancer, there can be many many different reasons. Take into consideration the type of tumor it is.
Get more dark green vegetables into your system. They also help reduce tumors of all kinds. Especially Asparagus, Broccoli, and Spinach. Build up your immune system – this is a MUST. With any type of illness – especially tumors and long lasting illnesses your immune system has been weakened. Vitamins C and B complex are essential to build that back up. I would recommend 1 – 2 Emergen-C packets a day. Before lunch. In addition these foods/vitamins/herbs will help boost your immune system: any of your orange vegetables and fruits (rich in beta carotene), Crab, beans, turkey (all rich in Zinc), Apples, raisins, berries, plums, red grapes, onions (all rich in Vitamin E), garlic – get this in a gelcap if you don’t like garlic or don’t get much of it in your diet it is essential for a healthy immune system, Omega 3/9 – these are your fish oil and borage oils – both good oils that are vitally important to your body, turmeric – this can be found in mustard and curry and has been found to block bad cells from growing and multiplying, oregano – I am sure you are familiar with it – it has been found to fight bacteria and is an antimicrobial, ginger – is a warming herb and helps to energize the body, and green tea – there are more and more studies showing the health benefits of 2 – 3 cups of green tea a day – if you like the taste of Chai you also get the benefits of cinnamon, cloves, ginger and a host of other herbs – just make sure you get the GREEN TEA version.
Just as there are good foods for your immune system there are also damaging foods – the number one food is sugar – especially white processed sugar. Instead use honey that is a natural antibiotic. Excessive fat in your foods – processed foods, fast food, fried foods – all are terrible for your immune system. Excessive alcohol too damages your immune system as it produces chemicals in the body that destroy good cells. There are several herbal treatments as well… just remember with herbs – understand the pros and cons of each herb before taking it, and always start with a low dose and slowly increase. Since your body’s immune system has been severely weakened, it is necessary to remove any toxins in your diet – artificial sweeteners, processed foods, fast foods, junk foods, sodas – stick to as holistic a diet as you can. You also need to “clean” your environment as much as you can. This means not only a deep clean of your home, but opening the windows – using NATURAL cleaners rather than harsh chemicals – these chemicals do not go away but stay in your air. Most homes are more toxic inside than outside because we don’t open up the house and air it out. You should air out your home at least once a month, no matter what the season.
