With Valentine’s around the corner, February is a great month to celebrate Cancer Prevention Month and Heart Health Month, the #1 Health Issue in the US. Many people with cancer also can develop heart disease in one form or another. One of the best ways to keep your heart healthy and prevent cancer is through good nutrition-maintaining an “ideal body weight for you”, consistent physical activity and regular stress management. There are several terrific resources to help you provide the right fuel for health!
For Good Nutrition, these are some of my favorite Nutrition Books for those trying to Prevent and Heal from Cancer or Heart Disease; Food for Life By Neal Barnard M.D., Dr. Dean Ornish’s Program for Reversing Heart Disease By Dean Ornish M.D., and American Cancer Society Complete Guide To Nutrition for Cancer Survivors.
I love Food for Life because it provides practical information on how a plant based diet that includes the basic four food groups-whole veggies, whole fruits, nutrient rich grains and legumes help to fuel the body and keep it healthy for the long term. In fact, the group in the US with the longest life spans live in Loma Linda, CA and are predominantly vegetarians. They have many seniors and centenarians who live vibrant lives with fewer health problems and sharp minds.
For those who have a family history of heart disease or a personal history of heart disease, Dr Dean Ornish’s book is outstanding. He has spent his career researching the benefits of treating even severe heart disease with lifestyle modifications including a low-fat, vegetarian, nutrient dense diet to prevent and/or reverse heart disease even in those who have severe forms. His results found that when compared to the standard treatment group, his Opening Your Heart program saw a reversal in coronary artery blockages and improved quality of life after 1 year even without the use of surgery. The more closely individuals followed the program, the greater the results!
For those who have a personal history of cancer, the American Cancer Society’s Nutrition book for Cancer Survivor’s is quite comprehensive and addresses the major issues of maintaining a healthy weight with changes in either weight loss or weight gain, nutrients that help with recovery, pesticides, GMO’s, food additive, and organic foods, supplements, tips during treatment, issues of fatigue, the immune system and symptom management. It is a great resource for anyone going through treatment!
In Addition, try out these great Apps which you can download to your Smart Phone: 21- Day Vegan Kickstart, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and About Herbs.
For those trying to attempt preventing or healing from Heart Disease, Diabetes, Obesity or Cancer, I highly recommend the 21 Day Vegan Kickstart, just try it for 21 days or during the month of February and see what changes you notice. For those who are undergoing Cancer Treatment, I highly recommend the Dana Farber Nutrition App-full of helpful recipes for a variety of special diets as well as ones helpful for symptom management such as Nausea, Diarrhea, Constipation and Mouth Sores-Awesome Resource!
Until Next Time, Living the Good, Better, Best Life through W.E.L.L.N.E.S.S.!