My, how February has risen in prominence.

It used to be most well-known for Valentine’s Day and then in later years, Presidents Day.  (I guess you can count Groundhog Day too if you’d like—Punxsutawney Phil would be pleased.)

Well, February has stepped up even more, because not only is it National Cancer Prevention Month, but it’s recognized as American Heart Month as well.

Who knew that humble February—the month during which I would officially be sick of frigid New York winters when I lived there—would house awareness events for BOTH our top 2 killers?

And what’s really interesting about this is that there are 5 key prevention strategies to help protect you against BOTH diseases! 

Talk about getting a bang for your buck!

So, in honor of formidable February, here are the…

5 Ways to Prevent Our Top 2 Killers

 

1. Take fish oil

Every 2-capsule dose of our VitalMega-3 fish oil formula provides a therapeutic 1,200 mg. of inflammation-reducing, pure Omega-3 essential fatty acids (including EPA and DHA), along with Vitamin E.

How it addresses cancer:

The Omega-3 fat Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been shown in studies to help inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors, particularly breast cancer.  And Vitamin E protects against lung, esophageal and colorectal cancers.

How it addresses heart disease:

Omega-3 fatty acids have been medically proven to help lower blood pressure, they can fight inflammation in your arteries, and they help reduce the stickiness in your platelets and curb fibrinogens (which contribute to plaque). 

Vitamin E has been shown in research to help improve circulation to the extremities and lower cholesterol in the blood.  Studies have also shown a correlation between maintaining optimal levels of Vitamin E and a lower risk of heart disease. 

2. Take probiotics

The health-supporting properties of the 13 beneficial bacteria strains in Super Shield multi-strain probiotic formula go way beyond curbing constipation and gas!  

How it addresses cancer:

Your immune system protects you against cancer, and most of that immune system resides in your gut.  So truly, the gut is crucial in terms of cancer prevention!

Daily supplementation with a full-spectrum probiotic formula like Super Shield will help ensure that you have a health-supporting population of friendly bacteria in your microbiome that will encourage your immune system to stay sharp and strong.

How it addresses heart disease:

Heart disease is an inflammatory condition, but what many people don’t realize is that a lot of your body’s inflammation stems from your gut.  A weak, unhealthy gut wall can allow toxins, bacteria and poorly digested food molecules to seep into your bloodstream, which can in turn trigger an inflammatory response.

But daily probiotic supplementation can help strengthen the gut wall, making it less porous, and keeping toxins in the intestinal tract where they can be eliminated.

3. Take Vitamin D

Vitamin D is the King of cancer and heart disease prevention!  And our Optimum DK Formula with Fruitex B is one of the best, most effective formulas available, providing 5,000 IUs of Vitamin D3, along with its crucial partner Vitamins K1 and K2 and the mineral boron.

How it addresses cancer:

Vitamin D also encourages sound immune function, thereby supporting your immune system in the fight against cancer.

In addition, it has been proven to be an important player in protecting your body against several cancers, and it has been found to have antitumor properties.  One study showed that taking Vitamin D supplements can cut your risk of pancreatic cancer in half!

How it addresses heart disease:

Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties that can counteract inflammation in your arteries and help lower blood pressure. 

It’s also a common deficiency because so many people completely shun the sun, so supplementation is important, especially this time of year.

4. Nix the sugars and unhealthy fats; pile on the good stuff

The 3 most significant dietary modifications you can make are to:

• Avoid sugars and refined carbs (which turn to sugar upon digestion). This includes soda, btw.
• Avoid unhealthy fats, including polyunsaturated oils and margarine.
• Increase your consumption of the “good stuff”—fresh vegetables, meats, poultry and fish, eggs and good fats like real butter, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts and avocado.

 

How it addresses cancer:

It is a proven fact that sugar actually feeds cancer, so the more of it you put in your system, the more you are nourishing potential cancer cells.

Plus sugar depresses your immune system functioning, and your immune system protects you against cancer!  So when your immune system is compromised by sugar, cancer has a better chance to thrive.

In addition, lacking essential nutrients by having an unhealthy diet increases your cancer risk.

How it addresses heart disease:

Sugars, refined carbs and unhealthy fats are all very inflammatory foods, and heart disease is a condition of inflammation.  So the more these foods are avoided, the lower your level of inflammation and heart disease risk.

Don’t be fooled by the “heart healthy” claim of (rancid) polyunsaturated oils and margarine.  They stir up inflammation in your system and when used for cooking, form compounds that are similar to deadly trans-fats. 

5. Move it-move it

No discussion of cancer and heart disease prevention would be complete without mentioning regular exercise!

Pick an activity you like or will at least tolerate and do it at least 4 times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes each time.  Use your imagination!  Try brisk walking, dancing, swimming, yoga, or in-home programs.  Even walking the dog counts!

And please don’t say you “don’t have the time.”  There are 168 hours in a week—you can carve out 2 of those for exercise.

Just be sure to get your doctor’s OK first.

How it addresses cancer:

Cancer loves a toxic environment and thrives when there are lots of acidic wastes and toxins in your system.  On the flip side, when your body is in a clean, alkaline state, cancer cannot survive.

Well, your skin is a primary organ of detox and the more you sweat with regular exercise, the cleaner you are on the inside—and a less desirable home for cancer!

How it addresses heart disease:

Exercise lowers your blood pressure, strengthens your heart, and improves blood flow—all very important in the quest for heart disease prevention.

Put these 5 measures to work for you and give cancer and heart disease a 1-2 punch during February and all year round! 

To your health,

Sherry Brescia

 

The information in our articles are NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and are not intended as medical advice.