Reducing Cancer Risk Through Nutrition and Lifestyle By Stephanie Walsh, MNT, CEPC, CPT T
he word cancer can instill fear in all of us. Although cancer is scary, you can take power into your own hands to lower your odds of diagnosis or recurrence. When you better understand
your genes, what pathways in the body influence cancer risk, how you can keep those pathways happy, and which nutrition and lifestyle tips may reduce your cancer risk, you can take control of your health.
Express Your (Genetic) Self
Cancer is the result of either the normal expression of a mutat- ed gene or the mutated expression of a normal gene. Human DNA contains approximately 30,000 genes. Some genes are good for health and some genes are bad, such as the BRCA1 and 2 mutated genes linked to breast cancer. All of these genes, good or bad, need to be ‘turned on’ to be expressed. So for optimal health, you want the good genes turned on and the bad genes turned off. You also want to keep your good genes from mutating.
The study of epigenetics explains that your environment influ-
ences your genetic expression For instance, exposure to cigarette smoke or industrial pollutants can damage DNA and create gene mutations. Here are just a few other ways your environment and lifestyle can negatively affect how your genes are expressed:
• Nutrient deficiencies • Bacterial toxins • Carcinogenic compounds in your food and environment • Certain medications • Alcohol • Hydrocarbons from charcoal grilling
You may even be someone with an inherited genetic mutation. Reducing exposure to these gene altering effects can greatly reduce your risk. Additionally, you can also mediate your bad genes by protecting five key pathways in your body.
According to Lise Alschuler, ND in her book "Five to Thrive",
dysfunction in one or more of the following pathways can increase your risk of cancer:
• Immune System • Controlling Inflammation • Hormonal Balance • Insulin Sensitivity • Digestion and Detoxification
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