Nutrition and Alternative Medicine

Nutrition

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Thousands of American lives could be saved if all could have a healthy diet, avoid smoking, and get regular checkups.

Here are things you can do to help reduce your cancer risk. These steps will probably make you feel better, too:

Asthma Sufferers: Alternative Medicine - click open/close

Acupuncture and Acupressure

Location:

Southeast Health Center
2401 Keith Street
San Francisco, CA 94124

Herbal Remedies

Healthy Eating Tips for Asthmatics

...are offered twice weekly by Nsoah Chionesu, Licensed Acupuncturist and Health Educator.

Contact HERC for more information at (415) 401-6810

Special for Men - click open/close

Since so little is known about what causes prostate cancer, it is not possible to say how to prevent it. Reducing fat intake, however, especially saturated fat from red meat and dairy products, is a smart move for every man to make. A low-fat, high-fiber diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables is recommended to lower the risk for many types of cancer, and can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes as well.

A high-fat diet is associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Some research has suggested that vasectomy (surgery that makes a man infertile) might increase the risk of prostate cancer, but so far this link has not been proven. Ask your doctor about current research.

For reasons that have not yet been identified, the highest incidence rates of prostate cancer in the world are among African-American men the way that prostate cancer is distributed among these populations suggests that diet may play a role in the development of this disease, especially if diet affects the level of hormones in men.

What You Eat is Important

Experts agree that a healthy, balanced diet that is low in fat, moderate in calories, and rich in fiber may help you stay healthy and lower cancer risk.

Eat at least 6 servings of whole grain products, such as breads , cereals , rice , pasta or beans .

Choose at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, green peppers, oranges, strawberries, peaches, watermelon, and tomatoes.

Recent studies report that Vitamin D can prevent many types of cancer. The best form of vitanim D is D3 or calciferol, which is non-toxic even in large doses.

Switch to a High Fiber Diet

Studies have shown that dietary fiber may reduce the risk for some types of cancer.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is associated with several chronic diseases, including breast cancer.

Staying within a healthy weight range (check with your health care provider) can lower your risk for many cancers.

Less Fat in Your Diet

Evidence suggests that a diet high in fat and red meats increases the risk of some cancers. Go easy on fats .

Choose lean cuts of meat.

Trim the skin off chicken and turkey.

Drink low-fat or skim milk.

Eat low-fat cheese.

Cut down on butter, margarine, fried foods, and rich desserts.

Totally eliminate hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats which are also called transfats.

What is a Serving?
½ cup fruit ¾ cup juice ¼ cup cooked vegetable 1 cup leafy vegetable	1 medium apple 1 slice of bread 1 ounce dry cereal ½ cup cooked cereal, rice, or pasta

Exercise to Stay Fit

Studies have shown a decreased risk of breast cancer with regular physical activity. Health related organizations recommend that adults engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most or all days of the week. For example, you might try walking, gardening, or dancing at least 30 minutes every day.

Check with your health care provider before you begin an exercise routine.

If you work with harmful chemicals or fibers like asbestos, wear the right clothes and follow directions exactly. Be sure to learn emergency procedures.

Limit Alcohol Intake

Many studies suggest that consuming alcoholic beverages may increase the risk of breast cancers, even with an intake of just a few drinks per week (a drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, and 1.5 ounces of 80 proof-distilled spirits) If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one or two drinks a day.

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