Cancer, Grit, Perseverance & Foods that Help

In my world of nutrition science, new research is always emerging.
Studies documenting foods that help kill cancer cells (apoptosis), including cancer stem cells is especially rewarding.
We are encouraged by current research on the lifestyle, food and nutrients that will nurture our natural healing systems, provide physical stamina during medical treatment, lessen potential side effects, and minimize muscle loss. This research is important.

Yet, it’s our clients that have an amazing ability to be teachers to the teacher.
It’s an exchange where one’s personal experience informs the sharing of history, evidence, research, case studies, and the healing tapestry of food and nutrients.                                                                 

Patients do the work, they persevere, they have grit… we will always be in debt to those who have made the journey and share with the rest.

This is a telling of the common ground shared by courageous women I’ve met with. 

A woman with breast cancer reports she seeks medical counsel, does the research and then sits still with God to see where her peace lies.
This woman makes her choice, is focused and ready to take on this battle. She’s gathering her support team.

This gal has moxy… she talks about how she threw herself headlong into cleaning out her pantry, tossing old grocery lists for new, and setting about a new way, with new foods, new cookbooks, a new garden.                                                                 She is learning how to make simple meals with foods known to help our bodies fight this unwelcome and tenacious intruder.
As data emerges, the list grows!

This is a list of potent foods shown to help rid cancer stem cells.

• berries

• broccoli

• cabbage

• capers

• carrots

• cauliflower

• cherries

• citrus fruit

• garlic

• ginger

• grapes, red, black

• green tea

• kale

• lavender

• leafy greens

• legumes, beans

• mint, basil, oregano, thyme, turmeric root,

• mushrooms

• onion

• plums

• radishes

• rutabaga

• seaweed

• sweet potatoes

• tomato

• wild fish, sardine, salmon, cod, halibut

By some measure this woman is thriving, medical treatment is completed now. She is physically worn but not broken.
She is ready to rebuild health… physically and emotionally.  

In the midst of her journey, this woman's strength is her faith and her enthusiasm now is for what matters most, peeling away the rest.

She is intent on equipping her body to rise up to this challenge, knock out the cancer and heal her vessel.

This is an accounting of many clients describing that even during their most difficult days, they are in another sense, also moving forward, thriving, making life changes. 

You likely know someone who has had cause to or is now transitioning into a healthier way of living and thinking. 

Next time you speak with them, ask if they have a new favorite meal?
Ask what is the wisdom they are gaining or have gained along the way?
Show up for them in small ways that bring health and cheer.

Here’s to courageous people that go before us. To herb gardens, nature's wisdom, and good food.   

For your health, Debra