Many of us are connected to cancer, whether we have suffered from it or know someone who has had the disease. This week is Cervical Cancer Awareness Week and we feel it’s a subject not to be ignored. Below is some information we would like to share with you.
Keep on top of your health with regular pap smear tests:
It may not be the most enjoyable experience but it is important that all women between the ages of 25 and 64 take up the invite of cervical screening. 1 in 20 women show abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix but often these correct themselves. But having the screening and detecting any abnormalities early has shown a 70% reduction in deaths from cervical cancer.
Those women at highest risk tend to be below the age of 40 and over the age of 70. Women aged 25-49 should be tested every three years and 50+ every five years. It tends to be a nurse that does the procedure; you can request a female nurse and it will take less than 5 minutes. Those 5 minutes could make a big difference.
Risk factors:
Smoking causes oxidative damage to the cells from all the toxins and reduces the necessary antioxidants that protect your cells from abnormalities.
Human papillomavirus
(HPV)
Sexually transmitted
infection HPV is a silent and tends to affect 80% of people. The infection
lasts for about 2 years and may cause cell abnormality which will show up on a
smear screening. The way to decrease the risk of this is by reducing the number
of sexual partners and using a barrier during intercourse.
Vaginal Infection from
low vaginal flora Rose oil, garlic and l.acidophilus
are natures natural antiseptics and garlic is affective at fighting off
infections therefore, it could be worthwhile every couple of months using a
weekly regime with these ingredients to support the health of the tissue by
providing and boosting the immune support
Oral contraceptives
The pill affects
progesterone and oestrogen levels which has been suggested to be a possible
factor for cancer development. In 2002
there was a report released by a cancer research agency that is part of the
World Health Organization:
Time span of using oral contraceptives:
5 to 9 years use increased the risk threefold
10 years + increased the risk by 4 times.
Exposure of hormone
disrupting chemicals
Condoms and Diaphragm
spermicides and fatty food (crisps and fish) wrappers containing nonylphenol
(NP). This is an oestrogen like agent found in plastic
believed to end up in the water supply and be the cause of infertility and
feminising of the fish in the rivers and turning oysters into hermaphrodites. The amount that is used in the UK has now been
restricted by the EU REACH Regulation, However they are not prohibited to be
used in spermicides or foods. Some brands are now refusing to use this
ingredient and therefore it is worthwhile checking the ingredients you are
using and only store fatty foods in foil or glassware.
Infections:
Some vaginal infections can cause cell abnormalities. Sometimes these can be caused by low vaginal flora. Rose oil, garlic and l.acidophilus are nature’s natural antiseptics and garlic is effective at fighting off infections. So it could be worthwhile using these ingredients for a week every couple of months to support the health of the tissue by providing and boosting the immune support.
Deficiencies in vitamin C, carotenoids and antioxidants:
Vitamin C gives immune support and is especially depleted in smokers and people that live in the city. 10g of vitamin C supports T-cells; these are the guys that go around guarding and fighting viruses that enter the body. Deficiencies can be due to a poor intake of fruit and vegetables.
These foods contain a range of antioxidants (vitamin A, E, C, selenium, glutathione and CoQ10) and phytochemicals that protect your cells from damage and neutralise any oxidative stress on the body that is caused by pollution. It is therefore important to have a rich intake of a range of fruit and vegetables of all different colours. The ideal amount to have is 10-12 different fruits and vegetables per day.
Burnt food:
Things like charcoaled barbecue meat and burnt toast can cause oxidative stress on the system so it would be recommended where possible, to have your foods steamed and boiled, or remove all burnt bits.
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Meat rich diet:
Meat is high in fats called arachadonic acid which can cause inflammation in the body and they may affect hormone levels due to the hormones exposed to the animal during its development. A high intake of meat also uses up enzymes that your body produces. These enzymes can be used to destroy rogue cells by breaking down the outer membrane so that it is exposed to your immune system to be dealt with. Therefore it would be recommended to have a predominantly vegan based diet.
Poor hormonal levels
Red Clover Extract
contain isoflavones to balance female hormones and protect cells from damage by
negating any nourishment to harmful cell growth.
Preventions
Sexual Health
Use natural lubricants
Yes Yes Yes only use
natural ingredients within their lubricants therefore reducing the risk of
hormonal imbalances caused by exposure to xenoestrogens from other spermicides.
Condoms it is
worthwhile asking the company that you are using if they use nonylphenol, many
companies such as boots own brand are now choosing to remove this ingredient
from their products.
Natural family planning If you are
in a monogamous relationship it could be worthwhile looking into this and speaking with a family planning
clinic to support you with this.
Limit sexual partners to
reduce the risk of HPV and other infections being passed around. The infection will only be picked up by the
smear test that you have and then it is worthwhile bearing in mind that it will
stay in your system for 2years.
Diet
Predominantly vegan
which is limited on animal foods and dairy. To replace dairy have milks that
are also rich in healthy fats to support your hormonal levels such as almond
milk.
Raw vegetables for digestive
enzymes as they breakdown foreign bodies in the system that can otherwise
cause harm to the system by acting as toxins to supress the immune system.
Organic foods to limit the amount of pesticides
ingested in the diet which could mimic oestrogen to cause an imbalance in
hormones.
Support the liver and
digestive pathway to remove and detoxify with foods such as fibre from
brown rice and vegetables. Good foods for the liver would be cruciferous
vegetables, onions, garlic and green leafy vegetables.
Lifestyle
Laughter is the best
medicine by doing things that make you happy, such as spending time with
loved ones, watching comedies and having hobbies will reduce stress in your
life. Stress has so much of a negative impact on the system causing
inflammation. People that are happy tend to be ill far less frequent as there
is less strain on the body.
Cognitive behavioural
therapy is a form of counselling that trains the person to think of
situations in a positive light and feel more empowered about their life and
situations.
Exercise to
improve muscle to fat ratio as fat cells tend to hold onto harmful toxins
including harmful oestrogens that a person has been exposed to. Ideally
weightbearing exercise would be good to encourage muscle development and
aerobic respiration to encourage circulation.
Points of interest
Support:
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