1. Broccoli, cauliflower, and red cabbage
These all shine with nutrient rich shades of color, containing countless overall benefits. The key to consuming all the various vitamins and nutrients you need is found in rich, vibrant, colorful whole foods! These vegetables contain “sulforaphane”, which boost production of Phase II Enzymes. Phase II Enzymes help remove carcinogens from cells. Lightly steam before eating.
2. Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is considered a detoxifying medical herb. Most chemo treatments lower red blood cell counts. Health benefits from wheatgrass include improving red blood cell count and neutralizing environmental pollutants within the body. You can use wheatgrass by juicing it daily in 2oz shots to help alkalize the body. Using wheatgrass during chemotherapy has been beneficial and may reduce symptoms of myelotoxicity.
- Parsley
Parsley is used to treat a wide variety of conditions and help with oxidative stress diseases such as cancer Quercetin is a plant pigment found in green leafy herbs such as parsley and broccoli. It contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-cancer properties and fights free radical damage. “Quercetin can inhibit the growth of cancer cells with the ability to act as chemo-preventers ” You can make a tea from parsley and boiled water or you can use parsley in fresh homemade salads, hummus, and zucchini recipes.
- Grapes
There are healing powers in grapes and their leaves. Grape Seed Extract is said to outperform some treatments in killing cancer cells. According to the University of Colorado Cancer Center, grape seed extract can impact the cells that have wound up impenetrable to the pharmaceutical and it doesn’t hurt the strong cells. Grape seed extract fights pollution and Candida within our digestive tract from chemo treatments. Use organic grapes on your salads and the extract can be found at your vitamin store and used according to directions.
- Ginger Root
Ginger root has great anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger helps relieve pain and aids digestion especially with chemotherapy. Ginger is found to inhibit ovarian cancer cell growth. I make fresh organic ginger root tea with one-half fresh lemon, thumb-size of ginger root and one cup of hot water. Blend together and strain.
- Black Pepper
Black pepper reduces inflammation and may increase effectiveness of certain anti-cancer medications. Black Pepper exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer activities. The crude extract of pepper can be used for gastrointestinal disorders.
- Licorice Root
Licorice detoxifies the liver and is a soothing herb with anti-inflammatory properties and anticancer properties. Licorice Root was used for years by the Greeks for medicinal purposes. A 2011 study shows licorice root is found to be beneficial for acid reflux. Acid reflux can be a side-effect from chemo treatments. Powdered licorice root can be made into a mouthwash by mixing one fourth teaspoon with two cups of purified water and use as a gargle. A tincture can be ingested for Candida and fungal infections.
- Watercress
Watercress this aquatic plant increases detoxification enzymes in the body and contains phytonutrients that have successfully inhibited carcinogens. Watercress in extract form proved to be significantly protective against colon cancer. In a study at the Norwich Food Research Center in the United Kingdom, “smokers were given watercress which eliminated higher carcinogens in their urine. I chop a handful of fresh watercress on top of an organic fresh kale or spinach salad and also use it in my homemade guacamole.
- Turmeric Root
Turmeric Root has been proven effective as fourteen different medications. Turmeric is chemopreventive and been found to prove beneficial alongside other modalities used in colon cancer. Studies also show turmeric functions as an anticancer agent and can be useful for resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy and beneficial for breast tumor cells. According to the Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, turmeric has been useful in melanoma cell death. Turmeric can be used in your morning smoothie mixed with coconut milk and also in curry or lentil dishes for your evening meal.
- Holy Basil
Holy Basil shown to be valuable in the reduction of chemically induced cancers through initiating apoptosis and maintaining antioxidative and antiangiogenic effects. Holy Basil can be found in teas and in extract form.
- Maca Root
Maca Root is a superfood that belongs to the mustard and cruciferous family of vegetables. Maca root is said to balance the endocrine hormones, beneficial for the immune system, breast and prostate cancer, adrenal function, and memory. It may help with chemo-brain! Maca has been used by native Peruvians as both a food and medicine. According to the Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Lima Peru, “Maca has great potential as an adaptogen and the treatment of some tumor entities.” I use organic Maca Root in my smoothies or in my homemade raspberry coconut milk ice cream.
- Chlorella
Chlorella is high in protein, antioxidants, and a detoxifier.“Chlorella can induce apoptosis in cancer cell without much side effects.” I’ve found for better digestive purposes, it’s best to purchase the broken cell wall Chlorella found in Green Foods Organic Chlorella.
- Spirulina
Spirulina is found to be high in protein and rich in B vitamins, calcium, minerals, and antioxidants. According to the Department of Otolaryngology, Liverpool University Hospitals, Liverpool, UK and the Department of Surgery, Hippocrateio Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece, “the characteristics of Spirulina may have a possible mechanism of tumor destruction”. Spirulina is a blue-green algae used for increasing energy which may assist the body with chemo-malnutrition medication side effects.
- Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the most widely used alternative medicine in the world. It is said to have Cytotoxic effects. The Echinacea plant has been hailed for its ability to relieve anxiety and chronic fatigue. If you live in the city, the echinacea herb can be grown inside your home. There is no standard dose. Echinacea can also be consumed as a tea.
- Honey
Raw Organic Honey is a superfood provided to us by mother nature and her bees. “Honey is a by-product of flower nectar.” It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, but most of all, research says, “honey therapy could lead to lowering tumor cell proliferation by arresting cell cycle.”
Connie Rogers is a Certified Health Coach & Brain Health Coach.
She is the author of Memory Stealers on Amazon and video.
Connie believes health and wellness are established with proper nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness. Connie takes a natural and holistic, common sense approach to rebuilding wellbeing from the ground up.
