What causes Cancer?

When researchers can definitively decide what causes cancer, they will be able to create a cure. They are getting closer every day, but haven't got the answer yet. Here's what we do know...

In our bodies, cells replicate and divide constantly, 24/7. Sometimes, the replication makes a mistake and a mutated or defective cell is created. This actually happens in every person's body thousands of times each day, and is part of the natural process. If everything is working correctly, our bodies treat these defective cells the same way they treat viruses and bacteria. The immune system gathers them up and forces them out of our body. When cancer cells are created faster than your immune system can destroy them, clusters of these cells can gather, forming tumors.

Reasons for this may be a weakened immune system, or an imbalance in the body causing too many of the defective cells. To help reduce your risks of getting cancers, keep your immune system strong and healthy!

Here are some tips that can help maintain a strong immune system:

• Reduce your consumption of refined and overprocessed foods - eat vegetables raw or lightly steamed, and try to eat whole foods as much as possible - natural sugars, whole wheat flour
• Get your Z's - a healthy immune system relies on adequate sleep. And skipping sleep during the week and trying to catch up on the weekend doesn't work. Aim for 8 solid hours each night.
• Remember that cancer cells love sugar. If you need something sweet, use non-refined sugars such as honey, maple syrup, stevia or raw sugars.
• Make sure your cells are fully oxygenated! The best way to get lots of oxygen into your cells is through exercise. Aim for 10 minutes each day, with 30 minutes 3 times per week. Exercise also helps the lymphatic system to flush toxins and waste from your cells more efficiently.
• Take Omega 3 for healthy cells - eat your fish or take supplements! Its critical in the formation of cells.