One in two - How to lower the risk of cancer naturally

According to the NHS, one in two people in the UK will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. Cancer rates are rising steadily, making prevention more important than ever. In this blog post, we will delve into how Ayurvedic practices can help to reduce our risk naturally.

Ayurvedic Perspective on cancer

Ayurveda teaches that cancer develops when there is an imbalance in the body's natural energies (called doshas), its tissues (dhatus), and the proper elimination of waste (malas).

1. Dosha Imbalance: Ayurveda identifies three primary doshas (natural energies) - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. When these energies go out of balance due to stress, poor diet, or unhealthy habits, it can lead to disease, including cancer. For instance, excess of Pitta (the energy of heat and metabolism) can cause inflammation and uncontrolled cell growth, leading to cancer.
   

2. Ama (Toxins): When digestion is poor or the body is overloaded with processed food or stress, toxins (ama) accumulate. These toxins block the energy flow in the body, including at cellular level. If a cell membrane is clogged with toxins, there is poor communication, and such a cell starts to act and grow independently, and becoming malignant.
   

3. Dhatu Imbalance: The body's seven dhatus (tissues) - plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, marrow, and reproductive tissue - need to stay nourished and balanced. Poor nutrition and lifestyle disturb this harmony, making the body more vulnerable to disease.

   
   

How cancer thrives - and how to prevent it

Cancer tends to thrive in an environment that is acidic, low in oxygen, and high in sugar. To lower your risk, you can:

1. Eat an alkaline diet: Focus on plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole plant-based foods.

2. Oxygenate your body: move daily, breathe deeply, and spend time outdoors.

3. Avoid excess sugar: sugar increases acidity, alters your gut bacteria, and increases insulin; all of which can encourage cancer growth.

4. Limit or avoid red meat, processed food, caffeine, alcohol and hard cheeses: these can create acidity and toxins in the body.

Ayurvedic tips to stay healthy naturally

1. Eat whole, unprocessed foods: prefer organic, plant-based meals.

2. Detox naturally: gentle detox practices such as herbal teas, light meals and staying hydrated can help flush out toxins.

3. Incorporate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods, such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, and green leafy vegetables can protect against cellular damage.

4. Sleep well: aim to go to bed by 10 pm, to support optimum digestion and less toxins build up.

5. Manage stress daily and keep a positive mind: practice yoga, deep breathing, gratitude and positive thinking to calm your mind.

6. Let go of toxic relationships: your body feels stress you can’t always see, and cancer can be its way of screaming ‘stop!’ Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not drag you down.

Conclusion

While modern medicine plays a key role in treating cancer, Ayurveda offers a natural, preventive approach. By embracing Ayurvedic principles of balanced diet, regular movement, stress management, and mindful living, you can strengthen your body, keep it alkaline, and reduce your cancer risk.

Small daily habits make a big difference - start simple, stay consistent, and let nature support your well-being.