Every day it seems like something new is discovered in science, medicine or how our bodies work. We may feel surprised, impressed, intrigued and sometimes excited or elated. I experienced some of those feelings as I turned the pages in the last chapters of YOU: The Owner’s Manual. The concept of having control over our emotions and guiding our hormonal and stress levels resonated very well with the new knowledge the book has enlightened us with in the earlier chapters.
I was extremely pleased with the guidance provided on managing our “Hell Cells & Cancer”. I have always been a big fan of anti-oxidants to help fight free radicals and prevent cancer but I was not aware of the new studies demonstrating the powerful anti-cancer effects of folate and aspirin. We have all heard at some time that our body’s immune system is continuously fighting to protect us from “mutant cancer cells”. Our killer T cell antibodies maintain constant patrol to search and destroy foreign cells, including cancer cells. It seems a bit scary when we realize that cancer cells that result from mutations are in our body every single day because we have over 70 million cell duplications (each duplication is a chance for a mutation) each day. People who damage their body cells excessively (smoking, sun burns, inflammation, etc.) will require more cell repair functions and a greater number of cell duplications.
I was amazed when I learned that folate (a B-complex vitamin) not only helps pregnant women avoid birth defects (works best if taken in first six weeks of pregnancy or before conception) but also decreases the risk of cancer in children by 60%. The studies showing a 20% to 50% decrease in colon cancer in adults was equally impressive. This was powerful new information. I acted on it immediately and took my vitamin supplement plus a vitamin B-complex to get a total of 800 micrograms.
Recently, I learned that obesity and smoking contribute to the incidence of almost 50% of all cancers. That fact is always startling because our lifestyle choices, including smoking, diet and activity level is something we can learn to control. Medications may help us reduce the burden of cancer or our risks, but counseling, preventive screening and professional support is also important. Once again, if you are over the age of 45, you can start to take 2 baby aspirins per day if you are not allergic aspirin and your doctor agrees. Always a big fan of aspirin, I was glad to see a 40% reduction in breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon caner in those who used an aspirin regimen.
Like all good books, this one has a great ending. In addition to an excellent ten day diet challenge to help you feel better and younger, there is also a simple exercise plan and a diet basics crib sheet. These are simple steps to get you started on a path that nourishes your body, keeps you healthy and vibrant regardless of the starting point for your journey.
Be sure to join me for the Live Chat on Ignite on YOU: The Owner’s Manual next Thursday, August 14 at 3:00 p.m. ET., where we’ll discuss all aspects of living healthier and younger.
Wishing you good health always,
Dr. Tony
