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In a world where we are bombarded with environmental toxins and are forced to cope with enormous amounts of stress our immune systems are put to the test. When we fail to take care of ourselves, we become susceptible to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Whilst genetics do play a role in how likely we are to get cancer, there is plenty that you can do to reduce your risk of developing this disease:

1. Eat more mushrooms
Mushrooms such as shitake, reishi and zhuling enhance the body's immune system. In a study conducted by the Cancer Research Laboratory in Indianapolis Reishi was found to be highly effective in preventing cancer and therapeutic potential for treating breast and prostate cancer.

2.  Take an Aspirin
Five clinical trials over a 20 year period in the UK found that taking a low does of aspirin can lower your risk of developing colon cancer by 24% and your risk of dying from it by 35%. 

Around 2,000 cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed in Singapore each year. In August 2010 Singapore hospitals started a clinical trial using aspirin to prevent the disease from recurring in colorectal cancer patients. Aspirin can, however, irritate the stomach and cause stomach bleeding so speak with your doctor before you try this to weigh the risks and benefits for you personally.

3. Eat your fruit and veg
Eating seven portions of fruits and vegetables a day reduces your cancer risk by 30%. This is due to the phytochemicals, such as lycopene and carotein, that have been found to be very effective in soaking up free radicals which cause cancer.

4. Drink green tea
Green tea is one of the most potent natural substances found to prevent cancer. Drink one to two cups daily.

5. Go wild
Studies have shown that farmed fish contains higher levels of cancer-causing PCB's. So opt for, for example, wild salmon. In the US, farmed chicken, beef and pork is legally permitted to be treated with antibiotics and growth hormones that are illegal in the EU, Australia and Japan. Growth hormones have also been linked to cancer and obesity. Choosing meats such as turkey or venison, which are animals that don't tolerate treatments with antibiotics, may be better for your health.

© What Therapy 2011

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