This is the first of a three-part series exploring some of the most effective natural remedies that are able to assist your body to heal itself.

WITH the threat of the Ebola and chickungunya viruses and cancerous processes spreading, there is a dire need to understand what natural options are readily available to you in case you don’t want to be subjected to conventional medical treatments and exposed to infected patients in hospitals. The only proven system to help eradicate any virus or disease is your body’s own immune system, and it is of primary importance to start strengthening its response now, to give yourself the best chance of successfully fighting off any infections, including a disease process such as cancers.

The only way to work with your body’s natural defences is to give it what it requires in order to function at optimal performance.

To improve your immunity, you must improve your relationship with nature and the medicine it provides, which has been proven to keep people healthy for thousands of years. In this case, a focus on healing foods and herbs that have strong antibacterial and antiviral properties is of primary importance, along with improving immune system function and eliminating foods that suppress it.

Improve in all of these areas, and your immune system and energy will reciprocate nicely, which will help your body protect itself against all viruses, bacteria, fungi, and disease processes, such as cancer.

SEA VEGETABLES

Kelp, kombu and nori are three of the more common sea vegetables with remarkable effects on diseases. They are one of the richest and most bioavailable sources of iodine — a substance lacking in the average diet that is implicated in many patients with breast and ovarian cancer. They are also rich in calcium and potassium, as well as all minerals, which assist in promoting a very alkaline environment, which makes it very difficult for existing cancers, bacteria and viruses to survive.

ALGAE

Chlorella and spirulina are two of the most potent algae. Due to their incredible detoxification action, including binding to and eliminating heavy metals, and immune boosting properties as they promote production of healthy gut flora and fight candida overgrowth, they are a must have when healing. They also contain the entire B-vitamin complex, vitamin A, C, E, and K, and are one of the whole food sources of vitamin D.

Algae are also an exceptional source of iron and zinc, as well as magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium. Also, the antioxidant and oxygen content of algae is through the roof. One of the most potent sources of chlorophyll, it is also rich in beta carotene, lutein and polysaccharides.

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage have been linked to lower disease risks and have the ability to halt growth of cancer cells for tumors in the breast, uterine lining, lung, colon, liver, and cervix.

It appears that a phytochemical called sulforaphane can stimulate enzymes that detoxify carcinogens before they damage cells, as well as indole 3-carbinol and crambene, which are also suspected of activating detoxification enzymes. Fermenting these vegetables multiplies their benefits and helps aid a sluggish digestive system that is typically an issue with those suffering from cancer and infection.

MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS

Medicinal mushrooms such as reishi and chaga have had a number of bioactive molecules, including anti-tumor agents, identified in their structure. These bioactive compounds include polysaccharides, alkaloids, tocopherols, phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, folates, ascorbic acid enzymes, and organic acids.

Studies show that long-term consumption of reishi prevents tumor proliferation and growth by increasing the level of antioxidants in an individual’s blood plasma, while boosting the immunity of those suffering from advanced-stage cancer. Increased immunity also wards off viruses and harmful bacteria.

ALOE VERA

Research shows strong immunomodulatory and anti-tumor properties for polysaccharides in aloe vera, which means it boosts immune system function and destroys cancer tumours. A study in International Immunopharmacology showed that aloe vera polysaccharides exhibited potent macrophage-activating activities, including producing increased volumes of nitric oxide, which has anti-tumor potential. Aloe vera also has over 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, 200 active plant compounds, and strong antibacterial, viral, and fungal qualities. All of these properties are important when fuelling the body to heal cancer or diseases.

HEMP

The hemp plant contains some of the most balanced and richest sources of oils on the planet, with an ideal ratio of 3:1 for omega 6 to omega 3. Hemp seed oil also contains 80 per cent essential fatty acids, the highest of any plant. Essential fatty acids are fundamental to immune function due to their antioxidants and anti-inflammatory fatty acids, which help oxidize the cells and restore health at a cellular level. Since cancer cannot survive in a highly oxygenated environment, the superb EFA content in hemp makes it a great option for healing cancer. It is also a rich source of phytonutrients, antioxidants and plant sterols, all of which are effective for the natural treatment of cancer. Generally, we are speaking of the oils of the plant here, not the illegal smoked form that many like to engage in.

GARLIC

A double-blind, randomised study with over 3,000 human subjects for seven clinical years showed that cancer risk was cut by 60 per cent for those with the highest intake of allium containing vegetables, including aged garlic. The miracle nutrient appears to be the enzyme alliinase, a nutrient in the Allium genus, which produces the anti-cancer compounds. The key is to crush it and let it sit for 15 minutes in order to release these anti-cancer compounds. Garlic is also very antibacterial, viral and fungal, which means it is exceptional for the digestive system, and therefore immune-related diseases like cancer, viruses and bacterial infection.

TURMERIC

The Life Extension Foundation has conducted extensive research into the anti-cancer properties of turmeric and found that it targets 10 causative factors involved in cancer development, including DNA damage, chronic inflammation and disruption of cell-signalling pathways. Hundreds of studies have also shown that curcumin is a potent anti-cancer food that blocks cancer development in a number of unique ways. One of the most potent healing actions of turmeric is reducing inflammation, the root of all serious disease. Once you are able to significantly reduce inflammation in all areas of the body, including the digestive system, an alkaline state can start to take over. Cancer does not thrive in an alkaline-rich environment.

Don’t forget to “Ask Your Chiropractor” every week where your questions may be published and answered in subsequent articles. Address questions to: Dr Chris Davis, the Spinal Mechanic and lead doctor, at movethebone@gmail.com; or, Dr Michael Harvey, director, at dr.michael_harvey@yahoo.com