By 2030, 25 percent of Canadians are expected to be 65 or older. As a result, there is likely to be a considerable increase in cancer diagnoses. However, there are quite a few ways for Canadian seniors to reduce their risk of cancer or defeat it after a diagnosis. If your aging loved one is looking for a natural solution to battle cancer, Waterloo, ON, elderly home care professionals have a few suggestions he or she can try.
Drink Green Tea
Green tea contains numerous polyphenols known to have antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals, boost the immune system, and activate enzymes that aid in slowing tumor cell growth and invasiveness. In animal studies, green tea has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in cancers affecting various organs, including the mammary glands, pancreas, colon, liver, and stomach.
Limit Red Meat Consumption
According to a report by Harvard Health Publications, long-term consumption of large amounts of red meat leads to a significant increase in the risk of colon and rectal cancers. Although the exact reason for the link is not clear, it may be due in part to chemicals produced when the meat is cooked at a high temperature and the nitrates and other preservatives present in processed meats. Consumption of fish and poultry does not carry the same risk and may even offer protective benefits against colorectal cancer.
Eat More Garlic
The National Cancer Institute recognizes garlic as having potential anticancer properties. Several studies have shown a link between increased garlic intake and a decreased risk of colorectal, pancreatic, esophageal, and other forms of cancer. Garlic’s benefits in fighting cancer arise from its antibacterial properties and its ability to promote DNA repair, reduce the proliferation of cancer cells, and interfere with the formation and activation of cancer-causing substances.
Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is known to increase the risk of a number of different cancers, including breast, liver, colorectal, and oral cancers. It is believed alcohol increases cancer risk in several ways, including:
- Acting as an irritant that can trigger cellular DNA changes
- Increasing levels of hormones that can feed certain types of cancer
- Depleting the body of vital nutrients necessary for staying healthy
Senior men should limit alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks a day, and elderly women should have no more than one drink a day.
Reducing the risk of cancer can be challenging for some seniors if they don’t have the right assistance. If your loved one needs help maintaining a healthier lifestyle, turn to KW Home Care Assistance. Our dedicated caregivers can prepare nutritious meals, provide transportation to and from medical appointments, encourage and assist with exercise, and help with many important daily tasks. For more information on the respite and live-in care Waterloo, ON, families trust, call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers at (519) 954-2111 today.