Thyroid cancer is a growing problem in the United States. Unlike other types of cancer, where the annual statistics have leveled off or even started to decline, new instances of thyroid cancer continue to rise. Last year more than 62,000 people were diagnosed with some form of thyroid cancer. That’s more than twice the number of cases diagnosed in 1990. The reasons for the steady increase in cases of thyroid cancer is unclear, but what is clear is that more and more people every year are undergoing treatment for the disease. Conventional medicine treats thyroid cancer with surgery and radiation, both of which are highly invasive and potentially harmful to the patient. Understandably, many people who have been diagnosed with this disease are looking for alternative therapies to combat the cancer and restore their thyroid gland to its optimal health.
Common Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer can occur at any age, and it is three times more likely to affect women as it is to affect men. Thyroid cancer has many forms, and many different causes. The most common form, follicular thyroid cancer, is caused by a lack of iodine. This form of thyroid cancer is rare in the United States, as most Americans have a diet that provides adequate amounts of iodine. Papillary and medullary thyroid cancers are often caused by exposure to radiation or environmental toxins. The most common symptom of thyroid cancer is a lump or nodule in the thyroid gland or neck. This is often also accompanied by hoarseness, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Natural Treatment Protocols
Conventional treatments for thyroid cancer typically involve the surgical removal of all, or part, of the thyroid gland. Other conventional treatments include radiation and chemotherapy to shrink existing tumors. Due to the highly invasive nature of these treatments, many people are looking for all natural ways to prevent and treat thyroid cancer. The natural prevention and treatment, of thyroid cancer involves three basic protocols – diet, exercise, and the mind-body connection.
Diet and Lifestyle
To prevent, and treat, most forms of thyroid cancer certain lifestyle changes need to be made. First and foremost is diet. A vegan diet is recommended for people who wish to prevent and treat thyroid cancer naturally. An emphasis should be placed on organic vegetables and fruits, as this will minimize exposure to pesticides and other chemicals which may impede the body’s ability to detoxify itself. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as spinach, watercress, walnuts and flax seed, should be added to the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to lower the risk for a number of different diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Vitamin supplements should also form a part of your nutritional protocol. Vitamins C, E, and B12 help to support the immune system, while selenium and lycopene have been shown to help reduce the risk of the recurrence of many cancers.
Exercise
Exercise is an important part of any natural cancer treatment. It primarily helps to strengthen and invigorate the body. Providing the body with the energy it needs to remain healthy, and to ward off potential disease. Regular exercise is also one of the easiest ways to detoxify the body. Tests have shown that many of the cancer causing toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis can be sweated out of the body during regular, rigorous, exercise.
The Mind-Body Connection
One area that often gets overlooked in the treatment of cancer is the mind-body connection. Faith and spirituality play vital roles in the healing process. Prayer and meditation on God’s word can help cancer patients relieve stress, and increase the body’s innate healing energy. Prayer, and the mind-body connection, are vital elements in the all-natural treatment and prevention of cancer.
With thyroid cancer statistics continuing to rise, the all-natural approach to living cancer free becomes even more important. But with a healthy vegan diet, exercise, and by listening to the voice of God speak Truth to our heart, it is possible maintain the body’s total health, and to prevent or reverse thyroid cancer.
