Cancer

Cancer is a collective term for a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. In a healthy body, cells divide in a controlled manner to repair and renew tissues. However, with cancer, this process is unregulated, causing cancer cells to multiply rapidly and spread to other parts of the body, a process called metastasis.

What does cancer do to the body?

Cancer can affect different parts of the body, depending on the type and location of the disease. There are more than 100 different types of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and skin cancer.

Local damage: Cancer cells can build up and form tumors, which can put pressure on surrounding tissues and organs, causing pain and loss of function.
Metastasis: Some cancer cells can travel through the body through the blood or lymphatic vessels and settle in other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, bones, or brain, where they form new tumors.
Withdrawal of nutrients: Tumors can steal nutrients from healthy cells and tissues, leading to weight loss, fatigue, and a weakened immune system.
Immune system suppression: Cancer can suppress the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and other diseases.

Waardoor ontstaat het?

De ontwikkeling van kanker is meestal een langdurig proces waarbij genetische veranderingen in cellen stap voor stap leiden tot verlies van controle over groei en celdood. Factoren zoals veroudering, erfelijke aanleg, chronische ontsteking, chronische stress, gebrek aan beweging, hormonale invloeden en blootstelling aan schadelijke stoffen kunnen dat proces versnellen.

Wat kun je doen?

Hoewel kanker een ernstige ziekte is, is het belangrijk te weten dat het lichaam voortdurend werkt aan herstel en bescherming. Het immuunsysteem herkent en ruimt dagelijks afwijkende cellen op, en leefstijl speelt hierbij een grote ondersteunende rol. Een gezonde leefstijl versterkt het natuurlijke afweersysteem: eet rijk aan groenten, kruiden, gezonde vetten en weinig bewerkte voeding. Beweeg dagelijks, slaap voldoende en vermijd schadelijke stoffen. Ondersteuning met antioxidanten en fytonutriënten kan aanvullend zijn, steeds in overleg met een arts of therapeut.

Cancer

The importance of polyphenols and flavonoids

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The importance of omega-3 fatty acids

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Green tea: A beverage with special medicinal properties

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The difference between the effect of nutrients and the effect of drugs

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The healing power of fruit and vegetable juices

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Additional supportive therapies

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Immune-boosting nutrients

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What not to do

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The importance of balance

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Who exercises, wins

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Exercise as medicine: Much more than comfort therapy

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Eat healthy

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What is a healthy diet?

Why is diet so important? Healthy eating habits help prevent cancer, but they also help achieve a successful outcome for cancer treatment. A healthy diet delivers nutrients that...

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Effective food supplements

Although a healthy diet is full of healthy little cancer-inhibiting sub- stances, food supplements are not an excessive luxury if you have cancer and your body needs all the extra...