An Interview for UK Health Radio with Jenny Phillips
The prevalence of cancer today is high and understanding more about prevention and even beneficial strategies post diagnosis can be invaluable in supporting long-term health. Jenny Phillips has her own story to share having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003 at 39. This became a huge turning point for Jenny and after reading some of Patrick Holford’s books she was inspired to retrain and obtain a degree in Nutritional medicine. Through her background she passionately believes we can change our biochemistry, change our lifestyle and our diets and significantly reduce our risk of getting cancer.
Jenny explains there are many factors that put us at risk of cancer. These include:
- This became more widely known following Angelina Jolie’s treatment, but even having specific gene mutations doesn’t mean you will definitely get cancer. Genetic testing is not hugely expensive today and is certainly worth considering as it at least gives you the heads up to what you may or may be up against and appropriate personalised strategies can be planned.
- Having a diet rich in nutrients for the body is essential especially plenty of vegetables an approach, which can reduce our risk.
- Stress is a huge disease driver, so it’s vital we adopt strategies to reduce stress including exercise and relaxation time perhaps through yoga, mindfulness or just some down time with a book.
- Evidence around pesticides and environmental toxins can drive imbalances in the body. If we can opt for more organic foods, filtered water and get some fresh, country air our bodies can be better supported.
As with any health condition Jenny recommends looking at all available options, keeping an open mind and considering everything. Conventional medicine is invaluable and certainly saves life and alongside this Jenny advocates integrative medicine specifically to support prevention. Jenny works with clients who have been diagnosed with cancer or are recovering post treatment and want to reduce their risk of reoccurrence. She recommends her book, workshops and individual nutritional plans and tests.
Jenny’s advice around reducing your risk of cancer includes:
- Cutting out sugar, which also includes foods that convert to glucose rapidly in the body such as cereal, bread, refined and processed foods.
- Focusing on a plant based diet, which can be alkalizing for the body and provide a whole host of beneficial plant chemicals.
- Oxygenate your body with exercise, breathing and fresh air. This focus also helps you to slow down and distress.
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet, which includes avoiding dairy products such as cheese and milk as there is some evidence they can have hormonal impact and support cancer cell growth.
- Eating a protein rich diet is key including vegetarian pulses, nuts and seeds.
- Avoid grains, specifically wheat, which can be inflammatory and try to include some buckwheat or chickpea flour as suitable alternatives.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, as research suggests just one drink a day can increase your risk of breast cancer. Alcohol also depletes the body of essential nutrients.
- Soy based products such as soya milk can be highly processed so are also best avoided.
- Include turmeric in cooking as it’s active ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties, but it’s not easily absorbed by the body so when using always add black pepper and olive oil to increase its bioavailability to the body.
In Jenny’s book, ‘Eat to OUTSMART Cancer’ she has created a plan that focuses on all the foods you can eat such as eggs, pulses, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, nut milk and animal products. Her book also contains a selection of recipes packed full of goodness with a couple of favourites being her nut chocolate brownies and chicken and mango curry with turmeric. Her plan is suitable for everyone and works for the whole family as a sustainable way of life. To support engagement to this approach Jenny recommends that people read nutritional books, try out new recipes and meet with a nutritional therapist. It’s important individuals take responsibility for their health, monitor signs and symptoms and keep an eye on weight, waist size, digestive health and stress levels. Any concerns should be flagged with your GP.
Nutritional therapists are able to support individuals through functional tests, which can support early detection of potential imbalances. These can include stool tests and testing oestrogen metabolism. A nutritional therapist, such as Jenny can also recommend suitable supplements to support balance.
To listen to this interview in full visit UK Health Radio
If you have an interest in a particular topic or comments about the show please email: info@thefoodteacher.co.uk
To find out more about Jenny Phillips an How to Outsmart Cancer visit:
Web address: www.inspirednutrition.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspiredNutrition4Health
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JennyNutrition
Books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Eat-Outsmart-Cancer-create-optimal-prevention-recovery/1849147175
If you’d like additional support around cancer or prevention please do consider a consultation with Jenny Phillips or myself, The Food Teacher. Please contact The Food Teacher Clinic for a free telephone chat.
