Liver Cancer Prevention

By Yun Brown, LAc

Liver cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide. It is the third most common cause of death from cancer. A person who has liver cancer also may have multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to food and lifestyle factors.
Alcoholic drinks are a known cause of liver cancer. Reactive metabolites of alcohol such as acetaldehyde can be carcinogenic. Alcohol may also function as a solvent, enhancing penetration of other carcinogenic molecules into cells. Heavy consumers of alcohol may also have diets low in essential nutrients. High levels of alcohol consumption are known to cause liver damage. Tumor promotion has been linked to inflammation in the liver through alcohol-associated fibrosis and hepatitis.
To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, we need to change diet and strengthen the immune system. Vegetables and fruits are generally low in energy density (with a few exceptions) and, when consumed in variety, are sources of many vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds (phytochemicals). Many non-starchy vegetables, including salad vegetables and fruits, may be eaten raw or cooked.
Evidence that vegetables and fruits may protect us from liver cancer is supported by evidence concerning foods containing various micronutrients. Vegetables and fruits containing carotenoids, carotenoid beta-carotene, and lycopene, and vitamin C may reduce the liver inflammation.
An effective way to prevent liver cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar is it cuts off one important food supply to the liver cancer cells.
Liver cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. A diet with fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a fruits helps to put the body into an alkaline environment.
Acupuncture is effective for control of pain, reduction of nausea and vomiting. It can be administered before, after and in between chemotherapy treatment sessions for control of nausea and emesis.