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Cancer cells thrive in acidic environments, says Luke Coutinho. Illustration: Uttam Ghosh Contrary to what most people believe, cancer has little to do with obesity, exposure to chemicals,
tobacco, alcohol and genetic mutations. While they are certainly a cause, too, there are factors beyond it. Almost 97 per cent of the cancer cases we have diagnosed and consulted with over
the last year reveal some interesting trends and commonalities. CHRONIC CONSTIPATION Constipation is not just another health issue, it is a disease. When you are chronically constipated, you
store toxic wastes that are actually meant to be expelled out. Particularly in women, when things get clogged up in the colon, estrogen, a female hormone which is supposed to be passed out,
now gets backed up into our system producing Estrogen Dominant Cancers (ER+ve). Toxic wastes also lower immunity and creates a perfect environment for either a gene to mutate or an already
mutated gene to express itself. ACIDITY Cancer cells thrive in acidic environments. It promotes tumor growth and is a breeding ground for almost all viruses, pathogens and bacteria. Having
said that, going overboard with alkaline foods is not healthy either. We need to strike a healthy balance to maintain an appropriate pH value. STRESS THAT LINGERS FOR MONTHS CAN CAUSE
CANCER. PHOTOGRAPH: KIND COURTESY WIKIEMEDIA COMMONS POOR EMOTIONAL HEALTH Almost every cancer case can be linked to the events that took place in a patient's life 6 to 12 months before
they got diagnosed with cancer. Most cancer patients agree that they underwent extreme emotional distress. This isn't about day-to-day stress. This is about stress that has been
lingering on for months, such as a divorce, loss of a loved one, physical trauma, financial issues, low self-esteem or low confidence. It gets even worse when these emotions are
internalised. Just like toxic wastes, toxic emotions need to vent out, too. We see radical healing when these stressors are handled the right way, either through yoga, _pranayama_,
meditation, visualisation, sharing, positive affirmations or gratitude practice. INADEQUATE SLEEP Sleep follows nature's clockwork. When we fail to align with it, we are bound to have
health complications. While asleep, our bodies produce an anti-cancer hormone called melatonin. It boosts immunity, and is the first and last line of defence against not just cancer but many
other ailments. The root cause of these problems is a faulty routine. SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE Not moving enough leads to weight issues, acidity, sluggish lymphatic circulation, constipation and
feeling low most of the times. Exercise releases the 'feel-good' hormones. LOW WATER INTAKE Not drinking enough water can mean low immunity, constipation, acidity, poor brain
health and low energy levels. TOXIC THOUGHTS Mind-body connection is real. In cancer patients, we see patterns of anger, irritability, fear, resentment, jealously, OCD and unforgiveness. All
these negative emotions can lead to severe stress.