It is without a doubt the most joyous day when a cancer patient receives the news that she/he is in remission. And it should be. Remission means that there is no longer any detection or symptoms of cancer. Your cancer is now under control! Even with partial remission – a sigh of relief can be expected. The tumour markers – a protein substance produced by the body, warning that cancer cells are ‘at work’ – went down, and now is the time to get very serious about the upkeep of your good health.

Alas - even though your counts are down, or a tumour has gone or shrunk away completely – it is impossible to detect the odd cancer cell/s still lurking about in your body. That is why the next five years is critical in keeping your immune system in tip-top condition. This shouldn’t be seen as cynical, but rather as wise. Thinking back of the feelings you encountered when receiving the cancer blow in the first place, and your fight during therapy – isn’t it well worth keeping cancer at bay forever?

Knowing that only 10% of cancers are of genetic nature, it’s quite astonishing to realise that 90% of cancers are avoidable. Keep your body clean of free radicals by focusing on anti-oxidants. This is how to keep your remission permanent, and not just temporary:

Say NO to -
. Tobacco
. Alcohol
. Sugar
. Red meat
. Dairy products
. Refined grains
. Stress

Say YES to –
. 6 to 8 fruits per day
. Berries, especially acai berries
. Green leafy vegetables – especially broccoli, spinach, and wheatgrass
(Chlorophyll from sunlight makes these veggies high in oxygen!)
. Cabbage
. Beans
. Seeds
. Nuts
. Natural fibre
. Green Tea
. Beta-carotene
. Vitamins C and E
. Molecular distilled Omega 3
. Whey protein powder to increase your glutathione levels
. Keep your weight just right - never too thin, and not overweight
. Yoga
. Tai Chi

It is understandable that one wants to ‘enjoy life’ when remission occurs – and it IS essential to keep your spirits high and appreciate all life has to offer. Remember: You can still have fun enjoying the foods you like, being ‘naughty’ with a milkshake here and a barbeque there – but ALWAYS strive to follow the ‘rules’ and remission 'diet' above. You and your loved ones deserve your ‘bill of good health’!