Pancreatic cancer is one of the most commonly fatal of all cancers. In fact, it’s the fourth leading cause of death by cancer in the US. Approximately 40,000 American adults will receive a pancreatic cancer diagnosis every year. Thankfully there are steps you can take to prevent pancreatic cancer with the use of home remedies.

Pancreatic cancers attack the tissues of the pancreas, causing the cells to divide and grow at an uncontrolled rate. These mutated cells then outlive your normal cells and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated. Your pancreas sits just behind the stomach and is responsible for regulating hormones which manage your digestive enzymes and sugar levels.  

Many doctors call pancreatic cancer a ‘silent killer’ because it often goes undiagnosed until it’s reached a more advanced stage. Early symptoms are usually non-existent and later symptoms can often be mistaken for another condition. This is why it’s so important that you take measures to reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer.

Home Remedies to Prevent Pancreatic Cancer and to Reduce its Symptoms

1. Jalapeno Peppers

Jalapeno peppers are a superb home remedy for reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer cells growing and developing. They’re a rich source of vitamin B6, which is key to a healthy immune system and reducing your risk of pancreatic cancer. In fact, just one cup of sliced jalapeno peppers supplies 23% of the recommended daily intake of B6. Some studies have even suggested that one of the major compounds in jalapeno peppers can attack the mitochondria in pancreatic cancer cells, destroying them but leaving healthy cells unharmed. They’re also full of other beneficial nutrients including vitamin C and folate.  

 

2.  Raspberries

Raspberries are packed full nutrients to help reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer. Some studies suggest that regular or daily consumption of raspberries can help prevent pancreatic cancer. This is generally attributed to their high ellagic acid concentration. Ellagic acid is present in many different foods, but raspberries have one of the highest concentrations. the acid acts as an anti-mutagen which can help to prevent the growth of cancer cells. As an added bonus, raspberries retain their potency even if they’ve been heated or frozen.

 

3. Green Tea

Many of us are already aware of the effects green tea can have on weight loss, but did you know it can also help to prevent pancreatic cancer?  Recent evidence suggests that the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, and other cancers, reduced in line with regular green tea consumption. This is because green tea contains compounds called catechins. These are phytochemical compounds which protect your cells from free radical damage.

Try combining your green tea with regular consumption of fresh orange juice to add a little boost of vitamin C. This particular vitamin is thought to help the body absorb the helpful, cancer-preventing compounds in green tea.

4.  Turmeric

Turmeric is an amazing spice which features in a number of home remedies – many of which can be found in our health benefits of Turmeric article. Certain compounds within turmeric give it antioxidant properties. This means it works well to reduce the risk of damage by free radicals. In doing so, it protects your cells and prevents them from becoming damaged or mutated. In fact, it’s not just beneficial against pancreatic cancer, it’s thought to help lower your risk of developing most forms of the disease.  Not only that, but turmeric is also thought to contain compounds which can identify potential cancer cells (thanks to their abnormal make-up) and cause them to self-destruct without causing damage to any surrounding healthy cells.

 

5.  Carrots

Many people are aware that carrots can help improve your eyesight but don’t realize that they can also help protect against cancers, including pancreatic cancer.  This is because they’re a great source of vitamin C and control natural compounds which have been proven to block the development of cancer cells. This compound is at its most effective when carrots are eaten raw rather than cooked. If you do cook them, you’ll likely find that the volume of this beneficial compound stay higher if you leave the vegetables whole while you boil or steam them.  

6.  Salmon

Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3— a type of fatty acid that thought to have a protective effect against various types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer.  It’s also a great source of a compound called astaxanthin, which has anti-oxidant qualities, reducing the risk of damage by free radicals.

However, it is advised that you moderate your intake of salmon, as it can contain traces of mercury or pesticides which may have built up inside the fish through the water it lived in.  In fact, the FDA recommends eating fish no more than twice a week to prevent these toxins from building up in your body too.

 

7.  Kale

The health benefits of kale range far and wide. One of the most interesting is its potential ability to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. Kale is packed full of cancer-fighting nutrients including vitamin C. It’s also rich in kaempferol, a compound often linked to a decreased risk of cancer.  Studies have shown that Kaempferol has the ability to inhibit the development and spread of pancreatic cancer cells.

8.  Cabbage

Regular cabbage consumption is another great home remedy for reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer. Like many of the remedies on this list, it has a high quantity of vitamin C, B6, and folate. What’s more, when chopped or sliced, cabbage produces glucosinolates which have been known to restrict the damage to DNA and prevent cell mutation. The benefits are most apparent when cabbage is eaten raw as cooking the cabbage for too long can cause its enzymes to denature and the vitamin C to break down.

 

9.  Broccoli

Broccoli is an amazing home remedy to prevent pancreatic cancer. This is because it contains a number of compounds known to fight many of the destructive qualities of cancer. It can prevent your cancer from spreading, restrict mutation and stop benign tumors becoming malignant.  The sprouts of broccoli are particularly potent as this is where the majority of the compounds that are great for tackling cancer can be found.

However, florets will also provide enough to reduce your risk. As with many vegetables, it effects are more extraordinary when eaten raw, but you will see some effect if the broccoli has been steamed or cooked.

 

10.  Watercress

Eating watercress on a daily basis is a great home remedy to reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer. This is because it can reduce the damage done to cells and this keep them healthy. Watercress also has a high concentration of vitamin C which can help boost your immune system and fight off potential diseases.

 

11.  Fish Roe (Fish Eggs)

Fish eggs are one of the best sources of two different types of Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA. In fact, just one ounce of fish eggs (or fish roe) can provide more Omega-3 than the oiliest of fish.

 

12.  Horseradish

Horseradish not only adds a nice kick to your scrambled eggs, salads, and roast dinners, it could also help to prevent the development of pancreatic cancer. This is because it contains many similar glucosinolates that are contained within cabbage. These compounds help to block the growth of cancerous tumors, helping to reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

13.  Arugula

Like many other leafy greens such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale, arugula makes a positive home remedy to reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer. It’s full of vitamins and phytochemicals which will help to boost your body’s defenses against diseases like cancer. It’s also full of glucosinolates, which as we know, can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The vitamin C content of arugula is also exceptionally high which is another reason it’s so effective in the prevention of cancer.

14.  Cherries

Cherries are naturally rich a particular compound that’s known to help reduce the risk of and prevent pancreatic cancer. Organic cherries will generally be the best option as other cherries may have a high level of pesticides depending on how and where they were grown. These pesticides can build up in your body if consumed regularly which could make you very ill.  

 

15.  Chicory Greens

Chicory beans make a great pancreatic cancer prevention option. They do have quite a bitter taste though which can put people off, but if you can stomach it, they full of vitamins B6, C, and E to boost your immune system and protect your body against diseases like cancer. They’re also high in folate which is often linked to a reduced risk of cancer.

 

16.  Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are one of the most nutritious vegetables around. They contain a number of nutrients which have been linked to the prevention and reduced risk of cancer. The high vitamin C content means they’re great for boosting the immune system and some studies even suggest they may have antioxidant qualities. This would mean that they can reduce the damage caused by free radical, keeping your cells functioning and healthy.

As an added bonus, even non-organic sweet potatoes tend to have low levels of pesticides in them as they don’t tend to absorb the chemicals.

17. Control Your Weight

Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for a number of diseases, pancreatic cancer included. By controlling your weight and maintaining a healthier weight you’ll be more likely to stay healthier for longer and reduce your risk of developing diseases like cancer.

 

18. Glutamine

Glutamine is a natural amino acid that occurs in the human body and contributes to your metabolic process. Although it hasn’t been linked to a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer, it can prevent chronic pancreatitis. This condition in itself can increase your risk of developing cancer so by preventing that, you could help to lower your risk of pancreatic cancer in the long run.

 

19. Don’t Smoke

Smoking is a huge risk factor for many types of cancer, particularly pancreatic cancer. Quitting smoking – or better yet, never starting – can significantly reduce your risk of developing cancer. You can usually get help to quit through your doctor. You should also try to avoid second-hand smoke as this has also been linked to several forms of cancer.

 

20. Avoid Alcohol

Heavy drinking and alcohol use is often linked to the development of pancreatic cancer. Although the link isn’t always clear, regular heavy alcohol use has been linked to an increase of chronic pancreatitis. As a result, reducing your alcohol intake can reduce your risk of developing pancreatitis which could otherwise increase your risk of pancreatic cancer in the future.

21. Omega-3

The National Center for Biotechnology Information has outlined the benefits of Omega-3 in relation to cancer prevention. These fatty acids are able to reduce inflammation which could develop into cancerous cells if left untreated. You can get your omega-3 intake from oily fish and fish roe. You could also try Omega-3 or cod liver oil supplements.

22. Flax Seeds and Flax Oil

Flax can help to limit your risk of developing pancreatic cancer in both seed and oil form. Its benefits come from the fact that it contains plenty of omega-3 fatty acids which can help protect your cells from inflammation and damage that would otherwise leave you vulnerable to developing cancer. In fact, it’s often considered one of the top ways to reduce the risk of cancer.

You can get your intake of flax through whole or ground seeds and flax oil, whichever way you prefer.  You could also add the seeds to some plain yogurt or using them to top baked goods such as bread if you don’t fancy eating them by themselves.

 

23. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are often known for their popularity in Mediterranean diets, but did you know they can also help to lower your risk of cancer? These fruits, which are often mistaken for vegetables,  are a rich source of antioxidants which can protect your cells against free radical damage. This keeps your cells healthy and therefore prevents them from growing uncontrollably and developing into cancer.

 

24. Garlic

Garlic has been used in a number of home remedies throughout the centuries. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities it’s a great way to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer and other cancerous diseases. Add a little extra garlic to your meals to easily increase your intake. There’s also evidence to suggest that the sulfur compounds in garlic can prevent the build-up of cancer-causing substances and compounds which further reduces your risk.  

25. Avoid Excess Protein

Another recommended way to reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer is to avoid excess proteins. This is because your pancreatic enzymes are naturally able to break down and destroy cancer cells, but a high protein diet will force these enzymes to focus on protein digestion instead.

 

26. Calcium

The Siteman Cancer Center suggests that getting an adequate supply of calcium and vitamin D can significantly lower your risk of cancer. Try to ensure you get around 1,200 milligrams of calcium in your daily diet. You can take calcium or vitamin D supplements to help.

 

27. Beans

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recommends including more beans, peas, and other legumes into your diet as a way to naturally lower your risk of cancer. This is because they are a great source of folate and vitamin B. Many legumes also have antioxidant properties which can protect your cells from free-radical damage. Their high omega-3 fatty acid content is an extra cancer-busting bonus.

28. Reduce Stress

Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that managing your stress levels is a great way to reduce your risk of cancer.  Try to reduce your contact with stressful situations and develop healthy coping techniques to help you manage your stress. This could include regular exercise, mediation or journal keeping. You could also try recreational activities such as drawing, coloring or reading.

 

29. Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice is full of healthy antioxidants that will protect your cells from free radicals. As a result, it’s a great home remedy to reduce your risk of cancers, including pancreatic cancer.

30. Avocado

Avocados are becoming increasingly popular for their health benefits, but did you know they could help to reduce your risk of cancer. This is thanks to their potent antioxidant content which can reduce the impact of free radical within the body.

 

31. Grapefruit

Grapefruit naturally contains high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants. The vitamin C helps to boost your immune system and lower your risk of a number of diseases, cancer included. Its high level of antioxidants can help to prevent damage caused by free radicals and this stop the growth of cancerous cells.

Although regular check-ups won’t necessarily stop your developing pancreatic cancer, it can make it easier to spot in its early stages. As such, regular check-ups can stop your cancer from progressing and spreading to other areas of the body. The success rate of cancer treatment increases dramatically when diagnosed and spotted early. Make sure you get checked out by your doctor on a regular basis and get any unusual symptoms looked at as soon as possible.

 

References

https://www.webmd.com/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/pancreatic-cancer-diet-and-prevention

https://universityhealthnews.com/daily/cancer/pancreatic-cancer-causes-what-you-can-do-to-reduce-your-risk/

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html

https://www.healwithfood.org/pancreaticcancer/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/cancer-prevention/art-20044816

https://www.healwithfood.org/pancreaticcancer/foods.php

https://www.healwithfood.org/pancreaticcancer/diet.php

Blausen.com staff (2014). “Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014“. WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436.