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Melanoma
While Melanoma is not the most common type of skin cancer, it is the most serious form. Melanoma is merely one type of skin cancer and occurs much less than basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. The danger with Melanoma is that it can spread easily, unlike basal or squamous cell skin cancers. Melanoma originates in cells that produce melanin, which are the cells that give your skin, hair, and eyes color. While Melanoma is typically found in the skin, it can be found in the eyes, or in the rarest instances, the intestines.
Knowing the warning signs and symptoms of Melanoma is beneficial, especially since the condition is increasing in people under age 40. It is always optimal to attack the problem before it worsens or spreads, so it is best to continually examine moles or skin spots that you may have on your body. Just like any cancer, though, the early symptoms may be hard to detect or there may be no symptoms at all. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for:
- A change in an existing mole (or new skin spot)
- Development of new pigmented growth on the skin
- Spot or lump that appears waxy, shiny, or pale
- A skin sore that fails to heal
- Skin spot or sore that becomes itchy, painful, or tender
- A change in vision (only for those with eye melanoma)
- A flat red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly
Melanoma occurs when something goes wrong with the melanin-producing cells in the body. What damages these cells is still unclear. Like most cancer research, there is a constant effort to determine the exact cause. Research has shown that nearly 90% of Melanoma cases are linked to ultraviolet (UV) rays from both natural and artificial sources such as tanning booths or beds. However, certain types of skin are more prone to developing Melanoma, even if they are minimally exposed to sunlight. UV light is not the sole cause of Melanoma; rather, a combination of genetics, family history, and environmental factors also come into play. Possible causes are listed below:
- Constant exposure to UV rays (without protecting the skin)
- High number of moles
- Family history of Melanoma
- Being female (women are more prone to developing Melanoma)
- High freckle density
- Age (risk increases with age)
Dherbs Approach...adjusting your diet is always key!
- It is imperative to your health, if you have Melanoma or any type of cancer, to remove any sort of toxic foods from your diet. It is beneficial to avoid processed foods, acidic foods, soy products, refined sugars, meats, meat products, hydrogenated oils, fast food, and junk food. Try to focus on eating plant-based foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. These can help supply the body with the essential nutrients that it needs, and it also helps to keep the body alkaline. Having an alkaline body with balanced pH levels can help to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
- You may not know this, but eggplant is surprisingly beneficial for treating the affected cells in Melanoma. There are phytonutrients, glycosides, and glycoalkaloids in eggplants that can help destroy cancer cells without harming the other cells in the body. Mash eggplant into a paste and apply it to the affected spots. You can enhance the healing properties by mixing in a little raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the eggplant.
- It is beneficial for those with Melanoma to consume essiac tea. This tea is a mixture of the following herbs: burdock root, slippery elm bark, sheep sorrel, and Indian rhubarb root. Together, all of these herbs can aid in reducing tumor growth, help relieve pain, and they help to boost the immune system. The best thing about this tea is that it helps to reduce inflammation while also repairing cells.
- Turmeric has been known to be a natural cancer remedy. Studies have indicated that curcumin, the active healing ingredient in turmeric, can help prevent cancer cell growth. Turmeric has been most effective for people with colon, breast, bowel, and skin cancer.
- Frankincense oil has been used for thousands of years and is an amazing healing agent. There are 17 active healing agents in Frankincense oil, but studies are still being conducted to pinpoint which ones are most effective at targeting tumors. Frankincense is great for the skin and can be efficiently absorbed through the skin by soaking in a lukewarm bath with 10 drops of the oil.
- Sun exposure is the best way to amp up your vitamin D levels, which help keep the immune system strong. 10-20 minutes of sun during the day can help increase your vitamin D count. If you are going to be outside in the sun, make sure to cover the affected Melanoma area(s). You can wear dark colored material that breathes well. Most sunscreen actually can worsen certain skin spots so it can be beneficial to cover the area(s) altogether or make an all-natural sunscreen.
- Avocado
- Walnuts
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Blueberries
- Goji Berries
- Acai Berries
- Blackberries
- Artichoke Hearts
- Cloves
- Garlic
- Flaxseed
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Chia Seeds
- Pecans
- Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, & chard)