The missing mineral that stops throat cancer in its tracks

Cancer of the esophagus now ranks number six on the list of killer cancers worldwide.

Surviving a handful of years past a diagnosis is no small feat — only 20 percent make it to the five-year mark after discovery. And even the treatments meant to prolong your life can leave you unable to eat and dependent on a feeding tube.

So new findings about an easy way to prevent this deadly cancer are more important than ever.

And it might only take some small changes in your diet to keep you from becoming another victim of this killer.

Zapping cancer cells
Robert Kardashian Sr., well-known lawyer and father of the famous Kardashian clan, was only 59 when esophageal (or throat) cancer took his life.

This especially vicious disease also took movie legend Humphrey Bogart, author Christopher Hitchens, and Richard Dawson of Family Feud fame. While Bogey was probably never seen without a cigarette in his hand, one of Kardashian’s daughters, Khloe, has said that her father never smoked nor drank.

And while doctors will warn you about those usual suspects in causing throat cancer… obviously, that’s not always the case. So, it certainly makes sense to do anything we can to try and dodge this deadly disease, with this latest discovery looking like one of the most promising ways.

Researchers at the University of Texas have confirmed earlier findings on how zinc can keep throat cancer cells from multiplying!

Yup, zinc — the micronutrient (called that as you only need a small amount to be effective) that you probably only think about when you’re sick with a cold or the flu.

This study also discovered exactly how zinc accomplishes this feat in zapping cancer cells while leaving normal ones untouched. The scientists found that the mineral can block a “signal” unique to cancerous cells that tells them to keep on growing.

In fact, the researchers noted, a deficiency in zinc is commonly found in many cancer patients.

The lead author of this study, Zui Pan, a nursing professor at the university and expert on esophageal cancer, commented that this research could help bring about better prevention of throat cancer, adding “that’s why it is important to have a good diet.”

And it’s true that you can get all the zinc you need just by choosing foods rich in this mineral.

For example:

• Where’s the beef?: Beef is always at the top of any list of foods high in zinc, which is why vegetarians are very often lacking in the mineral. But be sure to choose grass-fed beef, as the zinc levels will be substantially higher.
• Flax to the max: I’ve told you a lot about the omega-3 content of flax seeds, but these tasty little toppings can add a lot of zinc to your diet. They go great sprinkled on your morning cereal, mixed with veggies, or even added to smoothies.
• Great Pumpkin seeds: If you only think about pumpkins during October, you’ll be missing out on a nutrient powerhouse. Pumpkin seeds are not only anti-inflammatory and high in omega-3s, but they’re a good source of zinc to boot!
• Pearls from the sea: If you’re a seafood lover, shrimp and oysters are what you want to keep your zinc levels high.

All this good news about zinc may lead you to start loading up on the supplement variety, but don’t overdo it. The recommended dose is only around 15 to 25 milligrams a day.

And if you are taking a zinc supplement, take it with water, not coffee, tea, or any other caffeinated drink, as those can cut your body’s ability to absorb this lifesaving mineral in half.

“Study says zinc can halt the growth of cancer cells” Lekan Oguntoyinbo, September 28, 2017, MedicalXpress, medicalxpress.com