Cancer has become a threatening epidemic; and although researchers are actively searching for a solution, they are primarily focused on treating the cancer, as opposed to preventing it. Their research is more aimed at developing expensive drugs that will treat the later stages of cancer, while we should be focusing more on preventing cancer altogether.
Our daily lifestyle choices have a huge impact on our risk of cancer and if we can change this for the better, we will drastically reduce our risk of this and other health problems. Environmental- and lifestyle factors cannot be overlooked, and we should focus on the areas that we can improve. There is a long list of contributing factors that we need to address, and these include:
- Chemical exposure such as pesticides
- Artificial and processed meals consumed too often
- Medication overuse
- Obesity not being reduced
- High Levels of Stress
- Poor sleeping habits
- Lack of appropriate amount of sunshine
Studies have shown that cancer risk has doubled in the last 30 years, (obviously it’s not genetic) and this can almost directly be linked to our lifestyle choices. People need to start taking cancer seriously and make the necessary changes while they can, in order to reduce their risk. Medical research should also be focused on practical prevention tips, instead of only looking at expensive medicine to treat cancer with.
Worthy Advancements in Cancer
There are three medical advancements that can greatly reduce our risk of cancer; although medical boards have not yet accepted these. They should be mentioned anyway, since these are the practical methods that will significantly help us:
The Role of Vitamin D in the Body
Vitamin D plays a very important role, and a vitamin D deficiency can increase our risk of developing cancer. Research has identified a number of benefits that vitamin D holds for the body, and they include:
a) Regulating our genetic expression;
b) Increasing the self-destruction of mutated cells. These cells can develop into cancer if they are left untreated.
c) Reducing the spread and reproduction of cancer cells;
d) Causing our bodies’ cells to become differentiated;
e) Reducing the growth of new blood vessels, thereby slowing down the risk of these dormant tumors becoming cancerous.
Benefit from Regular Sun Exposure
This is essential, since sun exposure can increase your natural production of vitamin D. In addition to creating vitamin D, your body also synthesizes high amounts of vitamin D sulfate and cholesterol sulfate which is both important for cardiovascular health. Vitamin D is a water soluble form of sulfur that can travel freely in your blood stream; making it readily available. Vitamin D3 on the other hand is un-sulfated, which is why the body needs LDL (also known as the ‘bad’ cholesterol) to use as a method of transport.
It is also believed that if vitamin D is taken orally, it might not have the same benefits as getting your vitamin D from natural sun exposure. If you are not able to get enough sun exposure, you can also opt for a vitamin D3 supplement. Founder of Grassroots Health, Carole Baggerly, conducted research on 10,000 individuals and found that the average daily dosage of vitamin D should be around 8,000 IU’s for healthy adults. Always try to get your vitamin D from sun exposure; but if that is not possible, take an oral vitamin D3 supplement instead.
Keep your Insulin Levels in Check
This is very important and you need to maintain normal insulin levels to reduce your risk of cancer. Higher insulin levels causes the cells to increase the rate of cell division. This is believed to be one of the most important aspects of cancer prevention and in addition to having sufficient vitamin D levels, your insulin levels should be kept normal at all times. The Cancer Center of America appreciates this necessity and has implemented strict dietary measures as part of their cancer treatment programs.
If your body’s insulin levels are too high it can cause various health disorders, of which the most popular one is diabetes; but cancer is not far behind. Luckily, controlling your insulin levels is not too difficult and can be done by implementing a few basic rules:
a) Limit your intake of processed foods, grains and sugars; and
b) Maintain a regular exercise program.
Active lifestyles are usually not high on everyone’s priority lists, but it should be, since it has been shown that exercising can significantly reduce your risk of cancer. Physically active adults experience about half the incidence of colon cancer as their sedentary counterparts, and women who exercises regularly can reduce their risk of breast cancer by 30% compared to those that are inactive.
The Harvard Medical School has found that breast cancer patients who implement a moderate exercise program reduce their risk of dying with as much as 50% compared to sedentary women. In fact, any physical exercise can significantly improve their chances of surviving breast cancer.
One of the best ways that exercise helps to reduce your risk of cancer is the fact that physical activity reduces your insulin levels, which in turn creates a low sugar environment that reduces the growth and spread of cancerous cells within the body. Exercise also improves your circulation, thereby also increasing the circulation of immune cells within the body and this can improve your defense against all medical disorders and illnesses, including cancer.
To maximize your benefit from exercise you need to follow a few basic guidelines:
- Incorporate high-intensity training at least 3 times per week;
- Include strength training into your routine;
- Include aerobic activity in your exercise routine;
- Add core strengthening exercises to your training routines;
- Ensure that you are stretching before and after every training session;
- Martial Arts are great options since they incorporate all of the above.
Other Effective Cancer Prevention Strategies
There is a lot that you can do to reduce your risk of cancer. It is a proven fact that one third of all cancer related deaths are linked to poor diet choices, inactive lifestyles and carrying excess weight. Making some important lifestyle changes can go a long way in reducing your risk of cancer.
- Focus on fresh organic foods and eliminate processed foods from your diet. Try to consume at least one third of your food raw. We don’t consume enough fruit and vegetables so try to eat as many as you can. Leafy greens such as spinach are excellent choices and have been known to actively fight against the risk of cancer.
- Choose meat from grass-fed animals and avoid all processed meats. This will significantly reduce your risk of cancer.
- Consume sufficient amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids
- Assure you get enough sleep each night. If you’re having trouble, you can try Badger Sleep Balm and/or Sprayology SleepEase.
- Reduce your exposure to toxins and pesticides
- Use chemical free household cleaners
- Use chemical free, natural personal care products
- Avoid the use of synthetic air fresheners, instead, use a natural air freshener
- Reduce your usage of cell phones and other wireless devices; and implement as many safety strategies as possible when you do need to use them.
- Instead of frying or charbroiling, try to poach, boil or steam your foods.
If you incorporate these healthy improvements into your daily life you will significantly reduce your risk of cancer and other health disorders. Prevention is far better than cure; and you need to follow these guidelines as soon as possible, as to reduce your risk of health problems in the future. There is no substitute for a healthy, balanced diet and a proper exercise routine, so choose the healthy option and start changing your habits.