The word ‘cancer’ often holds the potential to send shudders down your spine. There are many ways in which cancer can affect your body, although due to recent developments in the field of medicine, it is treatable for the most part.
This disease basically works by causing an abnormal level of division in the cells of your body, which can often wreak havoc on your organs, and in extreme cases, lead to death.
Can Lifestyle Changes Prevent Cancer?
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There has been much debate about whether or not the onset of cancer can be prevented to a large extent by changing some aspects of our lifestyle. Well, the truth is, you can do so. While it may not be foolproof, you can still either delay or completely prevent cancer by simply making healthier choices in life.
While this may not be a guarantee of preventing cancer, there is also no harm in simply making better life choices so that you can lead a healthier and more fulfilling life. Here are some of the lifestyle changes you can adhere to if you want to prevent cancer:
How Can Prevent Cancer Through Lifestyle Changes?
1. Manage your diet:
The kind of nutrition you provide to your body plays a huge role in determining various aspects of it, but most importantly can help in preventing deadly diseases such as cancer. In order to do so, you will have to start consuming healthier food items and ensuring that you have a balanced diet. Include nutrient-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fish as they provide many benefits to your body. Steer clear of unhealthy items such as processed foods, red meats, and foods rich in added sugar as well as trans fats.
2. Quit smoking:
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things if you are looking to avoid cancer. Regular smoking increases your chances of developing cancer in various organs of your body such as the lungs, esophagus, kidneys, throat, pancreas, et cetera. Although quitting smoking may be hard in the beginning, you can try out various methods such as using nicotine patches, seeking the help of support groups, and even following a gradual process of reducing the number of times you smoke in a day until you can quit it altogether.
3. Remain active:
Getting a good dose of exercise protects you from a number of diseases, including but not limited to cancer. It also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which in turn prevents cancer too. While some people may not be used to following an active lifestyle, it may be helpful to start now in lieu of its various benefits. You can start slow by taking up slightly low-impact exercises such as walking, yoga, or tai chi, after which you may gradually move up to more intense exercises such as running, swimming, or even going to the gym. Try to start slow, but ensure to find some way to keep yourself motivated, such as finding a workout partner.
4. Reduce alcohol consumption:
Alcohol has some disastrous effects on your liver and other body parts. It also raises your risk of being affected by cancer, which makes it a good idea to steer clear of alcohol as much as possible. If you must drink it, then keep your consumption levels moderate. Especially for women, avoiding alcohol can protect you from breast cancer, since alcohol has been shown to increase the amounts of estrogen present in your body. The safe limit can go up to just one drink a day.
5. Safeguard your skin:
Not taking enough care of your skin, can expose you to the risks of developing skin cancer. Skin cancer is triggered by the harmful rays of the sun, so make sure to stay in fairly shady areas from 11 am to pm, which is when the ultraviolet rays are at peak capacity. Make use of effective sunscreen, and if you must go out, try to cover all parts of your body with clothing, and wear a hat to protect your face. Steer clear of any kind of tanning, as they up your risk of being affected by skin cancer to a large extent.
The bottom line is, various researches show that you can prevent cancer to a large extent by imbibing some simple changes into your lifestyle. Make healthy, mindful choices, as the harmful substances found in today’s packaged foods are often major causes of various types of cancer. Nourish your body with plant-based dishes which are packed with nutrients, avoid consuming harmful substances and give your body all the exercise that it deserves, and experience a stress-free, cancer-free life.
You can also read: Myths and facts about lung cancer
Lacey Arlo is a wellness expert and a nutritionist who aims to help members with health and diet queries. Lacey Arlo has worked with junior, national, and Olympic-level athletes by providing them with customizing programmers, supplement strategies, and support during their travel and competition. From weight management, PCOD, thyroid-related weight loss, and nutrition for children to diets for pregnant and diets for senior citizens, She offers nutrition-aided solutions for different age groups with consideration for each person’s unique health demands.