Cancer is still the leading cause of illness in the Western world. Statistics in many countries show that one in three people will develop cancer during their lifetime. But there are things that we can do to minimize the risks. Not all cancer is based on our lifestyles. Some cancers can be hereditary, other cancers can be caused by other traumas we have dealt with. That is why it is vital to know the prognoses and to be more educated on the matter. For example, you may have been diagnosed with lymphoma or mesothelioma. In this case, you can learn more about this condition for example. We know that a healthy lifestyle can assist. A diet full of fatty foods, smoking, and a lack of exercise can contribute to poor health.
It all starts with a healthy lifestyle
Today, the crucial importance of a balanced and healthy lifestyle when it comes to cancer prevention is already known. And there are five key components to a healthy lifestyle:
- Daily activity – Exercise significantly reduces the chances of developing cancer and the recommendation is for sports activity for at least half an hour a day.
- Non-smoking area – Smoking causes cancer cells to thrive. Smokers are more likely to get the disease than non-smokers. Passive smoking is also known to be equally dangerous.
- Normal body weight – Excess body weight increases the risk of developing cancerous diseases. You should maintain a healthy and balanced weight in order to protect your health.
- Beware of overexposure to the sun – the link between skin cancer and increased sun exposure has been researched. Between 10:00 and 16:00, it is recommended to stay out of the exposure range, and even when exposed, you should get used to wearing a hat and applying sunscreen.
- Proper nutrition – There is great significance to the food and drink you put into your body when it comes to cancer.
Proper nutrition will keep you healthy
Many studies prove the link between proper nutrition and a healthy body free of disease and according to the Association for the Fight Against Cancer avoiding certain foods will help you prevent cancer. So what to eat and what to avoid?
- Eat Dietary Fiber – The presence of dietary fiber is very important in your daily diet. You can find them in vegetables and fruits, in certain legumes and grains. Fiber improves bowel activity and helps to drive food and drink that are digested properly and freely. The presence of dietary fiber in your daily diet directly affects the risk of developing colon cancer. When it comes to fruits and vegetables, they are known to contain ingredients that help the body protect itself against cancer as a whole – vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C and more. Another important factor known to reduce the risk of cancer is the phytoestrogen found in legumes.
- Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption – Since alcohol reaches the liver where it is broken down, excessive alcohol consumption puts a strain on it and increases the chances of developing liver cancer, as well as breast and oral cancer. The recommendations are a maximum of one serving of a drink per day for women, and a maximum of two servings per day for men.