A few lifestyle adjustments and changes in the dietary habits can help in prevention of cancer. The following article provides information on the same.
Cancer is one of the fatal diseases which kills many people every year, it accounts for more than 20% of all deaths every year in the United States. There are different types of cancer, like lung cancer, blood cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, etc which may affect a person. An uncontrolled growth of cells which destroy tissues, and at times spread to other regions of the body is known as cancer. The human body produces cells that divide and grow, but it is a controlled action. When cells are produced at such an alarming rate, they stack up causing tumor formation. These tumors are termed as cancerous when they infect the neighboring tissue.
Avoid Smoking
Lung cancer accounts for almost 30% of all the cancer-related deaths, and smoking is one of the main reasons behind lung cancer. Smoking also weakens the immune system and this may allow other types of cancers to thrive. Carcinogens in tobacco affect the cell division, and this is one of the main reasons for cancerous growth of cells. A person should avoid smoking, and if he/she is a smoker then he/she should quit smoking as a preventive measure. Apart from this second hand smoking is also injurious to health.
Avoid Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse increases the risk of getting cancer, therefore one should limit alcohol intake. Studies have linked alcohol to liver cancer and many other types of cancer. A study on women also indicated that women who drink are at a greater risk of getting breast cancer. The liver produces acetaldehyde to breakdown the ethanol in alcohol, and excess production of acetaldehyde may lead to liver cancer. Alcohol also increases the risk of mouth, stomach, and esophagus.
Veggie and Fruit Diet
Include veggies and fruits in the diet. This doesn’t mean that one has to become a vegan, it just means a person has to eat sufficient amount of vegetables and fruits. Antioxidants in fruits like cantaloupe, apple, etc. help the immune system fight any cell abnormality. Citrus fruits like orange, lemon, etc. are high in vitamin C content which helps the body eliminate bad cells. Vegetables are the best foods to prevent cancer. Most vegetables also act as diuretics and help the body get rid of toxins. An alkaline diet may be adapted to prevent cancer, which may include vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, celery, tomatoes, etc.
Exercise
One of the best ways to prevent cancer is to keep the body healthy by performing regular exercises. Exercise is the best way to boost the immune system. It is also good for blood circulation. Regular exercising will not only help fight obesity, but will also keep the insulin levels under check. High insulin levels puts you at the risk of developing various types of cancer.
Salt and Sugar
One of the major contributors to stomach cancer is excessive salt consumption, as it is known to damage the inner lining of the stomach. A diet high in salt is responsible for high blood pressure which may also lead to heart attack. Having a diet high in salt and sugar increases the risk of colon cancer.
Include garlic in the diet, and limit the intake of red meat. To avoid skin cancer, protect the skin from exposure to UV rays of the sun. Taking vitamin E and vitamin D supplements also help prevent cancer. If a person has a family history for cancer, then he should get himself screened at regular intervals. Early detection may help in prevention of the complications.