Cancer is the number two killer in this country. More than 1500 people a day die from cancer – the equivalent of three jumbo jets crashing each day, every day. These are appalling statistics, especially since many cancers are preventable. Currently, one in every two men and one in every three women will be diagnosed with cancer at some time in their lives.
The American Cancer Society defines cancer as “a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.” In a healthy body the immunes system quickly identifies and destroys cancer cells when they first occur, but the typical American lifestyle and diet predispose the body to develop cancer by introducing carcinogens to the body and handicapping the immune system.
Adopting a cancer protective lifestyle can reduce your risk by up to 90 percent. Here are seven suggestions for success.
1. Avoid factors that favor cancer development. Use of tobacco and alcohol play a part in about 44 percent of all cancers. Meat and dairy products, excess fat, sugar, cholesterol, and sunshine have all been linked to one or more kinds of cancer. Other cancer causing agents have been found in coffee, chocolate, asbestos, wood dust, and a host of toxic chemicals from deodorant sprays to pesticides.
2. Eat a proper diet. A high-fiber low-protein diet featuring a wide variety of fruits and vegetables has many cancer-inhibiting components.
3. Eat regular meals with nothing between them except water. Research shows that those eating four meals a day have double the risk of colon and rectal cancer as compared to those who eat only two meals per day.
4. Exercise daily. This will enhance your immunity and improve circulation.
5. Obtain moderate sun exposure. It enhances the immune system and decreases the risk of various kinds of cancer. Vitamin D, produced by sunlight on the skin, suppresses abnormal cell growth.
6. Maintain proper weight. Excess body weight can increase cancer risk by as much as 55 percent.
7. Learn stress control. Stress depresses the immune system and is a major risk factor in cancer development.
Many people have experienced a slowing down or complete disappearance of tumor growth by making these adjustments. Lifestyle changes should be a part of any cancer treatment and maintenance program.
