Cancer refers to a group of diseases that cause abnormal growth and spread of cells in different parts of the body. Unfortunately, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Therefore, finding ways to enhance your cancer fighting capabilities is essential. In this article, we explore five pathways that can help you boost your cancer fighting capabilities.
1. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is crucial in fighting cancer. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps boost your immune system, which is essential in fighting cancer.
According to the World Cancer Research Fund, eating a diet high in processed foods, red meat, and saturated fats may increase the risk of developing certain cancers such as colon and rectal cancer. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain a healthy diet that is high in antioxidants and low in processed and sugary foods.
2. Engage in Regular Physical Activity
Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, boosts your immune system, and reduces the risk of developing certain cancers such as breast and colon cancer.
Exercise also helps reduce inflammation, which is often associated with the development of cancer cells. According to the American Cancer Society, adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential in boosting your cancer fighting capabilities. Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of developing certain cancers such as breast and colon cancer.
Sleep disturbance also affects your body’s immune system, making it less effective in fighting cancer cells. Adults should get at least seven hours of sleep per night to maintain healthy sleep patterns.
4. Reduce Stress
Stress plays a significant role in the development of cancer cells. Chronic stress has been linked to several types of cancers, including breast and lung cancer.
Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help reduce stress levels and boost your cancer fighting capabilities. Additionally, a positive mindset and good social support can help reduce stress levels and improve your overall wellbeing.
5. Avoid Harmful Substances
Exposure to harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and environmental toxins can increase the risk of developing cancer.
According to the National Toxicology Program, exposure to environmental toxins such as arsenic, benzene, and vinyl chloride can increase the risk of developing several types of cancers. Therefore, it’s essential to avoid harmful substances and take necessary precautions to protect yourself from exposure to environmental toxins.
Conclusion
Fighting cancer is all about making lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk of developing cancer cells.
Maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and avoiding harmful substances are all pathways that can help boost your cancer fighting capabilities. By adopting these pathways, you can take control of your health and reduce your risk of developing cancer.