Let’s Talk About the Big “C”

Do you make taking care of yourself a priority? Good health is a reward to self-care on. It’s not always easy to stay on top of eating clean and exercising but it does help to protect you from illness. Last month we discussed how important it was to have a healthy immune system so that everything internally is working properly. Both our diet and exercise are huge contributors to keeping our system balanced to fight off infections and disease, but we are not untouchable when it comes to the big “C”…Cancer. As individuals, we need to do our best to live a healthy lifestyle in hopes that we never have to experience the effects of this disease but… it happens. Without a doubt either you or someone you know has been touched by cancer and it is not easy. What is easy though is educating yourself on the different types of cancer and how thru various ways we can try and avoid getting the dreaded diagnosis.  Let’s talk…

Cancer has a fearsome reputation, as it should! It is a disease that unfortunately continues to test the skills and intelligence of scientists and doctors. And, as if the pain from the disease is not enough, the treatment for cancer, too, inflicts heavy suffering on the body.

Did you know approximately one third of cancer cases are related to smoking, one third are related to poor diet and lack of exercise, and one third are related to genetic or other factors? Yes! and that about sums it up. Most people are already aware of the ill health effects of cigarette smoking, but the percentage of obesity and the rate of poor diet in America is a cause for serious concern. It is estimated that 65% of Americans are overweight with 30% being at least clinically obese. This is further escalated by the fact that 15 to 20% of the children in America are considered overweight. The main reason for this alarming statistic overall is the rate of poor diet.

The Food and Nutrition Science Alliance, along with several other organizations, recently reviewed scientific studies on diet and cancer. The group has since issued a statement urging Americans to change their diet in order to help reduce the number of cancer related deaths. Some types of cancer are influenced more by diet than others. 

Studies show these 4 methods are practical ways to lower the risk of cancer:

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

Avoid highly processed foods that are high in fat and sugar.

Limit or avoid consumption of alcohol.

Get in some moderate or vigorous exercise daily.