Cancer is a word no one wants to hear in their diagnosis. Yet, nearly six percent of the United States population are given a cancer diagnosis each year.
But what if you could do something proactively to lower your cancer risk? While there are several more commonly known ways to reduce your risk of cancer, such as not smoking or using tobacco products and protecting yourself from the sun, there are several newly researched ways to protect yourself as well. Taking berberine benefits the body by reducing the chances of cancer cells in the body. Being physically active, eating a healthy diet, and taking part in regular cancer screenings are also proven to lower your cancer risk.
1. Berberine Benefits
Berberine is a chemical that can be found in some plants such as goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape, and many other plants. Berberine benefits date back thousands of years to traditional Chinese medicine. For more than 3,000 years, berberine has been used to treat many different medical conditions, including intestinal disorders, inflammation, wound healing, and skin problems. In current times, recent research has been done which showed that berberine could be used in both cancer prevention and treatment. Berberine benefits the body by stunting the growth of several cancer cells, activates the death of cells, and helps prevent mitosis, or cell reproduction. While berberine is currently not an accepted cancer treatment, it could enhance the effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
To experience the full berberine benefits, the suggested dosage is 500mg two to three times a day, before meals. There are minimal side effects, and it is usually well tolerated. In addition to berberine being used to prevent and treat cancer, it is also beneficial for lowering blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides, benefits heart health, aids in weight loss, treats liver disease, relieves digestive disorders, and protects against neurodegenerative diseases. With all of berberine’s health benefits, the question of whether to take it is a no-brainer.
2. Increase Your Physical Activity
Staying active throughout the day is another way to lower cancer risk. This is true for several different reasons. First, increasing your physical activity will make you more likely to maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight or obese is linked to 13 different types of cancer. Second, being active is a way to balance out your hormones naturally. Certain hormones are linked to causing cancer when their levels get too high. For example, if your body produces too much testosterone or estrogen, these are related to several types of cancer. But while keeping hormones balanced is essential, you must remember that your body will increase and decrease hormone levels on its own. Some increases or decreases may be out of your control. Third, by staying active, you will be supporting a healthy digestive system. This may help your body to rid itself of toxins that can build up in your system. Each week, a person is recommended to get 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise. Moderate exercise is defined as anything that gets your heart to beat faster. Moderate exercise can include brisk walking, raking leaves in the yard, or playing tennis with a friend. Vigorous activities are anything that would be considered difficult. Vigorous activities can include running, jogging, biking, or swimming. Whatever your choice, pick an activity you enjoy and get your minutes in each week!
3. Eat a Healthy Diet
While nothing will completely remove the chance of cancer, eating a healthy, balanced diet is another way to reduce the risk. But instead of focusing on what you eat each day, what matters is the foods you eat throughout the week. Too much food or drinks that contain a lot of sugar or are high-calorie increases the chances of becoming overweight or obese. As mentioned above, being too heavy can cause 13 types of cancers. There are also several foods that, if eaten too frequently, can increase your cancer risk. These foods include processed and red meat, which can increase the risk of bowel cancer, and alcohol, which increases seven different types of cancer. Instead, try mixing in some foods that reduce your chances of cancer. Eating foods high in fiber will help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce the chances of bowel cancer. Dairy can also reduce the chances of bowel cancer, including food and drinks like milk and cheese. Switching to a healthy diet does not have to mean you will have bland, tasteless meals from here on out. Looking up new recipes online will help you find fresh, well-balanced meals that are still extremely tasty.
4. Say Yes to Regular Cancer Screenings
While it may seem obvious, taking part in regular cancer screenings could save your life. For people at average risk of cancer, there are specific ages that certain cancer screenings should be done regularly. For ages 25-39, regular cervical cancer checks should be done. For ages 40-49, it is time for women to start breast cancer screenings, cervical cancer screenings should continue, and colorectal screenings should begin once you hit 45. At age 50 and older, breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers should continue. For current or former smokers, a lung cancer screening is highly recommended. For men, it is time to start screenings for prostate cancer. Early cancer screenings could detect cancer before you even have symptoms. This early detection could save your life.
While nothing can ultimately reduce your risk of cancer, there are certain precautions you can take to lower your chances. Taking berberine benefits your body by reducing the likelihood of cancer but also makes chemotherapy more effective. By also committing to a healthy life with increased physical exercise, a well-balanced diet, and regular cancer screenings can give you some peace of mind by knowing you are doing everything in your power to keep your body as healthy as it can be.
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