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To address this problem, it is necessary to understand what cancer is and how it develops in the body. This disease begins with only one abnormal cell that at some point begins to mutate and then quickly multiplies until it is out of control. We all have cancer cells in our bodies, but the key to keeping abnormal cells from growing and multiplying is making sure that we keep our cells oxygenated. When our cells are properly oxygenated, cancer cells cannot thrive and multiply. Since the development of cancerous cells is caused by both internal and external carcinogens, we need to ensure that we keep these factors under control through proper diet and exercise. Some examples of carcinogens include: - Chemicals
- Hormones
- Immune system conditions
- Inherited mutations
- Radiation
- Viruses
Preventable Habits One of the most important things you need to do is exercise on a regular basis. Health care experts recommend thirty minutes to one hour of intensive cardiovascular exercise at least four days per week. Of course, you should check with your doctor before you begin any type of exercise program to make sure that you are healthy enough to undertake the program you are considering. If smoking and/or drinking are habits, you should strongly consider breaking them. These two factors play a huge role in increasing your likelihood of developing cancer at some point in your life. In fact, smoking accounts for approximately one-third of cancer related deaths in the United States each year. You need to also think about your diet. Cutting out, or at least drastically reducing, your consumption of red meat is highly recommended. You should also reduce your intake of high-calorie, high fat foods. Try to avoid fried foods, opting instead for dishes that have been baked, broiled, or steamed. Eating pigmented plant products is another excellent way to shore up your body's defenses in an effort to protect itself against the development of cancerous cells. Pigmented plants contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, both of which play a large role in preventing cancer. Try to choose a wide variety of fruits and vegetables when planning your daily meals, and think about the colors of the plants you are choosing. Your best option is to incorporate an abundance of colors into your diet by selecting multiple types of fruits and vegetables. Keeping yourself on a high fiber diet is also an important component to preventing cancer. It is recommended that healthy adults consume 25 grams of fiber each day. Though challenging, it is not impossible to factor this into your meals and snacks. Nutritional Supplements If you simply cannot consume enough pigmented plant products to obtain a sufficient amount of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories each day, and you can't seem to reach the recommended amount of daily fiber, taking supplements is the next best way to get these nutrients. Try to buy purified pharmaceutical grade products whenever possible, and always read labels carefully before taking anything. It is important that you do not rely on nutritional supplements as your only source of cancer fighting nutrients, however. Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and exercising daily are your best defense against cancer. Marc Courtiol is an health researcher and contributing author of a natural guide to eliminating chronic heartburn. Marc contributes regularly to a very popular online health journal.
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