Sunday, August 19, 2012

20 Ways To Help Reduce Cancer Risk

20 Ways To Help Reduce Cancer Risk

Each year, 300 of every 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with some form of cancer, according to the latest statistics.

And with the disease affecting so many families, it's no wonder that so many of us are interested in doing whatever we can to avoid a diagnosis.

So when Whole Living teamed up to create an all-digital issue of their magazine, focusing entirely on ways to promote cancer-free living, we wanted to help get the word out. Read on for the first 20 tips and then click over to read the rest on their dedicated site. Each click will raise money for cancer research, so you can protect those around you at the same time as you're learning how to protect yourself.

  • Cheer The Blues

    In terms of antioxidant power, fresh blueberries are stars, with high concentrations of anthocyanins, which may curb cancer cell proliferation.

  • Put On The Kettle

    White and green tea contain EGCG, a plant chemical and antioxidant that may protect cell health.

  • Add Some Zing

    Ginger may reduce the risk of colon cancer by quelling inflammation in the digestive tract.

  • Have A Salad -- In A Glass

    Kale contains isothiocyanates, which help purge the body of carcinogens, and apples appear to have anticancer effects on the colon.

  • Get Strolling

    A brisk, daily 30-minute walk can improve sleep and energy and potentially reduce the risk of diabetes and cancer.

  • Enjoy Downward Dog

    Yoga may relieve stress and strengthen the immune system.

  • Take A Family Health Snapshot

    Sit down with your oldest relatives and ask about your family health history. This can be helpful in determining which diseases to be screened for and how often.

  • Decide How To Be Nudged

    The <a href="http://nationalbreastcancer.org/edp/" target="_hplink">National Breast Cancer Foundation's early detection plan</a> is one of many that lets you choose how to receive your mammogram reminders; options include e-mail, text and calendar updates.

  • Acknowledge Emotions

    Cancer can affect mental health as well as physical health. When you meet with your oncologist, be sure to bring up any mood issues.

  • Don't Wait To Exhale

    Breathe out. Now in. A daily five-minute session of slow, measured breathing can help counter the negative effects that stress has on physical and emotional health.

  • Focus On Fiber

    Oats are a good source of fiber, which, in addition to helping the body eliminate toxins, can ward off hunger by keeping blood sugar levels steady and making the body feel fuller longer.

  • Embrace Coffee

    Regular consumption is associated with a lower risk of basal cell skin cancer.

  • Go Organic

    Blueberries are one of the most heavily sprayed fruits, so it's best to choose pesticide-free whenever possible.

  • Tart It Up

    Blackberries, cranberries and cherries are rich in the antioxidant compounds anthocyanins, which may slow the growth of certain cancers.

  • Tuck Into Green

    Broccoli is a source of compounds called indoles, which have inhibited cancer growth in lab studies.

  • Have A Hot Plate

    Red pepper flakes contain capsaicin, which can damage cancer cells by attacking their energy source without hurting healthy cells nearby.

  • Roll Out The Red

    Tomatoes contain lycopene, which may reduce the risk of lung and stomach cancers.

  • Preheat The Oven

    Our bodies get more cancer-fighting lycopene from cooked tomatoes than from raw ones.

  • Grab Some Good Eggs

    In addition to boasting proteins and essential lipids, eggs contain antioxidant properties that may help prevent cancer.

  • Try Turmeric

    The golden-hued Indian spice gets its color from a pigment called curcumin, which is also an antioxidant that fights inflammation.


Source: www.huffingtonpost.com