New evidence shows that even those of us who carry the genetics that bring a predisposition to some types of cancer might, by living a healthy lifestyle and adopting natural remedies for cancer, reduce their risks.
You may have heard this already but - one third of the most usual cancers in the U.S. might be prevented by adopting healthier habits. Smoking is associated with just about another third of cancers also known to be preventable.
The trouble is, todays culture is full of unhealthy choices that are more convenient and more affordable.
There are three key things you can do to help yourself improve the odds of staying healthy and cancer free. This according to the American Institute for Cancer Research, AICR, a charity that encourages research on the relationship of nutrition and managing weight on cancer risk.
1. Stick to a mostly plant based diet " that is predominantly fruits, veggies and whole grains, with little or no sugary, processed foods (fast foods too) as well as keeping intake of red meat to 18 ounces a week and salt intake to no more than 2.4 grams per day. Alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation, that is one drink a day for women, two drinks per day for men.
2. Keep your weight in a healthy range - BMI between 21 and 23 is considered good for improving your odds. The lower end of the BMI range is even better when it comes to cancer risk. Its also important to try and not gain too much weight as an adult, though if you have, losing even a few of those extra pounds can bring benefits to your body.
3. Exercise regularly - being moderately active for 30 minutes, working up to 60 minutes a day is also key. If your exercise routine is rigorous, thirty minutes a day is just fine. Limit how much time you spend on sedentary activities.
The data is pretty clear that we can make a significant drop in the cancer rate with these three changes, Karen Collins, a registered dietician and nutrition advisor for the AICR explains.
We can prevent about one-third of cancers with these changes. And if you add tobacco prevention, which reduces about 30 percent of cancers, over half of todays cancers could be prevented.
Of course these tips are not any guarantee of future health, but they certainly increase the odds of staying healthier.
The experts believe that each healthy change helps encourage another one. If you are active you will eat better because good foods give you more energy, and the great feelings that come from exercise will keep you coming back for more.
Both new habits will have weight dropping off, reinforcing your new healthy behaviors and leaving you looking, and feeling, better than ever.
If you are a little concerned about cancer risk, or you've a family background with the disease, its a good idea to talk to your doctor about genetic counselling.
This process can help you and your family identify who among you might be at risk, and involves taking a very detailed family medical history (disease information about your brothers and sisters, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, children and grandchildren) so that the counsellor can assess your risk and guide you to the options open to you.
You may need a single, hour-long session, or a few, depending on your needs for genetic testing .
Of course even if you, or someone you love, has an increased genetic risk, that does not mean of course that you are going to get the condition. But you can do something about it with the above mentioned natural remedies for cancer, starting now.
Next - just head on over to the Daily Health Bulletin for more information on natural remedies for cancer, plus for a limited time get 5 free fantastic health reports. Click here for details on the 3 natural remedies for cancer research.
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