by staff

Undoubtedly, humanity has come a long way in treating several different cancers. There have been many medical advancements. However, the truth is we are still far away from finding a cure for this disease. More importantly, even if a cure is possible, cancer treatment costs are too high for people with limited financial resources. In such a situation, the best way to live a healthy and happy life is to prevent your body from interacting with carcinogens. There are several known causative agents of cancer. The increased use of chemicals in foods and products, coupled with pollution, can make it difficult to reduce their impact. So, to help you live a healthy life, here are four practical ways to protect yourself from carcinogens.

Avoid indoor toxins
While you may think you’re safe at home, the truth is contrary, as there may be several different carcinogens right at your home. For instance, radon gas can accumulate inside homes in hazardous quantities, increasing the risk of lung cancer. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to get indoor radon levels tested every once in a while. Moreover, wood products in your home such as furniture are likely to contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known carcinogen. While you can’t toss away the furniture, you can keep humidity levels low and increase ventilation in your home to protect yourself from breathing formaldehyde particles.

However, one of the most dangerous carcinogens found in our homes is asbestos. This substance is often present in several components, such as roof shingles, walls, insulation material, and car parts. Inhaling asbestos can cause pleural mesothelioma, which is a type of rare lung cancer. Because it is rare, it’s difficult to diagnose and receive proper treatment on time. However, you can prevent the condition by learning about it and preventing asbestos exposure in the home or workplace.

Eat healthily
Following a healthy diet can play an essential role in protecting yourself from carcinogens. When it comes to a cancer prevention diet, it’s necessary to incorporate fruits and vegetables. They can be quite helpful in fighting cancer by boosting the body’s immune system. For example, broccoli contains sulforaphane, a chemical with anti-cancer properties. Research also suggests that antioxidants in citrus fruits mitigate the risk of developing cancer.

Moreover, it’s crucial to limit the use of processed meats since they have been classified as group 1 carcinogens. This means there’s plenty of evidence that shows how processed meat can cause cancer in humans. So, instead of using such meats, it’s best to find alternatives such as fish and organic poultry and cattle. However, it’s equally essential to cook meat at low temperatures or for short periods to decrease any risk. Otherwise, chemical reactions in meat can produce HCAs and PAHs at high temperatures, which are known carcinogens.

Be active
We all know how important exercise can be for strengthening and maintaining our bodies. However, it’s equally important to reduce the chances of developing cancer. Regular physical activity can help your body maintain a robust immune system, blood sugar levels, metabolism, and hormones. These can help to fight off carcinogens. According to studies, exercise reduces the risk of developing 13 different types of cancer, including lung cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, and kidney cancer.

Moreover, staying active can also reduce the chances of cancer by helping you keep your weight at an optimal level. Overweight people are more likely to develop cancer, as fat tissues can release hormones that may trigger cellular mutations. Research suggests that belly fat is one of the most dangerous fat types in our bodies. It is associated with kidney, bowel, and pancreatic cancers, among several others. For effective cancer prevention, engage in moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.

Avoid smoking
Undoubtedly, smoking is one of the leading causes of cancer. While it may seem fun or relaxing for some people, in reality, they’re only giving away their bodies to cancer and several other diseases. It’s not surprising how smoking tobacco has been associated with lung, mouth, throat, and kidney cancers. Cigarette smoke contains several carcinogens, such as polonium-210 and benzopyrene. These chemicals can harm our DNA, leading to cancerous developments.

While smoking, cigarette smoke chemicals go to our lungs. They are carried around the body in our blood, leading to several different cancers. You may also be putting others around you at risk of developing cancer by exposing them to passive smoking. Cigarette smoke escaping into the environment is very likely to be inhaled by those in the surroundings. However, even if you don’t smoke, it’s best to avoid the use of tobacco in any way. Activities such as chewing tobacco are also known to cause oral cavity and pancreatic cancers.

Conclusion
Countless people lose their lives each year because of the lack of a cure for cancer. However, while a cure has not yet been developed, it’s still possible to prevent the disease by reducing exposure to carcinogens. So, if you want to live a healthy life, protect yourself by taking the advice mentioned above.

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