Cancer is an affliction that affects every country in the world. There are many factors involved when it comes to cancer, such as diet, genetics, age, and proximity to carcinogens (something that can help cause cancer). Since I can’t change your genes, nor your age, and you should eat a healthy diet to begin with, I’ll just talk about three ways you can avoid carcinogens to lower your risk of cancer.
To get started, learn all about sun protection. The sun can cause skin cancer (one of the deadliest forms of cancer) and, fortunately, it can be easily avoided. There are more than a million cases of skin cancer in the United States alone each year. UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun are what cause skin cancer, so stay in the shade, wear clothing that can protect you and your skin, and / or wear sunscreen. What would you rather have, a good tan or twenty more years to spend with your family? When deciding to choose a sunscreen, stay away from oxybenzone and methoxycinnamate as they are known to be endocrine disruptors and can also cause cancer. An SPF of 30 is more than enough for anyone.
Second, it’s a quick look at the food. Reduce your intake of high-fat dairy products and fatty meats. Dioxins and PCBs contain long-lasting carcinogenic contaminants and accumulate in the food chain, concentrating in animal fat. Eat less or opt for organic meat. Organic meat is fed a vegetarian diet that does not include chemicals, so it is better for you, although much more expensive than conventional meat. Unfortunately, when it comes to healthy meat, it’s going to cost you. I always say that it is a small price to pay to be healthy and reduce your risk of cancer.
My third and final way to avoid cancer is to stay away from pesticides! Many pesticides have been linked to cancer. Fortunately, not all fruits and vegetables contain pesticides. Certain types are fine, such as onions, avocados, pineapples, mango, asparagus, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, cantaloupe, and watermelon. Unfortunately, celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, bell peppers, spinach, cherries, kale, potatoes, grapes, and lettuce should not be eaten at all unless be organic. They all contain toxic levels of pesticides. Eliminating these fruits and vegetables from an elementary school dramatically reduced the presence of toxins in children in just three days. Do yourself a favor and buy them organic, they aren’t much more expensive. Rice, pasta, and nuts are fine to eat.
Taking a quick look at your life and deciding how you can apply these strategies can literally lower your risk of getting cancer later in life. I think all three are pretty easy and while organic food is more expensive, isn’t it worth it? I think so, and I bet I’m not alone in that. Anyone who loves you would love to have you around for longer.