HOW IS LIFESTYLE LINKED TO CANCER?

I will begin by asking you to trust me as when grandmother told you: “this is good for you.” However, this time and in the light of science and research, I can offer more arguments for my statement. We used to enjoy our lifestyles until recently when epidemics of chronic diseases struck and affected our health and well-being. I will help you understand how what we eat or do in our daily routine affects us, how it can also enhance health and performance, and how lifestyle is a significant player in our body structure and physiology.

We take our bodies and their performance for granted; powerful defensive tactics within us keep problems away for many years. Recently, in the last 5 to 7 decades, we have observed the growing occurrence of degenerative diseases affecting each time younger individuals; our children are now the victims.

Life to exist needs a constant source of energy, and as many of us know, that comes from the combustion of carbohydrates or carbs. The “burning” of carbs in the mitochondria of our cells provides that energy. However, side products called free radicals are generated. These substances are highly reactive and can affect any molecule in their path; in fact, they can damage cell membranes, cell components or molecules, and most importantly, nucleic acids like DNA, the blueprint of molecule production in the body.

We, in turn, have sophisticated “antioxidant” systems so complex that it has taken years to be described. These systems neutralize free radicals, which then will be excreted from the body. Just like in other balanced conditions, the overproduction of free radicals and/or deficient antioxidant activity will trigger unwanted systemic damage. As it happens with calories, we must keep a ratio, or the whole equation will be thrown off balance.

Same as carbs, the antioxidant supply chain comes from what we eat and what we do. Food provides antioxidants or components to make them. A poor supply of these antioxidants will render this task deficient. Antioxidant-rich foods boost this vital function. Of course, the massive output of free radicals overwhelms even an otherwise good antioxidant system.

A severe consequence of dietary overload, as in the case of refined sugar, high fructose, or chemicals like cigarette smoking, alcohol, and processed food additives, is the emergence of chronic inflammation. Inflammation is a fundamental mechanism for survival. We would not exist without it. However, when no obvious offender is found: chronic inflammation will target vital functions. One necessary defensive process is the destruction of abnormal cells; inflammatory markers inhibit apoptosis, a normal process by which we destroy faulty cells. This inflammatory condition also modifies immune response performance, putting us at the beginning of a malignant tumor.

Today, we have all the elements to judge and the tools to help our lifestyle work for or against our health, well-being, and enjoyment of life. It is up to us to expand our understanding of how many dreadful things we can do in the name of “comfort” and “fun,” We’ll also learn about all we can do to improve our health and even increase our life expectancy.

BioCare and its professional team are your allies. Ask questions, and know your options. We love healthy friends and healthy families; shift your path to wellness and long life.