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20 Shocking Habits You Should Change to Lower Your Risk of Cancer
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Everyone knows the top 3 cancer causing habits already so you won’t see them on this list; smoking, lack of exercise, poor diet. You’ve heard those so many times you don’t even pay attention anymore. What this is list is going to tell you is so shocking you will be shaking your head saying “No way! Really?”
Here is a list of the top 20 habits you can change to lower your risk of developing cancer.
1. EMF’s
You need to limit your exposure to EMF’s every day, whenever possible.
This would include x-rays (yep, tell your dentist to cool it ), microwave ovens, ionizing, overhead power lines, electric blankets, Wi-Fi signals, your cell phone, and nonionizing radiation that comes from your home appliances.
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2. Water
You’ve probably heard this over and over but it bears repeating.
Always be aware of your water.
Never drink, or bathe, in water that is polluted, has added chlorine, or fluoride.
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3. Cosmetics
(Shocked?) Many of the low quality, cheaper cosmetics, such as those from your local dollar store, have been tested and contain a multitude of known carcinogens, some of them even have small amounts of mercury and lead.
Be careful when choosing makeup and other cosmetics, including hand and body lotions.
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4. Drugs
We are talking about all kinds of drugs, that includes your doctors prescriptions, the over the counter stuff you take for your sinus headache, and the “recreational” drugs that the younger crowd are fond of including ecstasy.
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5. Hormones
Ladies, if there is any way possible, find a more natural alternative for your menopausal symptoms as there are numerous studies showing that synthetic hormones are linked to higher rates of cancer.
Synthetic hormones would also include birth control pills. Talk to your doctor about finding other ways to control your menopause symptoms and for birth control methods.
Read more about 10 reasons why you won’t lose weight.
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6. Weight
Tumors grow faster than other tissue and overeating can stimulate and encourage those tumors to grow, so it’s important to watch your weight. Eat what your body needs, of course, but no more.
Control both your calories and your protein intake.
This means that it’s ok to eat some chicken at lunch, maybe fish for dinner, but not three double cheeseburgers.
Obesity is second only to tobacco use as a contributing factor to cancer.
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7. Red Meat
Vegetarians are probably dancing around after reading this but it’s not just red meat you need to limit, as you will see.
Scientists aren’t exactly sure why red meat encourages cancer to grow; perhaps it has something to do with the high temperatures of grilling, or it could be the glycoproteins in red meat which cause inflammation in humans.
Whatever the cause, limit those T-bone steaks to an occasional treat, not the main fare at every weekend BBQ.
Find out the hidden truth behind your food.
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8. Carbs
Vegetarians, you can sit down now.
Eating too many carbohydrates can also lead to chronic inflammation, the same as red meat, which could cause tumors to form and to grow.
Recent studies show that cancer feeds on glucose and higher insulin levels so it’s smart to lower the amount of carbs you eat to reduce your risk of cancer or, at the very least, slow down its ability to spread and grow.
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9. Supplements
Give serious consideration to taking supplements to further reduce your risk of cancer.
Selenium, which has been linked to lower rates of prostate cancer, according to Harvard Medical School.
Also, calcium and vitamin D supplements have been linked to lower rates of colorectal cancer and polyps in the large intestine.
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10. Chronic Stress
It is believed that chronic, ongoing stress can cause your body to turn on a sort of switch which can allow cancer to grow and spread.
Learn to manage your stress by practicing yoga or meditation.
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11. Alcohol
Although low to moderate drinking (which is 1 drink per day for women and 2 for men) is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, too much alcohol increases your risk of many different types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer.
So enjoy that glass of chardonnay with dinner, but no more.
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12. Graveyard
No, not that place grandpa is buried; we are talking about working the graveyard, or overnight, shift.
Women take note on this one.
Working against your body’s natural cycle increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Researchers believe that this is because it interrupts your body’s production of melatonin.
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13. Excessive Ultraviolet Radiation
Sounds like the name of a rock band, doesn’t it?
However we are talking about UV radiation from either tanning booths or sunlamps or extreme overexposure to the sun itself.
Although everyone knows that too much UV radiation can cause skin cancer but did you know that it also damages your eyes and weakens your immune system?
A weakened immune system can allow cancers and tumors to flourish.
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14. Viruses and Bacteria
Although it’s a proven fact that cancerous tumors are not contagious but some tumors or cancers are brought about from contacting a virus or bacteria, such as the Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV, aka Herpes.
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15. Pesticides and Herbicides
Yep, we are talking about that can of ant killer under the kitchen sink and that spray bottle of Roundup in the garage.
Dump all those poisons in the trash and find natural ways to kill bugs and get rid of those pesky dandelions.
There are dozens of lists on the internet with natural ingredients that will kill bugs and weeds but not you.
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16. Cooking Oil
Studies done on both residences and professional kitchens show that cooking under high temperatures with vegetable based oils release formaldehydes, polycyclic hydrocarbons and particulate matter, some of the same things found in cigarette smoke.
Use lower temperatures when possible and avoid those highly processed vegetable oils.
Try coconut oil or olive oil instead.
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17. Metal Dental Fillings
Although most dentists have stopped using those silver metal fillings for teeth, some of you probably still have some in your head. Open your mouth, take a look.
If you see silver, get those fillings replaced ASAP.
Many contain mercury and mercury is known carcinogen.
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18. Cancer Screenings
Yes, you should get screened, but not too often. Although screenings for cancer, such as mammograms, are a good idea, you are also exposing yourself to radiation at the same time.
The latest recommendations are cervical exams every 3 years and for women over 50, mammograms every 2 years.
Be careful when your doctor recommends any kind of screening that would involve x-rays.
Ask if there isn’t an alternative method.
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19. Sitting
Even if you exercise regularly, sitting a desk or in front of the TV or wherever, sitting has been linked to a variety of health problems including cancers including prostate, breast, and colon cancer.
Make it a habit to get up and move around every hour or so.
Stand while you are on the phone, walk when talking on your cell phone, stand or use a treadmill when watching TV.
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20. Cooking With Natural Gas
If you are one of the millions of Americans who use natural gas to cook your meals then congratulations!
With every meal you cook you are getting a dose of carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde every time you fire up that stove.
Use the vent hood every time you cook to reduce those toxins by up to 90 per cent.
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