For lead author Dr. Ashish Deshmukh of the University of Florida, the findings of the study reveal it is important that a person's total diet remain balanced, rather than focus on specific nutritional components. This means that a person's diet should contain different nutrients derived from various sources, such as vegetables, fruits, and dairy. Aside from this, the food consumed should also be organic and should contain clean proteins, unprocessed carbohydrates, and non-toxic fats.
The researchers arrived at this conclusion by assessing information from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHNES III), which gathered data from almost 34,000 people from 1988 to 1994. From the data pool, 1,200 participants were diagnosed with cancer at the time of the study.
Those who participated in the survey kept a food diary where they tracked what they ate during the day. These documented diets were then ranked based on nutritional quality, following the dietary guidelines of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The participants were then tracked for 17 years – during that time half of the initial respondents have already died. However, those who were able to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet had lowered their risk of dying early due to cancer and other causes by 65 percent, compared to those whose diets were considered to be of low nutritional quality.
"It is also crucial that cancer survivors work with their dietitians to identify a balanced diet regimen, and then follow that regimen," Deshmukh added. "There are no harms [from] healthful eating." (Related: Organic apples can help you fight cancer.)
Other ways to lower risk of cancer
Aside from having a healthy diet, other ways to naturally reduce the risk of having cancer include:
- Avoiding tobacco – Different types of cancer, such as throat, lung, and kidney cancer, have already been linked to tobacco exposure. This is not just limited to smoking tobacco but also includes chewing it, as well as exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Exercise – Maintaining a healthy lifestyle does not just include a healthy diet, it also includes having enough physical activity throughout the day. This will help you maintain a healthy weight, which is important since obesity has been determined to be a risk factor for some types of cancer. For adults, at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like a brisk walk) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (or activities that make you sweat) a week is recommended.
- Staying away from too much sunlight – The harmful rays of the sun can lead to developing skin cancer, one of the most common types of cancer. These are strongest between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., so avoid going out during these times. Covering exposed areas and avoiding sunlamps also reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Read more news stories and developments on cancer prevention and treatment by visiting Cancer.news.
Sources include:
Please contact us for more information.
