Cancer remains one of the most prevalent and serious health concerns worldwide, but there are ways to reduce the risk. While genetics play a role, adopting healthy habits and engaging in certain activities can significantly lower the chances of developing cancer.
Dr. Eric Berg recently shared a video on his Youtube channel, which has over 12M followers, to discuss four simple and “powerful” things you can add to your routine right now to reduce the risk of getting cancer. According to him, intermittent fasting, exercise, quality sleep, and socializing are the best tips. Read on to get all of his insights.
1. Intermittent Fasting
Berg says that one big mistake that increases the chances of cancer is eating a lot of food and very often, specifically unhealthy options. To reverse that, he recommends fasting.
“Fasting is one of the most powerful things you can do to prevent cancer,” he says. This includes intermittent fasting and periodic prolonged fasting. He also adds that fasting has a unique special property: “it helps the cancer cells lose their advantages. It causes the cancer cells to no longer resist death.” Wow! This function helps the cancer cell to become more vulnerable to being destroyed while strengthening the normal cells.
2. Physical Activity
This one may be a surprise to some, as most people don’t associate a sedentary lifestyle with cancer. “You wouldn’t think being sedentary is a cause of damage to the mitochondria, but because of all the stress and things that we’re exposed to, being sedentary is a cause,” Berg explains.
This is where exercise comes into play. “Exercise is the second most potent thing you can do to help avoid cancer,” he says. “Both fasting and exercise do similar things. They both induce something called the anti-Warburg effect.”
He notes that there’s also “interesting data about how [fasting and exercise] can remodel part of your mitochondria,” citing how they can repair it.
3. Sleep
“A good night’s rest in both the number of hours and quality is going to be very essential to reducing your risk of cancer,” he reveals.
There is a significant connection between circadian rhythms and mitochondria, as well as between sleep, reduced cortisol levels, and the immune system.
“When you increase cortisol, you shut down the immune system. Also, melatonin, the main sleep hormone, uses this system to work,” Berg explains. This hints at why some people with chronic diseases have trouble with sleep.
4. Socialization
Believe it or not, loneliness and social isolation can be sneaky factors for cancer risk.
Berg elaborates and notes that “not only will it double the risk of diabetes, but it also increases the risk of cancer. Socializing with others, with groups, or with individuals is just as essential as good, healthy food, water, and exercise.”
