How Can Your Diet And Technology Help Prevent Skin Cancer
The MetaOptima Team | Aug 28, 2017 |HealthTipsApps
There are many things we can all do to prevent skin cancer, and weve all heard them before: dont stay in the sun for too long, wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, etc. But what about small and affordable changes to your daily routine? Things like improving your diet, staying active, and using advanced apps on your phone could change your life. Well go into more detail about each of these!
Diet
There are many studies dedicated to explaining the benefits of different types of foods, and how they can be used to keep you and your skin happy and healthy. Believe it or not, there are actually a lot of different foods out there that research suggests could help prevent different types of skin cancer! The key? Antioxidants, antioxidants, antioxidants!
Lycopene
This discovery is very new, and has caught researchers attention. Astudy 1 found that a tomato-based diet in mice reduced their skin cancer development by 50%! Experts think that this may be due to the carotenoids within tomatoes protecting against damage caused by UV rays. The study also suggests that eating tomatoes could reduce your risk ofsunburn 2!
Selenium
Studies have shown that selenium may reduce your risk of developing melanoma as well as increase your likelihood of surviving the disease.Selenium 3 is most commonly found in Brazil nuts, lobster, barley, whole wheat and nuts.
Retinol
Technology
Overall Health
-The MetaOptima team
Lunch: Dark Leafy Greens
Following the plant-based Mediterranean diet has been shown to protect against skin cancer, so consider a salad with a base of dark leafy greens for a sun-savvy lunch. Vegetables are rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and A, which can protect skin from damage and help the skin to repair, says registered dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, author of;2 Day Diabetes Diet. Fighting against damage from the suns rays may be why these foods offer skin cancer protection. These antioxidants prevent free-radical-mediated DNA damage, as well as cancerous growths that arise as a result of UV radiationotherwise known as sun exposure, Dr. Bowe adds. Eat more summer superfoods for skin that protects and glows.
Throw Some Salmon On The Grill Tonight
Australian researchers found that people who ate four or more servings of fish per week were nearly one-third less likely to develop the blood cancers leukemia, myeloma, and non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Tribole explains. Other studies show a link between eating fatty fish with a reduced risk of endometrial cancer in normal-weight women. Ah, those amazing omega-3s at it again.
Learn how to spot these silent signs of blood cancer.
Don’t Miss: How Severe Is Skin Cancer
Can A Healthy Diet Prevent Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and is mainly caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays. More than 85 percent of skin cancers are associated with UV exposure which can come from the sun and other sources such as tanning beds and sun lamps. The UV rays generate molecules called free radicals in the body that inflame and damage the cell function and the skins DNA. That damage to cells causes changes or mutations to the cells, leading to skin cancer.
All skin types are vulnerable, and anyone can develop skin cancer.
Preventing Skin Cancer
Protecting yourself from skin cancer doesnt mean staying indoors to avoid the sun. Instead, it means taking smart precautions when youre outside. The American Cancer Society offers these tips:
-
Seek shade, especially between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm when UV light is greatest.
-
Protect your skin with clothing. Wear a hat to protect your head and sunglasses that block out UV rays.
-
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays, and has a sun protection factor of 30 or higher.
-
Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps because of their damaging UV rays.
Additional Prevention of Skin Cancer Through Diet
Ongoing research suggests we can do even more to prevent skin cancer through what we eat. Antioxidants, including vitamins and nutrients, may reduce the risk of cancer by fighting off free radicals.
Protect Yourself With A Complete Approach
UV radiation from the sun isnt just dangerous, its also sneaky. Not only can it cause premature aging and skin cancer, it reaches you even when youre trying to avoid it penetrating clouds and glass, and bouncing off of snow, water and sand. Whats more, sun damage accumulates over the years, from prolonged outdoor exposure to simple activities like walking the dog, going from your car to the store and bringing in the mail.
Thats why preventing skin cancer by protecting yourself completely requires a comprehensive approach. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that you:
- Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Dont get sunburned.
You May Like: Can Cancer Cause Skin Rash
What To Avoid And Prevent Skin Cancer
On top of these foods you can seek out to help strengthen your defenses against skin cancer, there are also certain things you should know to avoid.
For instance, if you take acne medications like tetracycline, you may be making your skin more sensitive to sunburn. If you know youre going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, you should avoid taking these medications unless you have an ample supply of sunscreen.
If youre already more susceptible to skin cancer, you may want to rethink spending your time in mountainous, high-altitude areas. States like Utah and New Hampshire have higher rates of people developing melanoma than do more low-altitude states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
If you take prednisone, a medication used for asthma and other conditions, you may be at a higher risk of developing skin cancer because of its effects on your immune system. Prednisone is an immunosuppressant, which means your natural defenses are lowered. If youre taking prednisone or a similar medication, consider avoiding prolonged outdoor activity.
If you have breast cancer, you may have an increased risk of developing melanoma, according to a study published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science. Research is still being performed on the link, but if you have breast cancer, you should definitely be more careful with your skin.
Which Foods Contain Vitamin A
Vitamin A comes in two forms: preformed vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids . Preformed vitamin A is found in animal sources including fish, meat and dairy products, while provitamin A is found in plant foods. A review of studies found that retinol was associated with a reduced risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
You’ll find vitamin A in foods like carrots, broccoli, mangoes, watermelon, sweet potatoes, apricots, cantaloupe and spinach. Not only are these fruits and veggies sources of vitamins and minerals, but they are foods that can prevent skin cancer or at least play a role.
It’s easier than you think to add more vitamin A-rich foods to meals and snacks. Try these ideas:
- Bring the greens. Make a spinach salad topped with carrots.
- Make it sweet. Have sweet potatoes as a side at dinner.
- Get fresh. Enjoy fresh sliced cantaloupe at breakfast with yogurt and fortified breakfast cereal. Or, pack an apricot for a quick, juicy afternoon snack.
- Drink up. Add mangoes or watermelon to smoothies or make refreshing juice coolers.
Don’t Miss: What Is Stage 2 Melanoma Skin Cancer
The Best Diet And Supplementation To Prevent Sunburn And Skin Cancer
1.Virgin Cod Liver Oil or Wild Salmon Oil
If you are not able to consume enough fish, then fish oil is an excellent way to hit your omega-3 fatty acid targets. Wild salmon oil is;rich in vitamin A and D to help protect from a UV-induced sunburn and cancerous changes in DNA. What makes it unique to any other fish oil is that it contains astaxanthin, which is a carotenoid that acts as a natural sunblock for marine plants. Research shows that astaxanthin;prevents cancer initiation by protecting DNA from ultraviolet and oxidant damage, reduces liver fat and triglycerides, reduces the impact of glycation, and keeps skin young.
Cod liver oil is;a superior source of vitamin A and D to protect the skin against aging and cancer, as well as anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that everyone needs to balance the omega-6 intake. There is a balance of making sure you are not getting too much sun, but also getting enough for vitamin D production. Cod liver oil provides 3,000-5,000IU of vitamin A and about 400IU of vitamin D. If your vitamin D levels are clinically low, you will need to supplement with vitamin D on its own to bring your levels up. Vitamin A protects against toxicity of vitamin D and vice versa, however, they need to be in the right ratios in the body.
4. Berries and Pomegranates
5.;Dark Green Vegetables;
6. Tomatoes and Watermelon;
7. Lime, Lemon and Orange Zest, Green Tea and Black Tea;
8. Raw Cacao;
Red Fruits And Vegetables Like Tomatoes And Peppers
Tomatoes, red peppers, and other bright red produce contain the skin-friendly antioxidant lycopene. Some research has shown that lycopene can protect skin from the damaging effects of UV rays, says Jessica Wu, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at USC Medical School in Los Angeles, and author of Feed Your Face. This may not only helps shield you from skin cancer, but it also helps stop the breakdown of tissues that may lead to wrinkles, she says. When choosing vegetables, look for the brightest red variety, which is also the most abundant in lycopene. And, when possible, cook them heat helps release lycopene from plant cells so your body can better absorb it.
Read Also: Is Basal Cell Carcinoma Malignant
Make Friends With Cabbage
People who eat large amounts of cabbage have low rates of colon cancer, as well as other kinds of cancer. Cabbage contains bioflavonoids and other plant chemicals that inhibit tumour growth and protect cells from free radicals. The research has been mixed but it has some plausibility. Other chemicals in cabbage also speed up the bodys metabolism of estrogen, a hormone that, in high amounts, is associated with breast cancer. These chemicals may also help protect against cancers of the uterus and ovaries.
Read this to find out what cooking mistakes you might be making.
Foods And Dietary Habits That Raise The Risk Of Cancer
Before we look at foods that reduce the risk of cancer, lets understand the intertwining of foods and cancer risk. The World Health Organizations International Agency for Research on Cancer has long maintained a list of foods that can cause cancer. These are caused carcinogens, divided into five groups depending on their chances of causing cancer: known, probable, possible, unclassifiable and probably not carcinogenic.
Certain types of foods and dietary habits can increase the risk of cancer, particularly if they are consumed in excessive quantities. Some such are alcohol, red meats, sugars and fried foods.
On the other hand, phytochemical-laden plant foods, like the ones we are going to talk about, can reduce the risk of cancer.;Its important to take care of your health, regardless of your circumstance. But for all extents and purposes, here is a list of the top 14 foods that prevent cancer:
Read Also: What Does Squamous Skin Cancer Look Like
Foods That Help Lower Your Cancer Risk
Getting the right vitamins and nutrients can help you stay healthy andreduce your risk for cancer.
No one food can prevent cancer. However, eating a balanced diet that includes foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is important.; Making these healthy lifestyle choices, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way in reducing your risk for cancer.
Many foods are beneficial to your overall health and reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Here are five we recommend adding to your diet.
BerriesBerries are a wonderful source of vitamin C, says Lindsey Wohlford, a wellness dietitian at MD Anderson.
Most berries also contain antioxidants. Studies show these antioxidants protect the body from cell damage that could lead to skin cancer, as well as cancers of the bladder, lung, breast and esophagus.
Eat berries that are fresh, frozen or dried.
Serving Size: ½ cup
- Toss some raspberries in with your morning yogurt or cereal.
- Make a low-fat strawberry smoothie for a quick, healthy snack.
- Bake some delicious oatmeal blueberry muffins for a meal-on-the-go.
The grape’s skin has the most antioxidants, so be sure to leave thegrape intact.
Grapes Grapes are a rich source of the antioxidant resveratrol. Studies show that resveratrol has the potential to possibly stop cancer from starting in the breast, liver, stomach and lymphatic system.
Serving Size: About 15 grapes
;Serving Size: ½ cup
Whole grains
Foods That Help Skin Cancer
The link between a healthy diet and skin cancer still requires further study. While no single food can necessarily treat skin cancer or melanoma, eating the right foods or following the mediteranean diet may help to minimize your chances of getting skin cancer. Consider aiding your treatment with natural remedies for skin cancer and these skin cancer-fighting foods.
Recommended Reading: How To Protect Your Self From Skin Cancer
Foods And Habits That Increase Your Cancer Risk
Inflammation is the underlying issue that dictates cancerous tumor initiation, progression and growth.;Studies suggest that;30 percent to 40 percent of all kinds of cancer can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle and dietary measures! And other sources claim that this number is in fact much higher, with around 75 percent of cancer cases being lifestyle-related.
Here are examples of some cancer-causing foods you might not realize are in your diet:
1. Processed Meats
While quality meats, fish and dairy products can be included in an anti-cancer diet, processed meats are definitely something to avoid. The American Cancer Society states on their website that The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified processed meat as a carcinogen, something that causes cancer. And it has classified red meat as a probable carcinogen, or something that probably causes cancer. A recent meta-analysis of 800 studies found evidence that eating 50 grams of processed meat every day increased the risk of colorectal cancer by 18 percent.
Processed meats are those that have been treated, altered or preserved to improve taste and prolong freshness. They can contain additives such as nitrates and tend to be very high in sodium. A clue that is a meat is processed is if its been prepared in any of the following ways: salting, curing, smoking. Examples of processed meats include hot dogs, ham, bacon, sausage, and some deli meats/cold-cuts.
2. Fried, Burnt and Overly Cooked Foods
Was It The Climate That Changed Our Skin Color Or Our Diet
It was first thought that humans evolved with different shades of skin color dependent on climate, the amount of sun and latitude. However, this theory has changed. In fact, this research has led to the food production theory, that states that the dietary switch to grains could be the reason Europeans developed lighter skin, not the climate change. The cereal-rich diet of Neolithic farmers lacked vitamin D so Europeans rapidly lost their dark-skin pigmentation only once they switched to agriculture because it was only at that point that they had to synthesize vitamin D from the sun more readily. This explains why the Inuit in the arctic circle kept a dark pigmentation in a low light climate and avoided vitamin D deficiency. The northern Europeans switched to a wheat and other grain-based diet and became vitamin D deficient, while the Inuits in the arctic circle maintained a grain-free diet high in vitamin D rich animal foods, and avoided deficiency.
Recommended Reading: What Does Advanced Skin Cancer Look Like
Bread And Butter Basics Hair Health With Homeopathy
No one wants to lose their hair. Whether its a result of middle age for men, the aftermath of menopause for women or after a fever, the loss of hair can be a trying event. Hair loss can also be attributable to drug use, prescribed or not. Even hereditary hair loss can sometimes be halted with the correct natural care. This is where homeopathy and simple kitchen methods can be employed.
Homeopathy is a medical discipline that has been shown to halt the loss of hair and put the sufferer in order. Because the word homeopathy includes the word home, many assume it means home remedies. Home remedies can indeed be useful in regaining and maintaining our health, but, homeopathy is actually a form of medicine with a record that dates back to the late 1700s and has been accepted throughout the world ever since. Unfortunately, this has not been the case in the United States since modern medicine was so enamored with antibiotics that it no longer considered homeopathy of value. This is changing and rapidly so. The premise of homeopathy is that the body has the ability to bring itself to health when given the correct stimulus. Well chosen homeopathic remedies offer that stimulus.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The reader is encouraged to make independent inquires and to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare provider.
Eat Your Fill Of Broccoli
Broccoli is one you should eat frequently. Research has long suggested;that sulforaphanea compound present in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetablesmay help to prevent cancer or slow its progression, and research out of from Oregon State University suggests that sulforaphane protects against cancer;by reducing the expression of long noncoding RNAs in;prostate cancer;cells, which in turn, disrupted the cells ability to form colonies and spread.
Check out more of the healthiest vegetables you can eat.
You May Like: Does Skin Cancer Make You Tired