(NaturalHealth365)  In the hustle of daily life, the typical American invests a staggering 7 hours and 4 minutes in front of screens.  This screen time surges, particularly on workdays, as individuals seamlessly transition from work screens to home screens.  Simply put, the result of all this sitting around is surprisingly dangerous to your health.

For example, recent research has uncovered a concerning correlation: sitting for more than 6 hours daily doubles the likelihood of fibroid development.  This risk isn’t exclusive to office chairs; even prolonged sitting during leisure activities like gaming or reading increases the chances of encountering fibroids.

The more scientists learn about sedentary behavior, the worse the picture looks

Thanks to technological advances, our screen-centric lifestyle has led to a common norm of prolonged sitting.  The research above highlights a concerning trend: the more time spent sitting or lying down, the higher the chances of developing fibroids.  Additionally, scientists found a link between extended sitting and the growth of estrogen-dependent tumors in areas like the breast and ovaries.

The wealth of data collected included details on:

• Time spent sitting
• Exercise habits
• Reproductive history
• Menstrual patterns
• Number of offspring

Study reveals risks in age, leisure, and prolonged stillness

Among the study participants, 8.5% had uterine fibroids, and the likelihood of fibroids increased with age.  The risk also escalated with prolonged sedentary leisure time, particularly for women engaged in activities for 6 or more hours daily.  Strikingly, these women faced twice the risk compared to those spending less than two hours per day in leisure sitting.

Notably, the study revealed a fivefold increase in the risk of fibroids for perimenopausal women.  Researchers attribute this association to an elevated obesity rate among those with a more sedentary lifestyle.

Both obesity and excessive sitting increase estrogen within the body.  Moreover, there are associations between excessive sitting and vitamin D deficiency, chronic inflammation, and metabolic disorders.

Here is how to break the sedentary spell

Move regularly:  Acknowledge extended sitting spells and proactively counteract them.  Incorporate short breaks into your routine – stand up, stretch, perform squats, or take a brisk walk around your surroundings between screen sessions.  Consider setting alarms every couple of hours to remind you to stand up and move.

Introduce standing desks:  Recognize the sedentary trap inherent in prolonged sitting at work and home.  Integrate standing desks into both your workplace and home office setups.  Alternating between sitting and standing significantly reduces the risk of developing fibroids.

Mind your diet:  Evaluate your diet as it may influence fibroid development.  Opt for fibroid-friendly, organic foods, including:

• Fruits
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Kale
• Wild caught fish

Eliminate harmful foods:  Cut back on foods known to contribute to fibroid formation, such as:

• High-fat (non-organic) dairy products
• Foods with refined sugar
• High-fat processed meat products

By incorporating these lifestyle changes and embracing fibroid-friendly dietary choices, you can actively combat the sedentary lifestyle’s adverse effects and promote overall well-being.

Sources for this article include:

BMJopen.com
Eurekalert.org
Studyfinds.org
Zippia.com