(NaturalHealth365) New studies are confirming the value of maintaining a healthy body weight for optimal health – especially for those concerned about avoiding cancer.  Research from York University Professor Michael Connor and his team noticed a disturbing connection between the presence of fat cells and the risk of breast cancer.

For the last 50 years, research has shown links between being overweight and having a higher risk of breast cancer.  Leptin and adiponectin (substances produced by fat cells) in particular seem to increase risk, decrease the effectiveness of cancer treatment, and lead to higher death rates!

Reducing excess fat through exercise stops cancer growth with no negative side effects

Conversely, those who work toward a healthy weight through good nutritional habits and exercising regularly are able to beat cancer more effectively.  The value of regular exercise to overcome cancer has been substantiated by many scientific studies.

Body fat, also known as adipose tissue, was previously believed to be a way the body stored excess food as energy. Researchers have now discovered that fat cells are active cells that create over 400 types of hormones (adipokines) – which can easily enter the bloodstream.  These fat cell hormones have been linked with breast cancer growth in obese persons; however, in lean people, a smaller amount of stored fat gives off hormones that inhibit cancer cell growth.

Fat cells of obese people behave differently than inside lean people

The characteristics of fat cell hormones seem to change depending upon if there is an excess of fat or not. The study used obese rodents with cancer that were given interventions to help them lose fat; it was found that their cancer receded along with the weight. This study was published in the Journal of Applied Physiology.

Exercise, in particular, seemed to bring about lots of health benefits compared to most conventional (drug-based) cancer treatments.  Physical activity is found to counteract and, in many cases, prevent the cancer growth that is triggered by fat cells in obese subjects.

Regular exercise offers many anticancer benefits

We know that regular bouts of exercise can boost the immune system, improve our mood and help us to avoid depression – a major risk factor for disease.  A number of studies have also confirmed that regular exercise helps to reduce cancer tumor size and growth rates.  For example, a Danish study of mice published in the journal Cell Metabolism found that when subjects exercised vigorously, they reduced their tumor size and cancer incidence by 50 percent.

Obviously, we could go on and on.  But, the main point is that regular exercise habits work for all of us – especially cancer patients.  Basically, when we exercise, we see a rise in adrenaline as well as serotonin and dopamine – which boosts mood and improve blood flow throughout the body.  This internal movement naturally moves cancer-killing immune cells throughout the body so that they can target cancer cells more effectively.

Remember, regular exercise has no downside for anyone.  But, keep in mind, the type of exercise (and intensity) should be appropriate to the person’s current health condition.  Work out a plan and get started today!

References:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160713105732.htm

Exercise shown to shrink tumors and reduce cancer spread

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-02/cp-rhm021016.php

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25899043