How Exercise Reduces the Risk of Cancer & Benefits Cancer Patients

Mitochondria are often referred to as the "powerhouse" of the cell.

How important are mitochondria?

Every cell of every organism on our planet depend on mitochondria for survival. That is about as important as it gets, since without mitochondria, there would be no cellular life.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is related to not only cancer, but to many other diseases as well, including four other so called "modern diseases", which were rare in ancient times. Those other diseases are; dementia, auto immune diseases, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

One key to having healthy mitochondria is to keep your sugar consumption to a minimum. Another key is to go on a low carb and high healthy fat diet, with moderate protein intake. That diet should be also rich in fresh vegetables and greens.

Mitochondria also do well with an intermittent fasting schedule of eating. The one that I like is to eat only during an 8 hour window every day. High intensity interval training is also a key to optimal mitochondrial function. You should however consult a physician prior to beginning any of these. If your health is subpar, it is wise to approach these with professional guidance, since being overly "enthusiastic" may not be the best approach. Easing into certain programs is better in many situations, with a gradual gradient.

A low carb and high healthy fat diet, with moderate protein intake, can turn you from a carb burner into a fat burner. Ancient humans were fat burners. When you burn fat for fuel, you reduce free radicals, oxidative stress and might even slow down your aging process.

The documentary "Exercise and Cancer," produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Catalyst television program, highlights the use of specific, targeted exercises for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

The 38 patients who exercised regularly seemed to be experiencing less of the usual side effects of chemotherapy, particularly less nausea and fatigue.

From the study:

"We now have a growing number of research studies showing that if people hit a certain level of physical activity, which is relatively modest … they'll more than double their chances of surviving cancer."

Evidence supporting exercise as a means to reduce your risk of cancer recurrence is compelling. Research has indicated that breast- and colon-cancer patients who exercise regularly have half the recurrence rate of those patients who do not exercise.

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