Mayu Hanaue writes:
Recently, some scientists estimated
that between 20% and 60% of cancer deaths were related to dietary factors.
This means that much of cancer may be preventable if we take more care
of what we eat in our daily lives. So, in order to prevent cancer, I think
it may be better for you to change your life style. Life style includes
how you spend your time and what you eat in your everyday life.
Before than anything, you should start reducing weight, because being overweight
is a common cause of what is called geriatric diseases such as cancer,
heart disease and diabetes. But you should reduce your weight by other
means than the way you tried before. From now on, you should reduce the
amount of food you eat in one day, and don't eat too much food at one time,
divide your meals into three times each day. Eating three times a day is
really important, especially breakfast, since this helps to start a new
day.
Eat more vegetables even if you dislike them. Try to quit eating desserts,
and how about eating fruits instead of rich, fatty desserts? Vegetables
and fruits are plentiful sources of vitamins, minerals, biochemical compounds,
and fiber-ingredients that may help to reduce cancer risk. Moreover, since
they contain much fiber but less fat, they are good for people like you
who want to reduce weight. Vegetables are chemically very complex, and
it is said that various biochemicals they contain may contribute to reducing
cancer risk, but we are not yet sure of this point.
You said that you like to stay at home and you don't usually exercise much,
but to lower LDL-levels and raise HDL-levels, exercises is important. Also,
it may help to reduce weight. You don't need to do something special. Try
to use a stairway instead of an elevator, or if you are going some place
that is not so far away, walk or use a bicycle instead of a car. Even if
you are at home, don't sit in front of TV and eat potato chips all day.
You may think that these are only small changes and don't do so much to
help you. But the important point is that you should continue small efforts
like these. One more thing you should do to lower LDL-levels is limit your
intake of food which is high in saturated fats such as coconut oil. For
example, you might try olive oil, because this kind of fat is much better
for you.
Finally, my most important piece of advice to you is to take a longer time
when you start reducing weight. It may take a year or more to change your
life style. Don't be discouraged and don't give up even if your weight
doesn't reduce smoothly. Good luck!
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