Ways to Boost Your Natural Immune Response
Did you know that your body is fighting off cancer all the time? Your body contains roughly 30 trillion cells, many of which are constantly dividing to create new, fresh cells. Somewhere within that 30 trillion, there will be a mistake, or a mutation. If left unchecked, a mutation can grow into a tumor. But that’s only if they get through a few lines of natural defense, such as the T-cells. T-cells patrol the body like bloodhounds, seeking out bacteria, viruses, and mutated cells that need to be killed and removed. If all goes as planned, they keep you in good health.
It can be motivating to think of these practices as things that will help your body do what it’s already doing, which is killing mutated cells before they can become a malignancy. Here are some tips to help you be the best ally to your T-cells so they can protect you for years to come.
- AVOID TOBACCO. Seriously. It tops almost every list! Inducing the 10 Commandments of Cancer Prevention. Tobacco use has had a catastrophic effect on lung health.
- EAT LESS MEAT. Red meat consumption is linked to colon cancer. Swapping out meat for beans is a lot less expensive, too! Don’t worry, you don’t have to go vegan to minimize your chances of colon cancer. You can opt for a “flexitarian” diet, which allows you to have a burger when you really want one while still reaping the health benefits of a vegetarian diet.
- WEAR SUNSCREEN, as Mary Schmich and Baz Luhrmann said. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.
- LIMIT YOUR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION. Alcohol increases the risk of colon, breast, mouth, liver, and esophageal cancers, to name a few. Experts advise keeping your average to one drink per day.
- EXERCISE. There are many reasons why exercise helps your body fight off mutated cells, including balancing hormones, strengthening the immune system, and maintaining a healthy weight.
- GO TO THE DOCTOR if you notice any changes in your bowels, frequent headaches, lingering coughs, lumps, suspicious moles, or scabs that won’t heal. Make home breast exams a habit and schedule regular Pap tests. Schedule regular colonoscopies after the age of 45.
How to Support Cancer Research
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Statistically, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer affects men as well. Each year, approximately 2,700 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.
One of the best ways to support breast cancer research is to get involved with Team Avon to make strides against breast cancer. Making Strides is an initiative through the American Cancer Society “to unite communities, companies, and individuals with a collective goal to end breast cancer as we know it.” You can join as an individual or recruit your friends and family to join you.
The American Cancer Society has many other opportunities to volunteer as a fundraiser or at events such as the Relay For Life. Of course, if you’re more of “send money” person than a recruit-others-and-run-a-relay person, you can always donate.
There are hundreds of cancer-related charities, some of which are big, recognizable names like Susan G. Komen for the cure and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. There are many less famous charities that are doing important work as well. For instance, CancerCare received an A+ rating from charitywatch.com.
Whether you’re donating money, time, or emotional support to your community, every little bit helps.