Exercise, A Natural Solution for Breast Cancer Prevention and Recovery?

If you are one of those loyal and dedicated Nutricula readers, you know that I have contributed an article to each issue of Nutricula since the journal’s debut issue back in December of 2010. You also know that in every article I provide a certain amount information on exercise and how it applies to the particular theme of that month’s issue. Well, this month’s article is no different. However, I feel somewhat challenged. The theme for the October issue of Nutricula is “Breast Cancer”. First, and most importantly, I am not a health professional. So how could I, in good conscience, write an article on this topic? What could I write that may be useful to you. Just what is the connection between breast cancer and my passion, exercise? Well, when it comes to exercise and my passion for it, even a layman like me can provide some worthwhile tidbits of information. In fact, my research uncovered published studies by recognized health professionals and scientists that revealed a profound connection between breast cancer and exercise. I often reflect on how I persevered during difficult periods in my life.
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 Exercise, along with support from family and friends, always played a key role in getting me through tough times. In fact, there is actually a physiological explanation. Research conducted on exercise and depression has demonstrated that exercise does positively influence mood. This phenomenon can often be attributed to endorphins. What are endorphins? They are natural pain killers in your body. Believe it or not, endorphins work much like man-made stimulants. Once endorphins enter the bloodstream, you get a natural rush often referred to as “the runner’s high”. Endorphins work much like any other drug. However, the differences between endorphins and pharmaceuticals are: Endorphins are safer They are readily available They are MUCH stronger (and healthier) than pharmaceuticals Additionally, exercise improves circulation which also has profound, tangible health benefits. All of a sudden, you’ll notice fatigue, headaches and other ailments associated with poor circulation will disappear when you exercise. When blood pumps faster, circulation increases which promotes feelings of alertness and energy. Furthermore, when your body looks better, you feel better! Through conscientious physical activity, you lose weight, your muscularity increases because you have shed excess weight, and your skin looks healthier. In fact, you just plain carry yourself differently. It doesn’t take long before people start complimenting you. And, when you look in the mirror, you like what you see, so naturally you feel better. With that said, does exercise have any effect on breast cancer prevention, treatment and recovery? We already know that exercise helps reduce the chances of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and countless other conditions. And, as I mentioned earlier, exercise also helps you lose weight, sleep better and feel better. But, how does exercise impact breast cancer? While exercise has not been proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer, studies indicate that exercise can offer some protection. Some studies suggest that exercise can reduce the risk of breast cancer in women because exercise lowers a woman’s ongoing exposure to estrogen, which is believed to contribute to cancer growth. Additionally, the muscular system, which makes up nearly half the weight of the human body, defends the body against deadly disease and illness. http://generalhealthblog.virb.com/

Exercising the muscular system is a great practice for cancer prevention and improving overall circulation. According to Paz Eilat, MD, there are several biological mechanisms to explain the relationship between physical activity and breast cancer development. “Physical activity may prevent tumor development by lowering hormone levels, particularly in premenopausal women,” says Eilat. “Also, exercise lowers levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), improves immune response and significantly contributes to managing weight in an effort to avoid excess body fat.” According to www.cancer.gov, the relationship between physical activity and breast cancer incidence has been extensively studied with more than 60 studies published in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Most studies indicate that physically active women have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than inactive women. Additional compelling information from www.cancer.gov suggests that exercise not only reduces breast cancer risk in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women, but high levels of moderate and vigorous exercise during adolescence may have profound protective benefits as a result of the natural pain killer endorphins and increased circulation. As is always the case, a lifetime of regular exercise is thought to be of greatest benefit for not only preventing breast cancer, but a whole host of other maladies as well. Additionally, women who increase their physical activity after menopause may also experience a reduced risk as opposed to inactive women. Existing evidence also reveals a decreased risk of breast cancer as the frequency and duration of physical activity increase. Health professionals recommend 30 to 60 minutes per day of moderate- to high-intensity physical activity as being optimum for a reduction in breast cancer risk. Always consult your health care professional for the regimen that is best for your particular situation. The interesting thing is that exercise and weight control may work together in preventing breast cancer. Anne McTiernan, MD, Ph.D, an internist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, found that the women in her study who exercised the most had a 22% decreased risk of breast cancer. While some studies have found a positive relationship between exercise and breast cancer, others have found no relationship at all. Either way, exercise is important for staying healthy and, when it comes to recovering from breast cancer, that’s when exercise really becomes important. Can you Exercise while Recovering from Breast Cancer? Women recovering from breast cancer want to do so as quickly as possible. And exercise plays a major role in facilitating a fast and robust recovery . In fact, the recommendations for cancer survivors are no different from the recommendations for anyone who wants to improve his or her health: Exercise, eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol intake and do not smoke. In fact, according to www.mayoclinic.com, the aforementioned has increased benefits for cancer survivors. Cancer survivors who implement an exercise regimen into their daily routine will experience a wide range of benefits as follows: Increased strength and endurance Stronger immune systems Fewer signs and symptoms of depression Less anxiety Reduced fatigue Less difficulty sleeping Improved mood Higher self-esteem. http://www.extrapounds.com/blog/generalhealthblo