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Our bodies function at an optimal rate when managed in accordance with their unique requirements. For this harmony to be achieved correctly, you will need to have your bloodwork down—as this allows a medical practitioner the opportunity to see precisely what is happening internally
However, your lifestyle and nutrition should be reviewed and adjusted to ensure you are not consuming too many easy meals (casein protein shakes) or exposing yourself to hours of sunlight. Many who live an active lifestyle do not realise that even though you intend to be faster, stronger or bigger, does not necessarily mean you are preventing cancer, but sadly could be motivating its growth and development through your choices.
Here are the top 3 food’s for thought for cancer prevention—for sportspeople.
Be cautious of protein.
Many supplements offer an array of benefits for muscle development and post-training recovery. However, this does not necessarily mean they are suitable for cancer prevention. In a case study published on NCIB, Casein protein was found to notably increase the growth of a specific type of cancer cell, “α-casein and casein showed increased proliferation (228% and 166%, respectively).” This was noted after prostate cancer cells were treated with casein protein.
Apart from the above, many protein powders contain harsh cancer-causing chemicals. According to an article on Harvard Health, “A nonprofit group called the Clean Label Project released a report about toxins in protein powders. Researchers screened 134 products for 130 types of toxins and found that many protein powders contained heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury), bisphenol-A (BPA, which is used to make plastic), pesticides, or other contaminants with links to cancer and other health conditions. Some toxins were present in significant quantities. For example, one protein powder contained 25 times the allowed limit of BPA.
Too much time in the sun.
No one can argue, sunlight is exceptionally beneficial in supplying human beings with our much-needed Vitamin D requirements. But there is also a limit to how much exposure to sunlight you can soak up.
According to an article on NCIB, light-skinned people should not be exposed to more than 15min of sunlight at a time, with certain darker-skinned people being limited to 50min of sunlight. Using sunscreen should not be a negotiation for athletes training outdoors.
Overtraining is more damaging than you think.
The reams of literature on overtraining damaging the body are in abundance, and you should be familiar with the topic. Still, many do not know that “During intense exercise, free radical production is greatly increased, which is associated with oxidative damage to the muscles, liver, blood, and other tissues,” According to Rob Wilkins on Bodybuilding.com. Who further goes on to say, “Some exercise physiologists have postulated a J-shaped relationship between physical activity and susceptibility to viral infection.
According to this hypothesis, regular moderate physical activity enhances immune responses, reducing susceptibility to the common cold and certain cancers. In contrast, excessive exercise, such as an ultramarathon or a period of very heavy conditioning, suppresses immunity for several hours to a week or longer, creating a brief period of vulnerability when the risk of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) – and the possibility of cancer – is increased. (The Physician and Sportsmedicine – Vol 27 – NO. 6 – Jun 99)”
Conclusion:
Growth and development are a process, but continually stepping outside of your comfort zone to learn about cancer research, when pushing your body, is a responsibility you carry.
Share your thoughts in the comment section below
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4166373/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-hidden-dangers-of-protein-powders
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK321117/
https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/rob9.htm
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