Experts believe that one-third of all cancers can be prevented
with lifestyle changes, according to WebMD. By eating well, not smoking,
staying active, protecting your skin, being smart about sex, getting
regular checkups, and avoiding toxins at home and at work, you can help
protect yourself.
Be aware of what you put in your body, and your surroundings, and read on for nine common things that cause cancer.
Emily Keck, ChaCha Diet & Nutrition
Bisphenol A (BPA)
What is it? Bisphenol A, commonly
known as BPA, is an organic compound found in plastics. It is considered
a toxic substance in Canada, but in the United States, it can still be
found in water bottles, baby bottles, medical and dental devices, toys
and household electronics.
What will it do? BPA is an endocrine disruptor that can mimic the body's own hormones, leading to negative health effects.
What's the solution? To avoid the
toxic substance, look for plastic products with 'BPA Free' written on
the label, and try to stay away from canned foods, as BPA is found in
them too.
Soy
With the popularity of vegan diets on the rise, dairy products
are frowned upon more often. It's easy to turn to soy milk and other soy
products as an alternative, but it's best to do so in moderation. What is it? Soy contains phytoestrogens, a group of
chemicals that mimic the hormone estrogen. Women need estrogen to
regulate their menstrual cycles and have babies. What will it do? Some experts are concerned that an
excess of soy will stimulate the growth of estrogen-sensitive cancers
since high exposures of estrogen over a woman's lifetime are linked with
an increased risk for breast cancer. What's the solution? Don't give up soy altogether,
but keep some variety in your diet. Coconut, almond, hazelnut and hemp
milk are all great alternatives, and can be found in your local grocery
store.
Artificial Sweeteners
What is it? The harmful effects of artificial
sweeteners, like aspartame, sucralose and saccharin, are a great
controversy in our society. Many argue that they are human carcinogens,
causing bladder, colon, breast and prostate cancer, while others argue
that there is no concrete evidence to prove this. What will they do? While we are still uncertain if
they are a cause of cancer, artificial sweeteners have been proven to
cause headaches, depression and increased hunger. What's the solution? To stay away from these
complications, it's best to stick with natural sweeteners, like sugar,
honey and agave. You're not going to gain weight if you eat sweets in
moderation, and you may even feel better once you make the switch.
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