Behind Many Cancers Lies the Violation of These Four “Natural Laws”!

The rising rates of cancer in recent years have positioned malignant tumors as the leading threat to human life. While cancer has complex causes, including environmental, dietary, genetic, viral, and lifestyle factors, research suggests that many cancers also arise from ignoring four fundamental “laws” of healthy living. In the ancient Chinese medical text Huangdi Neijing, there’s an insightful phrase: “Eat and drink in moderation, follow a regular routine, avoid overexertion.” This wisdom is increasingly validated by modern science, revealing that a structured lifestyle optimizes body functions, conserves energy, and reduces cancer risks. On the other hand, neglecting these principles—by overeating, smoking, staying up late, or neglecting exercise—creates a “high-risk” environment for cancer.

Which of these four common lifestyle violations apply to you?

1. Irregular Eating Habits

It’s often said, “Food is the essence of life,” but if eating habits are irregular, it can lead to “disease from the mouth.” Studies indicate that 25-35% of cancers are related to dietary habits. In our fast-paced world, many people skip meals, eat at odd times, or overindulge, leading to digestive disorders and even cancer. Unnoticed habits like eating hot food, eating quickly, or preferring hard foods have been linked to esophageal cancer.

Certain food choices also raise cancer risk. Favorites like barbecued, spicy, smoked, or pickled foods, and moldy foods that may go uneaten by older adults, are linked to digestive tract cancers like stomach, esophageal, and liver cancer.

2. Irregular Lifestyle Choices

Alcohol is a well-known carcinogen, damaging liver cells and potentially leading to irreversible genetic mutations that can develop into alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. Chronic drinking also raises the risk for cancers of the mouth, stomach, throat, esophagus, and rectum.

Smoking is equally harmful, with tobacco smoke containing carcinogens like nicotine, tar, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These toxins damage respiratory tissues, increasing the risk of nasopharyngeal, laryngeal, and lung cancers. Research confirms that long-term smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, with higher risks for those who smoke heavily, started young, or have smoked for many years. Smoking also raises the risk of pancreatic, bladder, and other cancers.

3. Irregular Sleep Patterns

Research shows that chronic sleep deprivation increases cancer risk, including breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, pancreatic, liver, leukemia, lymphoma, ovarian, and head and neck cancers. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified sleep disruption as a probable carcinogen. A 2023 study in Cancer involving 15,000 Chinese participants found that those sleeping less than six hours per night had a 41% higher cancer risk.

Sleep disruptions affect the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which is critical for overall health. Breaking this rhythm with irregular sleep schedules or inadequate sleep not only disrupts bodily functions but also increases cancer susceptibility.

4. Irregular Physical Activity

The phrase “Life depends on movement” underscores the importance of regular exercise. Prolonged inactivity can disrupt body functions and increase health risks. Studies indicate that 21-25% of breast and colon cancer cases are linked to a lack of physical activity. Moderate aerobic exercise helps regulate hormones, boost metabolism, and strengthen immunity, all of which can reduce cancer risk.

Embrace These “Laws” to Reduce Cancer Risk

Diet: Avoid overeating, extremely hot foods, moldy items, high-calorie and high-salt foods, and smoked or pickled foods. Limit alcohol, avoid smoking, and aim for a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Sleep: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, ideally sleeping from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. If that’s not feasible, establish a regular routine with quality rest and sufficient sleep hours.

Exercise: Follow the World Health Organization’s recommendation for adults aged 18-64: at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly.

By honoring these “natural laws,” you’re actively protecting your health and reducing your cancer risk.