Exercise is important for so many reasons, from boosting our mood to helping us maintain a healthy weight. But did you know that exercise could also be a powerful tool in the fight against cancer?
Recent research has shown that exercise can actually kill cancer cells. This might sound too good to be true, but scientists have discovered that when we exercise, our bodies produce certain hormones that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
One study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that breast cancer patients who exercised regularly had a lower risk of their cancer returning than those who didn’t exercise. The study also found that regular exercise could decrease the risk of dying from breast cancer by up to 40%.
Another study out of Denmark found that men who exercised regularly had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. The researchers concluded that the benefits of exercise were so significant that they recommended it as a preventative measure for men at risk of prostate cancer.
So how exactly does exercise kill cancer cells? One theory is that exercise boosts our body’s natural immune system, which helps to identify and destroy cancer cells. Exercise also increases blood flow and oxygen to our cells, which can help to flush out toxins and other harmful substances that contribute to cancer growth.
Of course, exercise alone is not a cure for cancer. But it can be an incredibly powerful tool in the fight against the disease, both for preventing it and for reducing the risk of recurrence. And the best part? Exercise is free, easy to do, and has countless other health benefits besides.
So if you’re looking for a reason to lace up your sneakers and hit the gym, remember that you’re not just doing it for your physical health. You’re also helping to fight cancer, one workout at a time.
