Two new studies have recently emerged highlighting the importance of good nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight.
STUDY #1: Poor Diet During Teens & Early Adulthood Increases Risk for Premenopausal Breast Cancer
This study, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, compiled data from 45,204 women, and found that women with the highest inflammatory diet during adolescence and early adulthood had a 41% increased risk of developing pre-menopausal breast cancer. A pro-inflammatory diet was considered to be low in vegetables and high in sugar-sweetened and diet soft drinks, refined sugars and carbohydrates, red and processed meats, and margarine.
STUDY #2: Obesity linked to 11 types of cancers
This meta-analysis, published in the BMJ in February 2017, found “strong evidence” to support the association between obesity and 11 types of cancers, which are:
• Oesophageal adenocarcinoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Cancer of the gastric cardia
• Colon cancer (in men)
• Rectal cancer (in men)
• Cancer of the biliary tract system
• Pancreatic cancer
• Postmenopausal breast cancer (where no hormone replacement therapy was used)
• Endometrial cancer (in premenopausal women)
• Ovary cancer
• Kidney cancer
The authors of this study point to primary care providers, like Naturopathic Doctors, to “be a powerful force to lower the burden of obesity related cancers”
“Preventing excess adult weight gain can reduce the risk of cancer” – Dr Yikyung Park and Dr Graham Colditz
According to the WHO, obesity worldwide has doubled since 1980. And in Canada, 20% of adults are now in the obese weight category.
TODAY IS THE DAY TO START MAKING CHANGE
Spring is the perfect time to change your eating and lifestyle habits, as we come out of “hibernation” and feel that burst of motivation to get moving.
Start with what you eat. An important step if you want to lose weight, or just feel good and prevent diseases (like cancer). Starvation diets, fad diets, are not the way to go. Instead, talk to your ND about a balanced nutrition plan that is right for you, and takes into consideration your food preferences (yes, this is important!), your specific nutritional needs, your food sensitivities/allergies, as well as your social and cultural food influences.
Next, get outside and enjoy the warmer weather. Just getting outside after a long winter spent indoors and walking in the fresh air can be a benefit for your stiff muscles, sluggish circulation, immune system, lungs, and metabolism. Talk to your ND about how to integrate a fitness plan that works for you, which may include an exercise regime as well as ways to reduce sedentary behaviours at home and at work.
Need more? Although diet and exercise are vital components to a weight management strategy, a holistic, Naturopathic approach goes further to explore the following:
- Underlying physiological conditions/imbalances that may contribute to difficulty losing weight. This may include hormonal imbalances (thyroid, menopause, etc); and low energy states (anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency) or pain states (arthritis, back pain, muscle stiffness) that can interfere with the ability to exercise.
- Stress, which is an often overlooked aspect to weight management, that should be addressed to manage issues such as cravings, emotional eating, time management, body image issues, and increased cortisol levels.
It’s never too late to take care of your health. Talk to your ND today about how to kick start your spring with good food, a good mood, and good health.
