FazTimes Media: The word "cancer" often brings up strong emotions, like fear, confusion, and sometimes hope. In his book Cancer Wardile Chiri, Malayalam actor Innocent called cancer an "uninvited guest" and talked about how he used humour to deal with his illness. His approach brought some lightness to his tough situation and helped reduce stress, which doctors say is important for getting better.

Dr Thomas N. Seyfried, a well-known scientist and professor at Boston College, has studied cancer for more than 30 years. His work focuses not only on genes but also on how the body utilises energy, specifically examining how our diet and lifestyle choices can influence cancer growth. Recently, Dr Seyfried shared seven lifestyle changes that might help the body control or even get rid of cancer cells.

According to BBC News, changes in lifestyle, especially those that help with metabolism and the immune system, can be really useful in preventing and managing cancer. Here are the seven habits, explained in straightforward language that works for daily life.

Keep your blood sugar levels steady.

Cancer cells use glucose, which is the sugar in your blood, for energy. If your blood sugar spikes quickly—often after eating processed carbs or drinking sugary drinks—cancer cells get a lot of energy right away.

Choose whole grains, fresh vegetables, and legumes instead of white bread, pastries, or soda. For example, swapping a soda for a glass of lemon water can help. Dr Seyfried says, “Cancer cells act like greedy kids—they take the sugar first. If you stop giving them sugar, they become weaker.”

Lower stress and make your mind stronger.

Stress over a long period of time can make the immune system weaker. The immune system is the body's natural way of fighting off diseases, including cancer. When you're stressed, your body makes hormones like cortisol, which may help cancer cells grow faster.

Things like deep breathing, meditation, prayer, or being outside can help you relax. Research from India shows that traditional activities like yoga and mindful chanting can help people deal with stress. According to Al Jazeera, people who stay emotionally stable often respond better to treatments.

Follow a diet that is balanced and anti-inflammatory.

Dr Seyfried's research shows that inflammation in the body can help cancer spread. The food we eat can either increase or decrease this inflammation. Foods like fatty meats, fried items, and processed snacks can cause more inflammation, while fresh veggies, fruits, nuts, and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce it.

A regular home-cooked Indian meal, like dal, seasonal vegetables, whole grains, and yoghurt, naturally helps lower inflammation. Even spices such as turmeric and ginger have healing properties that may help fight cancer.

Be Active Every Day.

Exercise does more than just strengthen muscles; it also helps the immune system, improves blood flow, and keeps hormones in check. Cancer cells have a harder time spreading when you move around a lot.

You don't have to go to the gym to stay active. You can walk quickly, ride a bike, or dance around the house. Most days, experts say you should do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise. As BBC News says, “A moving body is a healthier body, and every step matters.”

Focus on Good Sleep

When we sleep deeply, our bodies fix and renew cells. Breaking up or not getting enough sleep can disrupt our hormones and weaken our immune system. For people with cancer, inadequate sleep can slow down recovery. For others, it can raise the chances of getting sick.

Try to get 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Keeping a regular bedtime and avoiding screens an hour before sleep can help you sleep better. A simple routine at night, like drinking warm herbal tea, can tell your body it’s time to wind down and rest.

Stay hydrated and help your body cleanse.

Water helps remove harmful substances from the body. If these toxins stay too long, they can hurt cells and tissues. Not drinking enough water also stops nutrients from moving properly, which affects your health.

Drinking enough clean water every day—about 2–3 litres for most adults—helps the liver and kidneys work well. Drinks like tulsi or green tea can also help your body clean itself. People in some parts of India still boil water in copper pots. Scientists are starting to pay attention to this practice because the water has small amounts of minerals that are thought to boost the immune system.

Cut down on exposure to bad things in the environment

Some household chemicals, pesticides, and pollution can get into your body and cause cancer. A key way to avoid cancer is to limit exposure to these, but many people don't think about it.

When you can, choose fresh and organic fruits and vegetables. Avoid smoking, including being around secondhand smoke. Use natural cleaning items like vinegar and baking soda instead of strong chemical cleaners. You can lower your exposure to harmful chemicals by taking simple steps, like not using plastic containers for hot food.

A Complete Way to Improve Your Health

Dr Seyfried's advice is different because it mixes scientific research with things you can do every day. It's not about quick fixes or costly treatments; it's about helping people make small, steady changes to their bodies that make it harder for cancer cells to grow.

These tips are especially important in India, where the number of cancer cases is rising. People in that area often believe in home remedies, eating well, and having strong emotional support, which are all ideas that go along with these seven healthy habits.

The Importance of Attitude and Community

Emotional support is just as important as physical support. Actor Innocent's story shows us that having a favourable attitude, making jokes, and asking for help can be just as beneficial as taking medicine. Laughing can help you breathe better, lower your stress levels, and even make your body stronger.

In India, there are more and more cancer support groups, both in person and online. These groups let patients and their families talk about what they've been through, feel better, and get help that works. It indicates that you don't have to beat cancer on your own.

Final Thoughts

Even though treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are still crucial in fighting cancer, these seven daily habits can help the body fight back better. These habits are easy to add to your daily life, don’t cost much, and improve overall health, even for people who have never had cancer.

Experts like Dr Seyfried say that preventing illness is more effective than treating it after it occurs. By controlling how much sugar we eat, managing stress, eating foods that reduce inflammation, staying active, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and reducing exposure to harmful things, we can all take big steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

And maybe, like Innocent showed us, we can also face life’s biggest challenges with a smile.

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