Changing lifestyle can help immune system for self destruction of cancer cells
Prevention of Cancer is possible by modifying diet and lifestyle practices. This has regained its popularity and importance in today’s world. The need for cancer prevention has also been highlighted in the recent discovery of a Japanese scientist, Professor Yoshinori Ohsumi, on the way cells consume themselves, a process that plays a key role in cancer and other diseases. With respect to medical terminology, it is related to the concept of ‘Public Health’, aiming to avoid a problem before it can manifest in the population, thereby reiterating the famous quote- “Prevention is better than cure.
The Society for Prevention of Cancer (SPOC) is a foundation which was primarily established with the objective of bringing awareness regarding the risk factors responsible for cancers and strategies to prevent them. This prevention is not just applicable to the primary disease in the general population, but also includes the prevention of recurrence among existing cancer patients.
During the scientific conference which began on Saturday, numerous highly experienced and eminent doctors and scientists from all around said that the primary aim was to spread awareness in the scientific community regarding the various risk factors contributing towards the multitude of cancers and ways to prevent them by modifying diet and nutrition, altering lifestyle practices, boosting immunity and maintaining a positive attitude.
Until now, a lot of scientific research and learning has always focused on different diseases and their treatment. Recently, after the dreadful and widespread Covid pandemic, we are finally learning to focus on prevention of diseases and on boosting our immunity. Our ancient Vedas and Ayurvedic science have always emphasised heavily on prevention, “swasthasya swasthya rakshanam aturasya vikara prashamanam dha” – protect the health of the healthy and relieve the ‘disease’ of the ailing".
GI & Breast Oncosurgeon, Apollo Spectra & Director of the foundation, Society for Prevention of Cancer (SPoC) Dr Nanda Rajaneesh who released her book on various aspects of cancer said, "Health is not just the absence of disease but presence of good defense systems. The good health system is dependent on how we optimize our defense system and balance the immune system. Hence, it is necessary to maintain a good symbiotic relationship with various viruses, bacteria, fungi and environment. It is time for the doctors and scientists to start thinking about disease versus good health. All the time, many mutations happen in the body. We kill them through our immune system. During the conference, experts discussed why cancer cells skipped our immune system and how one can develop our immune system to improve self destruction of cancer cells by changing lifestyle."
Boosting Immune system
Immunity can be defined as all of the physiological mechanisms that enable an individual's body to recognize materials as foreign and to neutralize, eliminate, or metabolize them without injury to its own tissue. The immune system recognizes tumours and uses effector mechanisms against them Thus, boosting the immune system is important in preventing the formation and spread of cancer. This can be done by physical activity, nutritious diet, good sleep and positive attitude.
Yoga and meditation helpful
Yoga helps in improving immunity in preventing cancers. Yoga and meditation can relieve stress and boost immunity by reducing cortisol. Maintaining balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems normalises hormone levels. It improves circulation and immune cell distribution and recruitment and also improves apoptotic mechanisms
Nutritional Value
Nutritional status is an important factor contributing to immunocompetence. Nutritional deficiency is related to an inadequate function of immune response, especially cell-mediated immunity, phagocyte activity, cytokine production, or antibody synthesis. In addition to protein-energy malnutrition, deficiencies of trace elements, vitamins and essential fatty acids are responsible for an impairment of immunity.
Antioxidant Diet
Immune cells are extremely sensitive to oxidative stress. They depend on cell-cell communication, via membrane-bound receptors, to carry out an adequate transmission of signals. Cell membranes are rich in phospholipids which, if peroxidized by free radicals, can lead to a loss of membrane integrity, to an alteration of membrane fluidity , and as a result both cell functions and intracellular signalling are intensely impaired. Antioxidant diets rich in vitamin E and C, β-carotene, zinc, iron, copper, selenium can neutralize free radicals that cause oxidative damage and hence also protect the immune system.
Intermittent Fasting
The intermittent fasting is extremely beneficial in boosting immunity besides ameliorating obesity and insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, HTN. It reduces chronic inflammation and cancer. It increases stress resistance- antioxidant defences, DNA repair and stimulates autophagy to remove mutated and damaged cells.
Sleep and Circadian Rhythm
Sleep and circadian rhythm are strong regulators of immunological processes. Neuro-immunology is the main basis– cytokines, neurotransmitters, hormones Differentiated immune cells with effector functions such as NK cells, CTL peak during the wake period
Positive Attitude and Happiness
Optimism is associated with higher numbers of CD4+ cells, better mood, higher numbers of helper T cells, and higher natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Salivary IgA levels were high among people who indulged in humour. Anxiety causes suppression of immune response and stress hormone releases. Happiness can release neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, and beta endorphins which improve cellular immunity.
Dr KM Ramesh (President, Post-Graduate Medical Education Board, National Medical Commission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) was the chief guest. Mr Gopalakrishna, Dr Sunil Sethi, Dr Ramachandra, Mr Kodandaram Ramaiah, Mr Rakesh Bumzai, Mr Sanjeev Reniwal, Mrs Bala Deshpande, Mr Dinesh Madhavan and Dr Somashekar were present as special guests.
About the Organisers
Until now, extensive scientific research has been done on various diseases and ways to treat them. Due to the current Covid outbreak, focus is shifting towards immunity building and disease prevention. The Society for Prevention of Cancer (SPOC) is focussing on our ancient Vedas and the traditional Ayurvedic teachings have always emphasized heavily on prevention. The motto “Let the well be well and help the sick” is a key concept highlighting the same.
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