Of course, as a nutritionist, my thoughts turn to what could have been done to prevent this awful day from happening. As you look through the scientific literature, of course, you end up figuring that quitting smoking is key to guarding against risk. I know my cousin had quit, but perhaps it was too late.
The only other way to help prevent this disease is simply to be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables daily. The high amounts of phytonutrients probably either help to upregulate antioxidant enzymes protecting cells or act simply act as antioxidants to cells. The result is less potential damage to cell DNA.
Maybe, however, skip out on the veggies high in beta-carotene because of association with higher risk of lung cancer (the beta-carotene apparently can bind to carcinogens in smoke and potentially increase damage to DNA). That's according to the famous CARET study from Finland where beta-carotene supplements appeared to increase risk of lung cancer in smokers and those with exposure to asbestos.
I'm going to add at my cousin might have been a lot better off without all the stress. He had a high amount of stress in his lifestyle. The stress itself, science is beginning to show, leads to more oxidative stress on cells. Perhaps the constant fight-or-flight response does add stress biochemically, but it should be immediately obvious that stress in our lives leads us to eat poorly, eat less fruits and vegetables, and have have poor habits like smoking.
We all could benefit from less stress in our lives. And it leads me to pause and think, I need some good stress-management techniques. Ones that I choose such as nature walking weekly may not be enough. Sooner rather than later I need to begin a steady exercise program, eating regularly, maybe delegating some projects.
Just some thoughts.
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