How Diet and Lifestyle Affect Bladder Cancer Risk

Overview of Bladder Cancer

Let’s first throw some light on this medical condition before getting into how our daily habits are leading to a rise in the danger of bladder cancer. Imaginably the bladder is a balloon that holds pee. When the cells in the bladder start growing without control, forming a tumor is bladder cancer. Today, it is an important health concern for thousands of individuals annually.

You might be wondering now, “So what is the problem?” Some lifestyle changes can be made in our lives to lower the risks of developing bladder cancer. A few dietary changes and lifestyle changes can help out our bodies in remaining healthy.

How What We Eat Matters?

You must have heard already that your body is what you eat. While an old saying, it is indeed somewhat true when discussing bladder cancer. What goes on your plate may be a good thing or a bad thing-it could either protect your bladder or promote cancer.

Fruits and Vegetables: Nature’s Cancer Fighters

The body is a fortress. Fruits and vegetables defend the fortress. Colourful foods are packed with many antioxidants. Imagine them as tiny little shields whose intent is to protect your body cells from harm.

Other studies have reported that diets characterized by high intakes of fruits and vegetables had lower the incidence of bladder cancer. In a meta-analysis, researchers monitored the diet of more than 450,000 people found that patients with higher consumption of fruits and vegetables had around 30 percent lower chance of suffering from bladder cancer compared to others.

The Dark Side of Processed Meats

Let’s mention some of these bad foods that should not be in our bladder health. For example, a great number of hot dogs, bacon, deli meats are all processed meats. These are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Because, these foods generally contain nitrates and nitrites, which we can transform in our body into worse compounds.

According to the cancer journals, “Consumers of the highest amounts of processed meat had approximately a 30 percent increased risk of bladder cancer compared with consumers of the lowest amounts.”

Hydration: Keeping Your Bladder Happy

You would not think about it, but enough water intake for the body maintains good bladder health. When you take ample amounts of water, you allow your bladder to flush itself repeatedly wash harmful substances that may cause it harm.

On the other hand, however, some studies indicate possible evidence that higher fluid intake is in itself able to lower the risk of bladder cancer. As indicated by one study, while men who have high daily fluid intakes above 2.5 liters will have a lesser risk of bladder cancer by 24 percent compared to those whose normal daily fluid intakes fall below 1.3 liters.

Things to Know: drinks are not all equal when it comes to your bladder, and while water is perfectly okay, some drinks may definitely worsen your risk.

The Hype About Coffee

Coffee lovers, don’t fret too much. Although some of the earlier studies did suggest that drinking coffee was somehow linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer, the later research usually finds that the drinking of coffee does not raise risk and may even confer some protection. In fact, a huge study involving more than 500,000 people found no association between coffee consumption and bladder cancer.

The Lowdown on Tea

The healthy facts about green tea are just too many, and when it comes to bladder cancer disease, it surely is a great substitute. Some researches even show that daily consumption of green tea lowers the chances of getting bladder cancer. Again, here are the saviors, catechins.

Alcohol: A Complicated Relationship

The picture of alcohol and bladder cancer is not definitive. Some studies have established that heavy drinkers do indeed face an increased risk of bladder cancer. Others found no association at all. What does seem to be known is that overconsumption of alcohol isn’t just not healthy for the body at large so one should only drink in moderation if at all.

Lifestyle Factors: It’s Not Just About Your Food

Bladder cancer is particularly associated with diet and beverage intake; however, there’s much more to the story in terms of lifestyle-type risk factors that are equally as important – possibly even more so. Let’s break down some of those.

The Smoking Gun

The single most highlighted risk factor for bladder cancer is smoking. Tobacco smoke contains hundreds of harmful chemicals which can potentially damage the lining of your bladder. Over time, such damaged cells might turn into cancers.

Studies have revealed bladder cancer risk to be about threefold higher for smokers compared with nonsmokers. Some good news is that quitting smoking decreases this risk. Your risk for bladder cancer will be about as small as it is for a never smoker almost a decade following quitting.

The Weight Matters

Excess body weight, particularly in your middle age, may increase your risk for many cancers-even bladder cancer. Fat cells are known to produce hormones and fuel inflammation throughout your body.

For instance, a big study of more than 5 million people found that each 5-point rise in BMI corresponded to a 3% increase in the risk of bladder cancer. That may not sound like much, but it adds up quickly and compounds other risk factors.

Get Active: The Exercise Factor

Physical activity can help in controlling inflammation, and enhancing the immunity. According to recent studies, active people had 15% fewer chances bladder cancer compared to the least active.

Environmental Factors: Hidden Risks in Our Surroundings

We do know many things about the diet and lifestyle through which we are gaining access to this disease. On the other hand, unsuspected risk factors lie hidden in our environment.

Water Worries: The Chlorine Connection

The water we drink is treated to make safe for us, mostly through chlorine. This kills the bad bacteria but, at the same time creates byproducts that could increase the risk of cancer. The latest studies have shown a long-term exposure to chlorinated water increases the bladder cancer risk.

No need to give up drinking tap water. Using a water filter can help reduce your contact with these byproducts.

Occupational Hazards: Jobs That Might Expose You More

Certain work-place exposure to chemicals increases the risk of bladder cancer. Dye production, rubber, leather, textiles, and paint manufacturing workers are more likely to be exposed than others; however, if you are working in one of these areas, make sure you use all appropriate personal protective equipment and all guidelines to that equipment.

Mixing All The Above: A Recipe for Low Cancer Risk

So, how does all this translate to you?

In the best of worlds, many of the things that can reduce your chances of bladder cancer are good for you anyway. A simple recipe for a healthy lifestyle that gives a healthy bladder:

Have a rainbow-coloured mix of fruits and vegetables on your plate. The greater the diversity, the greater the chance to include numerous anticancer compounds.

Drink lots of water: Other liquids are fine also, and can be chosen based on taste if you prefer; just drink them in moderation.

Don’t smoke: Smoking is one of the threats for the bladder. So, quitting is perhaps the best things you can do for the bladder health.

Be active: Find activities that you like so that you can include and implement them into your daily routine.

Healthy weight: It can aid in reduced inflammation and may reduce your chances for cancer.

Work Environment: If you work with chemicals, they you must follow safety precautions carefully.

Remember, there’s no food or lifestyle choice that guarantees the exclusion of bladder cancer, but making healthy choices every day gives your body the best it may have to remain healthy. It’s never too late to do some changes and you’ll be glad letting both your bladder, as well as your entire body, thank you.

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