Exercise Literally Kills Cancer
Here's How Your Workouts Fight Tumor Cells
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Today at a Glance:
Exercise releases cancer-fighting molecules called myokines, which help destroy cancer cells and reduce inflammation.
Increased blood flow during exercise can kill circulating tumor cells, preventing cancer metastasis and improving survival rates.
Consistent physical activity regulates metabolism, starving cancer cells of the glucose and fuel they need to grow.
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Neuro Athletes,
As someone passionate about health and high performance, I’ve always been curious about how exercise can impact more than just our physical fitness. One of the most incredible discoveries in recent years is the connection between exercise and cancer prevention.
Not only does exercise help you stay strong, but it also has the potential to kill cancer cells.
Let’s dive into the science of how physical activity can be one of your best defenses against cancer.
The Science Behind Exercise and Cancer
Exercise does more than just tone muscles and boost your heart rate—it’s also a powerful tool in the fight against cancer. When we engage in physical activity, our muscles release molecules called myokines, which signal to other parts of the body, including cancer cells.
These myokines have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The higher the intensity of your workout, the more myokines are released, giving your body a stronger defense against cancer.
1. Myokine Production: The Cancer Fighter
When you exercise, especially at higher intensities, your muscles release myokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and oncostatin M. These molecules have been shown to fight inflammation and directly target cancer cells. Myokines like irisin, which is produced during exercise, are involved in cancer protection by signaling to other tissues in your body to fight off harmful cells. The harder you work out, the more myokines are released, increasing your body’s ability to fight cancer .
2. Killing Circulating Tumor Cells
One of the most dangerous aspects of cancer is metastasis, where cancer cells break away from the original tumor and spread to other parts of the body. These circulating tumor cells (CTCs) travel through your bloodstream. Exercise increases blood flow, and this shear force can kill these CTCs. The more intense your exercise, the greater the shear forces, effectively reducing the chance for these cells to form secondary tumors .
3. Improving Metabolism to Starve Cancer Cells
Cancer cells thrive on glucose, but exercise improves your body’s ability to regulate glucose and fat. By improving glucose uptake and fat oxidation, your body becomes more efficient at using energy, leaving less fuel for cancer cells. This metabolic shift deprives cancer cells of the resources they need to grow and spread .
4. Exercise for Mental Health and Cancer Protection
Physical activity not only protects your body but also benefits your mind. Exercise increases the breakdown of kynurenine, a compound that can be harmful to the brain if it’s converted into the neurotoxin quinolinic acid. This neurotoxin has been linked to depression, neurodegenerative diseases, and even cancer. By exercising, your muscles act like a sponge, soaking up kynurenine and converting it into a harmless byproduct, reducing the risk of mental health issues that are common in cancer patients .Five Key Insights into How Exercise Fights Cancer
Myokine Boost: Exercise triggers the release of powerful cancer-fighting myokines like IL-6 and oncostatin M, which help combat cancerous cells and inflammation.
Circulating Tumor Cells: Intense exercise increases blood flow, destroying circulating tumor cells before they can metastasize and form new tumors.
Metabolic Regulation: Exercise improves glucose uptake and fat metabolism, depriving cancer cells of the fuel they need to grow.
Intensity Matters: The harder and longer you exercise, the more myokines are released, enhancing your body’s cancer defense.
Mental Health Support: Exercise protects your brain by reducing harmful neurotoxins, improving mental health while supporting cancer recovery.
Five Actionable Tips for Using Exercise to Fight Cancer
Increase Your Intensity
Push yourself to work out at higher intensities, aiming for 85% of your max heart rate to maximize myokine release and cancer protection.Mix Cardio and Strength Training
A combination of resistance training and cardio ensures you benefit from both increased blood flow and myokine production.Aim for Longer Durations
If you prefer endurance activities, go for longer sessions. Even moderate-intensity exercise can kill circulating tumor cells through sustained blood flow.Be Consistent
Regular physical activity, even in moderate amounts, is linked to a significantly reduced risk of cancer recurrence and mortality. Make exercise a daily habit.Focus on Mental and Physical Benefits
Remember that exercise not only fights cancer but also boosts mental health by reducing neurotoxic compounds. Stay active to benefit both body and mind.
My take…
Exercise is far more than just a fitness tool—it’s a potent weapon against cancer. By boosting myokine production, improving metabolism, and killing circulating tumor cells, regular physical activity can dramatically reduce your risk of developing and dying from cancer. Intensity and consistency are key, so push yourself to keep moving and give your body the best chance to stay healthy and cancer-free.
That’s it for today. I hope you enjoyed it, if you did please share this post to someone who needs to read this.
Until next time,
Louisa