The surprising link between stress, cancer cell growth and vitamin C

(NaturalHealth365) We often hear that ‘cancer kills’ – but so does stress!  While most of us know that cancer is one of the leading killers in the United States, few of us fully realize that chronic stress is strongly linked to millions of deaths, as well.

The prevailing theory is that (chronic – unwanted) stress triggers chronic inflammation in the body.  This can damage cells and tissues and ultimately lead to widespread damaging effects and health consequences, including cancer.  Now, new research points to some promising data.

It turns out that something as affordable and safe as vitamin C could suppress cancer growth.

Shocking study reveals interesting facts about stress-induced cancer

When you’re stressed, hormones like cortisol and epinephrine (or adrenaline) are released in your system as part of your body’s natural fight-or-flight response.

But the fight-or-flight response is meant to be short-lived. And a study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that animals with breast cancer who are also under chronic stress (meaning their bodies are continually pumped full of stress hormones) are more likely to experience a proliferation of stem cells in existing breast cancer cells.

Why is this bad news?

Because cancer stem cells tend to be treatment-resistant and promotes faster tumor growth.

Here’s the good news, however:

When the researchers of this study gave these stressed and cancer-stricken mice vitamin C, their tumors shrank!  This makes sense, because vitamin C is known as a powerful anti-inflammatory and can quell the deleterious effects of chronic stress.

More surprising health consequences of chronic stress

Smoking used to be the baddest and most notorious thing around for your health. Then it was refined sugar, followed by sitting and sedentary behavior.

The “S” trend continues with stress. It’s now widely accepted that excessive stress and the underlying inflammation that comes with is associated with an increased risk for virtually all chronic illnesses, including obesity, heart disease, depression, back pain, stomach ulcers – in addition to cancer, as we’ve already covered.

Aside from causing or contributing to chronic illness, stress can also lead to a variety of uncomfortable signs and symptoms including:

• Impaired libido
• Excessive urination
• Anxiety, worry, guilt, and other negative emotions
• Grinding teeth
• Headaches
• Sleep disturbances
• Binge-eating or binge-drinking
• Chronic fatigue

So, what to do?  De-stress!

Learning how to more effectively cope with your stress doesn’t jut make your day-to-day life more enjoyable. It can literally extend your life!

Try these affordable, effective, and research-backed methods to de-stress:

• Deep breathing exercises (try box breathing : 4 count inhale, 4 count hold, 4 count exhale, 4 count hold)
• Meditate (the more consistently you do it, the greater the benefits)
• Exercise, whether a tough workout or a brisk walk around the block
• Unplug and take a fast (even if just for a half hour!) from television, emails, and social media
• Spend quality time with someone you love (pets included!) or, spend quality time with yourself instead doing something you love (reading a good book, watching a funny movie, journaling, etc.)
• Eat a healthy diet – rich in vitamin C and other lifesaving nutrients – that supports a lean body weight, healthy metabolism, and strong immune system
• And, finally, avoid foods that are known to promote further inflammation, including processed sugars, gluten, and conventionally-produced dairy products

Sources for this article include:

Lifeextension.com
Health.Harvard.edu
Stress.org
NaturalHealth365.com
MayoClinic.org
Cancer.gov