A "morning routine" that protects against cancer
A new study found that exercising in the morning, such as brisk walking or riding a bike, can prevent cancer.
Scientists said that exercising regularly early every day boosts the body clock, which helps suppress disease.
And a study of 2,800 participants in Spain found that those who were physically active between 8 and 10 a.m. were less likely to develop prostate or breast tumors, respectively.
"The timing of physical activity clearly has an effect on the rhythm of sex hormones and melatonin - as well as on food metabolism. This may explain our findings," said study coordinator Dr. Manolis Cogvinas, of the Barcelona Institute for Global Health.
Our bodies produce melatonin when it is dark.
This chemical helps regulate sleep and affects many functions associated with the body's circadian rhythm.
Melatonin also stops the spread of cancer, and late physical activity has been known to slow down the body's production of it.
Dr Kogvinas said: “One of the possible causes of cancer is daily disturbance, and the imbalance of environmental indicators such as eating food and light. It has been shown that regular physical activity throughout life can reduce the risk of cancer. This preventive effect could be more beneficial when you do physical activity in the morning. ".
Most of the studies on daily disturbances have focused on night shift work.
Exposure to artificial light and late-night snacks are believed to play a role in the development of cancer.
The most recent results are the first to determine the relationship between risk and timing of the exercise.
The results were supported by a pilot study that showed that physical activity in the afternoon and evening, can delay melatonin production.
"The hormone is produced primarily at night and has known anti-cancer properties. These results, if confirmed, may improve current physical activity recommendations for cancer prevention. And everyone can reduce the risk of cancer by simply practicing moderate physical activity for at least 150 minutes each," Cogphenas said. a week".