Exercising at least 2 times a day reduces the risk of colorectal cancer, study finds

Experts have long debated the right time to exercise, but now, researchers have discovered two sweet times to sweat that may play a “crucial role” in cancer prevention.

According to a new study that reveals, being active first thing in the morning or later in the evening can reduce the risk of colon cancer by 11% – and they even cut it twice over time.

The researchers published their findings in the journal BMC Medicine and confirmed that highlighting specific times when physical activity is “most beneficial” could lead to cancer prevention strategies.

Led by experts from Germany’s Regensburg University, the study looked at 86,252 people aged 42 to 79 whose physical activity was tracked and measured using a hand-held accelerometer.

The researchers identified four patterns of activity among this population: continuous activity throughout the day, evening activity, morning and evening activity, and daytime and nighttime activity.

During the next five years, 529 cases of colon cancer, also called colon cancer, were reported.

The researchers found that two daily peaks, around eight in the morning and at six in the evening, “are associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer, more than the benefits of exercise in general.”

According to the study, active people in both early and late periods had an 11% lower risk of colon cancer, compared to 6% for daily activity. all and there is no change for those who practiced in the middle of the day and in the evening. . Data from those who were active later in the day appeared to be unknown.

Professor Dr. Michael Leitzmann, chairman of the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine in Regensburg, was the principal investigator of the study.

“Our study highlights that physical activity is not only important in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, but the time of high activity throughout the day may play an important role,” he said.

He and his team hope their findings can help shape the future of cancer prevention.

“By identifying specific times – morning and afternoon – when exercise is best, our findings open new avenues for targeted prevention strategies,” he said.

Colon cancer occurs anywhere in the large intestine, including the colon and rectum.

About 150,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with colorectal cancer, which includes colon and rectal cancer, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

Colorectal cancer has long been associated with older adults, especially those over the age of 65. However, rates are increasing in younger adults. 50 from the 90s.

Among these adults is 47-year-old actor and “Dawson’s Creek” alumnus James Van Der Beek, who revealed his colorectal cancer diagnosis last week.

Exercising at different times of the day can affect the body in different ways, as almost all cells and biological processes in the body depend on circadian rhythms – the body’s natural clock that moves around a 24-hour cycle.

A separate study found that exercising in the morning on an empty stomach can boost your metabolic rate and help you burn more calories during your workout.

Meanwhile, researchat the University of Sydney, Australia, found that people who exercise at night have a lower risk of heart disease and death than those who exercise in the morning.

Dr. Helen Croker, deputy director of research and policy at the World Cancer Research Institute, which funded the latest study, said the findings confirm the importance of exercise to prevent cancer.

“Exercise is one of our cancer prevention recommendations, and we know that this reduces the risk of cancer,” he said. “These exciting new findings provide the opportunity to develop specific recommendations, including methods and timing of exercise, to reduce cancer risk.”

And experts say you don’t have to be a gym rat to avoid a cancer diagnosis.

According to a recent study, just four to five minutes of “vigorous physical activity” can significantly reduce the risk of cancer in sedentary people.