"Two More, Four Less" at Night After 50: Be Vigilant Against Cancer, Safeguard Your Health

"Two More, Four Less" at Night After 50: Be Vigilant Against Cancer, Safeguard Your HealthMr. Sun, 52 years old, has a bad habit: smoking

"Two More, Four Less" at Night After 50: Be Vigilant Against Cancer, Safeguard Your Health

Mr. Sun, 52 years old, has a bad habit: smoking. Especially after dinner and when he can't sleep, he always lights up a cigarette. Mr. Sun learned to smoke at a very young age and only now realizes how difficult it is to quit. When he was younger, he always said he was still young and smoking wouldn't hurt. Now, in his 50s, he often coughs after smoking, and his family urges him to quit. But Mr. Sun says, "At this age, what's the point of quitting? Quitting is actually bad for my health." His family's persuasion has been ineffective. Recently, the problem has escalated. Mr. Sun's cough has become increasingly severe, especially at night, disrupting his sleep. His family quickly took him to the hospital for a check-up, and the doctor regretfully informed them that Mr. Sun had developed lung cancer, and it was already in the late stages.

Statistics show that nearly 10,000 people in China are diagnosed with cancer every day. The number of cancer patients is steadily rising, particularly after the age of 50. Many doctors advise that after turning 50, one should adhere to the "Two More, Four Less" principle at night. What exactly does this mean?

Four Reasons for the Increase in Cancer Patients

In 2020, the number of new cancer cases worldwide reached 19.29 million. Even with today's advanced medical technology, the number of cancer patients continues to skyrocket. Why is this happening?

1. Increasing Aging Population: Disease is closely linked to age; the older you are, the higher the probability of developing illnesses. China has entered the age of population aging, with a large number of elderly people, directly contributing to the rise in cancer patients.

2. Environmental Pollution: Environmental pollution poses significant threats to human health, often with consequences not immediately apparent. Common environmental pollution includes air pollution. For example, coal burning in northern China during winter produces smog, which, when released for extended periods, pollutes the air, causing people to inhale contaminated air and increasing their risk of illness. Water pollution, chemical pollution, etc., also elevate the risk of developing stomach, lung, and liver cancers.

3. Lifestyle: Unhealthy lifestyle choices are major contributors to the probability of developing cancer. Our bodies don't inherently contain cancer cells. Cancer cells arise from the mutation of normal cells, and this mutation can be caused by prolonged artificial stimulation. For instance, long-term unhealthy diets, consuming contaminated food, or poor eating habits can all lead to increased cancer risk. Moreover, smoking, drinking alcohol, and other unhealthy lifestyles gradually erode the body. By the time issues are detected, they may have progressed to a more severe stage.

4. Medical Advancement and Increased Public Awareness: While the number of cancer patients is increasing, this doesn't signify that being diagnosed means certain death. Many people realize the importance of physical examinations and detect issues during the early stages of cancer, enabling prompt treatment and avoiding life-threatening situations. However, from a numerical standpoint, the total number of cancer patients has indeed risen.

After turning 50, age becomes strongly connected to cancer, increasing the risk. Particularly after exceeding 50 years of age, it's crucial to pay attention to details in your lifestyle, adhering to the "Two More, Four Less" principle at night:

"Two More, Four Less" at Night: Safeguarding Your Health

Nighttime is a critical period for the body to rest, so it's essential to consider the following:

1. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables: Many middle-aged and elderly individuals tend to consume excessive amounts of meat, especially at night, which can lead to indigestion. Eating too late or in excess can burden the digestive system, impairing digestion and causing incomplete food breakdown, leading to fat accumulation in the body. For the elderly, obesity can contribute to various metabolic diseases, affecting overall health. Therefore, dinner should be controlled in terms of total calories, prioritizing fresh vegetables and fruits while incorporating some grains.

2. Exercise More: Moderate exercise at night aids digestion and enhances sleep. During exercise, the body releases substances that contribute to mood regulation and stress relief, promoting a sense of well-being and benefiting physical health. Exercise time and intensity should be moderate, avoiding exercise within an hour of bedtime. Instead, it's ideal to engage in activity after digesting food for half an hour.

3. Less Nighttime Stay-Up: Fewer late nights benefit overall health. Many middle-aged and elderly individuals enjoy staying up late, glued to their phones. Prolonged nighttime wakefulness can lead to weakened immunity. Without sufficient rest at night, the body's organs cannot complete their normal repair processes, accelerating aging and increasing susceptibility to various ailments.

4. Less Light While Sleeping: Some individuals prefer to sleep with a dim light, particularly older adults who fear bumping into things while getting up at night. While this intention is honorable, sleeping in a non-completely dark environment can impair sleep quality and even make it difficult to fall asleep, impacting sleep more significantly than bumping into objects. Therefore, strive to minimize lighting while sleeping. Many middle-aged and elderly individuals experience poor sleep, which could be a result of subpar sleep environments.

5. Less Late-Night Snacks: The human digestive system enters a semi-resting state after 7:30 pm. Consuming food after this point slows down the digestion process and can negatively impact the stomach and intestines. Therefore, it's not recommended to eat late-night snacks. Many young people currently consume food around midnight or even in the early morning hours, leading to stomach discomfort the following morning. The same applies to older individuals, as undigested food can irritate the stomach and intestines, causing greater discomfort.

6. Less Smoking and Drinking: Tobacco and alcohol have undeniable detrimental effects on human health. Long-term smoking and drinking can lead to various diseases and inflict significant damage on the elderly. Particularly smoking and drinking at night can disrupt sleep, triggering a chain reaction. Therefore, controlling tobacco and alcohol consumption is crucial for older adults.

Early Symptoms of Cancer in the Body

Conclusion

The rising number of cancer patients is closely linked to lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and genetics. Cancer development is not solely caused by one factor but results from the combined influence of various factors. In our daily lives, we must cultivate a heightened awareness of cancer prevention, especially after the age of 50, when bodily functions decline. Minimizing late nights, reducing late-night snacking, avoiding sleeping with lights on, increasing exercise, adjusting diet, and consuming more fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains can contribute to strengthening the immune system.

References:

• "Over 10,000 New Cancer Patients in China Every Day? Doctor: After 50, Adhere to the '4 Don't's' at Night" - Zhang, Attending Physician, Neurology Department, 2024-04-08

• "10,000 New Cancer Diagnoses in China Every Day, Want Longevity? Follow These Four Dietary Principles and Two Nighttime Habits" - Medical Original Storyteller, 2021-12-04

• "10,000 New Cancer Diagnoses in China Every Day, Advice: After 40, Stick to These 5 Things" - The Truth and Misconceptions of Cancer, 2022-06-15