Koreans are accustomed to sitting on the floor, such as squatting or sitting cross-legged. However, these habits not only cause cancer but also increase the risk of various diseases, so caution is necessary. Here is a detailed explanation of why floor-sitting lifestyles are dangerous.

 

◇Increases risk of cancer development

 

The longer you sit, the higher your risk of developing cancer. According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas, people who sit the longest have a 52% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to those who sit the shortest. There is also a study by the Victoria Cancer Council indicating that women who sit for extended periods have twice the risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who do not.

 

The longer you sit, the more your physical activity decreases. When physical activity decreases, metabolism slows down, leading to duller cell and hormone activity. If this repeats, inflammation can occur in the body, increasing the risk of cancer. If you cannot avoid a sedentary lifestyle due to work or other reasons, it is advisable to consciously get up and move your body whenever possible.

 

If you don't have time to wake up, it is also a good idea to do light stretching or take a walk during lunch or break time.

◇Induces diabetes and accelerates aging

 

Seated lifestyle increases the risk of developing diabetes. 

 

According to research from Maastricht University in the Netherlands, the group with the longest sitting time has an eightfold higher risk of developing diabetes compared to the group that engages in the most physical activity. In particular, sitting in a cross-legged position is considered the worst form of sedentary lifestyle.

When sitting cross-legged, blood flow in the legs is restricted, but suddenly straightening the legs allows the suppressed blood to flow, generating reactive oxygen species.

Reactive oxygen species are the oxygen remaining after mitochondria produce enough energy for use. When accumulated in large amounts, they attack cells, accelerate aging, and cause various diseases.

 

 

◇May be a cause of lower body obesity

 

Prolonged sedentary lifestyle can lead to fat accumulation in the lower abdomen.

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The reason fat accumulates in the body is because of a lack of movement or insufficient activity. In particular, fat tends to gather in areas where blood vessels are less developed due to limited movement, such as the abdomen, waist, hips, and thighs. The reason these areas gain weight more easily than other parts of the body is because they are less active.

 

In particular, in women, the activity of sex hormones such as estrogen can lead to more fat accumulation in the lower abdomen compared to men, for childbirth and breastfeeding. Therefore, even if you spend a lot of time sitting, consistent exercise can strengthen the gluteal muscles, specifically the gluteus maximus, preventing fat from accumulating in the buttocks. A particularly helpful exercise is the 'bridging' movement.

 

Lie flat on your back, bend your knees, and then lift your hips. At this time, you should exert force on your hips, not your knees. For those with back pain, lifting about 5cm is effective. Maintain this position for 5 seconds, then lower down.

 

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Does the risk of cancer develop?

It seems that just sitting in a seated position can be risky.

 

It is said that diabetes and fat also accumulate in the lower abdomen.

I think you should make sure to do stretching occasionally.