Review of mitigating cancer risk through Ayurvedic practices: A holistic approach to combating sedentarism

Abstract The increasing burden of cancer worldwide is strongly associated with lifestyle, including a sedentary lifestyle that leads to increased chronic inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and oxidative stress. We examined the pathological mechanisms by which a physically inactive lifestyle can enhance cancer development, including obesity-related hormonal imbalance, immune suppression, and altered gut microbiota. At the same time, Ayurveda, a traditional holistic health system, includes dietary changes, herbal treatments, detoxification (~ Panchakarma ), and mind–body practices (~yoga and meditation) for prevention. These Ayurvedic mechanisms correlate with contemporary evidence on cancer prevention mechanisms, including reducing inflammation, increasing detoxification pathways, and improving metabolic physiology. This review aims to provide an overview of the available evidence regarding sedentary lifestyle-induced carcinogenesis and evaluate the role of Ayurvedic practices in mitigating these risks, highlighting the need for integrative approaches to public health. The increasing burden of cancer worldwide is strongly associated with lifestyle, including sedentarism. This review explores mechanisms linking sedentary behavior to carcinogenesis (e.g., obesity and inflammation) and evaluates Ayurvedic practices for prevention. Direct evidence from clinical and preclinical studies highlights interventions like curcumin (40% polyp reduction in colorectal cancer models) and Triphala (35% tumor reduction in animal studies). Structural improvements, standardized reporting, and balanced perspectives enhance the integration of Ayurveda with modern oncology.