Cancer And Your Diet
Is there a connection between cancer and your diet?
Diet is regarded as extremely important in cancer management and prevention. Researchers assert that diet can either prevent or contribute to some cancers. For example, the American Institute for Cancer Research points out that about 40% of most cancer types can be managed in three major ways: an appropriate diet, engaging in physical activity and body weight control. Scientific observations also affirm that breast cancer recurrences can be prevented by dietary supplement. Further, scientific evidence shows that strong correlations exist between extreme intake of saturated fat and occurrence of various cancer types.-breast, prostate and colon cancer. So does this mean that appropriate diet is the ultimate solution to cancer protection? It is certainly not. Harvard medical researchers suggest that limiting or increasing the intake of some foods does not pledge 100% cancer protection. But the same researchers also articulate that scientific evidence proves some dietary habits pose a greater influence on cancer. Below is an analysis of some dietary habits that increase the risk of cancer.
Antioxidants and cancer
Antioxidants are essential in cancer prevention. They play an important role of preventing cell damage by neutralizing free radicals. However, conclusive research does not exist that supports the role of antioxidants in cancer prevention. Experts say that some types of cancers take a long time to develop which means a person has to increase dietary antioxidants in the initial years for positive results.
Carbohydrates and cancer
Carbohydrates are like a double edged sword. They can either propagate or prevent cancer. Glycemic index (GI) which measures the rate at which carbohydrates convert into sugar in the blood determines the good from the bad. Experts associate high GI foods- processed foods such as pizza and sugar-sweetened drinks with increased risk of prostate cancer. On the other hand, foods with a lower GI such as beans and peas reduce the risk of colorectal and prostate cancer.
Processed meat and red meat
Processed meat and red meat are associated with colorectal cancer. This type of cancer is among the most common in men. Medical experts express that there is a consistent link between processed meat and cancer. Findings from colorectal cancer studies by credible research and medical institutions show that consumption of 50 grams of processed meat in a day leads to a 20% increase of colorectal cancer risk. The same applies to red meat. Researchers believe the presence of added nitrates in processed meat and heme iron which is inherent in red meat are the factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Excess weight and cancer
The link between diet and cancer can also be analyzed with respect to weight gain. Sticking to a proper diet is crucial in weight management hence cancer prevention. A study conducted by scientists back in 2014 in The Lancet revealed that a body mass index that is relatively high contributes to the risk of cancer. The study which involved five million participants found out that gaining about 34 pounds triggered a 10% increased risk of liver, colon, gallbladder and colon cancer. How exactly does the connection between excess weight and cancer arise? Experts believe that body fat stimulates hormones and inflammatory proteins production which stimulates growth of tumor cell.
Alcohol and cancer
Does chronic alcohol consumption lead to cancer? Excessive consumption of alcohol is associated with increased cancer risk. It is likely to cause larynx, esophagus, pharynx and oral cavity cancer.
In conclusion, your diet can either be the key to cancer management and prevention or promotion. As highlighted in this article, there is a strong link between diet and cancer. Therefore, it is possible to modify your diet to reduce the risk of getting cancer.
Diet is regarded as extremely important in cancer management and prevention. Researchers assert that diet can either prevent or contribute to some cancers. For example, the American Institute for Cancer Research points out that about 40% of most cancer types can be managed in three major ways: an appropriate diet, engaging in physical activity and body weight control. Scientific observations also affirm that breast cancer recurrences can be prevented by dietary supplement. Further, scientific evidence shows that strong correlations exist between extreme intake of saturated fat and occurrence of various cancer types.-breast, prostate and colon cancer. So does this mean that appropriate diet is the ultimate solution to cancer protection? It is certainly not. Harvard medical researchers suggest that limiting or increasing the intake of some foods does not pledge 100% cancer protection. But the same researchers also articulate that scientific evidence proves some dietary habits pose a greater influence on cancer. Below is an analysis of some dietary habits that increase the risk of cancer.
Antioxidants and cancer
Antioxidants are essential in cancer prevention. They play an important role of preventing cell damage by neutralizing free radicals. However, conclusive research does not exist that supports the role of antioxidants in cancer prevention. Experts say that some types of cancers take a long time to develop which means a person has to increase dietary antioxidants in the initial years for positive results.
Carbohydrates and cancer
Carbohydrates are like a double edged sword. They can either propagate or prevent cancer. Glycemic index (GI) which measures the rate at which carbohydrates convert into sugar in the blood determines the good from the bad. Experts associate high GI foods- processed foods such as pizza and sugar-sweetened drinks with increased risk of prostate cancer. On the other hand, foods with a lower GI such as beans and peas reduce the risk of colorectal and prostate cancer.
Processed meat and red meat
Processed meat and red meat are associated with colorectal cancer. This type of cancer is among the most common in men. Medical experts express that there is a consistent link between processed meat and cancer. Findings from colorectal cancer studies by credible research and medical institutions show that consumption of 50 grams of processed meat in a day leads to a 20% increase of colorectal cancer risk. The same applies to red meat. Researchers believe the presence of added nitrates in processed meat and heme iron which is inherent in red meat are the factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Excess weight and cancer
The link between diet and cancer can also be analyzed with respect to weight gain. Sticking to a proper diet is crucial in weight management hence cancer prevention. A study conducted by scientists back in 2014 in The Lancet revealed that a body mass index that is relatively high contributes to the risk of cancer. The study which involved five million participants found out that gaining about 34 pounds triggered a 10% increased risk of liver, colon, gallbladder and colon cancer. How exactly does the connection between excess weight and cancer arise? Experts believe that body fat stimulates hormones and inflammatory proteins production which stimulates growth of tumor cell.
Alcohol and cancer
Does chronic alcohol consumption lead to cancer? Excessive consumption of alcohol is associated with increased cancer risk. It is likely to cause larynx, esophagus, pharynx and oral cavity cancer.
In conclusion, your diet can either be the key to cancer management and prevention or promotion. As highlighted in this article, there is a strong link between diet and cancer. Therefore, it is possible to modify your diet to reduce the risk of getting cancer.