Understanding the Link Between Diet and Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know

2023-09-19 09:00:15

11:56 AM Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Written by – Nada Sami

Cancer diagnoses are increasing at an alarming rate among people under the age of 50, and according to new research, gastrointestinal cancers are the fastest growing type of cancer among young people, and this may be due to a certain diet.

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In the following report, the Consulto reviews the relationship between diet and the increased risk of cancer among young people, according to the Very Well Health website.

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What is the relationship between diet and cancer?

A diet high in ultra-processed foods may be partly responsible for higher rates of early-stage cancer, especially types associated with the gastrointestinal tract, one pioneering study suggests.

Researchers have warned that the rising incidence of cancer among people under 50 is an emerging global epidemic, but it is unclear what is causing the increase in cancer diagnoses.

Gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal, are the fastest-growing type of early cancer, according to a report published in JAMA Network Open.

One theory is that diet — especially a diet high in ultra-processed foods — is partly responsible for the rise in cancers associated with the digestive tract.

Ultra-processed foods mostly consist of canned and preserved foods with added preservatives, flavor, color and odor additives, including sausages and soft drinks. Some estimates have found that ultra-processed foods make up 73% of daily food choices.

An unhealthy diet can cause systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, and can alter the gut microbiota, thus increasing the risk of colorectal cancer.

Healthy diets that include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and that limit or avoid red and processed meats and sugary drinks, can reduce the risk of cancer.

Read also: From your eyes – how do you detect cancer?

Why may processed foods increase the risk of cancer?

Processed foods are often affordable, convenient, and delicious. But an ultra-processed diet comes with two potential problems: excess calories and not enough fiber.

Scientists aren’t exactly sure why ultra-processed foods might lead to overeating, but some have hypothesized that they might disrupt gut and brain signals that regulate appetite.

This has to do with increased body fat, insulin control, hormones, inflammation, and perhaps some microbiome mechanisms as well.

Dietary patterns full of ultra-processed foods also tend to contain less fiber. But processing does not mean that foods are less nutritious. For example, chickpeas, canned beans, and pesto are classified as ultra-processed.

Because fiber has been shown to protect once morest some types of cancer, including breast cancer7 and colorectal cancer, a low-fiber diet can increase your risk of cancer.

Many people don’t get the recommended daily amount of dietary fiber, which ranges from 25 to 36 grams for adults.

Ultra-processed foods may not be the only cause of increased cancer risk. Red meat and processed meat are also linked to an increased risk of cancer, especially colorectal cancer.

Nitrates, a chemical added to many processed meats as a preservative, can significantly increase the risk of cancer in animals. They are also associated with the development of gastrointestinal, prostate, and breast cancer in humans.

Does modifying the diet reduce the risk of cancer?

It is difficult to guarantee that simply making lifestyle changes will prevent cancer. But if a person is under 50 years old, the best way to prevent cancer is to pay attention to health and avoid any risk factors, which are as follows:

-Perform recommended cancer screenings.

– Eat a balanced diet.

– Exercise regularly.

– Non-smoking.

Many cancer prevention organizations recommend a diet high in fiber, whole grains, fruits and non-starchy vegetables, and low in added sugar, meat, and refined grains.

Each individual’s cancer risk factors are different and complex, but eating a healthy diet can reduce obesity, which is linked to a wide range of major chronic health issues and cancers.

You may be interested in: A doctor warns: This cancer cannot be prevented “Video”

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