Doctor Reveals What Healthy Foods Could Be Causing Cancer
We seem to be finding cancer-causing ingredients in a lot of food.
Cancer is one of the most devastating diseases, and it has somewhat stumped the health industry for decades. Many people speak out about what they believe causes cancer and how exactly this deadly disease is taking over so many people's bodies.
Doctors, in particular, have been looking deeply into the issue and investigating what exactly causes it. They have been exploring something that could be risky, even if it’s found in foods labeled as “healthy.”
Many young people are being diagnosed with colon cancer, with the incidence doubling over the last thirty years. Dr. Daniel Sussman stated, “It’s a trend that has been observed for several years and only recently has really garnered a lot of attention.”
Another risk factor for young patients is that signs are often not spotted until the disease has reached an advanced stage. “So when people are diagnosed with advanced-stage cancers, they are more likely to die from those cancers than if it were caught at an early stage,” Dr. Sussman added.
Learning about how we can be healthier and avoid foods that might harm us will be beneficial in many ways. Let’s look into what the doctor had to say about what could be causing colon cancer in young people.
Doctors have been looking into what might be causing colon cancer in younger people.
Dr. Maria Abreu has been awarded a grant to research the increase in colon cancer, which she says is linked to a rise in ultra-processed foods.
“Things like emulsifiers that are added in, things that are creamy, you know, the nonfat yogurts and all these things really can change the gut microbiome very profoundly,” she said.
“Something in the microbiome has changed, and it’s setting in motion this chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract,” she continued.
She stated that this could put someone at risk of the disease and that she’s researching ways to test if someone is experiencing this inflammation. This could help catch the disease before it causes too much damage to the person, which has been the biggest issue here.
Many people don’t catch the disease until it’s too late or too much damage has already been done.
Getty Stock ImageNot eating processed foods is always a great choice, though.
Even though this could be caused by ingredients in foods that are considered healthy, it’s still important to stay away from highly processed foods. She tells her patients that “anything that comes in a bag with an expiration date next year is not food.”
She continues to say that any diet with a balance of fruits, vegetables, and proteins is good. Staying away from ingredients you cannot pronounce and focusing on whole foods and grains is the best option.
It’s difficult to know exactly what you are eating, but avoiding processed foods is the best way to start.
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There are many processed foods on the market, and it’s sometimes really difficult to determine what we should and shouldn’t be eating. This doctor is definitely helping us by figuring out what could be causing this issue.
Navigating Food Choices
Dr. Michael Greger, a renowned nutritionist and founder of NutritionFacts.org, emphasizes that many processed foods, even those marketed as healthy, may contain additives linked to cancer risks. For example, certain preservatives found in packaged snacks can disrupt cellular processes, potentially leading to malignancy over time.
To minimize risks, he recommends focusing on whole, unprocessed foods rich in nutrients. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can enhance your diet's cancer-fighting potential.
Dr. Neal Barnard, founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, underscores that some seemingly healthy foods, like charred meats, can produce carcinogenic substances. Cooking at high temperatures can create compounds that might increase cancer risks.
To reduce these risks, he suggests using gentler cooking methods, such as steaming or sautéing, and opting for plant-based protein sources. Incorporating more beans, lentils, and whole grains can not only lower cancer risk but also promote overall health.
Overall, while the conversation around food and cancer continues to evolve, it's crucial to stay informed. Experts like Dr. Greger and Dr. Barnard highlight the importance of making conscious dietary choices. As they suggest, focusing on whole, minimally processed foods can significantly reduce cancer risks.
Being mindful of cooking methods, such as avoiding high-temperature techniques, is essential. By prioritizing plant-based diets rich in nutrients, individuals can empower themselves to take control of their dietary health and potentially lower their cancer risk in the long run.