Title: The Link Between Cancer and 10 Popular Foods: "It Behaves like a Chronic Wound That Can’t Heal". How to Reduce the Risks
A recent study by the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital’s (TGH) Cancer Institute has reiterated the established connection between ultra-processed foods and serious health issues such as heart disease, inflammation, diabetes, and cancer. The study found evidence of inflammation even within colon cancer tumors.
Dr. Timothy Yeatman, author of the study and TGH Cancer Institute’s associate director, remarked, "We know that patients with unhealthy diets have increased inflammation in their bodies." He went on to explain that the study observed this inflammation within colon tumors, likening cancer to "a chronic wound that cannot heal."
The Chronic Inflammation-Cancer Link
Concentrating on colorectal cancer, the researchers analyzed 162 tumor samples from TGH patients. They discovered an excess of molecules promoting inflammation and a deficiency of molecules that reduce inflammation and facilitate wound healing.
The study offers new insights into cancer treatment and prevention, providing further evidence that eliminating ultra-processed foods from one’s diet and adopting a cancer-risk-reducing diet can make a significant difference.
The National Cancer Institute states that chronic inflammation is one of the leading risk factors for cancer. For instance, individuals with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Chronic inflammation can cause cellular mutations and rapid cell growth, creating an ideal environment for cancer to develop.
Dr. Yeatman elaborates, "If your body is running on ultra-processed foods daily, its ability to heal decreases due to inflammation and immunosuppression, allowing cancer to develop."
Ultra-Processed Foods and Chronic Inflammation
Previous research has shown the inflammatory nature of ultra-processed foods, likely due to their high sugar, salt, saturated fat, and trans-fat content. These foods are low in fiber and rich in certain omega-6 fatty acids, which have been strongly linked to chronic inflammation and colorectal cancer development.
The University of South Florida’s Health Institute also found that a diet high in ultra-processed foods not only increases the risk and progression of colorectal cancer but also plays a role in other diseases like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cardiovascular ailments.
Dr. Yeatman emphasizes, "Our immune system can be extremely powerful and greatly influence the tumor microenvironment, which is beneficial if managed correctly for health. However, if it’s suppressed by the inflammatory lipids from processed foods, the situation worsens."
Reducing Your Cancer Risk
Given the study’s findings about inflammatory molecules in tumors linked to ultra-processed foods, the first step is to change one’s diet, providing the body with tools to combat cancer growth. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids is pivotal.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fats that support the body’s proper functioning. According to the Cleveland Clinic, they are concentrated in large amounts in the eyes and brain and provide vital support for cardiovascular and endocrine systems.
Foods rich in omega-3 include:
- Fatty fish (mackerel, sardines, herring)
- Walnuts
- Flaxseeds
- Chia seeds
- Algae-based supplements
- Edamame
Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important for reducing inflammation and cancer risk. Dr. Ganesh Halade, the study’s co-author and associate professor at USF Health’s Heart Institute, explains, "Our bodies are designed to resolve inflammation actively through bioactive lipid compounds obtained from healthy fats we consume, like avocado."
Conversely, a diet high in saturated fats and ultra-processed foods leads to a deficit of beneficial molecules that combat inflammation, increasing the risk of chronic diseases.
Cancer-Fighting Foods and Those to Avoid
With these new findings supporting previous research, medical professionals are increasingly looking at how diet can be used to treat or prevent cancer.
"[This] has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment, going beyond the limits of drugs to leverage our natural healing processes," says Yeatman. "It’s a critical step towards reducing chronic inflammation and preventing diseases before they occur."
Healthy, unprocessed foods to include in your diet:
- Salmon
- Cod
- Spinach
- Brussels sprouts
- Seaweed
- Legumes (lentils, chickpeas)
- Unprocessed soy products (tofu, edamame)
Ultra-processed foods to avoid:
- Ice cream
- Sausages
- Potato chips
- Deli meats
- Commercial bread
- Sugary cereals
- Alcoholic beverages
