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In recent years, sugar has become a hot topic in discussions about health and wellness. It鈥檚 not surprising, given the increasing awareness of diet鈥檚 impact on overall health. But how does sugar relate to cancer?
One of the most common things you may hear about sugar and cancer is that sugar 鈥渇eeds鈥 cancer cells, making it grow faster. We chatted with Kelly Gibbons, MS, RD, CD, an outpatient clinical dietitian in the Linda B. and Robert B. Wiggins Wellness and Integrative Health Center, to find out the truth about relationship between cancer and sugar.
鈥淭he short answer is no, sugar does not cause or make cancer worse,鈥 Kelly says. 鈥淭he long answer is that the relationship between sugar and cancer is complex and multifaceted,鈥 she continued.
Here are the facts about sugar and cancer:
What is sugar?
Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that comes in many forms. Carbohydrates are a crucial part of our diet. They鈥檙e found in foods like grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, desserts, and candy. When we eat these foods, our bodies break them down into glucose, a simple sugar that gives our cells the energy they need to function.
Does sugar cause cancer?
Sugar itself does not cause cancer. However, consuming high amounts of sugar can lead to obesity, which is a known risk factor for many types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers.
鈥淭he short answer is no, sugar does not cause or make cancer worse.鈥
Does sugar feed cancer?
This is a common concern. All cells in the body, including cancer cells, are fueled by glucose. While it鈥檚 true that cancer cells consume more glucose than normal cells, depriving your body of sugar won鈥檛 stop cancer from growing. All cells, including healthy ones, need glucose for energy. The key is to maintain a balanced diet that supports overall health and well-being.
Can I eat sugar while I鈥檓 in treatment?
Yes, you can! Avoiding all carbohydrates isn't a good idea, especially during cancer treatment. Cutting out carbs completely to stop cancer cells can weaken your body and make it harder to fight cancer. Plus, avoiding all sugars can stress your body and affect your immune system. Even if you eliminate sugar from your diet, your body will still make sugar from other substances you eat, like proteins and fats.
While sugar doesn鈥檛 specifically cause cancer, it鈥檚 smart to limit added sugars found in sodas, sweet teas, candies, and baked goods. Too much added sugar can cause your body to produce more insulin, which isn鈥檛 healthy in high amounts.
How can I avoid too much sugar?
Sugar can naturally occur in complex carbohydrates or be added to foods. Eating a balanced diet with complex carbs, proteins, fibers, and fats helps your body manage sugar in a healthier way. Complex carbs found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and lentils contain additional nutrients and fiber, which help reduce the amount of insulin your body needs to process them.
Read Food Labels
Check for added sugars, brown sugar, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, or other sweeteners near the top of the ingredient list.
Limit Sugary Drinks
Opt for water over sodas, sports drinks, lattes, or sweetened teas that have more than 10 grams of added sugar per serving.
Choose Whole Fruits
Eat whole fruits instead of drinking fruit juice. If you prefer juice, limit it to six ounces of 100% fruit juice once a day.
Go for Whole, Unprocessed Foods
Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds are rich in fiber and better for your health.
Keep Desserts in Check
Enjoy small servings of dessert a couple of times a week.
Ask for Help
If you鈥檙e struggling to get enough nutrition during cancer treatment, talk to your doctor or dietitian.
While sugar alone does not cause cancer, excessive intake can contribute to factors that increase cancer risk, such as obesity. By making informed dietary choices and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can help reduce your cancer risk and promote overall well-being. Remember, moderation is key.
Remember, moderation is key.