5 Cancer Causing Foods and Drinks
Cancer is defined by uncontrolled cell growth. It starts when cells begin to grow uncontrollably by dividing without stopping. The cells form lumps called tumors, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The various types of cancer include prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, colon and rectal cancer, and skin cancer, among others.
There is no effective treatment for cancer, but there are several methods of treatment that can help manage the symptoms, such as surgery, car t cell therapy immunotherapy, enzalutamide for advanced prostate cancer, and chemotherapy. In addition to doctor prescribed cancer treatments, several foods and drinks can also help prevent tumor development and help patients reduce the side effects of cancer treatment.
1. Processed meat
Processed meats and deli meats contain preservatives and other harmful chemicals that are carcinogenic. These include nitrates, salt, and sodium benzoate, among others. Carcinogenic chemicals damage the body and cause tumors. They can also cause colorectal cancer, liver, and lung cancer, among others. Refined meat also contains high amounts of protein, leading to increased acidity in the body. High acid levels cause the body to produce more stomach acid, damaging cells in the digestive system. This can lead to low immunity and an increased risk of developing cancer.
2. Alcohol
Alcohol increases the risk of mouth, oesophagus, throat, and liver cancers. Cancer-causing chemicals in alcoholic drinks include methanol, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde, among others. These chemicals are produced when the body processes alcoholic substances. These chemicals damage cells and cause mutations in the DNA. They can lead to the development of cancerous tumors. Alcoholic drinks also damage the immune system leaving it open to infection. When combined with tobacco, they can cause cancer in the mouth and oesophagus.
3. Red meat
Red meat has high levels of heme iron and nitrates. Heme iron is absorbed by the body quickly, leading to an increased risk of forming cancerous cells. Nitrates cause mutations in the DNA. These mutations can lead to the development of cancerous cells. High consumption of red-meat also causes constipation and irritable bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a condition that leads to inflammation of the intestines. The disease causes the intestines to become thick and stiff, which increases pressure. This causes bowel movement difficulties and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
4. Sugary drinks and soda
Sugary drinks contain high levels of sugar and artificial sweeteners, which are acidic. Acidic substances damage the teeth and lead to cavities. They can also cause inflammation in the stomach lining. The inflammation damages cells and causes mutations. This leads to the development of cancerous cells. Sugary drinks contain caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant that increases blood pressure and heart rate. It can even increase triglyceride levels and reduce insulin sensitivity. High triglyceride levels cause inflammation of the pancreas, damage the cells, and lead to cancer. Insulin resistance also causes an increase in sugar levels in the blood. This leads to inflammation of tissues, including the pancreas, and increases the risk of developing cancerous tumors if the mutation occurs.
5. Fast foods
Fast food contains high levels of preservatives and sodium and causes damage to the body. Preservatives contain carcinogens that damage cells and lead to mutation. Fast foods also increase insulin resistance and lead to weight gain. Being overweight increases the risk of developing cancer cells by causing inflammation in tissues, including the pancreas. It may also cause certain cancers such as the uterus, kidneys, or breast.
In conclusion, refined meat, alcoholic substances, high-fat foods, and sugary drinks should be avoided because they cause cancer. Foods that can prevent or reduce cancer risk include fresh fruits and vegetables. They are also important to a healthy lifestyle.