David Samadi, MD - Blog | Prostate Health, Prostate Cancer & Generic Health Articles by Dr. David Samadi - SamadiMD.com|

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7 Foods that Increase Risk of Cancer

What you eat everyday can influence the development of some cancers or exaggerate a risk factor like family history. 

Cancers of the stomach, bowel, lung, prostate and uterus are more likely to develop if your diet is high in fat and low in fruit, vegetables and fiber. High-energy and high-fat diets can lead to obesity and are generally thought to increase the risk of some cancers.

1. The White Stuff

You've heard it before but we're going to keep saying it. Stay away from white sugar, white flour and other processed grains. Diets high in refined starch and refined sugar may increase the risk of stomach cancer and bowel cancer.

 

 

2. Processed Meats

The World Cancer Research Fund recommends people avoid eating processed meats including cured, salted or smoked or ones that have chemical preservatives. This would include hot dogs, ham, bacon, some sausages and burgers. 

 

 

3. Fatty Foods

Foods high in fat have been linked to prostate cancer. Stay away from fried foods, fatty meats, and other foods high in saturated and trans fats. 

 

 

 

4. Artificial Sweeteners

A recent study showed that these may help fight cancer, but it is also considered a processed food. Limit the intake of these. 


 

 

5. Highly Salted or Pickled Foods

Foods that are preserved with nitrates add color to the meat. These chemicals may change once inside the body. Pickled foods are very high in salt and need to be limted. Foods that are smoked such as meats and nuts can absorb considerable amounts of tar that smoke produces. Tar is a known carcinogen.

 

 

6. Alcohol

it's the second leading cause of cancer behind smoking. Alcohol has been linked to liver cancer but also breast cancer especially if use is high in postmenopausal women. Excessive alcohol abuse has been linked to esophagus, colon, mouth and rectum cancers. 

 

7. Microwave Popcorn

From the chemical-lined bag to the actual contents, microwave popcorn is at the center of lung cancer debates around the world. Not only are the kernels and oil likely GMO (which the manufacturer does not have to disclose), but the fumes released contain diacetyl, which is toxic to humans.