We know that cancer, diet, and inflammation are all closely linked. This is especially when talking about cancers of the digestive tract, such as colorectal cancer. A new study conducted by researchers at the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute has demonstrated a potential connection between colorectal cancer and ultra-processed foods. The study takes a deep dive into how the typical Western Diet, heavy in these ultra-processed foods laden with sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and chemical ingredients, could be fueling chronic inflammation that drives tumor growth.
Cancer and Ultra-Processed Foods
Inflammation is not good for our health. It makes us more susceptible to pretty much every disease, illness, and health ailment that exists. From allergies and menstrual pain, to mental health, diabetes, and cancer, chronic inflammation is not good. Dr. Timothy Yeatman, a respected physician-scientist and professor at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, emphasizes the role of processed foods in increasing inflammation within the body.
“It is well known that patients with unhealthy diets have increased inflammation in their bodies,” He said in a press release. “We now see this inflammation in the colon tumors themselves, and cancer is like a chronic wound that won’t heal – if your body is living off of daily ultra-processed foods, its ability to heal that wound decreases due to the inflammation and suppression of the immune system that ultimately allows the cancer to grow.”
This chronic inflammation, observed even within colon tumors themselves, hinders the body’s natural healing processes. Yeatman explained that it is this typical Western diet, heavy in excessive added sugars, saturated fats, ultra-processed foods, chemicals, and inflammatory seed oils that contribute to this alarming trend.
Unhealthy Lipids and Tumor Growth
It turns out the unhealthy fats, aka lipids, are even bigger players in cancer development than we ever thought. Associate Professor Ganesh Halade of the USF Health Heart Institute explained the impact of bioactive lipid compounds that are present in the foods we regularly consume. Halade’s research reveals that processed foods disrupt the body’s immune system, promoting chronic inflammation. Through meticulous analysis of tumor samples, the team identified an imbalance in the types of lipids present. What they found was shocking: An excess of pro-inflammatory molecules combined with a severe lack of healing-promoting compounds.
“A human’s immune system can be extremely powerful and drastically impact the tumor microenvironment, which is great if harnessed correctly for health and wellness,” Dr. Yeatman said. “But not if it’s suppressed by inflammatory lipids from processed foods.”
Foods to Embrace and Avoid
Clearly, a shift towards incorporating healthy, unprocessed foods in our diets is essential for combating inflammation and reducing cancer risk. Examples of healthy foods include crab, salmon, halibut, spinach, Brussels sprouts, seaweed, algae, and grass-fed, pasture-raised meats. Conversely, ultra-processed foods, in brief, simply have to go. The following foods are those that the study specifically pointed out as being problematic.
Frozen, Pre-Made Meals
These frozen, ready-made, microwave meals really are too good to be true. Convenient, yes, good for us, big no. This is because they often contain high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives that can disrupt the body’s healing processes and drive inflammation. This ultimately fosters an environment conducive to cancer development.
Ice Cream
Everyone’s favorite summer treat has a sinister side. Ice cream is high in added sugars and unhealthy fats, therefore causing an increase in inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is recognized as a potential driver of tumor growth. While we won’t say that you should never eat ice cream again, this is something that is better left as an occasional treat rather than one you keep in the freezer on a regular basis.
Sausages and Hot Dogs
Does anyone actually know what hot dogs are really made of? Sausages and hot fogs, a processed meat product notorious for its high salt and fat content, can contribute to inflammation within the body. Research suggests that regular consumption of sausages may exacerbate chronic inflammation, creating an environment conducive to cancer progression. While there are some sausages made better than others, super processed, high salt and high fat versions should be left out of your rotation.
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Chips
Chips are heavily addictive. They’re crunchy and salty and impossible to eat just one of. They are also high in unhealthy fats, artificial flavors and preservatives, and of course, salt. Frequently indulging in potato chips can trigger inflammation in the body. Do yourself a favour and skip the chips for a healthier snack alternative.
Mass-Produced Bread
Bread is not bad for you. In fact, well-made bread using traditional methods and quality ingredients can actually be quite good for you. The bread you find at the supermarket, however, falls far short of that description. Mass-produced bread, often laden with refined flours, added sugars, and preservatives, has been associated with heightened levels of inflammation in the body. Look for fresh, hand-made bread with a simple ingredients list: Flour, water, and maybe just a pinch of salt. That is all that is required to make delicious bread.
Breakfast Cereals
For decades food companies have marketed breakfast cereals to families as a quick, convenient, and healthy breakfast choice. While the first of those two may be true, the last one certainly is not. Many breakfast cereals available in the market contain high amounts of added sugars, artificial colors, and preservatives, which can promote inflammation in the body. A part of a balanced breakfast? We think not. Choosing whole-grain, low-sugar options over processed breakfast cereals is crucial to curbing inflammation and supporting overall health.
Donuts
Donuts, like ice cream, should only be included as a highly occasional treat. They should not be a part of your daily, weekly, or even monthly diet. They are incredibly sugary and heavily processed, which lead to an inflammatory response in the body. The added sugars and unhealthy fats present in donuts can disrupt the body’s natural healing processes, potentially fueling chronic inflammation associated with cancer risk.
Soft Drinks
While the other foods listed here may have some nutritional pros (re: some, but still very few in comparison to their cons), sodas and soft drinks have none. Soft drinks, commonly packed with high amounts of added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives, have been linked to increased inflammation in the body. Avoiding regular consumption of sugary carbonated beverages is essential in reducing the risk of chronic inflammation and its potential impact on cancer development. If you really enjoy the fizz, consider purchasing a soda stream and adding the bubbles to your water at home. Add flavor by adding in some fruits, lemon slices, and other natural, healthy ingredients.
Instant Soups
For many they are a comfort food item that can be inexpensive and tasty. They are certainly a unanimous college dorm staple. Instant soups, however, often loaded with sodium, artificial flavors, and preservatives, can trigger inflammation in the body. Regularly consuming processed instant soups may contribute to chronic inflammation, emphasizing the importance of opting for homemade, nutrient-rich soup alternatives.
Alcoholic Beverages
Let’s all say it together: Alcohol is not good for us and we should all collectively drink less of it. Perhaps even stop consuming it altogether. Alcoholic beverages, particularly those high in sugars and artificial additives, can exacerbate inflammation in the body. Moderation and mindful selection of alcoholic drinks can help mitigate the inflammatory response associated with excessive alcohol consumption, potentially lowering the risk of cancer development.
The Promise of Resolution Medicine
It is not all doom and gloom, however. This study, while pointing out the faults in our diets, also shows a path forward. Resolution medicine emerges as a potential breakthrough in cancer treatment, aiming to restore balance in the body’s immune response through natural healing mechanisms. By incorporating healthy, unprocessed foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and specialized pro-resolving mediators derived from fish oil, resolution medicine seeks to address inflammation at its root cause and enhance the body’s healing capabilities. If this isn’t the motivation that you need to clean up your diet, we are not sure what else could be.
The Bottom Line
The research conducted by USF and Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute underscores the impact that our diet has on our risk of developing cancer. By swapping out our high-fat, sodium, sugar, and chemical foods for natural, whole, healing ones, we can empower our bodies to combat inflammation, both preventing and fighting back against cancer and disease. This study paves the way for an important shift in cancer management, emphasizing the potential of resolution medicine to harness the body’s inherent healing capacities and address chronic inflammation effectively. As ongoing trials continue to explore the efficacy of natural interventions in cancer treatment, the integration of holistic dietary strategies may herald a new era in combating colorectal cancer and promoting overall health and well-being.
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