Sugar and Cancer: What you need to know
- Marcia Howard
- Mar 6, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 13, 2024
Sugar is a common ingredient in many foods and drinks, but does it cause or feed cancer? This is a question that many people wonder about, especially those who are concerned about their health or have a family history of cancer. In this blog post, we will explore the scientific evidence behind the link between sugar and cancer, and provide some practical tips on how to reduce your sugar intake and lower your cancer risk.
Does sugar cause cancer?
The short answer is no. There is no direct evidence that sugar causes cancer or makes it grow faster. Sugar is a carbohydrate that provides energy for all cells in the body, including cancer cells. However, cancer cells do not use sugar more than normal cells, as some myths suggest. Cancer cells use about the same amount of glucose (a simple form of sugar) as normal cells but are less efficient at converting it into energy.
However, this does not mean that sugar does not affect cancer risk. There is an indirect link between sugar and cancer, which is mediated by obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Overeating sugar can lead to weight gain and excess body fat, which are associated with an increased risk of 13 different types of cancer, including breast, prostate, colorectal, kidney, liver, pancreatic, uterine, and ovarian cancers. Obesity can also cause chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, which are both factors that can promote cancer development and progression.
How does inflammation factor in cancers?
Inflammation is a normal immune system response to fight infections and heal injuries. However, when inflammation becomes chronic or excessive, it can damage healthy cells and tissues, and trigger genetic mutations that can lead to cancer. Various factors, such as infections, smoking, obesity, stress, environmental toxins, and dietary factors can cause chronic inflammation.
Some dietary factors that can cause inflammation include processed meats, fried foods, refined grains, added sugars, and trans fats. On the other hand, some anti-inflammatory foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fish, olive oil, and spices. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce inflammation and lower cancer risk.
How does alcohol factor in cancer diagnoses?
Alcohol is another dietary factor that can increase cancer risk. Alcohol can damage DNA and interfere with DNA repair mechanisms, which can lead to mutations that cause cancer. Alcohol can also increase the levels of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, which can stimulate the growth of hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast and prostate cancers. Alcohol can also affect the metabolism of other carcinogens (cancer-causing substances), such as tobacco smoke and acetaldehyde (a toxic byproduct of alcohol breakdown).
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), alcohol consumption is linked to increased risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box (larynx), oesophagus (food pipe), liver,
breast (in women), colon and rectum (colorectal). The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk. The ACS recommends that people who drink alcohol limit their intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
What are the cancer risks from alcohol consumption?
The exact risk of developing cancer from alcohol consumption depends on several factors,
such as the amount and frequency of drinking, the type of alcohol, the duration of drinking,
the presence of other risk factors (such as smoking or genetic predisposition), and the type
of cancer. However, some general estimates can be made based on epidemiological studies.
For example, according to a 2014 report by the World Cancer Research Fund International
(WCRFI), drinking one standard drink (10 grams of pure alcohol) per day increases the risk
of breast cancer by 5%, colorectal cancer by 7%, esophageal cancer by 30%, laryngeal
cancer by 44%, liver cancer by 15%, and oral cavity/pharyngeal cancer by 17%. Drinking
two standard drinks per day doubles these risks.
Does sugar inhibit the function of the immune system?
Sugar is a common ingredient in many foods and drinks, but did you know it can also affect your immune system? Your immune system is your body's defence against infections and diseases, and it relies on white blood cells to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. However, eating too much sugar can weaken your white blood cells and make them less effective at their job.
According to a study done on fruit flies, sugar hinders the immune system by reducing the ability of white blood cells to destroy bad bacteria or viruses. Another study showed that sugar consumption leads to a loss of important immune cells in mice, and disrupts the balance of the microbiome, which is essential for immune function. High blood sugar can also lower how white blood cells function by 40 per cent, making you more susceptible to illness.
So how much sugar is too much? The World Health Organization recommends limiting your daily intake of added sugars to no more than 10 per cent of your total calories, which is about 50 grams for an average adult. However, some studies suggest that even 75 grams of sugar can weaken your immune system for about 5 hours after consumption.
Therefore, it is important to be mindful of how much sugar you are eating and drinking, especially during times when your immune system needs to be strong. You can reduce your sugar intake by choosing whole foods over processed foods, drinking water instead of sugary beverages, and reading nutrition labels carefully. By limiting your sugar consumption, you can support your immune system and protect your health.
According to natural medicine, sugar is considered acidic to the body and can cause various health problems, such as indigestion, heartburn, inflammation, and tooth decay. Sugar can also feed harmful bacteria and yeast in the gut, disrupting the balance of the microbiome. Therefore, natural medicine practitioners often recommend avoiding or limiting sugar intake and opting for natural sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup or stevia.
Some natural remedies that can help neutralize stomach acid and ease digestion include:
- Drinking water or herbal teas
- Eating fibre-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Chewing food thoroughly and eating slowly
- Taking baking soda mixed with water (but not too often, as it is high in salt)
- Avoiding carbonated drinks, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and mint
Summary
Sugar does not directly cause or feed cancer, but it can indirectly increase cancer risk by
contributing to obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Alcohol can directly damage
DNA and increase hormone levels, which can lead to cancer. Both sugar and alcohol can
also affect the metabolism of other carcinogens. To lower your cancer risk, it is advisable to
limit your intake of added sugars and alcoholic beverages and follow a balanced diet that
includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fish, olive oil, and spices.
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