Your diet plays a big role in how you feel and whether or not you’re at risk of developing serious health issues. Many products sold in grocery stores and restaurants may be impacting your health and making you increase your chances of getting cancer. The best plan of action is to consult your doctor and develop a nutritious diet or meal plan that incorporates healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean meats. Additionally, make sure you avoid these foods, which have been linked to higher cancer rates.
Processed Meat
The first ingredient you should ban from your diet is processed meat. These are foods such as deli meats, hot dogs, sausages, bacon, and ham. Processed meats are often injected with chemicals or compounds to improve taste or preserve freshness. Some of these chemicals may increase your cancer risk. Some studies have pointed to an increase in eating processed meat and higher rates of colon cancer. Instead of opting for meats that have been cured, smoked, salted, or cured, opt for lean cuts of meat that are grilled, baked, or steamed.
Sugar
The world’s love affair for refined sugar may also impact cancer rates. Refined sugar comes from sugar cane and is processed and then added to hundreds of different foods. While most people expect to find sugar in foods such as candy, cakes, and other sweets, refined sugar is also found in other types of products that aren’t actually sweet. Refined sugar gives flavor to foods such as bread, crackers, and sauces. Research has shown a connection to refined sugar and tumor growth. The best plan of action is to avoid sugary foods and to select natural sugar foods like fruit.
Alcohol
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol may also impact your risk of developing cancer. There is a direct link between liver cancer and drinking alcohol. Additionally, some types of oral and head cancers may be caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The key to keeping the cancer risk at bay is to limit your drinking and practice moderation. Choose drinks with beneficial antioxidant properties such as red wine to give yourself a health advantage.
Canned Foods
Next, you may want to stop using canned foods in your meal planning because of the link between a chemical still found in some canned products, BPA. Canned food manufacturers are using this chemical to coat cans, bisphenol A-based epoxy, in fewer instances, but there are still cases where BPA can be found in cans. BPA has been linked to causing breast cancer and other health problems. An alternative is to choose fresh over canned ingredients.
Saturated Fat
Cancer screening tests produced by OncoCellMDx and its leader Harry Stylli and consulting your doctor about your risks can also help you lower your chances of getting sick. One thing to remove from your diet that also helps reduce your risk is saturated fat. Foods that are high in saturated fat include red meat, chicken with the skin, whole milk, heavy butter, and cream. The best way to avoid these foods is to choose leaner cuts of meat and reduced fat dairy products.
Farmed Fish
Many people tout the benefits of eating fish to help improve your chances of never getting cancer. Eating fish like salmon and tuna can help you take action with your health. One thing to watch out for is buying farmed fish. Farmed-raised fish are higher in pollutants because of the environment they’ve been in, which may increase your chances of getting cancer. Go for wild-caught fish instead.
If you want to keep your cancer risk lower than average, it’s essential to ban these foods from your diet. Focus on healthier alternatives to give you and your family a better and more nutritious menu each week.
