Recent research highlights a troubling link between ultra-processed foods and health risks for cancer survivors. Let’s dive into what we know.
Higher Risks for Cancer Survivors
A new study reveals that cancer survivors who consume large amounts of ultra-processed foods face significant dangers. Those in the study who ate the highest amounts had a 48% greater risk of dying from any cause and a 57% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to those who consumed the least.
Dr. Marialaura Bonaccio, a researcher involved in the study, notes, “Diet after a cancer diagnosis can influence survival, but past studies focused mostly on nutrients, not food processing.” This highlights a key issue: the method of food preparation and ingredient use matters just as much as the nutritional content.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Ultra-processed foods are typically high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives. Items like fast food, sugary drinks, and processed snacks fall into this category. They often lead to inflammation and can disrupt gut health, which plays a role in overall health.
Dr. Bonaccio points out that even if two foods have similar calorie counts, the processed option can still impact health negatively. Increased inflammation and a higher resting heart rate may contribute to these risks.
Study Details
The study followed over 24,000 individuals from southern Italy between March 2005 and December 2022. Among them were 802 cancer survivors. Researchers categorized foods based on the NOVA classification system, which helps identify how processed a food is.
The data indicated a strong link between diet and mortality. Even after adjusting for factors like smoking and body mass index, the connection remained.
Expert Insights
Experts like Dr. Nilesh Vora, a medical oncologist, find these results unsurprising. He mentions ongoing research that shows a link between inflammatory foods and cancer recurrence. Dr. Dana Hunnes, another expert in nutrition, emphasizes that cancer can make it harder for survivors to maintain a healthy diet.
Hunnes cautions, “The toll of cancer can raise the risk of overall mortality, and ultra-processed foods might make it worse.”
Food Choices Matter
It’s essential to focus on overall dietary habits, not just single foods. Bonaccio suggests that reducing ultra-processed foods and incorporating fresh, minimally processed options is key. She advises checking labels: if a food has more than five ingredients or includes additives, it’s likely ultra-processed.
Final Thoughts
While this study doesn’t definitively prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it underscores an important point: changing one’s diet can be beneficial, especially for cancer survivors. Dr. Vora suggests making lifestyle changes now to improve health.
Eating healthier doesn’t mean drastic alterations right away. Small changes, like opting for home-cooked meals over fast food, can lead to significant benefits over time.
If you want to learn more about ultra-processed foods and their impacts, check reputable sources like the CDC or this detailed NOVA classification system.
