Health

The diet-lung cancer connection: Which foods to avoid?

Learn about the foods to avoid in order to reduce your risk of lung cancer. Includes information on processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, fried foods, charred meat, alcohol, salt-preserved foods, red and processed meat, high-glycemic index foods, low-fiber foods, and vegetable oils by wallyharrett
Estimated reading time: 4 min 29 sec
The diet-lung cancer connection: Which foods to avoid? Photo by Michelle Leman on Pexels

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the world. While there are many factors that can contribute to the development of lung cancer, diet is one area that has gained a lot of attention in recent years.

There are certain foods that have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, and avoiding these foods may help reduce your risk of developing this disease.

Processed Meat

Processed meats like bacon, sausage, and deli ham are popular foods that have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. These meats are often high in sodium and nitrates, which can increase the risk of lung cancer.

A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that people who ate more than 25 grams of processed meat per day had a 16% higher risk of lung cancer compared to those who ate less than 10 grams per day.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, sports drinks, and sweetened tea have also been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. These beverages are high in sugar and empty calories, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.

In a study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, people who drank more than two sugar-sweetened beverages per day had a 31% higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to those who didn’t drink these beverages.

Fried Foods

Fried foods like chicken wings, french fries, and onion rings are popular foods that have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.

These foods are often high in unhealthy fats and calories, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. Additionally, when these foods are cooked at high temperatures, they can produce harmful chemicals called acrylamides, which have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.

Charred Meat

Charred meat is another food that has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. When meat is cooked at high temperatures, it can create harmful chemicals called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

These chemicals can increase the risk of lung cancer and other types of cancer. To reduce your risk of cancer, it’s best to avoid eating charred or burnt meat.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption has also been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. Alcohol can damage the DNA in cells and increase the risk of cancer.

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that people who drank more than three alcoholic drinks per day had a 30% higher risk of lung cancer than those who didn’t drink alcohol.

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Salt-Preserved Foods

Salt-preserved foods like pickles, salted fish, and canned foods have also been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. These foods are often high in sodium, which can increase the risk of cancer.

A study published in the journal Lung Cancer found that people who ate salt-preserved foods on a regular basis had a 25% higher risk of lung cancer compared to those who didn’t eat these foods.

Red and Processed Meat

Red and processed meats have also been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. These meats are often high in saturated fats, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of cancer.

A study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research found that people who ate more than 150 grams of red or processed meat per day had a 49% higher risk of lung cancer compared to those who ate less than 50 grams per day.

High-Glycemic Index Foods

High-glycemic index foods like white bread, white rice, and pasta have also been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.

These foods are often high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to spike, which can negatively affect overall health and increase the risk of cancer. A study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that people who ate more high-glycemic index foods had a 49% higher risk of lung cancer compared to those who ate fewer of these foods.

Low-Fiber Foods

Low-fiber foods like processed snack foods, white bread, and pasta have also been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. These foods are often low in nutrients and high in unhealthy fats and sugars.

A diet that is high in fiber, on the other hand, has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer. A study published in the journal Annals of Oncology found that people who ate a high-fiber diet had a 25% lower risk of lung cancer compared to those who ate a low-fiber diet.

Vegetable Oils

Vegetable oils like corn, soybean, and canola oil have also been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.

These oils are highly processed and often contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation and an increased risk of cancer. To reduce your risk of cancer, it’s best to use healthier oils like olive oil or coconut oil for cooking and baking.

Conclusion

While there are many factors that can contribute to the development of lung cancer, diet is one area that is often overlooked.

By avoiding foods that have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, you can help reduce your overall risk of developing this disease. Incorporating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein into your diet can also help reduce your risk of cancer.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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