Cancer Nutrition Myth of the Week:
Today we are addressing the myth that sugar feeds cancer.
The Myth: Sugar feeds cancer.
The Truth: Sugar feeds ALL cells, both healthy cells and cancer cells.
Sugar feeds ALL cells
- Sugar (aka glucose) comes from all carbohydrate foods.
- All cells use glucose for energy. We can't control which cells get the glucose.
- Carbohydrates and other sources of glucose are an important part of a healthy diet.
- If we don't provide our body with enough carbohydrates through food, our bodies are forced to make it in order to meet the needs of all cells.
- Making glucose can result in muscle loss and a weakened immune system, which is the last thing you want during treatment!
- Whenever possible, it is best to provide food sources of carbohydrates regularly throughout the day.
Why does cancer glow on a PET scan?
It's not that the sugar (glucose) is only reaching the cancer cells. It's the increased activity of the cancer cell that is detected on a PET scan. The PET scan detects metabolic activity. ALL the bodies cells are getting glucose, but the cancer cells are metabolizing it quickly, which is what "glows" on the PET scan.
Cells use sugar the way cars use gas. Normal cells use a reasonable amount of gas, but cancer cells are gas guzzlers. We like how Angelea explains it!
"During cell division, more glucose is used, much like an accelerating car uses more gas. Normal cells divide at varying rates, some every 3 days and some every 3 months, or more. After cell division, it returns to more of an idling state, using less glucose.
Cancer cells are like cars with the accelerator stuck to the floor, using glucose at high rates because they are dividing at much faster rates than normal cells."
- Angelea Bruce, RD, CNSC, CSO, Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition.
What's the difference between added sugar and natural sugar?
- Added sugars are simple sugars (table sugar, brown sugar, honey, agave, maple syrup, etc). We add them to foods like coffee or tea, or they are added to processed and prepared foods by food manufacturers.
- Naturally occurring sugars are found in whole, unprocessed foods such as milk, fruits, vegetables, and grains. They are usually called complex carbohydrates.
- Complex carbohydrates also get broken down into simple sugars before they are absorbed, but the digestive process happens slower because it takes more work. These foods also contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, all of which are important to overall energy, health, and immunity,
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to show a direct link between sugar intake and cancer growth. Current evidence suggests that consuming a diet high in simple and added sugars increases the risk for diabetes, and diabetes is linked to increased risk of cancer, but there has not been a direct link between sugar intake and cancer growth.
What's the recommendation?
- When choosing carbohydrates, eat mostly complex carbohydrates and limit simple sugars.
- During treatment: Depending on your type of cancer, you may need more calories and protein.
- For those not having trouble eating, eat a diet where 2/3 of your foods are plant based foods and 1/3 of your foods are from animal sources.
- For those who are having trouble eating or are losing weight, ask your doctor or oncology dietitian for strategies to get adequate nutrition.
Remember, all your cells need sugar (aka glucose), so it's important to eat carbohydrates regularly throughout the day.
- Julie
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