Dietary Myths and Cancer

Jef L'Ecuyer June 3, 2016 Cancer

What can I do to prevent cancer?

I would love to give you a magic recipe to completely protect you from cancer, but it unfortunately doesn’t exist… or not yet at least! However, according to the Canadian Cancer Society and the American Institute for Cancer Research, certain dietary habits can help reduce the risk of developing cancer*. Here is a summary of their findings:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat more fruits, vegetables and legumes for a high-fiber diet.
• Do more exercise and spend less time sitting.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you consume (no more than 2 drinks per day for women and 3 for men, and no more than 10 drinks per week for women and 15 for men).
• Eat less red meat and processed meats. You shouldn’t be surprised to hear me speak about red meat after all we’ve heard following the WHO’s declaration in 2015… It’s all a matter of balance, a slice or two of bacon from time to time won’t kill you!
• Consume less salt (sodium), added sugars, fried foods and barbecued foods.

Seeing as we know that around half of cancers can be prevented with healthy lifestyle habits, let’s adopt them!

Note: No vitamin, mineral or complementary supplement has been proven to either prevent or treat cancer. Opt for whole foods, unless of course your doctor/pharmacist/dietitian recommends a specific supplement for your health condition.

*Disclaimer: These tips do not replace the advice of your doctor, dietitian or other health professional. There is no guarantee that they will completely reduce your risk of developing cancer.

References:

1. Thibault, Louise. (2016). Manger pour garder un cerveau jeune. Montréal: Les Éditions de l’Homme.
2. Jean-Yves Dionne. (november 2009). Acidification: Mythe ou réalité. Retrieved from http://www.jydionne.com/acidification-mythe-ou-realite/
3. Éducalcool. (october 2011). Alcool et santé – Les effets de la consommation modérée et régulière d’alcool. Retrieved from http://educalcool.qc.cahttps://wordpress.soscuisine.com/2011/08/Alcool_et_Sante_1-Version_courte.pdf
4. Tammy Fansabedian, Dt.P. (april 12th, 2016). Thruts about some common cancer nutrition myths. Retrieved from http://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaret/PatientsFamilies/Patient_Family_Library/Newsletter/Pages/2013/truths_about_some_common_cancer_nutrition_myths.aspx
5. Société Canadienne du Cancer. (november 2015).  Trucs mensuels pour réduire votre risque de cancer. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.ca/~/media/cancer.ca/CW/publications/Monthly%20tips%20to%20reduce%20your%20risk%20of%20cancer/Monthly-Tips-to-Reduce-Your-Risk-of-Cancer-FR%202015.pdf?la=fr-CA
6. American Institute for Cancer Research. (may 2008). Cancer and Acid-Base Balance: Busting the Myth. Tiré de http://preventcancer.aicr.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=13441
7. Dietitians of Canada. (april 2011). Diet Composition Alkaline Diet Key Practice Points. Retrieved from  https://www.pennutrition.com/KnowledgePathway.aspx?kpid=17944&pqcatid=146&pqid=17987&kppid=17988&book=Comments&num=1#Comments
8. American Institute for Cancer Research. (january 2016). The Sugar-Cancer Connection. Retrieved from http://www.aicr.org/enews/2016/01-january/enews-sugar-and-cancer.html?_ga=1.24946298.1184470236.1463676277?referrer=http://preventcancer.aicr.org/site/Search?query=sugar%20cancer&ie=UTF-8&inc=10

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Author

Jef L'Ecuyer

Member of the Quebec College of Dietitians (ODNQ) and Dietitians of Canada,Jef graduated from McGill University in December 2014. Recently graduated and passionate about culinary arts, Jef poses a simple, effective and practical look at daily meal planning. With this in mind, she works in conjunction with the mission of SOSCuisine...