One of the most common cancers in the world is this cancer that affects the colon or the rectum. Diet definitely plays a prime role in increasing or decreasing the risk of developing colorectal cancer. In this blog, we shall discuss the types of foods that have a higher likelihood of leading to colorectal cancer and why they can be hazardous.
Types of Foods That Cause Colorectal Cancer
While it is found that a healthy, wholesome diet could really safeguard a person against this disease, some foods and eating habits have been proven to increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Here is a list of foods that cause colorectal cancer:
1. Processed Food
Processed foods are one of the major dietary culprits when it comes to colorectal cancer. Processed meats have generally been preserved either through smoking, curing, or introduction of chemical preservatives such as nitrates and nitrites. These processes utilize the presence of harmful agents such as heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are produced when meat is cooked at high temperatures. In addition, the preserved nitrates and nitrites used on these meats cause the generation of N-nitroso compounds, which have been classified as carcinogenic substances and documented to result in colorectal cancer.
The World Health Organization classifies processed meats as Group 1 carcinogens. Human beings are known to know carcinogens as they cause cancer in human beings. According to scientific reports, there is an 18% increase of colorectal cancer from eating processed meat daily portions of at least 50 grams.
2. Red Meat
Red meat is rich in protein, iron, and many other nutrients, but it also carries the risk of a higher chance of colorectal cancer, especially with large amounts. According to recent research, the habit of high-temperature cooking of red meat, that is, grilling, barbecuing, or pan-frying, results in the generation of potentially carcinogenic compounds, such as heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Colorectal cancer risk factors include a diet high in red meat (consuming -18 ounces of cooked meat per week), according to the National Cancer Institute of the United States, among many studies. According to the World Health Organization, red meat is grouped in Group 2A as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
3. High-Fat, Low-Fiber Diets
Diets that are high in unhealthy fats and low in fiber have also been linked to colorectal cancer. Foods that contain unhealthy fats include the following:
- Fried foods
- Baked products with trans fats
- Snack foods (potato chips, packaged snacks)
People who eat large amounts of processed or refined foods, such as white bread, sugary snacks, and fast foods, typically have low-fiber diets. Fiber makes moving waste through the body’s digestive system easier, which tends to promote healthy bowel movements; it reduces the amount of time that harmful substances spend in contact with the colon lining.
Diets high in fat, especially those high in unhealthy fats, can increase inflammation in the colon, promoting cancerous cell growth. A diet low in fiber also tends to increase the relative risk of colorectal cancer because it slows up the digestive process as well as the effectiveness of eliminating waste.
4. Refined and Processed Sugars
A diet high in sugary and processed foods includes:
- Soda and other sugary drinks
- Candy
- Pastries
- Packaged snacks
- Refined grains (white bread, pasta)
These indirectly increase the risk of colorectal cancer because they promote weight gain, insulin resistance, and inflammation. All have been linked to elevated cancer risk types, including colorectal. High sugar intake also contributes to obesity and is a known risk factor for colorectal cancer.
Intake of diets with very high amounts of refined sugars and very low levels of nutrient consumption has been associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer because those chemicals damage insulin and the inflammation response.
5. Alcohol
Excessive drinking of alcohol is another very crucial diet factor that escalates the risk of developing colorectal cancer. It is not important which one-whether it’s beer, wine, or spirits-instanting an excessive intake leads to cancers like mouth, esophageal cancers, liver cancer, and importantly, colorectal cancer.
Even moderate drinking can raise the risk of colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society advises men to limit alcohol to no more than two drinks per day and women to limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day to help reduce their chances of developing cancer.
6. Grilled and Charred Foods
Cooking food at very high temperatures, particularly grilling or barbecuing meats, produces harmful carcinogens such as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The former are produced when meat is cooked over an open flame, while the latter are formed when it chars.
Research has also established that those who habitually consume charred or grilled meats are at an increased risk for developing colorectal cancer, since cancer-causing substances arise from the latter.
7. Refined Grains and Processed Carbohydrates
Product Categories that include refined grains and processed carbohydrates, among others:
- White bread
- White pasta
- Pastries
- Packaged cereals
A diet high in refined carbohydrates causes weight gain and obesity and increases insulin resistance, each of which is a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Often, these products have the natural fiber and nutrients stripped out in processing.
The scientific findings reveal that a diet rich in refined grains, low in whole grain, and deficient in fiber is correlated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer. Whole grains are higher in fiber. They help maintain an efficient digestive system and prevent cancer.
Conclusion
Diet is essential in preventing or causing colorectal cancer. Frequent consumption of processed meats, red meat, high fat and low fiber diet, sugars, alcohol, and grilled meats increases your risk. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins will help reduce the risk.
If you are concerned about your diet or want to learn ways to avoid developing colorectal cancer, discuss your own individual preferences and needs with your Colorectal Surgeon in Ahmedabad. Small changes in your diet may significantly reduce your risk for and improve your overall health.