There is no certified evidence that sugar makes a tumor grow faster. However, what we do know is that an above-average consumption of sugar can cause a person to gain weight and that being overweight can cause complications for cancer patients. Being overweight also puts you at risk of getting another tumor. These are some of the reasons to lessen your sugar intake.
What is sugar?
Sugar forms a part of the carbohydrates like gluten and fiber. Carbohydrates provide our body with energy.
Sugarcane and sugar beets contain natural sugars. From these products, we extract granulated sugar. This is also referred to as refined sugar. Milk, Milk products, fruit, fruit juice, and honey also contain sugar.
Sugar is used in the preparation of many products. Not only in products that taste sweet like cookies and candy, but also in products you may not expect. For example, packaged or canned soup and in sauces like mayonnaise and ketchup. On their packaging, it can be seen that they do in fact contain sugar.
What do scientific studies show?
There are few reliable scientific studies in which it is properly studied what effect sugar has on the growing-rate of a tumor. Many studies have been conducted in test tubes or on rats. The results yielded from these studies are not applicable to humans. Our bodies work in a far more complicated manner. What we witness occurring in test tubes or in rats could be different for humans.
There have been some studies conducted on humans. These show that there is a relation between the consumption of sugary drinks and the risk of cancer reoccurring or causing death. This was observed amongst people who are overweight, and it is, therefore, unclear whether it is the sugar or perhaps the access weight or another factor that is to blame.
Is it bad to eat sugar when you have cancer?
Currently, there is no reason to stop consuming sugar if you have cancer, however, it is advisable to lessen your sugar intake. Eating and drinking a lot of sugar can cause us to gain weight easily, and being overweight can cause complications for cancer patients and increase the chances of getting another tumor. These are some good reasons to consume less sugar.
Can you live without sugar?
Products with added sugar such as sodas, chocolate, candy, and cake are not essential. These products do not contain any other necessary or nutritional substances.
Other types of sugar and carbohydrates are necessary. Every cell in our body needs glucose to be able to grow and function properly. When you consume an insufficient amount of carbohydrates, your body will try and find other means to acquire a sufficient amount of glucose. Your body will start using protein. This can be protein found in our food or protein from our own muscles. This will cause the muscles to be broken down, which is bad for your physical health.
Additionally, foods containing carbohydrates like fruit, bread, grain, beans, milk, and milk products often also contain vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Our advice
Consume bread, potatoes, pasta or rice, fruits, vegetables, milk, and milk products daily. When experiencing undesired weight loss or a loss of appetite due to illness or treatment, consuming sugar could be useful to maintain your weight.
For more information visit our Facebook page ‘Koningin Wilhelmina Fonds Aruba’ or call our information center at 5820412. You can also visit the World Cancer Research Fund website www.wkof.nl for the latest information surrounding the investigations concerning a connection between our health and cancer.
Source: Voedingenkankerinfo.nl, Wereld Kanker Onderzoek Fonds.
