Experts are urging people under the age of 50 to make a simple food swap in a bid to combat a concerning rise in colon cancer cases. The rates of bowel cancer among the under 50s have surged by approximately 50% since the mid-1990s in the UK. This worrying trend is mirrored in the US, prompting a closer look at the potential factors behind this increase.
Although establishing a direct link to every case remains a challenge, researchers have identified a specific type of food that could be contributing to the problem. The focus has shifted to certain cooking oils, particularly seed oils like sunflower, canola, corn, and grapeseed, which are believed to promote inflammation in the body. To address this issue, experts are recommending a switch from these seed oils to alternatives rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as olive and avocado oil.
A recent study conducted by researchers at USF Health and Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute shed light on the possible connection between the Western diet, marked by the consumption of ultra-processed foods and unhealthy oils, and the chronic inflammation that fuels tumour growth. The team secured a substantial grant of $3.1 million from the National Institutes of Health to delve deeper into this issue. Their findings, published in the journal Gut, delve into how processed foods may hinder the body’s natural healing processes.
Dr. Timothy Yeatman, a study author and professor of surgery at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, highlighted the impact of unhealthy diets on inflammation levels in the body. He explained that chronic inflammation in colon tumours can impede the body’s natural healing mechanisms, creating an environment conducive to cancer growth. Yeatman stressed the urgency of reassessing the components of the Western diet, which typically include high levels of added sugars, saturated fats, ultra-processed foods, chemicals, and inflammatory seed oils.
The implications of an imbalanced diet extend beyond colorectal cancer, as evidenced by previous studies from the USF Health Heart Institute. The research suggests that diet plays a role in various diseases, including Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. Ganesh Halade, an associate professor at the USF Health Heart Institute, emphasized the importance of consuming healthy fats rich in bioactive lipid compounds to counteract inflammation and promote healing.
Halade’s research underlines the significance of bioactive lipids derived from nutritious sources such as avocados in resolving inflammation and supporting the immune system. By detecting these essential molecules in tumour samples, the team observed an imbalance that favours inflammation-promoting compounds over healing-promoting ones. The suppression of the immune system by inflammatory lipids from processed foods can hinder the body’s ability to combat diseases like cancer effectively.
Resolution medicine, as proposed by the University of South Florida, focuses on reversing inflammation through the consumption of unprocessed foods abundant in omega-3 fatty acids. This approach aims to leverage the body’s healing mechanisms naturally, complemented by adequate sleep and exercise. Dr. Yeatman highlighted the potential of this holistic approach to transform cancer treatment by harnessing the body’s innate healing processes. By addressing chronic inflammation at its core, this strategy has the potential to prevent diseases before they manifest.
In conclusion, the call for dietary modifications to combat the rise in colon cancer cases among young adults underscores the importance of mindful eating habits and the impact of food choices on overall health. By making simple swaps in cooking oils and embracing a diet rich in essential nutrients, individuals can proactively support their bodies’ healing processes and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. This holistic approach to health and wellness represents a significant step towards disease prevention and underscores the power of natural healing mechanisms in combating cancer and other health challenges.