Does sugar feed cancer?
You may have seen this question in various nutrition hubs on the internet. You may be asking this question yourself!
Can I starve my cancer by cutting out sugar? (implied underlying question)
This is a theory popularized by the groundbreaking work of biologist Otto Warburg, whose research showed that due to the impaired metabolism of cancer cells, the rate of glucose uptake dramatically increases, and lactate is produced, even in the presence of oxygen and fully functioning mitochondria. This is known as the Warburg Effect.
I believe that we will be better supported by reframing the “Does Sugar Feed Cancer” question.
Nutrition consultants do not treat cancer or other diseases. Where we shine is coming alongside our clients to support the terrain of the body, the soil in which the cancer or other chronic disease was planted and began to grow.
Therefore, the sugar question can be reframed:
How does sugar affect the terrain of the body?
Let me count the ways!
Immune System: Elevated glucose can impair immune function. Among other things, cancer is a disease of impaired immune function.
Inflammation: Sugar consumption is associated with low-grade inflammation as wells as chronic diseases like Type-2 diabetes other autoimmune conditions, and cancer.
Oxidative Stress: Sugar is known to increase Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) implicated in cancer growth and other chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease.
Liver Health: Sugar burdens the liver, which is already working hard to detoxify, possibly, cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Microbiome: Sugar can feed pathogenic bacteria and does not support the growth of beneficial bacteria. A robust and healthy microbiome is important for a healthy immune system.
Circadian Rhythm Health: Sugar can disrupt our sleep/wake cycles, which are so important to good health.
Adipose Tissue: Excess adipose tissue can cause inflammation in the body. It can also elevate estrogen, which may be significant for an estrogen driven cancer.
I’ve just scratched the surface here, but you get the idea.
It would be nice if there were such a simple equation:
Omit sugar = starve cancer
Unfortunately, there is not, but reframing questions can help us to see the bigger picture of health and to understand the importance of addressing the whole terrain of our bodies.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36198287/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36119103/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10253853/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37930128/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34902573/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8848117/
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