Introduction
Everyone is running after the race of life, where processed food has become the shortcut to cut all the extra efforts and time. Most individuals are into frozen and packaged snacks as they are way more convenient than cooking a delicacy. Recent research shows a weird connection between processed food and lung cancer. Your dietary choices could cause you serious and prolonged health issues. This blog will help you find out the theory of lung cancer related to your diet and how to deal with it to maintain proper health.
What are processed foods?
Foods that are baked, refrigerated, canned, dried, or have added preservatives to their natural state are known as processed foods. Not all processed foods are unhealthy; some of them, like frozen vegetables and pasteurized milk, are healthy to consume. Junk foods, sugary snacks, soda, and processed meats fall into the category of ultra-processed foods that can actually harm your health due to the presence of high amounts of salt, sugar, artificial additives, and fats.
Some of the ultra-processed foods are:
- Carbonated drinks, energy drinks, and energy drinks
- Sausages, bacon, and hot dogs
- Ready-to-eat meals
- Frozen pizza
- Sweetened cereals
- Packed snacks and chips
Let’s find out how processed foods and lung cancer are connected:
These days, lung cancer has been one of the prime causes of cancer-related deaths around the globe. Excessive smoking has been the major cause of lung cancer, but these days, dietary practices are also contributing to the deadly disease. Consumption of ultra-processed food in abnormal amounts can cause a higher risk of lung cancer.
Here’s how processed food may aid lung cancer:
- Oxidative stress and inflammation
The presence of refined sugars, trans fats, and sodium is higher in processed foods, which causes chronic inflammation in the body. The oxidative stress and inflammation can harm the cells and DNA, which increases the risk of mutation of cancerous cells.
- Additives and preservatives
To increase the storage capacity, preservatives like nitrates and nitrites are added to the processed foods. These additives and preservatives can form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic compounds. Hence, the body can easily acquire any cancer, and it can also be lung cancer.
- Obesity and lung cancer
Adding high-calorie processed food to your diet can ultimately cause obesity, which is known to attract various health diseases and cancers. Obesity provokes insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances, which are the best conditions to acquire cancer.
- Food with a high glycemic index
The blood glucose levels spike to a higher level with the consumption of ultra-processed foods. These foods are higher in glycemic index and are well known to boost the insulin level that triggers the growth of tumor cells, followed by cancer.
Studies supporting the connection between processed food and lung cancer:
Some research has found that consumption of ultra-processed foods enhances the risk of cancer, including lung cancer in non-smokers.
- A study published in 2018, in the British Medical Journal, states that the risk of cancer greatly rises with increased intake of 10% ultra-processed food.
- Another study from France’s NutriNet-santé cohort found that the regular consumption of processed food can eventually cause higher chances of getting colorectal and lung cancers.
More studies are still in the process, but the current studies show how diet can be a key cause of acquiring a deadly cancer disease.
Lung cancer risk in non-smokers
Apart from smoking, there are 20% of other factors that are the primary cause of lung cancer. Yes, smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but genetics, dietary factors, and environmental pollution also affect lung health. Regular intake of high-sugar drinks and processed meats is the most evident risk to lung cancer in non-smokers.
Cut processed food from your diet and opt for healthier options
A diet that is lung-friendly:
- Fresh vegetables and fruits – have ample fruits and veggies to avail antioxidants that repair damaged cells.
- Reduce processed meat – opt for fresh fish, poultry, and vegan-protein instead.
- Eat home-cooked food – home-cooked food is free of preservatives and additives.
- Avoid snacks and sugary drinks – have natural and fresh juices, herbal tea, or water only.
- Check labels – check for trans fats, nitrates, artificial additives, and added sugar.
It is always necessary to add wholesome and nutritious food to your diet so that it can prevent inflammation and cancer effectively.
Final thoughts:
There are numerous studies that make it clear that processed foods and lung cancer are reciprocal to each other. While smoking is still the major risk to lung cancer, diet can also cause the deadly effect. A diet can entirely reduce or enhance the risk of cancer in the body.
Limiting the consumption of ultra-processed food and opting for a wholesome diet can significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening illness. Good food choices and a sound lifestyle can proffer a healthy and sound future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is processed food and lung cancer reciprocal to each other?
Yes, ultra-processed foods can cause a higher risk of acquiring lung cancer. Although smoking is the prime cause of lung cancer, studies say processed food enhances inflammation and carcinogens in the body.
- Which processed food affects the lungs’ health?
Processed meats, salty packaged snacks, and sugary drinks are the major harmful foods that can affect the lungs with their nitrate, sugar, and trans fat content.
- Can people with no smoking history have lung cancer?
Certainly, yes, 20% of lung cancer patients are non-smokers. Genetics, pollution, and an unhealthy diet are the factors that also contribute to higher risks of lung cancer.
- Does diet help in reducing lung cancer?
Consume fresh meat, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. Cut down on processed meats and foods to prevent the risk of getting cancer cells.
- Are all processed foods unhealthy?
No, not all processed foods are bad. Some of the pasturized milks, frozen veggies, or canned beans that are free of additives are fine to consume. The ultra-processed, higher additives, and preservative content are highly unhealthy for your health.
