The increasing cases of cancer, especially among the youth, are worrying experts, who believe that this deadly disease is increasing rapidly due to changes in lifestyle. Negligence in routine screening leads to delayed diagnosis, while genetic and environmental factors also contribute to increased risk of cancer.

Doctors say most young people today are eating a high-fat, low-fiber diet — which doesn’t provide your body with the nutrition to boost immunity that helps fight cancer cells. These can also increase the risk of many types of cancer, including intestinal, lung, prostate and uterine cancer.

And so, US-based oncology dietitian Dr. Nicole Andrews shares five foods and drinks that she considers deadly.

Liquor

According to Dr. Andrews, alcohol made from acetaldehyde is toxic and can cause permanent DNA damage, which leads to cancer, especially in the intestine. Studies show that the liver converts most of the ethanol in alcoholic beverages you consume into acetaldehyde. Small amounts of ethanol also break down in the mouth and stomach.

Apart from damaging your DNA, it also increases estrogen levels in the blood, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.

processed meats

Dr. Andrews says that even though processed meats are delicious – they massively increase cancer risk because they’re loaded with chemicals that damage cells in the gut. Most processed, non-vegetarian foods contain nitrates and nitrites – which become N-nitroso chemicals when digested.

“Whether it’s pepperoni … or pre-cooked meat,” Dr. Andrews told the New York Times, “any consumption of it will increase the risk of cancer.” Dr. Andrews suggested she specifically avoid deli meats and hot dogs, opting to create her own healthier version with raw sausage and whole-wheat buns.

The World Health Organization has named processed meat a carcinogen – noting that there is ample evidence from epidemiological studies that eating processed meat causes colorectal cancer.

soda

Dr Andrews said she avoids drinking soda – which contains about 1000 unnecessary kilojoules per bottle. While sugar doesn’t directly increase your cancer risk, extra kilojoules contribute to overweight and obesity, which are known risk factors for bowel, breast, pancreatic and other cancers.

Andrews says, “Excess fat tissue in the body … increases the risk of 13 different cancers,” he said.

white rash

Excessive consumption of refined grains increases the risk of colon and gastric cancer. Dr. Andrews says that when it comes to grains, she never chooses the white variety. “I am a completely perfect girl. Whole grains will help you reduce your risks of colon and breast cancer, and (they) will also give you more fiber and more nutrients because (they) are less processed,” she said.

White grains are mostly found in foods like bread – which are devoid of nutrients, including fiber.

plant based milk

According to Dr. Andrews, despite the popularity of vegan, plant-based milks, it’s always recommended to choose nutrient-rich, full-fat dairy. “I don’t drink plant milks… because they have very little protein,” she said. He also said that the amazing calcium in cow’s milk reduces the risk of colorectal cancer.

Their preference is supported by experts who warn that plant-based alternatives don’t always equal the nutrition they get from animals.

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