There are numerous studies being done in order to research the ways sugar consumption could influence the progression of cancer. Our team at A Mind For All Seasons feels strongly that providing our clients with knowledge and strategies regarding the risks of sugar is important, and we do so by reviewing cutting-edge research while also offering practical advice that will aid in making choices regarding health.

Due to the rapid grown of cancer cells, they require significant amounts of energy in order to multiply. That energy has been found to come from the primary source of glucose, which is a simple sugar. This not only fuels cancer cells, but also creates an acidic environment around them and can lead to more mutations and aggressive behaviors. The conclusion we draw from this information is that sugar does, in fact, feed cancer while also making surrounding tissues more susceptible to it.

Sugar is also linked to higher levels of inflammation throughout the body, and chronic inflammation is a well-known risk factor for several types of cancer. This information also confirms the suspicion that sugar feeds cancer due to the cyclical effects of sugar consumption leading to inflammation, followed by inflammation providing a more favorable environment for cancer to develop and progress.

Taking precautions and making efforts to reduce the consumption of sugar offers many health benefits, but today we are going to focus solely on the ways lowered sugar intake can reduce the risk of cancer. Focusing on whole foods like quinoa, oats, and unprocessed meats can make a huge difference in the internal conditions where cancers are more likely to appear because these items are much lower in sugar than the levels found in processed foods. Being aware of hidden sugars is essential, as the body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, or sugar. Although carbs are necessary for energy, the fact that they essentially become sugar cannot be overlooked.

One might believe they are eating a healthy diet while at the same time that individual feels confused as to why they aren’t loosing weight or what is causing their blood sugar to skyrocket. If carbs are being consumed at every meal or in large amounts once or twice a day without any thought of balancing nutrition with protein or healthy fats, the result is often high blood sugar, a crash in energy levels, and weight gain.

In order to maintain a steady level of blood sugar, some steps to take are eating carbs in healthy amounts throughout the day with a focus on complex carb consumption rather than simple carbs that are quickly broken down and provide little to no nutritional value or energy. Empty carbs are essentially refined carbs that have been processed, their nutrients removed and broken down quickly. Because they are ‘empty’, refined carbohydrates cause spikes in blood sugar and insulin. This is what leads to an energy crash, cravings, and feeling hungry again soon after eating. Understanding the difference between these two types of carbs can make all the difference!

Regular exercise and staying hydrated in addition to consistent, quality sleep and managing stress are all excellent tools to utilize while managing blood sugar levels, and they each have additional health benefits as well. In the context of cancer, there are studies that reveal these factors may impact one’s risk of types of cancer. Sleep deprivation, chronic stress, dehydration, and poor exercise habits can disrupt the immune system and weaken overall health, making one more susceptible to this horrific disease based on lifestyle and other factors.

For additional information on the ways in which sugar negatively impacts the body and the mind, check out this article from the Texas Institute of Neurological Disorders:

https://www.texasinstituteforneurologicaldisorders.com/uncategorized/effects-high-sugar-diet-brain/

One of the biggest changes we can make toward improving our overall health and brain function is watching our sugar intake. One recommendation we make at A Mind For All Seasons is to try wearing a blood glucose monitor and get a sense of the way your body reacts to certain foods. Keeping a journal or using the Notes App and documenting not only blood sugar levels, but also the way you feel after eating is another great method to apply to your efforts of optimal health and the prevention of chronic diseases. Our Chief Medial Officer, Randy Vawdrey, highly recommends “Tripping Over the Truth: How the Metabolic Theory of Cancer is Overturning One of Medicine’s Most Entrenched Paradigms” by Travis Christofferson:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=tripping+over+the+truth&hvadid=598726096550&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9029576&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15896988420662647328&hvtargid=kwd-124352797702&hydadcr=15523_13558508&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_83ybnbygrs_e

As always, please feel free to reach out to our team at info@amindforallseasons.com any time you have questions or would like more information. We know that the road toward optimal cognitive function and feeling better can often seem long and daunting, but our goal and mission is to help as many people achieve A Mind For ALL Seasons of life! Reducing the consumption of sugar is a great step toward making progress on the pathway to improved health.
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