Study reveals alarming link between ultra-processed foods and increased risk of colon cancer.
Tl;dr
- Colorectal cancer linked to chronic inflammation and ultra-processed diets.
- The imbalance between inflammation and immune system resolution promotes tumor growth.
- Unprocessed foods rich in omega-3 could help restore this balance.
The link between colorectal cancer and diet
Colorectal cancer, characterized by its typical tumors, is favored by chronic inflammation. New research suggests a link between this type of cancer and a diet high in ultra-processed foods and unhealthy oils.
According to the World Health Organization, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer death. Although the majority of cases concern people over the age of 50, there is an increase in diagnoses among younger people.
Chronic inflammation: a breeding ground for cancer
In the case of colorectal cancer, the body's inflammation and resolution processes are disrupted. These mechanisms, which normally serve to mobilize cells to fight against a threat or to tell them when to withdraw, are unbalanced. This leads to suppression of the immune system and excessive cell proliferation.
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Timothy Yeatmanprofessor of surgery at the University of South Florida (USF), emphasizes: “It is well known that patients with unhealthy diets have increased inflammation in their bodies. We're now seeing this inflammation in the tumors themselves, and cancer is like a chronic wound that doesn't heal.”
Ultra-processed foods: an aggravating factor
When the body is fighting a persistent tumor, it makes sense not to add fuel to the fire by consuming ultra-processed foods that can inflame even healthy intestines.
Highly processed foods, common in a Western diet, lack the fat and fiber that would balance excess omega-6 fatty acids. This new study brings us closer to understanding the link between a diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids and chronic inflammation and colorectal cancer.
A balanced diet to fight cancer
Restoring this balance by encouraging patients to eat healthy, unprocessed foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids could provide their bodies with much-needed relief from the chronic inflammation that fuels their tumors.
What do we think?
These results highlight the importance of a balanced diet for the prevention of colorectal cancer. They also remind us that our diet can have a direct impact on our health. It is therefore essential to favor a diet rich in unprocessed foods and omega-3 fatty acids to keep our immune system healthy and prevent the development of chronic diseases such as cancer.
