Carcinogens in everyday foods

Every day medical science treats millions of patients around the world for innumerable diseases. As clinicians  battle new forms of infection, more and more clinical resources are being spent on curing and managing Non communicable diseases. Most of these NCDs are preventible with lifestyle changes. Enough exercise , good food and a cleaner environment can go a long way in preventing, diabetes, heart disease and even cancer.

Cancer has become a big killer in the modern world. There are so many types and categories of cancer from oral cancers to intestinal camncer, breast cancer to prostate cancer and so on.

Cancer is caused by changes in a cell’s DNA – its genetic “blueprint.” Some of these changes may be inherited from our parents. Others may be caused by outside exposures, which are often referred to as environmental factors. Environmental factors can include a wide range of exposures, such as:

   1. Lifestyle factors (nutrition, tobacco use, physical activity, etc.)

   2. Medical treatments (radiation and medicines including chemotherapy, hormone drugs, drugs that suppress the  immune system, etc.)

   3. Pollution

           As doctors and patients fight cancer, most of us live in the disbelief that cancer will not happen to us.  We go about our daily lives eating food that has potent carcinogens and increasing our risk for cancer without even recognising it.Here are some foods that we consume on a daily basis that contain natural carcinogens:

1. Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs): The rapidly growing industry of  GMO crops are infiltrating our food supply at an alarming rate. More than 90% of our corn and soy are now genetically modified. A large part of our grains, wheat, rice that we consume at every meal is genetically modified.
2. Microwave Popcorn: From the chemically lined bag to the actual contents, microwave popcorn can be a cause of lung cancer debates around the world. Not only are the kernels and oil likely GMO, the fumes released from artificial butter flavouring contain diacetyl which is toxic to humans. 
3. Canned Goods: Most cans are lined with a product called bisphenol-A (BPA), which has been shown to genetically alter the brain cells of rats. Many plastic goods, alluminium foil, water lines, and many dental composites also contain BPA. 
4. Refined Sugar: The biggest cancer causing food (by far) is high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and other refined sugars. Even brown sugar is highly refined white sugar with some of the removed molasses added back in for flavor and color. Refined sugars (and foods made with them) are the source of major insulin spikes and feed the growth of cancer cells. A healthier option is organic honey, coconut sugar, or maple sugar. 
5. Salted, Pickled, and Smoked Foods: These products typically contain preservatives, such as nitrates, which are intended to prolong shelf life. The additives used in processed foods can accumulate in your body over time. Eventually, such toxins cause damage at the cellular level and lead to diseases like cancer.
6. Soda and Carbonated Beverages: Sodas have been at the centre of the health debate for two decades as a major cancer causing food. Filled with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), dyes, and a host of other chemicals, they are very bad for every aspect of your health. They provide zero nutritional value and rob your body of the nutrients you get from other foods. Adding “diet” to the label means you’re also likely consuming aspartame — which is no better than rat poison to human cells.
7. White Flour: When flour is refined, all nutritional value is removed. Then it’s bleached with chlorine gas to make it more appealing to consumers. The glycemic index for white flour is very high - meaning it spikes your insulin levels without providing nutritional fuel. Carbohydrates are converted to sugars by your body, so products  such as pizza bases, bread, buns, pav, cookies that contain white flour can lead to increased insulin resistance. Simple sugars (like refined carbohydrates) are the preferred fuel source for cancer.
8. Hydrogenated Oils: Vegetable oils are chemically extracted  from their source, chemically treated, and more chemicals are added to change the smell and taste. They’re packed with unhealthy omega-6 fats (that Americans already consume way too much of) and have been proven to alter the structure of our cell membranes.
9. Artificial Sweeteners Aspartame, (E951:  More popularly known as Nutrasweet and Equal, is found in foods labeled "diet" or "sugar-free". Aspartame is believed to be carcinogenic and accounts for more reports of adverse reactions than all other foods and food additives combined. Aspartame is not your friend. Aspartame is a neurotoxin and carcinogen.
10. Bread: An additive used to increase volume in some white flour, bread, and rolls, potassium bromate is known to cause cancer in animals. Even small amounts in bread can create problems for humans.
11. Common Food Dyes: Artificial colourings which are found in soda, fruit juices, cakes, cookies and salad dressings, may have some link  to cancer. Watch out for these ones:

         Blue #1 and Blue #2 (E133) Found in candy, cereal, soft drinks, sports drinks and pet foods.

         Red dye # 3 (E124) Found in fruit cocktail, pie mix, ice cream, candy, bakery products and more!

         Yellow #6 (E110) and Yellow Tartrazine (E102) Found in American cheese, macaroni and cheese, and carbonated beverages, lemonade and more!

In addition to the  foods listed above,  any food labeled as “diet,” “light,” or “fat-free”is also potentially cancer causing.  In order to remove fat or natural calories, they are replaced with chemicals that are dangerous to your body.

Instead of consuming food products that manufacturers claim is “good for you” – follow these  anti-cancer diet tips to prevent cancer the easy way.

1. Eat fresh, local  whenever possible. Choose raw or clean frozen if availability of fresh product isn’t good in your area.
2. Fill half your plate each meal with non-starchy vegetables. If you eat animal products, make sure they’re pastured and grass-fed meats and dairy goods (including eggs). Use only high quality oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, ghee, or grass-fed butter.
3. Cut back drastically on grains and sugars
4. Fresh herbs and spices act as immune system booster and  include ginger, raw garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, thyme, pepper, oregano, basil and parsley prevent and cure cancer.