FEBRUARY National Cancer Prevention Month – Foods Linked to Cancer That You Need to Cut From Your Mom’s Diet

By Julie McCormick, Co-Owner | February 13, 2019 | Comments Off on FEBRUARY National Cancer Prevention Month – Foods Linked to Cancer That You Need to Cut From Your Mom’s Diet

National Cancer Prevention Month occurs every February.

In the U.S., breast cancer, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancer are the four most common cancers.

 

Senior Care in Prince William County VA: National Cancer Prevention Month

Senior Care in Prince William County VA: National Cancer Prevention Month

 

Studies find that just under half of all cancer cases can be linked to one of four things.

• Being overweight
• Failing to get enough exercise
• Smoking
• Spending too much time in the sun

One of the primary steps for cancer prevention is diet. Your mom needs to watch what she eats to avoid becoming overweight. If she is overweight, she needs to lose weight through a healthy diet and exercise. While switching her diets, doctors agree there are certain foods that increase the cancer risk. They are the foods your mom needs to avoid.

 

Red Meat

Beef is one of the most commonly eaten items in the category of red meats. A pigment found in red meat is believed to damage the DNA of cells. This leads to an increase in body chemicals that may increase her cancer risk. This pigment called haem is only found in red meats and not in things like chicken or turkey breast.

 

Processed Meats

Meats that are high in nitrites and nitrates, such as bacon, ham, and sausage, are linked to higher rates of bowel and stomach cancers. The exact link has yet to be found, but studies show higher rates of cancer in people who routinely eat those foods.

 

Barbecued Foods

Barbecued meats have higher levels of HCAs and PCAs, two chemicals that are believed to increase the risk of cancer. The problem seems to be with meats that are charred. If your mom wants to grill her foods, keep flames low and avoid charred spots on the poultry or vegetables she wants.

 

Sugar…

Research is ongoing, but there seems to be a link between excess amounts of sugar and increased glucose levels. Growing cells need glucose when they multiply. The belief is that cancer cells also require lots of sugar. The problem is that healthy cells also need glucose.

As a result, doctors recommend making sure your daily sugar intake is from fresh fruits and vegetables and not cookies, cupcakes, and other sweet treats. If your mom is craving a bowl of ice cream, she could instead have a thick fruit milkshake made with frozen berries and oat milk.

Help your mom keep her diet on track by putting a supportive team of home care aides in place. With caregivers helping her cook healthy meals, shop for healthier options at the store, and schedule and keep healthcare appointments, your mom benefits. She has caregivers for companionship and gains help around the home. Talk to a home care agency to discuss rates.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Senior Care in Prince Wiliam County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 634-9991.

Sources:
https://www.cancer.gov
https://www.aacrfoundation.org/
https://scienceblog.cancerresearchuk.org

Julie McCormick, Co-Owner
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