Cancer diseases

Cancer and lifestyle factors

Cancer is one of the most common diseases in the world today. The reasons for this include higher life expectancy and modern lifestyles. Aggressive cancer cells are characterized by uncontrolled growth, can displace healthy tissue and spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream.

Influence of diet and lifestyle

In addition to known risk factors such as smoking, UV radiation and pollutants, diet also plays an important role. Experts believe that unfavorable eating habits may be involved in a large proportion of cancers. Our food contains a variety of substances - some have a neutral or supportive effect, others can be harmful. For example, vegetables and fruit such as berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes and broccoli provide numerous phytochemicals, while products such as alcohol, highly processed meat products or overheated foods contain certain substances that can place additional stress on the body.

Diet, obesity and cancer risk

Our diet not only influences individual metabolic processes, but also the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. In combination with little exercise, unhealthy eating habits can lead to the development of metabolic changes that are also associated with the development of certain types of cancer.

Studies show that overweight people and people with diabetes are more likely to develop certain forms of cancer. Breast, uterine, bowel, stomach, liver, bladder and pancreatic cancers are particularly affected. Even in the early stages of elevated blood sugar levels - such as in prediabetes - studies have shown an increased risk. For example, people with slightly elevated HbA1c levels were already more likely to develop various types of cancer, particularly bowel cancer.

These findings make it clear that diet, exercise and weight control are key factors when it comes to understanding the links between metabolism and cancer.

Conventional sugar and its influence on the metabolism

A high consumption of Sugar and simple carbohydrates combined with a lack of exercise, contributes significantly to the development of obesity. In particular, sugars such as granulated sugar, fructose or glucose-fructose syrup, which are contained in many modern foods, as well as products made from low-fiber white flours, promote an increase in abdominal girth. The so-called visceral abdominal fatwhich accumulates around the internal organs, is considered to be particularly metabolically active and can influence numerous processes in the body.

Numerous studies show a connection between a high-glycemic diet - i.e. a diet high in sugar and starch - and an increased burden on the metabolism. In animal experiments, it was observed that a diet high in sugar and starch was associated with an increased incidence of tumors, while a diet lower in carbohydrates had significantly less impact. In addition, the animals on a high-sugar diet showed differences in certain blood values that are also known to occur in humans with increased abdominal fat or insulin resistance.

These findings make it clear that the choice of carbohydrate sources - and therefore the quality of the diet - plays a key role for the entire metabolism.

Visceral abdominal fat and insulin resistance

Unlike superficial body fat, the visceral abdominal fat is particularly active and influences numerous metabolic processes. With a constant calorie intake, fat cells enlarge, oxidative stress occurs and the tissue releases more hormones and inflammatory factors. Substances such as Leptin, interleukins or TNF-α increase, while the balancing substance Adiponectin decreases - creating an environment that promotes inflammation.

At the same time, visceral abdominal fat favors the development of a Insulin resistance. Insulin and blood sugar levels rise, often in conjunction with higher levels of the growth factor IGF-1. These changes promote processes that can influence the growth and division of cells.

Sugar and its special features

Types of sugar such as Galactose, isomaltulose, tagatose and the sugar substitute Erythritol have a low glycemic index. This makes them suitable for a Low-glycemic dietwhich can reduce blood sugar fluctuations and achieve more even energy levels. In contrast to conventional sugar, they promote No strong insulin peaks and thus fit into a conscious nutrition. This allows food and drinks to be sweetened without compromising on modern nutritional approaches - for example in combination with berries or grapefruit.

Sugar and cancer research
Cancer cells need a lot of energy to grow and are characterized by a very high sugar uptake. This property is even used in diagnostics: In a PET scan labeled glucose accumulates in tissues with high sugar uptake and makes tumors visible. It is interesting to note that many aggressive cancer cells are almost exclusively Glucose (dextrose) while healthy cells are more flexible and can also use fat as an energy source. This special feature opens up new approaches in research and is increasingly being studied scientifically.

Insulin as a growth factor

Insulin is a central hormone in the metabolism and performs numerous tasks. In addition to regulating blood sugar, it also acts as a Growth factorsimilar to the Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Both hormones promote the growth and multiplication of cells - a process from which pathological cells can also benefit.

The regular consumption of High-glycemic foods such as simple sugars or highly processed carbohydrates leads to a rapid rise in blood sugar. This is accompanied by an increased release of insulin and IGF-1. This shows that the choice of carbohydrate sources is not only important for energy metabolism, but also for growth processes in the body.

Rare and functional sugars as alternative sweeteners

A consciously chosen diet can also low-glycemic sugars play a role. Galactose, tagatose and the sugar substitute Erythritol are among the best-known variants and are suitable as modern alternatives to household sugar.

Galactose is similar to glucose, but is metabolized more slowly and is only regulated to a small extent via the insulin pathway. As a result, it enters the cells more evenly and can be used in a variety of ways.

Tagatose has a sweet taste similar to household sugar, but without strong fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Due to its low absorption in the intestine, tagatose is only available to the metabolism as an energy supplier to a limited extent.

Erythritol is largely excreted by the body and not used for energy production. In combination with stevia - for example as Erythritol-Stevia mixture - it achieves a sweetening power comparable to that of conventional sugar and is therefore ideal for sweetening.

Sugar and relapse prevention in cancer

After cancer treatment has been completed, nutrition continues to play an important role. As it can never be completely ruled out that individual cells may have survived or that new foci may develop elsewhere, experts recommend a conscious selection of carbohydrate sources. The aim is to avoid sharp fluctuations in blood sugar and high insulin peaks, as insulin acts as a growth factor in the body.

Studies show correlations between a high-glycemic diet and an increased relapse rate for certain types of cancer. In colorectal cancer patients, for example, it was observed that a high-carbohydrate diet was associated with higher relapse rates. There are also indications in breast cancer that dietary style in conjunction with certain receptor types can have an influence on the risk of recurrence.