Sugar feeds cancer – excerpt taken from Sherry Brescia at Holistic Brands
Consistently elevated levels of blood sugar causes repeated releases of insulin from the pancreas, and if blood sugar and insulin levels remain elevated for a long time, it can lead to inflammation. Tumor cells use this inflammation as a signal to multiply—and that especially includes malignant tumors. In a September 2013 study from the University of Copenhagen, researchers found sugar molecules to be assisting in the growth of malignant cells by binding to them in a process called glycosylation.
In addition, sugar also feeds the harmful bacteria in your gut and can cause them to overcome your friendly bacteria. When this happens, your immune system (70% of which reside in your gut flora) is greatly hampered. Your immune system protects you against cancer, so when it can’t do its job, that also increases your cancer risk.
In addition, sugar is an acid-creating substance, so eating a lot of it can lead to a more acidic pH in your body, and this is especially dangerous. You see, your body was designed to be slightly alkaline—that is how all of your organs and systems work best. On the other hand, when you become too acidic, your cells cannot function like they should, wastes build up and your body becomes the perfect home for diseases and tumors to flourish—especially malignant tumors. Studies have shown repeatedly that cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment, but cannot survive in an alkaline environment.
Since my diagnosis, I have cut out sugar (except for wine!) and most processed foods. This includes gluten and a lot of dairy products. After reading Kris Carr’s Crazy Sexy Cancer Book (which I highly recommend to anyone newly diagnosed with cancer) and then her Crazy Sexy Diet Book (which I highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn more about taking care of your body) I realized the importance of keeping your body in a more alkaline state. At first it was really hard to do, but after a while, you don’t even crave the processed stuff anymore. It’s baby steps, you can’t just go cold turkey – you need to cut out a little at a time to make it manageable and to make real lifestyle changes for your health. It’s taken me a long time to gradually make these changes, but they are worth it.
I now follow a regimen of protein shakes, green juice and lots of healthy food that help your body stay healthy. It just feels better. I do allow myself “cheat days” on special occasions or when I am traveling for business. This way I don’t feel deprived or like I am “missing out” on a great slice of pizza or a New York style bagel with whitefish on it! It’s funny though, after I have splurged I don’t feel always so great. I just feel better and have more energy when I am putting good food into my body. Anyone who wants to join me, just reach out and I can share my tips and tricks with you, so that we can all lead a healthier and happier life together!