Is it true that stopping sugar intake can kill cancer cells

Bumisuka.com – Is it true that stopping sugar intake can kill cancer cells. Some people think that sugar intake makes cancer cells grow faster. Because, sugar is considered as food for cancer cells. This assumption makes some people worry, so they avoid all foods that contain sugar, including carbohydrate foods.

Stopping sugar intake is claimed to starve cancer cells so that cancer cells will die. However, is it true that stopping sugar intake can kill cancer cells? Here’s an explanation.

1. Is it true that stopping sugar intake can kill cancer cells?

Sugar is said to be food for cancer cells. The presence of sugar intake is considered to make cancer cells grow. Stopping sugar intake is claimed to kill cancer cells naturally.

However, the news that says that a sugar-free diet can kill cancer cells naturally is not true. According to the Cancer Council, there is no evidence that consuming sugar makes cancer cells grow faster or causes cancer. The same thing was also stated in Cancer Research UK, that there is no evidence that implementing a low-carb diet can help overcome cancer.

2. Stopping the growth of cancer cells is not as easy as just stopping sugar intake

Most cancer cells can grow faster than normal cells because they require more energy. This means, cancer cells also need more glucose. Apart from glucose, cancer cells also need more other nutrients, such as amino acids and fats.

Some people may think that when cancer cells need more glucose, stopping sugar intake from food can help stop cancer cell growth. However, destroying cancer cells is not that simple. Because, all healthy body cells need glucose intake, not only cancer cells. Even though cancer cells need more glucose, it doesn’t mean that consuming sugar makes cancer cells grow faster or cause cancer.

3. Recognize the shape of sugar

There are various forms of sugar. The simplest form of sugar has only one molecule, for example glucose and fructose.

Simple sugar molecules can combine to form longer molecular chains. Foods that contain starch, such as rice, potatoes and bread are carbohydrates that have a combination of sugar molecules. The longer the sugar chain, the less sweet the food will be.

4. All body cells need glucose as an energy source

Almost every cell in the body needs energy to survive and carry out its functions properly. Energy can be obtained from the nutrients we eat, namely glucose. In a way, glucose is fuel for every cell of the body. When consuming foods or drinks high in glucose, the glucose will be absorbed into the blood so that it can be used by the body’s cells.

Meanwhile, foods that contain starch, for example rice, the body must first break it down using enzymes in saliva and digestive enzymes into a simple form of sugar, namely glucose. If a person does not consume carbohydrates, the body’s cells will convert fat and protein into glucose as a last resort so that the body’s cells survive.

5. Undergoing a strict carbohydrate-free diet can actually interfere with health

A sugar-free diet means reducing your intake of fruit, vegetables, dairy, whole grains and nuts because these foods contain natural sugars. According to Cancer Research UK, there is no evidence that a sugar-free diet can increase the chances of survival after a cancer diagnosis.

Following a strict diet by limiting carbohydrate intake actually interferes with the body’s health in the long run. Because, a person is at risk of malnutrition if you limit all sugar intake.

6. The habit of consuming excess added sugar can cause obesity which is a risk factor for cancer

Although reducing sugar intake does not necessarily help treat cancer, experts still recommend reducing sweet foods. Because, there is an indirect relationship between the risk of cancer with sugar.

Reported by Health Direct, there is no need to avoid all sugar intake altogether. Fruit contains natural sugar and has other ingredients, such as fiber, vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to the body. Cleveland Clinic also explains, that what should be avoided is not natural sugar like in fruit or grains, but excess added sugar.

The habit of consuming excess added sugar can cause weight gain. Strong scientific evidence shows being overweight or obese increases the risk of 13 types of cancer. Obesity is the only preventable cause of cancer after smoking.

There is no evidence that consuming sugar makes cancer cells grow faster. Basically, all body cells need sugar as an energy source. What should be avoided is not the intake of all sugar, but excess added sugar because it can cause excess body weight which is a risk factor for several types of cancer.