I’m a cancer dietitian – I would never consume these 7 foods and drinks

She has a calf with these seven items.

Nichole Andrews, a Washington, D.C.-based nutritionist and oncology author, is sharing the seven foods and drinks she warns can increase your risk of developing cancer or its return.

“I know how amazing and powerful food can be to help survivors have better treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence,” Andrews said on her TikTok in June, which has garnered 2.9 million views. “Sadly, there is so much misinformation out there that people can’t eat well – so I’m very happy to clear up that confusion and help people eat with confidence.”

She recommends avoiding alcohol, processed meats, soda, red meat, coffee drinks, white grains and plant-based milk.

alcohol

Congratulations on… sobriety? Andrews shares that she is total in the name of total body improvement, “I don’t consume any alcohol. All types of alcohol – including red wine – will increase the risk of six different types of cancer.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the mouth and throat, larynx, esophagus, colon and rectum, liver, and breast.

Alcohol increases the risk of cancer because instead of digesting it, your body breaks it down into a chemical called acetaldehyde, which can damage DNA and prevent the body from repairing itself. The more you drink, the greater your risk.

In a previous TikTok, Andrews said that the first and best step you can take to reduce your risk of cancer is to stop drinking alcohol altogether.

Processed meats

Next on the chopping block? Processed meats.

Andrews says: “Processed meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer with every consumption. So whether it’s pepperoni… or pre-cooked meats – any consumption of them will increase your risk of cancer.”

Andrews said she eschews hot dogs, opting to make her own healthier version with raw meat and a whole grain bun.

Her advice has been echoed by other experts.

In 2015, the World Health Organization called processed meat a carcinogen, noting that there is “sufficient evidence from epidemiological studies that eating processed meat causes colorectal cancer.”

Processed meat falls under the dubious banner of ultra-processed foods. Recent research reported that people who eat 10% more UPF than others have a 23% higher risk of head and neck cancer. Experts believe that the increased risk of cancer may be caused by nitrates in meat that combine with compounds in the body to damage cells.

Soda

Andrews abstains from soda, especially when dining out. “I don’t order sugary drinks when I go out to eat.”

Opting for water or unsweetened iced tea instead, she explains that sodas, especially those with endless restaurant refills, equate to a ton of extra calories.

Andrews says that “excess body fat tissue can increase the risk of 13 different types of cancer.”

As The Post previously reported, older women who drink just one sugar-sweetened beverage a day have a “significantly higher” risk of developing liver cancer and dying from chronic liver disease.

And diet soda drinkers are no exception, as these drinks typically contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame and Ace-K.

Last year, the World Health Organization’s cancer research division classified aspartame as “probably carcinogenic to humans,” calling for further research into potential health risks.

Further, a 2022 French study linked aspartame to a Increased risk of stroke and Ace-K for a higher risk of coronary artery disease.

Consuming sugary or artificially sweetened beverages has also been shown to increase the risk of heart disease.

Red meat

For Andrews, red meat is a red flag when it comes to cancer risk.

She notes that red meat in moderation is not associated with an increased risk of cancer. However, consuming more than 18 ounces of red meat per week has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Although rich in nutrients, red meat contains heme iron, which can facilitate the production of potentially carcinogenic chemicals.

Andrews shares, “I usually have one serving of red meat a week, or I just don’t have any at all…When I’m going out to eat or cooking at home, I’ll build my meals around chicken, turkey. , fish, seafood or different types of plant proteins such as soy.”

Drink coffee

Coffee offers a host of health benefits, and drinking three to four cups a day has been shown to reduce the risk of liver cancer and other alcohol-related liver diseases.

A recent study also found that moderate coffee consumption may lower the risk of developing a combination of diabetes, stroke and heart disease, known as cardiometabolic multimorbidity.

However, these benefits are compromised when your cup of coffee crosses into dessert territory. If you’re a Frappuccino fan, Andrews recommends choosing a few key variations, “I love an iced or blended coffee in the summer, but they can pack so many calories so quickly. I get a kid’s size and order it semi-sweet.”

This hack effectively cuts the sugar and calories of specialty coffee drinks in half, which often contain more sugar per cup than some of us should consume in a day.

White grains

When it comes to cereal, Andrews never goes for the white variety. “I’m a whole wheat girl. Whole grains will help reduce your risk of colon and breast cancer, and they’ll give you more fiber and nutrients because they’re less processed.”

She explains that while white grains like those found in white bread aren’t specifically linked to increased cancer risk, their lack of fiber makes them a poor choice overall.

Plant-based milks

Andrews said that despite the popularity of alternative milks, she always opts for nutrient-dense, full-fat milk. “I don’t do plant milks because they are very low in protein. The amazing calcium in cow’s milk reduces the risk of colorectal cancer.”

Her preference is supported by experts who warn that plant-based options are not always nutritionally equal to those that come from animals.

As The Post reported, the compound trans-vaccine acid, or TVA, found in dairy products like milk, cheese, butter and yogurt, appears to activate T cells, which help the immune system fight germs and tumors and protect against disease. .