New research from the University of South Florida (USF) sheds light on the alarming connection between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and colorectal cancer.
Foods such as chips, soda, and ice cream aren’t just harming waistlines — they’re actively fueling the spread of cancer by promoting inflammation and weakening the immune system, the New York Post reported.
Dr. Timothy Yeatman, a professor of surgery at USF’s Morsani College of Medicine, likens cancer to a wound that refuses to heal. When a diet is packed with UPFs, the body’s ability to repair itself is diminished, giving cancer cells an environment to flourish. This finding, published in Gut, urges a shift towards healthier, unprocessed foods to help the body fight back.
Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism, but chronic inflammation can wreak havoc when left unchecked. Poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, and disrupted sleep can all trigger this ongoing inflammatory response.
Yeatman told the Post his team analyzed 162 tumor samples from colorectal cancer patients at Tampa General Hospital and found an excess of inflammation-causing molecules. At the same time, they discovered a lack of molecules needed to reduce inflammation. This imbalance hampers the body’s ability to fight disease, making UPFs a dangerous contributor to cancer progression.
The Western diet, notorious for its processed ingredients, sugar, and seed oils, is a primary culprit. Seed oils like soybean, cottonseed, and canola have sparked debate among health experts. While moderate consumption of these oils may be harmless, Yeatman warns that excessive intake is likely inflammatory. He notes that soybean oil is a hidden ingredient in countless everyday foods, including bread, salad dressings, and even hummus. These oils, combined with high sugar levels in processed foods, create the perfect storm for chronic inflammation.
To counteract this, Yeatman recommends a strategy called resolution medicine, which emphasizes anti-inflammatory foods and omega-3 fatty acids. Foods like crab, salmon, spinach, and seaweed are rich in nutrients that help balance the immune system. Omega-3s, found in fish oil and algae, possess antioxidant properties that regulate inflammation and may even inhibit cancer cell growth. By incorporating these foods into daily meals, the body’s natural healing mechanisms can be restored.
In addition to dietary changes, Yeatman highlights the importance of high-quality omega-3 supplements, known as second-generation fish oils.
This groundbreaking research is supported by a $3.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. Yeatman and his colleagues hope to revolutionize cancer treatment by focusing on the body’s natural healing processes rather than relying solely on drugs.