When you are considering risk factors for lung cancer, excessive smoking is usually the first thing that comes to your mind. However, scientists now suggest that an unexpected lifestyle choice can also contribute.
A new study led by the University of Florida explored the potential impact of glucose, or simple sugar levels, on the development of pulmonary tumors. While obesity, often associated with high sugar consumption, is a known catalyst for Various other cancersPulmonary tumors have generally not been linked to eating habits.
However, new analyzes using laboratory and computer models have shown that glycogen, a simple sugar form, acts as an “oncogenic metabolite” for lung cancer.
Essentially, it behaves like a “giant lollipop for the sweet tooth of cancer”, with increased glycogen levels supplying greater and more aggressive tumor growth.
“Lung cancer is not traditionally considered as a diet -related disease”, ” said associate professor Dr Ramon Sunwho worked on the project. “Diseases such as pancreatic cancer or liver cancer, yes. However, with regard to lung cancer, the idea that diet could play a role is rarely discussed.”
Glycogen, the stored shape of glucose, is not directly in food, but The body produces it from carbohydrates. Foods rich in carbohydrates, such as grains, fruits and vegetables, provide glucose that your body uses to create glycogen
As Dr. Sun suggested, this study is among the first to link lung cancer to food choices. Researchers, based in the United States, have warned that “Western regimes” are particularly harmful to increase the risk, as they increase glycogen levels and provide the “construction blocks” of the growth of pulmonary tumors.
A “western diet” is generally characterized by Foods with low transformation into sugar and low fiber and high consumption of red meat. Not only are these components linked to a potentially increased risk of cancers, but also obesity, diabetes and heart disease Also.
Currently, heart and circulatory diseases represent a quarter of all deaths in the United Kingdom, equivalent to more than 170,000 deaths per year, statistics of the British Heart Foundation suggest. This is equivalent to a death every three minutes.
Cardiac and circulatory diseases already cause an amazing number of deaths through the United Kingdom, a disturbing statistics highlighted by the British Heart Foundation, which reports more than 170,000 deaths per year – it is a life claimed every three minutes.
In the midst of this, Dr. Sun said: “In the long term, our approach to cancer prevention should reflect the success of the anti -tabac campaign – more emphasis on public awareness and policies focused on healthy food choices such as a fundamental component of disease prevention.”
Study Matthew GentryAdded: “Praying a diet rich in nutrients, maintaining an active lifestyle and minimizing alcohol intake are fundamental long -term health strategies. Promotion of better food habits can be a powerful tool in the prevention of lung cancer.”