Fad or Fact: Busting Cancer Nutrition Myths
Arkansas Money & Politics | August 8, 2024
Keto, Whole30, intermittent fasting… Today, nearly everyone seems to have an opinion about which meal plan is best for optimal health. The constant influx of advice in our social media feeds and daily conversations about foods to eat—or avoid—can be overwhelming. Sometimes, counsel from so-called experts can even lead us astray, especially if it’s a quick fix or drastic diet change. Misconceptions surrounding nutrition can be particularly damaging for those looking for hope following a life-altering diagnosis like cancer.
At its root, food is intended to help us function and feel our best. Whether currently in treatment or simply in the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, everyone needs to be aware of the biggest myths surrounding cancer and nutrition. Once equipped with the facts, we can all make more informed decisions about how to fuel our bodies.
MYTH: Following [insert name of] diet can prevent or cure cancer. Adopting this mindset can be incredibly harmful, especially for cancer patients facing treatment side effects. Restrictive diets cause unneeded stress and guilt and are often short-lived. Moderation is key. We should stick to the expression, “Eat the rainbow,” and follow the New American Plate, which is focused on portion and proportion—one-half of fruit and non-starchy vegetables; one-fourth of carb or starchy vegetable or grain; and one-fourth of protein like meat or beans.
MYTH: We should avoid animal meat and by-products. This misconception was likely born from studies suggesting an association between diets high in red meat consumption and colorectal cancer. Moderate intake of animal versus plant-based proteins can offer more bang for our buck in energy and nutrition. Certain animal by-products, such as eggs, also serve as good protein sources, including for head and neck cancer patients with eating and swallowing issues. Again, the issue here is balance. The American Institute of Cancer Research recommends limiting red meat consumption to three portions, approximately 12-18 ounces, per week.
MYTH: Sugar feeds cancer. We cannot control where nutrients like glucose (i.e., sugar) go within our bodies. Non-cancerous and cancerous cells alike use it for base operations. While we do not need to eliminate sugar, we should keep consumption of it at a minimum—with added sugars at 10% or less of our daily calories—to limit potential adverse health outcomes like cancer associated with excess body weight.
MYTH: We should cut soy and flax from our diets. This statement often arises in discussions with women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite previous assertions that these patients should avoid soy and flax, studies now indicate consuming a moderate amount of foods rich in phytoestrogens can be protective against breast cancer or result in benefits, such as reduced tumor growth or recurrence.
Fad diets will continue to capture our attention with their false promises, whether cancer cure or better overall health. Instead of beating ourselves up about what we ate or didn’t eat, we should opt for a broader perspective of our nutrition focused on moderation and balance. When in doubt, we should avoid the myths, stick to the facts and focus on the fundamentals—food as fuel.
Alexandra Roberts, RD, LD, is a registered dietician with CARTI, a multidisciplinary cancer care provider with 18 locations across the state and Arkansas’ first dedicated cancer surgery center. For more information, visit CARTI.com.
