Ultra-processed Foods Tied To Colorectal Cancer Risk

30 seconds

Colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., may be linked to the Western diet’s reliance on ultra-processed foods and unhealthy oils, which promote chronic inflammation. Researchers at the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute have identified how these dietary components hinder the body’s natural healing processes, fueling tumor growth.

The researchers analyzed 162 tumor samples collected from patients at Tampa General Hospital. Using a highly sensitive analytical technique, they detected an excess of inflammatory lipid molecules within the tumors and a shortage of those that resolve inflammation and promote healing. The study suggests that ultra-processed foods may increase pro-inflammatory molecules in colon tumors while depleting molecules that promote healing. This imbalance suppresses the immune system, creating an environment that allows cancer to thrive.

The research highlights “resolution medicine,” a new approach that seeks to reverse inflammation by emphasizing healthy, unprocessed foods like fish, leafy greens, and grass-fed meats. The approach also includes balanced sleep and exercise to facilitate the body’s natural healing mechanisms.