Paul's Pharmasave
990 River Road
Manotick, Ontario
K4M 1B9
P: 613.692.0015
F: 613.692.0023
Store Hours:

Monday – Friday: 9am-8pm
Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Sundays: 10am – 4pm
Holidays: Closed

 

April – Cancer / Oral Health

We can recommend oral care products to help you maintain a healthy smile. Speak with your Pharmasave pharmacist.

April – Cancer / Oral Health

April 9, 2021

How food choices can affect your cancer risk

Getting to the meat of the problem

Juicy steaks and other red-meat dishes are culinary signatures in many western nations, including Canada. However, our appetite for beef and other fatty foods may be one of the reasons colorectal cancer has become so common.

Researchers have found that red and processed meat may elevate the amount of compounds people have in their large bowel, which in turn mutates DNA, thereby boosting the risk of cancer.

In fact, one study found that people who ate a lot of red and processed meat – more than two portions a day – were much more likely to develop colorectal cancer than were people who ate less than one portion of these foods in a week.

On the other hand, fish and white meat, such as chicken breast, do not appear to increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers examining people with a history of colon polyps found that those patients who ate a fair amount of chicken appeared to have a slightly lower risk for developing new polyps.

Other foods for thought

While different forms of meat seem to have differing contributions to colorectal cancer, most studies wouldn’t point to meat in general to help lower the risk. The kinds of foods that have been tied to lowering the risk are fruits, vegetables, healthy fats (avocadoes, olive oil, nuts), and whole grains. Include plenty of water in your daily diet, as it helps with digestion and prevents constipation. Also, reducing consumption of foods high in sugar, thereby reducing blood sugar levels, has recently been found to decrease the risk of colorectal cancer.

Low-fat, high-fibre diets are also associated with a variety of other health benefits. So forget a bologna sandwich on white bread – instead, opt for a tasty low-fat cheese sandwich on whole wheat.

Ask Your Pharmacist

Question: Are there types of food that can lower my risk of getting cancer?

Answer: Yes, certain kinds of food can help to lower cancer risk such as fruits, vegetables and healthy fats like avocados, nuts and whole grains. Try reaching for a glass of water when you’re thirsty rather than a can of soda. Not only will this help lower your cancer risk, but it could help with constipation and digestion too. Also, don’t forget to reduce foods high in sugar as this can help lower your blood sugar levels plus help decrease the risk of colorectal cancer.

Have more questions? Ask your Pharmasave pharmacist today.

Health Tip

Taking care of your teeth and gums is an important part of maintaining your overall health. There may be a connection between oral disease and diabetes, respiratory disease and heart disease. A good oral hygiene routine includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and using mouthwash daily. Plus, eating a well-balanced diet will help build strong teeth and healthy gums. Don’t forget to schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist.

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