Does sugar feed cancer cells?

Surfer asked...

I've been diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer.I am currently post surgery,radiation and ADTherapy.I've just been told by a family member that sugar feeds cancer cells. Is there any truth to this?

Expert Answer

Linda Ackerman, R.N. has clinical experience in oncology, women's health, and medical nursing. She has been practicing for more than 20 years and is a licensed registered nurse in both Florida and Wisconsin. In addition, she serves as a board member of Breast Cancer Recovery and the Wisconsin Cancer Council.

Thank you for a great question.

The topic of sugar and cancer has been controversial for years.

Sugar feeds all cells of the body, including cancer cells if they exist.

However, the body needs sugar to function. One of your goals may be to select foods where you could create more of a balance both for regulating your blood sugar and insulin levels.

Eating a lot of sugar will cause the body to produce more insulin, insulin promotes cellular growth, including cancer cell growth, while insulin is necessary for normal healthy cells, too much of it can have an undesirable effect.

"¢ When eating sugar, try to eat sugar in a more natural form. Try eating fruit, rather than candy, baked goods and soda.

"¢ Increase protein, fiber and fat (good fat) intake, these can help the body produce less insulin and still provide the necessary required nutrients for healthy bodily function.

"¢ Try eating more whole grains, healthy nuts, beans, peas.

"¢ Discuss any alcohol intake with your oncologist.

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