Sugar Feeds Cancer?

Everything I have ever read says this is true. I know that since I have given up sugar and changed my diet, I am doing so much better.
The thing is...when I started radiation therapy, they were serving donuts in the lobby!!! What were they thinking? They told me to eat anything and everything I could get my hands on. Thank the Lord I did not listen. I have been on Immpower and Coral Calcium and other supplements and am doing real well. I have refused chemo.
Judi

Dear Judy,

It is disconcerting to walk by bowls of chocolate candies or plates of donuts offered at cancer (or for that matter-any!) hospitals or clinics. The reality of most convention treatment centers!

Sugar feeds cancer is an easy way to let people know that diets high in sugar or very sugary foods cause blood sugar levels to rise, thus depressing immunity to some degree. That is the reason to avoid refined carbohydrates. Any excess refined carbohydrate would also feed normal cells. Any excess refined carbohydrate would also feed normal cells. No distinction there. The key, then, is to stabilize blood sugar to avoid impacting immunity. Eating regular meals at regular times and adding protein to a sugary meal will help moderate blood sugar.

Kim Dalzell, PhD, RD, LD
Director, Holistic Nutrition Services
Cancer Resource Center
Author, Challenge Cancer and Win!

My mom had lung cancer 2 years ago. She went to UAB in Birmingham, Alabama. She had a series of tests, one was PET test and we were told that in fact, cancer does feed off of sugar. From what I understood, she was injected with some kind of substance that contained sugar and that it would go straight to cancer cells? What does that tell you? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if changing our diets to include nothing with sugar could stop cancer? I believe I could do it!! So why do we still have sugar laden foods in the grocery stores? Why haven't we been told this?

I have just purchased hydrazine sulphate and plan on starting it as soon as I lose my appetite. The cancer may kill me, but I'll be darned if I waste away to nothing without a fight. Down with sugar!!!

Dear Kim,
I found your reply very interesting because I have been fighting colon cancer for over 5 years and am now trying to watch sugar intake. I find it very difficult. I have stopped obvious sugar i.e. candy, cake, cookies, etc. and white bread, rice, potato and flour. But I do get some grams of sugar in the day. I love my tea and coffee (we need some vices) and I use milk and Splenda. Also, I heard a person speak at a meeting and said the same thing you said about the rise in blood sugar. My question is can I still use some grams of sugar or must it all be cut out?

Dear William,

It sounds as if you have been very vigilant in making sound dietary changes.
To answer you question: No--you do not need to limit all sugar. If you did, you
would have to avoid all fruit, milk or yogurt (these foods contain natural
sugars!) Instead, try to consume no more than 5-10% of your calories from
refined sugars; concentrate on whole grains, and as I mentioned before, eat
any high sugar foods with a protein based meal.

Best,

Kim Dalzell, PhD, RD, LD

Dr. Dalzell, I'm so honored to read your personal entries on this site. I have been reading your book, Challenge Cancer and Win!, this weekend. You have taught me so much already. Like William, I have been trying to avoid every bit of sugar I can. Your book explained how I could add some items containing sugar in with a protein-based meal. Hurray! I added three strawberries and a small piece of cantalope to my meal last night. How refreshing. And you were right. I didn't get that insulin rush that makes me crave more sugar. Thank you so much for your wonderful guidance.

Dear Judy,

Thank you for your kind words. Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent and fight cancer. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying meals complemented by fruit--nature's answer to a sweet tooth!

Best,

Kim Dalzell, PhD, RD, LD

I have adenocarcinoma of the pleura, primary unknown. I am researhing as much as I can on the internet to help cure my cancer. I was very interested to read that sugar feeds cancer. I therefore intend to cut out as much sugar as possible. I usually have a live yogurt with local honey for my breakfast, as honey is a sugar is it OK to eat with yogurt as this is a protein? Or should I give the honey up as well?

Dear Janis,

Does sugar feed cancer? Well....not like you might think! Too much dietary sugar can impact immunity, but eating smaller amounts of sugar (such as honey) with a protein based meal (such as yogurt and nuts) are quite acceptable and provides the body with enough mixed fuel to keep blood sugars stable. You can read more about the sugar feeds cancer theory on my website under frequently asked questions. Please visit www.challengecancer.com.

Stay sweet (at least a little bit!),

Kim Dalzell, PhD, RD, LD
Director, Holistic Nutrition Services
Cancer Resource Center
Author, Challenge Cancer and Win!