A Healthy You: Does Sugar Feed Cancer?

By Cindy Gates

The belief that white sugar in the diet somehow “feeds” cancer is very common, but the truth is more complicated. All cells, including cancer cells, in the body use sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream for fuel.Glucose is the primary fuel for our bodies and our brains. Blood glucose comes from foods containing carbohydrates, including healthful fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. When there are not enough carbohydrates in the diet, some glucose is even produced by the body from protein-containing food through a special process.The connection between sugar and cancer is indirect. Eating a lot of high-sugar foods may even mean more calories in your diet than you need, which can lead to excess weight and body fat. It is excess body fat that has been convincingly linked to greater risk of several types of cancer.Highly refined foods and foods with added sugars, such as sugary drinks and sweets, are also low in fiber and low in nutrients. They add little to the diet except calories. These foods may also increase insulin resistance, and this has been linked to an increase risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and overweight and obesity.Info provided from Heal Well-A Cancer Nutrition Guide created by American Institute for Cancer Research, Meals to Heal and Livestrong Foundation. For completed guide, click here.A Healthy You is a regular column about nutrition, healthy living and cancer care. It is written by Cindy Gates, RD and LD and the Cancer Center’s Oncology dietitian, herbalist and Certified Wellness Coach.