Recently, Instagram has gone viral with videos explaining The link between cancer and sugar in a completely wrong way. For example, a diagnostic method called positron emission tomography (PET)whose purpose is to measure metabolic activity in the body in search of a specific diagnosis. Many diseases can be diagnosed, but the most common is the use of PET to detect tumors, especially at the earliest stages, since their metabolism differs from that of non-cancerous cells. For this, radioactive glucose molecules are used, which, as explained in viral videoThey associate with tumors.
Therefore, they say that “cancer loves sugar.” If we take all this to the point of absurdity, we might think that if there is no sugar, then there is no cancer. That’s what these viral videos are trying to convey, but that’s the message. Very dangerous on many levels.
On the one hand, because cancer patients are encouraged by the decision, which, unfortunately, is not so simple. And, on the other hand, since glucose is being demonized, a molecule without which we could not keep us alive
How does PET work?
Positron emission tomography is based on the detection of radiation emitted by substances known as radiopharmaceuticalswhich are administered intravenously.
One or another substance is selected depending on the diagnosis. When suspicion of cancer or to see how an anticancer treatment develops, one usually chooses fluorodeoxyglucoseformed by combining a derivative of a glucose analog and radioactive isotope of fluorine.
The isotope will be the isotope that emits radiation, but in these cases, glucose is of interest, as it is this that helps to make a diagnosis.
Sugar and cancer: where are they?
All cells need glucose for energy, whether they are cancerous or not. But there is a difference: tumor cells have more active metabolismso they use glucose faster. By processing it faster, they spend more so that a tumor cell can be distinguished from a normal one, because there will be more radiation of the isotope.
Does this mean that it is possible to starve a tumor by removing glucose? Perhaps yes, but the patient will also die, because glucose is necessary for all cells.
Let’s not confuse glucose with table sugar.
The term “sugar” colloquially refers to many substances known as carbohydrates. In the case of table sugar, it is sucrose, a disaccharide formed by the compound one molecule of glucose and one molecule of fructose. When we consume it, both molecules are separated and metabolized independently. Therefore, talking about glucose is not the same as talking about sugar.
On the other hand, it must be taken into account that sugar is consumed not only as an addition to coffee or industrial croissants. Many foods contain glucose or other carbohydrates such as fructose, sucrose, or lactose. However, drinking sugar with coffee is not the same as eating an orange. Eating a whole orange is not the same as drinking freshly squeezed orange juice.
The important thing is that glucose is absorbed slowly. Thus, insulin, the hormone that helps cells absorb it, is released gradually. If a lot of glucose is absorbed at one time, spikes in insulin By causing the cells to need more and more glucose, they eventually become resistant, leading to a buildup of glucose in the blood. This is how some metabolic diseases occur, such as type 2 diabetes. In addition, it is also closely associated with obesity.
Table sugar has this problem, as do fruit juices, since sugar does not whole fruit fiber matrix. This matrix helps digest more slowly; but if it is cancelled, it will cause unwanted spikes in insulin.
So eating sugar is good. Glucose is essential. It is important to maintain a balance and try to consume as much of it as possible, surrounded by a matrix that prevents insulin spikes.
So does cancer love sugar?
Cancer needs sugar because we need it. Excessive consumption of free sugars, which cause spikes in glucose levels. can cause inflammation. As well as other effects that are associated with cancer in the long term. But glucose does not directly cause disease.
Hence viral videos on instagram they take PET’s work out of context to establish an unrealistic relationship. Instead of demonizing sugar, we should demonize gurus who ban whole foods with overly simple ratios. Because in fact, our body is arranged much more complicated than all this. If something is too simple, perhaps we should give it meaning.
Source: Hiper Textual
