A growing number of publications – from newspapers and magazines to health blogs and scientific journals – have written articles examining the link between sugar and cancer. The more bombastic of these groups have even made claims that sugar consumption directly causes cancer, or that sugar somehow serves as fuel for a tumor’s rapid growth. While there is perhaps a shred of truth in some of these claims, as with most causes of public hysteria, the reality is a lot more complicated than it seems. Still, consuming excessive amounts of sugar carries some risks, especially for cancer patients, making high-sugar nutrition shakes a potential obstacle on the path to recovery. To find out more about the drawbacks of sugary shakes during cancer treatment, keep reading as the nutrition shake company ENU explains.

The Link Between Sugar and Cancer

A quick Internet search of the claims about sugar and cancer will reveal all sorts of interesting –and alarming – theories about the role of high-sugar foods and drinks in the development of this deadly disease. It may surprise you to learn that most of these claims are based less in medical science than they are in myth and in the tendency of those who know little about a subject to make grand claims on that very topic.

Of course, sugar isn’t good for you; in fact, some of the downsides of sugar consumption may indeed have a link to cancer, forming an indirect bridge between the two subjects. That said, there is next to no evidence supporting the idea that sugar itself causes or exacerbates cancer.

The closest sugar itself comes to causing cancer is through the buildup of fat in the body. It’s no secret that simple carbohydrates (of which sugar is one example) are made up of empty calories, which are then converted into fat and stored in the body if they’re not used up first. The presence of excess fat has been shown to contribute to increased inflammation in the body; this inflammation can damage the DNA of cells, increasing the odds of cancer appearing in the body. From a certain perspective, this may make it seem like sugar causes cancer in a roundabout way, but body fat and inflammation are the real culprits.

The Effects of Sugary Foods During Cancer Treatment

Based on the most current evidence, the worst drawback of sugar for cancer patients seems to be that it takes up space in a diet that should instead contain as many nutritious foods and drinks as possible. If you are in the middle of recovering from any major illness, especially one that can have a drastic impact on your weight, energy, or overall health, your focus should be on replenishing the depleted stores of vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy fats, and other key nutrients that keep your body running; the importance of meal replacement shakes for medical nutrition support during cancer cannot be overstated.

Regardless of whether sugar causes cancer – directly or otherwise – it’s hardly the best option for those dealing with cancer treatments. While the body is battling not only cancer but also the effects of chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or whatever type of treatment a patient might undergo, it needs the resources to stay strong. While this generally means ensuring that the patient maintains a healthy diet, a number of common side effects can limit a person’s ability to eat some (or any) healthy foods. In these cases, a nutrition shake can be a solid option for providing some nutrients, but many high-sugar varieties exist that offer minimal nourishment while boosting the calorie count with unhealthy additives. Even if the nutrition shake in your fridge promises protein or vitamins, it should be avoided if it contains too much sugar.

Proper Nutrition for Cancer Patients with ENU Shakes

Like anyone, cancer patients need a balanced mix of the three macronutrients – fats, carbs, and protein – along with the myriad vitamins and minerals that keep their systems working. However, these nutritional requirements are shifted somewhat for those battling an illness; protein becomes more of a priority, as it can help preserve muscle mass during periods of weight loss (part of why protein weight management shakes for cancer patients can be helpful), and healthy fats can provide significant amounts of calories while improving good cholesterol levels and overall heart health.

For those who need specific nutrients or who struggle to consume solid foods or large meals, meal replacement shakes can provide a useful method of meeting dietary requirements. That said, you should focus on finding shakes that offer the proper balance of healthy ingredients and steer clear of high-sugar nutritional shakes.

ENU meal replacement shakes are one example of a well-rounded liquid nutritional supplement for cancer patients; each carton contains 20 grams of protein from whey and soy, along with unsaturated fats from coconut and sunflower oils, complex carbs derived from whole grains, and a blend of more than 20 different vitamins and minerals. Each ENU shake is gluten-free, lactose-free, and certified Kosher; plus, they come in tasty flavors that can be easily added to a homemade protein shake recipe.

Try a Healthy, Balanced Meal Replacement Shake Low on Sugar from ENU Today

If you or someone you love is battling cancer and its many complications, a convenient, healthy meal replacement shake from ENU can make mealtimes easier without sacrificing balanced nutrition. By simply sipping on one of our chocolate or vanilla shakes, you can give your body everything it needs to keep fighting against this insidious disease. Learn more about all our products and how they can help you stay strong by visiting us online or calling (855) 266-6733.