The 2 Foods You Should Stop Eating Immediately, According To A Cancer Nutritionist: Processed Meats And Alcohol

According to registered dietitian Nichole Andrews, when it comes to foods that significantly increase cancer risk, there are only two major offenders to focus on: processed meats and alcohol. Despite the overwhelming information available on other foods, Andrews emphasizes that these two are the only ones consistently linked to cancer.

1. Alcohol
All types of alcohol, including red wine, can raise cancer risk due to the way the body processes it. When alcohol breaks down, it converts into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that can damage DNA and impair cell repair mechanisms. This DNA damage increases the risk of mutations, which may eventually lead to cancer. Additionally, alcohol acts as a solvent, facilitating harmful chemicals’ access to cells, particularly in the digestive tract. For women, even moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer due to its effect on estrogen levels.

2. Processed Meats
Processed meats—like hot dogs, bacon, sausages, and deli meats—are preserved using methods such as curing or smoking, which can create carcinogenic chemicals like nitrates and nitrites. These compounds can turn into cancer-causing agents in the body. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there's substantial evidence of their link to cancer, particularly colorectal cancer.

Bottom Line
Andrews reassures that other commonly demonized foods, such as artificial sweeteners, red dyes, or plant oils, do not pose the same cancer risks as alcohol and processed meats. While it’s always beneficial to maintain a balanced, health-conscious diet, cutting back on alcohol and processed meats is key for reducing cancer risk.