It seems like cancer’s everywhere.

That’s why people are always bemoaning the fact all the good things they love are probably going to give them cancer.

While that’s not necessarily true, it is true to say certain things we eat and drink could help contribute to the formation of various kinds of cancer.

Numerous studies have implicated inflammatory foods as being culprits in the formation and growth of cancer…and a new study conducted observing the effects of alcohol and cancer formation has made some pretty remarkable (as well as damaging) conclusions.

However, there is good news in all of this…

Drinking alcohol won’t cause cancer all the time – it really depends on how much you drink.

The more you drink the more likely you are to develop cancer.

But my title mentioned seven kinds of cancer, so let’s talk about those.

Researchers working with the journal Addiction performed a review of several long-term studies related to cancer and alcohol, and determined consumption of alcohol on a routine and frequent basis was linked to the development of cancer of the oropharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon, rectum and, in women, the breast.

Why Exactly Does This Happen?

Lead researcher Jennie Connor of the University of Otago in New Zealand and her team imagine there are a few reasons, though they’re not 100% certain their suspicions are correct.

For the cancers occurring in the mouth and the larynx, they believe DNA damage takes place when a metabolite (a substance formed in or necessary for metabolism) called acetaldehyde passes over those areas.

They suspect acetaldehyde induces carcinogens in these cells by damaging the cells’ genes.

For areas like the liver, colon, and rectum they hypothesized compounds in alcohol might damage cells in the digestive tract, which could lead to the origination of cancer.

And in the case of breast cancer, they think alcohol has a destructive effect on women’s hormone levels. A few studies have shown alcohol will increase levels of reproductive hormones (like estrogen), and this can lead to uncontrolled cell division and a greater risk of cancer.

So what does that mean for people who like drinking, especially considering there are studies that give the A-OK to enjoying a glass of wine or a beer a day?

Ultimately, you should cut back even more and reduce your intake as much as possible.

Connor and her team published this conclusion with their review:

“Ongoing research will elucidate mechanisms more clearly and increase confidence in the epidemiology…At the same time there will be orchestrated attempts to discredit the science and the researchers, and to confuse the public. The stakes are high for alcohol industries when there is no argument, on current evidence, for a safe level of drinking with respect to cancer.”

Remember, alcohol adds nothing to your life in terms of health.

Yes, having a glass or two can help relieve tension and promote feelings of well-being…but so can a wide variety of other, more helpful foods and beverages.

I’d say limit drinking to only a few occasions if you really want to reduce the risk.

Talk soon,

Dr. Wiggy
www.HealthAsItOughtToBe.com