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Sugar intake question

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Posted 12/14/2022 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
I keep reading everywhere that sugar is the absolutely the worse thing you can consume if you have any kind of cancer or a history of cancer if a survivor. I make an effort to avoid really obvious sugar items but as they say their is hidden sugars in so much these days it is near impossible to totally avoid sugar consumption. I have been PSA 0.05 for 18 months now as a BrachyHDR prostate cancer patient Stage 3, Gleason 9. I was wondering how other survivors here deal with the sugar issue? Do you eat without much regard to sugar and still doing well or do you try to monitor sugar intake as much as possible? I feel like I fall somewhere in the middle because I do tend to screw up during Holiday gatherings and have a few weak moments occasionally and eat some ice cream. Is stevia really a safe alternative to sugar as I use two packets in my morning coffee? When I asked my Oncologist about sugar she punted to the staff dietician and her answer was "anything is better than raw or refined sugar." I was hoping for something more than vague.

Post Edited (WayneTX) : 12/13/2022 4:47:42 PM (GMT-8)

Posted 12/14/2022 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
”I keep reading everywhere that sugar is the absolutely the worse thing you can consume if you have any kind of cancer or a history of cancer if a survivor."

Well, I think concentrated sugars of any kind are one of the worst things you can eat for general health, which I suppose could therefore affect cancer.

It seems like there is a theory that shows up here periodically suggesting that PCa can be starved to death by not consuming simple sugars or carbohydrates. As far as I know it's pure BS.
Posted 12/14/2022 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
I have read that prostate cancer does not thrive on sugar the many other cancers do. In general, it's a good idea to keep your consumption of simple carbs down, whether you have cancer or not.
Posted 12/14/2022 6:03 AM (GMT 0)
I regulate sugar primarily for the Type 2 diabetes part, my A1C has been pushing the pre-diabetes cutoff and I ain’t getting any younger. Any benefit to PCa recurrence is a bonus. Sugar sneaks in everywhere so you have to eliminate every sugar source you can so you can safely eat a pizza, have a beer or two or some French fries from time to time.

Fiber One, shredded wheat, or natural oatmeal with unsweetened soy milk and black coffee will get you through breakfast without any sugar, zero! which is a great start to the day. Fruit smoothies with unsweetened soy milk and unsweetened Greek yogurt can get you through lunch. Stay away from carbs at dinner and only almonds for snacks and you are almost home free without any added sugar and only some fruit sugar. Have a Dove Mini Treat for desert as you earned it. Fall off the wagon once a week and you are still fine.

I have developed a taste for these otherwise nasty sounding foods just like I eat broccoli now. It can be done, just have to read the labels and buy accordingly. If I eliminate all the sugar I can then the exceptions have little effect on the big picture. The good intentions plan never worked for me to get the blood sugar down.
Posted 12/14/2022 9:41 AM (GMT 0)
"While researchers continue to investigate the connection between sugar and cancer, there is accumulating evidence that sugar consumption is associated with increased cancer risk, recurrence, and mortality. Specifically, high blood sugar levels lead to conditions such as high insulin levels and obesity, which both increase the risk for cancer."
Posted 12/14/2022 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
There are lots of reasons to avoid sugar as best as possible. At the same time, we aren’t getting any younger and need to enjoy life, so I try to find a balance.
I generally avoid things like ice cream and cake, cookies, etc. but I will allow myself some of that stuff on occasion.
Posted 12/14/2022 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
A previous discussion of sugar and prostate cancer:
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=4205696

Also this:
https://www.pcf.org/c/prostate-cancers-sweet-tooth/?utm_source=HWlist&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JUN20HW
Posted 12/14/2022 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
Here's those clickable links:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=4205696

https://www.pcf.org/c/prostate-cancers-sweet-tooth/?

I limit my sugar intake, but was told by my oncologist and dieticians not to fear that it will spur mare cancer, we need some intake of sugar to power our muscles. Also been told the sugar debate is way overrated /outdated or just plain wrong, as far as cancer grows more as you intake more sugar. So I agree with mattam.
Winging it

Post Edited (Wings of Eagles) : 12/14/2022 11:36:33 AM (GMT-8)

Posted 12/14/2022 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
I was recently told that sugar causes inflammation and that is why I might have some aches and pains or soreness. Well, no. I'm 70-years old and just did a 7.25 mile run and half of it was through new 1-2 inches of snow on the ground and it was 18 degrees F outside. It's like when the low-carb thing was the deal, I had people tell me I was killing myself with "carb loading" (something I didn't do) but they seem to think that's what runners do. Then there are those who say I am going to "ruin your knees" because I run. I note that all of that comes from people who do not exercise or otherwise take care of themselves.

I've eaten a very healthy vegetarian diet for over 40 years, exercise at least 6-day/week, control stress with regular meditation, and balance that with the occasional bit of sugar or a craft beer.
Posted 12/14/2022 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
I am 74. Been Type 2 diabetic for some 20+ years. A1c has peaked at 11.2 and bottomed (three weeks ago) at 6.7.

I am an incorrigible soda drinker. I do not drink booze except under very rare social circumstances. No recreational drugs use, whatsoever.

I have been on Tresiba 60 units daily for several years. However, I added Farxiga 10mg to my regimen about five months ago - - and my endocrinologist attributes my downward spiral re A1c to that wonderful (for me) drug.

My PSA is holding firm at 0.9. It was 8.7 when I was diagnosed with Gleason 3+4 in 2020.

Brothers, my feeling is that my age is 74. I have few, if any, vices. If soda, ice cream, pizza and the like is what I enjoy - - then I assume the risk and will "go" with a smile on my face.

Like a few others, my medics tell me my sugar intake is not a factor re PCa.

NJ Fred
Posted 12/15/2022 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
I still partake in an occasional yogurt cone, a dish of ice cream, or a slice of pie but basically just at celebration occasions. I have cut my adult beverages back to one drink a week on average. I do use stevia in my morning coffee agree as I don't like it just black. At age 73, I have already outlived most of my friends but I'd like to make it to 80. I have joined The Exercise Coach to build my muscles back to keep my diminishing osteoporosis in check. I am feeling results already after only 5 sessions.

Post Edited (WayneTX) : 12/15/2022 3:27:00 PM (GMT-8)

Posted 12/17/2022 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
Simply put I'm addictive.
Sober since 1987 I've put the worst behind me. Child of the sixties I did my share of drugs.
Dappled in horse racing too but today I'd say sugar is killing me.
I've lost weight with the help of Victozs and exercise but eat really, really high amount of candy.
Can't seem to stop it. I'm type two diabetic but somehow keep it in check. Maybe exercise and medication.
The only partially good thing is I've changed some candy for dried fruit which has some benefit.
Gave up smoking too but sugar?
Wow it's hard. I know it's psychological but it's a hard habit.
Anyway I'm sure it's bad

Glen
Posted 12/18/2022 9:56 AM (GMT 0)
GLEN - don't beat yourself up... Sugar addiction is a LOT more than psychological. And it's extremely common.

Many people don't even realize they are addicted until they get in a position where they can't eat any.
Posted 12/20/2022 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Steve
I'm trying but it's a real addiction

Glen
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