"Lately, I've seen many people fasting, skipping rice and meat to lose weight, detoxify, and prevent cancer. Is this a good idea, doctor? Are there any healthy fasting methods? Thank you, doctor." (P. Duc, Ho Chi Minh City).
Dr. Dinh Tran Ngoc Mai, Specialist in Nutrition and Dietetics, University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City, answers: Our bodies need a full range of nutrients to maintain health, such as:
- Starch: The main source of energy for daily activities. The brain and muscles need glucose from starch to function.
- Protein: Helps regenerate and repair tissues, supports immunity, and is especially important for cancer patients whose bodies need increased resistance.
- Fats: Provide stored energy and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K.
- Vitamins and minerals: Help boost immunity, support metabolism, and fight against pathogens.
- Fiber: Improves digestion and reduces the risk of chronic diseases, including colon cancer.
Completely eliminating rice and meat can lead to energy and protein deficiencies.
Fasting or completely eliminating rice and meat can lead to energy and protein deficiencies, causing weakened immunity and muscle loss, which is especially dangerous for cancer patients or those seeking preventative care.
According to Doctor Ngoc Mai, some unhealthy eating habits can increase the risk of cancer, including:
- Red meat and processed meat: Eating too much red meat (beef, pork, lamb) and processed meat (sausages, ham) can increase the risk of colorectal cancer due to the presence of harmful compounds that can be digested.
- Grilled and fried foods: Foods grilled at high temperatures or burnt produce substances such as acrylamide and HCAs, which have the potential to cause cell mutations.
- Canned foods: Many processed foods contain preservatives, additives, or high levels of salt, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal cancer.
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables: A deficiency in antioxidants (vitamins C, E, carotenoids) found in fruits and vegetables reduces the body's ability to fight free radicals, which are a cause of cancer.
Therefore, improper fasting, especially eliminating entire food groups such as rice (carbohydrates) and meat (protein), is not associated with cancer prevention and can even cause the following harms:
- Nutritional imbalance, lack of energy.
- Immunodeficiency, reduced cellular repair capacity.
- Muscle loss, physical weakness, and risk of metabolic disorders.
If you want to try fasting methods (such as intermittent fasting), you need guidance from a doctor or nutritionist to ensure it's suitable for your health and goals.
Instead of fasting, you should increase your intake of green vegetables and fresh fruits.
Instead of starving yourself, you should choose a healthy diet.
According to Doctor Ngoc Mai, instead of fasting, you should adopt a healthy and balanced diet such as the following:
- Increase your intake of green vegetables and fresh fruits: They are rich in antioxidants and fiber.
- Limit red meat and processed foods: Reduce portion sizes and replace them with healthy protein sources such as fish, beans, and nuts.
- Prioritize healthy cooking methods: Steaming, boiling, and quick stir-frying instead of grilling or deep-frying.
- Use whole grains instead of refined grains: Brown rice, oats, and whole-wheat bread provide fiber and sustainable energy.
- Reduce sugar and salt intake: Control the amount of sugar and salt in your diet to reduce the risk of inflammation and chronic diseases.
Dr. Ngoc Mai shared that fasting is not the optimal method for weight loss or cancer prevention. The important thing is to build a balanced, healthy diet, combined with a positive lifestyle, to maintain optimal health. If you want to adjust your diet, consult a specialist for appropriate guidance.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-24-7-nhin-doi-co-ngua-duoc-ung-thu-185241220111831713.htm
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