Young People and Ultra-Processed Foods: A Recipe for Trouble

Colorectal cancer in young adults is on the rise, and experts are pointing fingers at ultra-processed foods. These foods, which make up a big part of many people's diets, have been linked to various health issues. Now, a recent study has found a connection between these foods and precancerous growths in the colon and rectum, known as polyps, in women under 50. The study, which followed over 29, 000 women for 24 years, found that those who ate the most ultra-processed foods were more likely to develop adenomas, a type of polyp that can turn into cancer. The researchers also found that diets high in sugar, artificial sweeteners, sauces, spreads, and condiments were particularly linked to higher rates of adenomas. While the study only included women, experts believe the findings could also apply to men. They also point out that routine screening for colorectal cancer does not happen until age 45, which means that polyps in young people can go unnoticed and grow. So, what's the deal with ultra-processed foods? They are known to cause inflammation in the gut, which can impair its ability to repair itself and keep tumors at bay. They are also linked to obesity and Type 2 diabetes, both of which are risk factors for colorectal cancer. Additionally, these foods can alter the gut microbiome, which could make cells in the gut more likely to turn cancerous. The next step in the research is to determine whether any of these factors have a causal effect on who develops colorectal cancer at a young age. But one thing is clear: the intake of ultra-processed foods has risen in the past few decades, mirroring the increase in colorectal cancer cases.