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Harvard doctor asks to make 4 simple food swaps to lower your cancer risk

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Over 2 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2025, according to the American Cancer Society. It is the second leading cause of death globally, as per WHO. Cancer cases are on the rise, more than ever, and the influence of our lifestyle cannot be ignored.

Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford with a million Instagram followers, is sounding the alarm on rising cancer rates among younger adults. “I'm seeing more people in their thirties and forties getting cancer now than ten years ago. We can control certain risk factors,” he says in a video shared on Instagram. Drawing from his expertise and clinical observations, Dr. Sethi has shared four food swaps, which can help to lower cancer risk. These small dietary swaps can make a big difference. Take a look.

Ditch sugary drinks for sparkling water
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Dr. Sethi recommends replacing sugary sodas and energy drinks with sparkling water. He notes that consuming sugary beverages daily can increase the early onset of colorectal cancer by 32%. Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. This is one of the most common cancers worldwide. People above the age of 50 are often at more risk. Family history and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise too influence the risk. So cutting back on sugary drinks is the way forward.

Swap cocktails with non-alcoholic options
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WHO has confirmed that no level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health. So the cocktail you are drinking is not good for your health. Sethi advises cutting back on alcohol, particularly for women. “Drinking two to three drinks daily raises a woman's breast cancer risk by ten percent,” he notes. You can swap those cocktails with non-alcoholic beverages and still enjoy a night out. Mocktails let you socialize without the added risk.

Choose lean proteins over red meat
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Red meat is linked with numerous cancer risks. Dr. Sethi asks to replace red and processed meats like hamburgers, hot dogs, and sausages, which are linked to higher risks of colon and breast cancer with lean proteins. He recommends lean proteins such as fish, chicken, or turkey instead. Sometimes it's not about giving up flavor, it’s about making smarter choices.

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Opt for whole grains over refined
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Refined grains might be easy and cheap to find, however, that convenience is doing no good for your health. The gut doctor urges to swap refined grains like white bread and pasta for whole grains such as quinoa, millet, or whole wheat. Whole grains are also packed with fiber, which supports gut health and may lower cancer risk. It’s a simple change that adds up to the whole healthy diet. “Your daily food choices matter more than you think!” he emphasizes.

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