Being healthy (healthier) at DLR

[Aladora]

Just two from Oct 2015:

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/world-health-organization-says-processed-meat-causes-cancer
"The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified processed meat as a carcinogen, something that causes cancer. And it has classified red meat as a probable carcinogen, something that probably causes cancer."

http://www.forksoverknives.com/worl...ays-processed-and-red-meats-can-cause-cancer/
"The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report today that places processed meat in the highest of five possible classifications of cancer-causing substances, along with alcohol, asbestos, arsenic, and cigarettes. The WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer carried out the review, which also concluded that red meat was “probably carcinogenic to humans.”"

Well, if you are going to make claims, at least make them accurate.

You stated "The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that meat does cause cancer."

The WHO has stated that red meat is in Group 2A, "probably carcinogenic to humans" When asked to define that that means, the WHO had this to say:

7. Red meat was classified as Group 2A, probably carcinogenic to humans. What does this mean exactly?

In the case of red meat, the classification is based on limited evidence from epidemiological studies showing positive associations between eating red meat and developing colorectal cancer as well as strong mechanistic evidence.

Limited evidence means that a positive association has been observed between exposure to the agent and cancer but that other explanations for the observations (technically termed chance, bias, or confounding) could not be ruled out.

The WHO has stated that processed meat is classified as Group 1, carcinogenic to humans. When asked to define this, the WHO states:

8. Processed meat was classified as Group 1, carcinogenic to humans. What does this mean?
This category is used when there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans. In other words, there is convincing evidence that the agent causes cancer. The evaluation is usually based on epidemiological studies showing the development of cancer in exposed humans.

In the case of processed meat, this classification is based on sufficient evidence from epidemiological studies that eating processed meat causes colorectal cancer.

9. Processed meat was classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). Tobacco smoking and asbestos are also both classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). Does it mean that consumption of processed meat is as carcinogenic as tobacco smoking and asbestos?
No, processed meat has been classified in the same category as causes of cancer such as tobacco smoking and asbestos (IARC Group 1, carcinogenic to humans), but this does NOT mean that they are all equally dangerous. The IARC classifications describe the strength of the scientific evidence about an agent being a cause of cancer, rather than assessing the level of risk.

And finally, about the risks:

13. Could you quantify the risk of eating red meat and processed meat?

The consumption of processed meat was associated with small increases in the risk of cancer in the studies reviewed. In those studies, the risk generally increased with the amount of meat consumed. An analysis of data from 10 studies estimated that every 50 gram portion of processed meat eaten daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by about 18%.

The cancer risk related to the consumption of red meat is more difficult to estimate because the evidence that red meat causes cancer is not as strong. However, if the association of red meat and colorectal cancer were proven to be causal, data from the same studies suggest that the risk of colorectal cancer could increase by 17% for every 100 gram portion of red meat eaten daily.

The WHO has not "determined that meat causes cancer." It has stated that eating processed meat is associated with a small increase in the risk of one type of cancer and that while there is some evidence that points towards red meat increasing the risk of one type of cancer, the evidence is not strong enough to make a statement about the risks.


Q&A on the carcinogenicity of the consumption of red meat and processed meat

 

[Westcoastwild]

I'm not sure I want to see where the twist is taking the thread...

OP- my best advice is to order smaller portions when possible and cut out danger zones. For me, that's anything fried or the bread before the meal. Drink water or limit yourself to one serving of wine or soda. I sub sides, and I know that fries, bread, and desserts are my weakness- I can't just have one half order of fries. I can't do just one soda. So it's steamed veggies or salad and no soda at all. If it helps you, snack through the day so you don't gorge at night. Sometimes I'll have a chili cone and a dole whip and I'll be good, because then I won't be sitting down to a full menu at dinner time. It sounds like you have the same problem I do- the surf and turf is the treat and then when you sit down you add this and that. Menues are dangerous when I'm hungry lol.

 

[PoohCorner99]

I started my days with a protein shake, handful of almonds and a green apple. That helped me avoid all of the morning breakfast treats at least.