Some misconceptions about cancer

Cancer is a human-caused modern disease?

What is cancer? Even the answer to this question has gone through millennia. The ancient Egyptians were the first to describe cancer, and medical historians were convinced that they already had information on benign and malignant tumors in the records of Papyrus. The word carcinoma in English today comes from the Greek karkinos, meaning "new creatures." Until the microscope enters the biological field of vision and the theory of cytology is laid, one cannot usually distinguish cancer from other diseases that have some common manifestations. After Wei Erxiao founded cytopathology, generation after generation of pathologists made a lot of observations on cancer, summed up the pathological manifestations of cancer, and became the gold standard for clinicians today.

Therefore, cancer is not a disease that is unique to modern times. It is only modern that we have a better understanding of it.

"Super food" can prevent cancer

There are indeed some scientific experiments showing that some of the ingredients in lemons "may have anti-cancer effects." However, these studies are far from enough to support "lemon health." The American Association for Cancer Research supports research on the anti-cancer efficacy of various food ingredients. It also summarizes such studies. At least a dozen foods have far better evidence than lemons. However, they still clearly stated that "no food or food ingredients can protect you from cancer, but strong evidence shows that: Eat more plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans, help To reduce the risk of multiple cancers."

Like tea, lemonade has a low calorie content and a unique flavor. Compared to various sugary, carbonated beverages, lemonade (as long as there is no additional sugar added) is relatively healthier. As for "anti-cancer", it is only suitable for talks after a meal, or do not seriously expect its anti-cancer ability.

"Acid food" causes cancer

Normal blood is slightly alkaline. The kidneys are responsible for maintaining the pH of the blood and only float within a small normal range. The effect of eating on blood pH alone cannot be sustained at all. Eating leafy vegetables is certainly good for health, but it is definitely not because it can change the body's pH.

There is a special case called acidosis, which is a physiological abnormality - the kidneys and lungs cannot maintain the body's pH within the normal range. Acidosis is usually caused by some serious disease or poisoning. Acidosis can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical assistance, but it has nothing to do with the so-called "acidic food" you eat.

In addition, the microenvironment around the cancer cells can be acidic. This is because the metabolic pathways of tumor tissue respiration and normal tissues are different. Researchers are trying to figure out the reasons for this change, which will help cancer treatment. However, there is no evidence that diet can alter body pH or affect the incidence of cancer.