Ask the Doctor: Saturated vs. Trans Fat; Cancer Treatment
Q: Which is worse for your health, saturated fat or trans fat?
A: Trans fat holds the dubious honor of being the biggest health threat. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has instructed food manufacturers to remove all industrially-produced trans fat from processed foods by June 2018, and many companies have already removed most or all trans fat from their products.
Trans fat is formed when oils undergo a process called partial hydrogenation, which makes the oil less likely to spoil and enhances taste and texture. Trans fat is often found in stick margarines and vegetable shortenings that are solid at room temperature, as well as ready-to-use frostings, refrigerated dough products, and coffee creamers. To avoid trans fat, check the ingredients list and bypass any foods that contain partially hydrogenated oil. (A different form of trans fat occurs naturally in ruminant animals, such as cows and goats, but this type of trans fat has not been linked with harmful health effects.)
Research also indicates that a diet high in saturated fat raises LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, which raises the risk for heart attack. One study found that lowering saturated fat intake reduced the risk for cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, by 17 percent. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise limiting saturated fat intake to 10 percent or less of your daily calories. If you consume 1,600 calories per day, that’s just 16 grams of saturated fat. Foods high in saturated fat include fatty red meat, processed meats such as bacon and sausage, and full-fat dairy foods, including butter and cheese.
On the flip side, diets that contain foods that are rich in unsaturated fats have been linked with many health benefits, including better cardiovascular health and type 2 diabetes. Vegetable oils, avocados, nuts, and seeds are good sources of unsaturated fat.
Q: I’m almost finished with my cancer treatment. What can I do to prevent cancer from recurring once my treatment ends?
A: Being proactive when it comes to your follow-up care is vital after cancer treatment is completed, and making healthy choices will help you regain a sense of control over your health. Attend all of your follow-up appointments, and find out what factors could make you vulnerable to cancer recurrence. Diet, exercise, smoking, and other lifestyle choices are known to have a significant impact on the risks of some types of cancer; ask your doctor which activities are most closely associated with a higher risk of the type of cancer you had.
Keep in mind that being in remission is a step on the road to recovery, but that the physical and psychological effects of cancer can persist. For example, fatigue is common in cancer survivors, as are memory and concentration issues. Plan daily activities around the times you know you feel best, and ask family or friends for help with chores and errands if you find they are too taxing for you. Discuss any memory and concentration problems with your doctor, who can refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Also remember that stress and depression due to a cancer diagnosis can linger long after treatment is complete. Depression can weaken your immune system and increase the risk your cancer may recur, so speak to your doctor if you’re feeling sad, hopeless, irritable, or you’re withdrawing from social situations or not enjoying activities. A short course of antidepressants may help, and exercise and meditation also can boost your mood. Finally, reach out to other cancer survivors, who will understand what you’re going through. Support groups may be available through your hospital, or get information from the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network (csn.cancer.org).
—Editor-in-Chief Orli R. Etingin
The post Ask the Doctor: Saturated vs. Trans Fat; Cancer Treatment appeared first on University Health News.
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