Rethinking Health: The Rise of Bowel Cancer and the "Skinny" Culture

 

Rethinking Health: The Rise of Bowel Cancer and the "Skinny" Culture

Introduction: As a beauty professional, I often find myself chatting with clients about the latest health trends, and I’ve noticed a growing concern, especially in younger people, about the rise of bowel cancer. So, what’s behind this rise? In my research and my own journey, I’ve come to believe that it's partly due to societal pressures and the relentless focus on being "skinny."

The Skinny Myth: For so many years, we've been told that being "skinny" is the key to happiness, worth, and health. Magazines, advertisements, social media they all push the idea that if you're not skinny, you're not good enough. But we need to focus on something more important: health.

While many people are chasing after the "skinny" ideal, they often miss the critical fact that health is what truly matters. You can be skinny, but that doesn't automatically mean you're healthy. Starving yourself, smoking, or even taking drugs to maintain a thin appearance isn't the answer. These habits may keep you thin, but they don’t lead to long-term health.

Why Health and Strength Matter More Than Skinny: I’ve come to realise that the focus should be on becoming strong, well-fed, and healthy, not thin. True wellness comes from feeding our bodies the right foods that will support our strength, immunity, and long-term vitality. A diet that’s focused on nourishing plant-based foods, rich in fibre and nutrients, is a win-win for your body. And let's not forget the importance of plant-based protein, which not only fuels your muscles but also provides key nutrients that support your body’s overall health.

The Rise of Bowel Cancer in Younger People: Why are we seeing such an increase in colorectal cancers among younger generations? The reality is that dietary patterns play a significant role. Diets high in processed foods, red meat, and low in plant-based fibre are associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. Young people today are often eating more animal-based proteins and fewer vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Combine this with the growing trend of fad diets like keto, carnivore, and high-protein/low-carb eating, and you’ve got a recipe for unhealthy, imbalanced nutrition.

The Power of a Plant-Based Lifestyle: A plant-based diet, especially one that is whole-food, plant-based (WFPB), focuses on foods that are rich in nutrients, fibre, and antioxidants. These foods fight cancer, support gut health, and strengthen your immune system. Adding legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits to your daily meals doesn't just make you feel better; it can drastically lower your risk of developing chronic diseases, including certain types of cancer.

What About Alcohol? We can’t forget the impact of alcohol on our health. In moderation, alcohol may seem harmless, but excessive consumption is linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly breast and liver cancer. It's important to be mindful of how alcohol affects the body and the role it plays in health.

Cancer-Fighting vs. Cancer-Causing Foods: Here’s a quick look at some of the most powerful foods in each category:

Top Cancer-Fighting Foods:

• Broccoli & Cruciferous Vegetables; Contain sulforaphane, which helps detoxify carcinogens.

• Berries; Packed with antioxidants like ellagic acid and anthocyanins.

• Garlic & Onions; Rich in organosulfur compounds that help prevent cancer growth.

• Green Tea; Contains catechins that have anti-tumour properties.

• Turmeric; Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.

• Mushrooms; Especially shiitake and maitake, support immune health and cancer protection.

• Oats & Whole Grains; Rich in fibre and beta-glucans to support gut and colon health.

Top Cancer-Causing Foods:

• Processed Meats (e.g., sausages, ham), Classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the WHO.

• Red Meat; especially when grilled or charred, produces harmful compounds.

• Fried Foods; Can contain acrylamide, a potential carcinogen formed during high-heat cooking.

• Sugary Beverages & Sweets; Linked to obesity and inflammation, which are cancer risk factors.

• Alcohol; Increases the risk of several cancers, including breast and liver.

• Highly Processed Foods; Often high in unhealthy fats, salt, and preservatives.

• Dairy; Linked to increased risk of hormone-related cancers (especially prostate and breast), likely due to growth hormones and IGF-1 levels. Many people, particularly those of Asian, African, and Indigenous descent, lack the enzyme lactase, making dairy hard to digest. Studies also connect dairy to acne, chronic inflammation, respiratory issues in children, and reproductive health concerns like PCOS.

Conclusion: At the end of the day, it’s not about being skinny; it’s about being strong, healthy, and well-fed. Our bodies need the right kind of fuel, and it’s in the plant-based foods that provide us with the most benefits. Let’s shift our focus to eating for health, not for appearance, and prioritise a lifestyle that will sustain us, rather than a quick fix that could have lasting consequences.

So, don’t worry about being “skinny” Worry about being strong, healthy, and vibrant for the long haul. Let’s make choices that will serve our bodies and our health for years to come.