Diets high in ultra-processed foods have been linked to disruptions in insulin signalling, chronic low-grade inflammation and alterations in the gut microbiome, all of which are mechanisms implicated in cancer development. What we eat affects how our cells grow, how our immune systems function and how our gut bacteria – which help regulate inflammation and immunity – behave. Emulsifiers, additives and artificial sweeteners commonly found in ultra-processed foods have been shown in animal studies to promote intestinal inflammation and tumour growth. Meanwhile, the lack of fibre and protective phytochemicals (health-promoting compounds found in plants) in these foods can alter the gut microbiome needed for the body to function optimally...
