Can a person with cancer drink coffee? And is there a relationship between coffee and cancer? What are their effects on health?
We emphasize here that the information we will provide is for guidance only. Consult your doctor about the appropriate drinks for you, wishing you continued health and wellness.
Can a person with cancer drink coffee?
The University of California, San Francisco Health offers diet advice during cancer treatment.
She suggests that a person may be advised to limit caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and tea, to reduce the risk of constipation:
The University of California San Francisco Health website advises:
- Limit caffeine intake, as it may induce constipation by causing fluid loss.
- Drink a hot, caffeine-free drink such as lemon water in the morning when you wake up.
On the other hand, your doctor may advise you to avoid caffeine because it generates urine and draws water from the cells.
Is there a link between coffee and cancer?
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, for most cancers, coffee either appears to reduce the risk of developing it, or has nothing to do with the risk at all.
Even in countries that consume very large amounts of coffee, such as Scandinavia, research does not support a link between coffee or caffeine and cancer risk.
The only exception may be lung cancer, for which the results of studies have been conflicting. Some studies show a reduced risk of lung cancer among heavy coffee drinkers, while others show no risk or increased risk of lung cancer when drinking too much coffee.
However, many health experts believe that coffee itself does not increase the risk of lung cancer, instead, other health behaviors are to blame among heavy coffee drinkers.
For example, if heavy coffee drinkers are also more likely to smoke, coffee may seem to be the cause of lung cancer, and in fact smoking among heavy coffee drinkers may be to blame, not coffee.
The bottom line is that most health experts agree that coffee and caffeine do not increase the risk of cancer and, in some cases, may reduce its risk.
But do not forget that caffeine can adversely affect people with other health conditions. If you have high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, or other heart-related problems, talk to your doctor about how much caffeine is safe for you.
General Coffee Benefits
German nutritionist Harald Zeitz says that coffee has great benefits for health, as caffeine acts as a chemical compound to activate and stimulate the central nervous system, which helps to stay alert and raises the degree of attention, concentration and activity.
Coffee is therefore a natural stimulant for people who constantly suffer from fatigue and lethargy, as well as those who suffer from low blood pressure.
Zeitz added that coffee is also rich in antioxidants, which fight what are known as free radicals, which attack the body's cells, so coffee contributes to reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.
In addition, coffee reduces the risk of heart attack when consumed in moderation, i.e. an average of no more than two to three cups per day. If consumed more often, it can be counterproductive, because caffeine raises cholesterol levels, which in turn raises the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Heartburn
For his part, therapeutic nutritionist Professor Johannes Wexler recommended that people with sensitive stomachs be careful when consuming coffee, because the roasting materials in it promote the production of stomach acid, which leads to heartburn.
To avoid this hassle, these people should add milk to the coffee to neutralize the roasting material.
People with high blood pressure or a tendency to have high blood pressure should also be careful when consuming coffee, as caffeine can cause blood pressure to rise.
These people have to drink coffee in small amounts to determine how well the body responds to caffeine and, if necessary, they can turn to decaffeinated coffee.