Do people with early stage thyroid cancer need to abstain from eating grilled meat?

(Mr. Manh Khai, residing in Nhon Trach district)

Doctor replied:

Hello!

Carcinogenic Compounds in Grilled Meat When grilled at high temperatures, especially when grilled directly over an open flame, meat can produce compounds such as PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and HCAs (heterocyclic amines). These substances have been linked to cancer risk, although their specific effects on thyroid cancer have not been fully studied.

However, for people undergoing cancer treatment, it is advisable to limit factors that can increase inflammation and cell damage.

Grilled foods (especially red meat) can put more work on your liver, while you need to reduce the load to support treatment. How to minimize the negative effects if you still want to eat grilled meat If grilled meat is your favorite dish, you do not necessarily have to completely abstain.

You can: Limit how often you eat grilled meat (for example, once or twice a month instead of weekly). Choose safer grilling methods, such as indirect grilling (using foil, grilling in the oven instead of direct charcoal fire).

In addition, you should choose white meat instead of red meat (chicken, fish instead of beef, pork); eat with green vegetables to help the body eliminate harmful substances.

The right way to eat meat when you have cancer: prioritize boiling, steaming, and braising instead of grilling or frying to reduce harmful chemicals. Do not eat too much in one meal to reduce the load on the digestive system, combine with vegetable protein sources such as tofu, mushrooms, and nutritious seeds to diversify nutrition...

Specialist Doctor 1 Do Hoang An Loc,

General Internal Medicine Specialist - Director of Ai Nghia General Clinic, Vung Tau Crossroads