Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., M.S.

Study reveals link between increased risk of breast cancer amoung postmenopausal women who have used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and high glycemic foods.

High glycemic index diets typically incorporate a lot of sugars and refined starches and carbohydrates, which are responsible for a spike in blood glucose levels.

The glycemic index (GI) tells you how quickly 50 grams of a particular food gets converted to glucose (blood sugar) after you ingest it, in comparison to white bread (GI 100).

Cornflakes, cheerios, and puffed wheat are a few examples of foods with high glycemic index.

How the Study was Conducted

49,613 Canadian women between 1980 and 1985 enrolled in the National Breast Screening Study. Each completed a self-administered food frequency questionnaire.

Their dietary habits and other relevant information were surveyed between 1980 and 1985.

During a 16-year follow-up period, researchers found that 1,461 women developed breast cancer.

The study suggest that consumption of diets with high GI values may be associated with increased risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women.

Dr. Grisanti's Comments

If you are interested in a more detailed explanation of the glycemic index, I highly recommend the following book.

Reference

Silvera SA, Jain M, Howe GR, Miller AB, Rohan TE.Dietary carbohydrates and breast cancer risk: a prospective study of the roles of overall glycemic index and glycemic load. Int J Cancer. 2005 Apr 20;114(4):653-8.