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"Hey, lad, did you know that eating too much candy will make bugs?"
It's a phrase Dr. Chan often jokes, even though he knows it's just a trick used by mothers to scare disobedient children.
However, this time, sitting in front of him was a 9-year-old boy, Li Ningjin, with a blank look on his face, who had just been diagnosed with leukemia.
When Li Ningjin's parents heard this diagnosis, their faces immediately turned pale. After many inquiries, Dr. Chen Hejing learned that Li Ningjin's usual eating habits actually have four special "items" on his table almost every day: potato chips, carbonated drinks, candies and instant noodles.
You may be thinking, "What's the difference between this and most kids?" Indeed, it sounds like every child's dream diet, especially on those special days.
But Dr. Chan Ho King surprised Li Ningjin's parents by making the next point – it wasn't just about diabetes or obesity, but about the link between eating habits and leukaemia risk.
"Did you know that a lot of people think that junk food only makes you fat, but they actually affect our bodies much more than that? ”
"For example, excess sugar and unhealthy fats can cause inflammation in our bodies, and long-term inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even leukemia. ”
He continued, "Of course, I'm not saying that eating these will necessarily lead to disease, but unhealthy eating habits do increase the risk of disease. ”
With an in-depth understanding of Li Ningjin's eating habits, Dr. Chen Hejing found that these four foods almost constitute a major part of Li Ningjin's daily diet.
This long-term monotonous and additive-laden dietary pattern may have adversely affected Li Ningjin's immune system and increased the risk of leukemia.
Dr. Chen Hejing said: "Do you know how much sugar is in carbonated drinks? Drinking a bottle is like pouring five or six spoonfuls of sugar directly into it. As for potato chips, in addition to oil, there are also a variety of food additives, eating too much is not only harmful to the liver, but also affects our blood health. ”
Dr. Tan also shared some simple healthy recipes to encourage them to cook together and get the whole family involved in healthy living.
Li Ningjin asked Dr. Chen Hejing curiously: "Then I can't eat candy in the future?" Dr. Chen Hejing replied: "Of course, it's okay to eat one or two once in a while, the main thing is to have moderation." ”
"Remember, anything is too much. Let our diet be a shield to protect our body, not an arrow that harms us. ”
Dr. Tan continued, "You know, there is another angle, and that is the deep connection between 'mood' and eating habits. ”
"You've probably heard of 'mood eating', and when we're stressed or feeling down, it's easy to seek out foods that are high in sugar and fat to give us instant comfort," says Dr. Chan. ”
"While this behavior is temporary, in the long run, this dependent eating habit is not only harmful to physical health, but may also worsen emotional problems. It's a vicious circle. ”
"And," Dr. Chan added, "you may not believe it, but long-term unhealthy eating habits, such as excessive sugar intake and processed foods, can actually have a negative impact on our mental health." ”
"These foods may increase the risk of depression. Think about it, if we're in a bad mood all the time, how can we possibly be motivated to make healthy food choices?"
Dr. Tan explained in detail how to improve our mood by adjusting our diet: "For example, by adding foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts and seeds, it can help improve our mood and cognitive function. ”
Li Ningjin suddenly asked, "Doctor, if I start eating healthier food, will my mood get better?
Dr. Chen Hejing replied, "Li Ningjin, based on my past medical records and current research, a healthy diet can indeed improve our mood to a certain extent. ”
"While it is not a direct substitute for medication, it can provide additional support for your recovery during treatment, along with a proper diet. ”
"Of course, everyone's situation is different, and we need to adjust our diet plan according to the individual's health condition. But remember, taking a step in a good direction is beneficial both physically and mentally. ”
What do you think about leukemia? Welcome to discuss in the comment area!