Last Updated on March 12, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims eating chicken can cause cancer and Urinary Tract Infections. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Half-true.
The Claim
A Facebook reel with the caption, “ Why you need to stop eating chicken?” shows a man stating, “Stop eating chicken. Chicken causes pancreas cancer, liver cancer, urinary tract infections, contamination with fecal matter,” is posted by a user.
Fact Check
Can consuming chicken cause UTI?
Sometimes. It is possible for chicken to contribute to the development of urinary tract infections (UTIs), but it is not a direct cause always. Eating contaminated meat or food does not directly lead to a UTI. While some types of E. coli can cause serious intestinal disease, most of these E. coli bacteria can live in the intestine without causing problems.
UTIs are typically caused by bacteria, such as E. coli, entering the urinary tract and causing an infection. Poultry are considered to be a major source of the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) in people. Chicken can be a source of bacteria that may contribute to the development of UTIs if it is not cooked or handled properly.
If chicken is not cooked to the appropriate temperature or is not stored at the correct temperature, harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter can be present. These bacteria can cause foodborne illness, including UTIs if they are not properly eliminated from the body.
Furthermore, a research published by the University of Minnesota stated that ST131 sublineage of E coli, multidrug-resistant E coli strain can serve as a vehicle for human exposure and UTI. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in chicken can escape our digestive system and travel into the urinary system.
To minimize the risk of developing a UTI, it is important to practice good food safety habits, such as washing your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw chicken, cooking chicken to the appropriate temperature, and refrigerating or freezing chicken promptly after purchasing it. Additionally, drinking plenty of water and urinating regularly can help flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract.
Can consuming chicken cause cancer?
Not always. There is currently no conclusive evidence that chicken will definitely cause cancer. This has been a debatable matter and the way chicken is cooked or processed can affect its potential to increase the risk of cancer.
A study concluded that enhanced intake of white meat or poultry was found to be negatively associated with some types of cancers. There have been studies which even state that the consumption of poultry may even lead to a decreased risk of certain types of cancer. On the other hand, another research states that eating chicken is associated with an increased risk of cancers, such as, malignant melanoma, prostate cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Grilling, frying, or baqbequing chicken at high temperatures can produce harmful chemicals called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These chemicals have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly colon, stomach, and prostate cancer. Additionally, processed chicken products may contain preservatives and additives that have been associated with an increased risk of cancer.
To reduce the risk of potentially harmful effects from chicken, it is recommended to cook it at lower temperatures, use gentler cooking methods such as boiling, casseroling or microwave heating rather than high-temperature grilling, barbecuing or pan-frying. It’s important to maintain a balanced and varied diet that includes a variety of foods, including vegetables and fruits, to maintain good health.
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