Nutrition and Cancer Prevention

Aug. 12, 2015 - PRLog -- Scientist estimate that between 30-40% of cancers can be prevented through dietary and lifestyle modifications alone. Some dietary and lifestyle factors that contribute to an increased risk of cancer include obesity, nutrient poor foods, refined sugar, low fiber diets, excess consumption of red meat and an imbalance between dietary intake of Omega 6 and Omega 3 oils. Omega 6 & Omega 3 are both polyunsaturated fats. Omega 6 is found in plant based oils such as sunflower, safflower and corn oil whereas Omega 3 fats can be found in salmon, sardines, anchovies, mackerel but also flaxseed oil, walnuts, chia and hemp seeds. According to one study obesity accounts for 14% of cancer in men and 20% of cancer in women. Obesity has been related to cancers of the colon, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, stomach, prostate, uterus and ovaries. One study conducted on mice resulted in a 55% reduction in spontaneous tumors when the mice were introduced to a calorie reduced optimum nutrition diet.

KEY COMPONENTS OF AN ANTI-CANCER DIET

-  A nutrient rich lower calorie diet that includes a minimum of 5 servings of vegetables per day, is high in fiber, contains no refined sugar or refined flour, contains no red meat plus contains a balance of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fats.

-  A diet that contains 5 or more servings per week of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and broccoli sprouts, cabbage and kale. Cruciferous vegetables contain a substance called sulforophane which is known to have anti-cancer properties. Sulforophane boosts the body’s defense against oxidative stress and its accompanying inflammation and DNA damage. According to the Nurse’s Health Study, one of the largest nutritional studies conducted, a high intake of cruciferous vegetables (5 or more/week) was associated with a 33% lower risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In another study a high intake of cruciferous vegetables was linked to a 51% decrease in bladder cancer. Broccoli sprouts contain the highest concentration of sulforophane.

- A diet that contains 200 micrograms/day of selenium. Selenium is required for many enzymatic reactions in the body, it’s a component of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, is involved in the formation of natural killer cells, it inhibits prostaglandins that increase inflammation (PG2) and increases sperm motility. Good sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, seafood, fish, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and eggs.

- A diet rich in B vitamins especially B12, folic acid and B6. The best sources of B6 and folic acid are dark green leafy veggies such as kale, spinach, Swiss chard, collard greens and rapini and whole grains. Good sources of B12 are wild caught fish, eggs, poultry and nutritional yeast. Folic acid works with B12 and B6 in a process called methylation which is responsible for DNA synthesis and repair and neurotransmitter production. According to the Nurses’ Health Study, B12 deficiency was linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. In other studies adequate intake of B12, B6 and folic acid also resulted in a reduced risk of colon, rectal and breast cancer. Remember that alcohol depletes folic acid.

- An adequate intake of vitamin D. Our bodies convert UV-B light to vitamin D through the skin. It is then converted to calcifediol in the liver which is an inactive form of vitamin D. Calcifediol is than converted to the active form of vitamin D, calcitriol, in the kidneys. During the summer months just casual exposure to sunlight on our hands, arms and faces is enough to generate large amounts of vitamin D. In the absence of sunlight a minimum of 1,000IU of vitamin D3 per day is recommended. The upper limit for vitamin D is 4,000IU/day. The active form of vitamin D, calcitriol, has been linked to reduced incidents of prostate, colon and ovarian cancer.

- A diet rich in carotenoids (plant pigments) such as lycopene. In one study men who had the highest intake of lycopene showed a 21% decrease in prostate cancer. Lycopene can be found in tomatoes and is more bioavailable when it’s cooked. However, studies have proven that a diet that contains a variety of carotenoids offer more protection against cancer. You can ensure a healthy intake of carotenoids by consuming a variety of different coloured fruits and veggies such as blueberries, strawberries, carrots, red peppers, green peppers, tomatoes, oranges, apples, peaches, leafy greens etc.

- Supplementing with digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes help the body retrieve nutrients from food that are required for healing and restoring. Digestive enzymes have been proven to improve the digestibility and bioavailability of proteins and carbs in the small intestines in both those people with impaired digestion and those with healthy digestion. Proteases, also known as proteolytic enzymes which digest protein, have been proven to have anti-tumor activity plus have proven to reduce the side effects of cancer therapy such as radiation. When purchasing digestive enzymes look for ones that contain amylase (starch digestion), lipase (fat digestion) and protease. As you can see switching from a conventional Western diet that contains trans- fats, refined sugar, refined flour, red meat and is low in fiber to a natural whole foods diet that does not contain refined sugar or flours but is rich in vegetables, fruits, fiber, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats such as those found in flaxseed and wild caught salmon will provide added protection against many forms of cancers.

PhysioMax Wellness in Burlington Ontario provides the best nutrition plan for their patients. Our Nutritionist Annette Fenton is very knowledgeable about nutrition plan for patients who require special dietary needs. This multidisciplinary clinic in Burlington Ontario also provides Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Osteopathic and Massage Therapy in order to tend to any kind of injuries. Please contact us or visit www.physiomaxwellness.ca for more detailed information.