Disease Proof : Disease Proof : Health & Nutrition News & Commentary : Dr. Joel Fuhrman

Ulcerative colitis falls under the category of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). It is an autoimmune disease in which excessive inflammation kills cells in the lining of the colon, leaving ulcers behind. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that commonly causes abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, and it carries with it an increased risk of colorectal cancer. In some severe cases, the colon must be surgically removed. Clearly, this condition also causes a great deal of emotional trauma.¹

Recent studies have identified dietary patterns that may predispose individuals to ulcerative colitis. High intake of fats, refined sugars, and fried potato products were positively associated with ulcerative colitis, and fruit consumption was found to be protective.²

Most recently, omega-6 fatty acids have been investigated. Omega-6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, meaning that we must obtain them from our diet for good health, but the typical American diet contains an excessive amount of omega-6, which can produce a pro-inflammatory environment in the body.

Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fat that is highly concentrated in red meat, cooking oils, and margarines. In the digestive system, linoleic acid is metabolized into arachidonic acid, which incorporates into cell membranes of the colon. When arachidonic acid is broken down further, its products are pro-inflammatory – these products are found in excess in the intestinal cells of patients with ulcerative colitis. For these reasons, scientists believed that excess linoleic acid might be linked to ulcerative colitis risk.

A prospective study of over 200,000 men and women in Europe found that the subjects who consumed the highest levels of omega-6 linoleic acid were 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. The researchers also found a negative association between the omega-3 fatty acid DHA and ulcerative colitis – subjects in the highest level of DHA intake decreased their risk by 77%.³

Avoiding excess levels of linoleic acid is simply accomplished by eating a diet that is based on whole plant foods and limits animal products and added fats. A diet of natural whole foods provides us with omega-6 fatty acids in appropriate amounts - not in excess – producing an anti-inflammatory environment.

For those who already have ulcerative colitis, it is important to know that the condition can be improved and sometimes completely resolved with dietary changes – conventional treatment of IBD often includes immunosuppressive drugs with dangerous side effects.  Dr. Fuhrman outlines specific dietary recommendations for sufferers of IBD in his Inflammatory Bowel Disease newsletter. 

References:

1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ulcerativecolitis.html#cat59

2. Shah S. Dietary Factors in the Modulation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity. MedGenMed 2007; 9(1):60

3. Tjonneland A et al. Linoleic acid, a dietary n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, and the aetiology of ulcerative colitis: a nested case-control study within a European prospective cohort study. IBD in EPIC Study Investigators. Gut. 2009 Dec;58(12):1606-11. Epub 2009 Jul 23.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5B15S720091202

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Folic acid supplementation is dangerous – especially for pregnant women

In a 10-year study,^1,2 scientists found that women who take multivitamins containing folic acid increase their breast cancer risk by 20-30%.

Even more alarming are the associations between supplemental folic acid during pregnancy and death from breast cancer,⁸ and asthma and respiratory tract infections in children.^5-6

Read full article

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin, which is abundant in green vegetables. Folate protects against birth defects known as neural tube defects (NTDs). Pregnant women could safely increase their folate status and prevent NTDs by eating green vegetables, but instead they are instructed to take folic acid supplements, putting them and their children at risk. Folic acid supplements are not a substitute for folate-containing green vegetables – there are inverse associations between maternal vegetable intake and childhood cancers.^12-13

Unlike synthetic folic acid, folate obtained from food sources – especially green vegetables – protects against breast and prostate cancer.

There is inverse relationship between dietary folate intake and breast and prostate cancer.^14,3 Chemical differences between folate and folic acid translate into differences in uptake and processing of these two substances by the cells in the intestinal wall – excess folic acid in the circulation can occur. Luckily, folate from food comes naturally packaged in balance with other micronutrients and the body regulates its absorption.⁹

Rich sources of food folate

As a reference point, the U.S. RDA for folate is 400μg. Below is the approximate folate content for a 100-calorie serving.⁸

Additional foods listed in full article

Clearly, we do not need synthetic folic acid supplements to meet our daily folate requirements.

Dr. Fuhrman’s Gentle Care Formula Multivitamin does not contain folic acid

Supplemental folic acid has also been linked to prostate cancer³, colorectal cancer⁴, and overall cancer mortality.⁷ Because folate is abundant in the nutritarian diet, and synthetic folic acid is so potentially dangerous, folic acid is not included in Dr. Fuhrman’s Gentle Care multivitamin.

Dr. Fuhrman does not recommend prenatal vitamins because of the potentially harmful ingredients, such as folic acid.

Dr. Fuhrman’s special recommendations for pregnant women:

• Gentle Care Formula
• Osteo-Sun
• Iron supplementation (approx. 30 mg/day when needed)
• DHA Purity
• A nutrient dense diet, rich in green vegetables (and folate)

(See full article for references)

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A good half hour in the gym is a great way to blow off some steam and according to a new study in the journal Cancer, exercise also helps improve life after cancer, specifically breast, prostate and colorectal cancer.

They interviewed 753 men and women, all at least 65 years old, who had survived 5 or more years after a breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer diagnosis. All were overweight to some degree, but none was morbidly obese.

When the interviewers asked about exercise, diet, weight status, and quality of life, they found that half the group got no more than 10 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week, and only 7% had healthful eating habits…

…However, those who exercised more and had better diet quality also had better physical quality of life outcomes (e.g., better vitality and physical functioning) than those who exercised less and ate poorly. Also, the greater the body weight, the poorer the physical quality of life.

In general, conclude [researchers], the results point to "the potential negative impact of obesity and the positive impact of physical activity and a healthy diet on physical quality of life in cancer survivors.

In related news, doing moderate to high-intensity exercise for 30 minutes a day cuts cancer risk in men by 50%. Regular exercise helps strengthen bones too.

Via Reuters.

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Geez, I know people who do all three—in one sitting! If you know someone like this too, show them this.

New research in the International Journal of Cancer suggests lifestyle changes—such as eating less red meat, not smoking, avoiding alcohol and exercising—may lower your risk of colon cancer.

Scientists analyzed 100 studies on colon cancer risk, finding that high intake of red and processed meats, smoking, obesity and diabetes were associated with a 20% increased in the risk.

As for alcohol, people averaging one drink or more each day had a 60% higher risk of cancer. However, people who exercised regularly were 20% less likely to develop colorectal cancer.

Makes sense! Especially since last week a report came out saying vegetarians—i.e. people who don’t eat meat—have less cancer than meat eaters.

And previous findings reveal smoking and drinking heighten risk of bowel cancer, but eating fruits and vegetables, protect against cancer. Sweet!

Via Reuters.

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A new study in the journal of Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention reveals the rate of colon cancer among young adults—under the age of 50—is increasing. Data showed regardless of sex, race and age incidences of colon cancer between 1992 and 2005 rose 1.5% in men and 1.6% in women, with the largest increases in men and women, ages 20 to 29, with 52% and 5.6% respectively. Experts blame consumption of fast foods and high rates of obesity; via EurekAlert!

It’s a good idea to kick fast food as soon as possible. In April, a study showed kids eating fast food are more likely to develop poor eating habits. And given the unhealthiness of fast food, some Los Angeles officials don’t want any more fast food restaurants in their neighborhoods.

In related news, eating lots of fruits and veggies helps cut colon cancer risk in men, but taking high-dose folic acid supplements can raise colon cancer risk, by as high as 162%. Eek!

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A new study in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease claims low blood levels of vitamin D may heighten the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Scientists point out numerous studies have linked vitamin D deficiency with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and gum disease, and that all of these have been associated with increased risk of dementia. The cost of Alzheimer’s care in the U.S. tops $100 billion each year; via Nutra Ingredients.

Vitamin D deficiency is an epidemic, with c-sections, high blood pressure and heart attacks all linked to inadequate vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your body build strong bones and stave off osteoporosis and helps to prevent cancer, such as colon, breast and prostate cancer.

Many multivitamins do not contain sufficient vitamin D. That’s why Dr. Fuhrman’s Osteo-Sun is specifically designed to provide enough vitamin D, both in its vegan and non-vegan forms.

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Time for a crazy report! New findings in the American Journal for Clinical Nutrition, claim smokers my increase their chances of developing colon cancer by eating fruits and vegetables. For the study, 500,000 people in 10 European countries were surveyed on their eating and smoking habits over 8.5 years and data suggests normally healthful substances in fruit and vegetables may enhance carcinogenic potential of tobacco smoke. However, in nonsmokers high intake of fruits and vegetables reduced risk; the AFP reports.

Listen, smoking is a bad idea. Here are a few reasons why. Reports have shown parents who smoke risk harming their kids’ hearts, secondhand smoke leads to allergies and can also increase risk of head and neck cancer. As for veggies, they are potent cancer-fighters.

In related news, after Pueblo, Colorado passed a municipal law banning smoking from work environments and public places the rate of heart attacks dropped 40%.

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Trans-fat’s been quiet lately, but for good reason. New findings in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine claim negative news reports on the dangers of trans-fat, such as heart risks, influences people to avoid foods with trans-fat. Trans-fat raises LDL or “bad cholesterol” and also lowers HDL or “good cholesterol” and is commonly found in junk foods like cookies, crackers and French fries. Researchers found shoppers in Los Angeles, California were more careful about their purchases after media coverage on artery-clogging trans-fats, but only for a short time; Reuters reports.

Not to long ago there was a great debate about banning trans-fat. Many health experts want trans-fat gone, but other say trans-fat is a market issue and consumers should decide whether or not they want to buy it. But trans-fat is unhealthy, linked to both colon cancer and breast cancer.

Trans-fat has gotten the shaft nationwide, from New York to California, even retailers and restaurants like Wal-Mart and Kentucky Fried Chicken have given trans-fat the heave-ho.

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A new study in the journal Cancer Prevention Research discovered eating just 2.5 ounces of broccoli each day helped reduce Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) a bacterium closely tied to stomach damage and gastric cancer. Broccoli sprouts provide sulforaphane, a known cancer-fighter, which acts as an antibiotic against H. pylori. The experiment involved 48 people infected with H. pylori with half the participants eating broccoli sprouts each day. The others ate alfalfa sprouts, which do not contain sulforaphane. After 8 weeks the broccoli group had significantly lower levels of H. pylori. No change was observed in the alfalfa group; HealthDay News reports.

Sulforaphane has also been linked to undoing cell damage associated with hyperglycaemia and diabetes, but all fruits and vegetables are health-protective, such reducing risk of colon, prostate and pancreatic cancer. Other research has revealed populations eating an additional 20% more cruciferous vegetables have 40% less cancer.

Last week, a report showed vitamin K, found in leafy greens like spinach and broccoli, had a lower risk of prostate cancer. Broccoli has also been shown to protect against respiratory inflammation.

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This is definitely one acid trip you don’t want to go on. New findings in the European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology reveal foods fortified with folic acid may increase colon cancer rates. In 2000, the Chilean government instituted a mandatory folic acid fortification in wheat flour in order to help prevent spina bifida. Since that time, reported cases of colon cancer have jumped 162% in people ages 35 to 64 and 190% in people 65 to 79 and there was a slight increase in breast cancer rates too. Chile uses a higher dose of folic acid than other countries; from Medical News Today.

In 2007, a similar study reported 15,000 more cases of colon cancer with folic acid enrichment and another report showed folic acid harms the heart. In general, enriched foods are pretty silly. Food producers strip all the nutrients out of food and then put something back in and call it healthy? Pretty kooky.

In the past, folic acid supplements have been shown to heighten men’s risk of prostate cancer, 9.7% after 10 years. That why supplements, like Gentle Care, don’t contain folic acid.

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