Epigenetics , as defined by the University of Utah is: The development and maintenance of an organism {that} is orchestrated by a set of chemical reactions that switch parts of the genome off and on at strategic times and locations. Epigenetics is the study of these reactions and the factors that influence them. Included in these chemical reactions are the foods we eat.
There is stunning research that shows that the compounds and chemicals in the foods we eat can have a drastic effect on the risk of breast cancer. According to recent research, ‘up to 50% of breast cancer cases are now thought to be preventable through simple changes in diet and lifestyle.’ http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2012/nov2012_Epigenetics_Breast_Cancer_01.htm
Foods are able to:
- prevent DNA damage;
- control regulatory genes;
- fight cancer promoting inflammation;
- block excessive cell replication;
- transform malignant cells back into healthy cells;
- trigger the death of cancer cells;
- inhibit estrogen production;
- block abnormal growth factors;
- cut off the blood supply of growing tumors, and
- prevent tumors from spreading.
This is great news! Topping the food list is:
- Coffee,
- green tea, and
- cruciferous vegetables.
Supplements and minerals also have the ability to perform these actions. The most effective are:
- CoQ10,
- Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA),
- Indole-3-carbinol,
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC),
- resveratrol,
- vitamin D3,
- Omega 3 fatty acids,
- lycopene,
- quercetin, and
- selenium.
As you can see, much can be done through diet to impede and suppress cancer. Let’s take advantage of this knowledge and act accordingly.
Until next time,
Dr. Polly
