(29-08-10) One third of cancer deaths in people and dogs are preventable through diet changes

by Sherry Baker, Health Sciences Editor



Here's good news for both you and your best friend: one out of three cancer
deaths in humans as well as dogs can be prevented by simple, natural diet
changes. That's the conclusion of research just presented by Demian Dressler,
DVM, at the 2010 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting & Food
Expo in Chicago, Illinois.

So how could so many fatal cancers be stopped? Dr. Dressler, known as the "dog
cancer vet" because of his work in unraveling the intricacies of canine cancer,
said the key is severely limiting snack foods for humans and dogs that contain
ingredients rich in omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3s (found in cold water fish
such as salmon and other foods including flax oil and walnuts) and omega-6s
(found in meats and some widely used vegetable oils such as corn oil) are
essential fatty acids (EFAs) that must be consumed for the body to function
properly. Omega-6 fatty acids tend to increase inflammation, blood clotting and
cell proliferation, while omega-3 fatty acids decrease those functions of the
immune system. The problem is that the typical American diet -- for people as
well as their pets -- tends to be overloaded with omega-6s and deficient in
omega-3s.

In fact, the American Institute for Cancer Research reports that the current
ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids eaten by most Americans is
about 15-to-1; however, a healthy ratio is closer to 4-to-1. This is a serious
problem because, as NaturalNews has previously reported, scientists have linked
this imbalance to autoimmunity, allergy, heart disease, arthritis, asthma and
cancer (http://www.naturalnews.com/026383_h...).

The glut of omega-6s comes mostly from vegetable oils, such as soy oil, which
are used in most of the snack foods, cookies, crackers, sweets, fast foods and
-- in the case of dogs' diets -- doggie treats and many commercial dog foods.
The result is an eating pattern that promotes inflammation. That, Dr. Dressler
stated, creates an environment conducive to cancer in dogs and people.

Another important way to reduce fatal cancers in humans and their canine
companions is to keep weight at a healthy level. Dr. Dressler noted studies
show obesity in both dogs and humans limits the production of a hormone dubbed
adiponectin that inhibits the growth of cancer cells. He recommended reducing
calories and especially staying away from sugar -- not only because it
contributes to obesity, but also because it is now known to feed cancer cells
and spur their growth.

A panel meeting at the 2010 IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo panel encouraged
pet food manufacturers to consider the health implications of their products in
order to improve animals' health. According to the media statement, Kelly S.
Swanson, associate professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, suggested the ideal blend of fiber
for dog food is about 75 to 80 percent insoluble and 20 to 25 percent soluble.
What's more, adding quality prebiotics to pet foods could also enhance dogs'
health.

For more information:
http://www.am-fe.ift.org/cms/
http://www.am-fe.ift.org/cms/


Source: NaturalNews

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