In a study from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), smokers who change their diet may be able to protect themselves from nicotine induced lung cancer.
Gene Methylation: The Fuel of Cancer
Methylation has been identified as one of the genes responsible in the onset and progression of lung cancer. It is what specialists search for when looking for the genetic marker for lung cancer for early detection. This gene was also what researchers used to determine correlation between lung cancer and diet.
The Smoker’s Cancer Protection Diet
While your diet may not be able to ward cancer off completely, a recent study suggests that it may help. The diet that researchers looked at among their participants was leafy green vegetables, folate and multivitamins. Specifically, multivitamins with phytochemicals like vitamin C, carotenoids, lutein, folic acid, vitamin A and K.
Not Only Helpful for Smokers
While smokers may be a bit more concerned about lung cancer, non-smokers can benefit from this same diet since it can help fight other types of cancers.
Considerations About this Study
One major theme permeates through this research as well as many other studies, eating healthier can help you protect yourself from illness. Whether it’s cancer or heart disease, giving your body the nutrients it really needs to function at its optimal level will help you stay healthy – and sometimes even if your lifestyle isn’t the most healthful.
Photo Courtesy of: tskdesign on flickr
Fri, Jan 29, 2010
Health