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| Vegetarian/Vegan Diet |
Last updated: May 12, 2008 |
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Fact: only 20% of Americans eat at least the recommended 5 servings per day of fruits and vegetables. In it's statement of position on the vegetarian diet [13], the American Dietetic Association states:- "Scientific data suggest positive relationships between a vegetarian diet and reduced risk for several chronic degenerative diseases and conditions, including obesity, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and some types of cancer. Vegetarian diets, like all diets, need to be planned appropriately to be nutritionally adequate."
- "It is the position of The American Dietetic Association (ADA) that appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, are nutritionally adequate, and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases."
The Safety of a Vegan Diet
Many contemplating conversion to a vegan diet (one completely free of animal products) are concerned about its viability and safety, particularly for children. Given the many health benefits of such a diet, does the evidence show that vegan diets do indeed meet nutritional needs? The answer is clearly yes. According to the American Dietetic Association’s position paper on vegetarian diets [1] “Appropriately planned vegan and lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets satisfy nutrient needs of infants, children, and adolescents and promote normal growth.”
In one study, pediatric developmental tests in vegetarian children indicated mental age advanced over a year beyond chronological age, and mean IQ was well above average (with an average of 116 points), providing reassurance that brain development is normal.[2] Questions about the adequacy of plant-based diets were raised by Dagnelie [3] and Dwyer [4] who observed poor growth in children following a strict macrobiotic diet. The feeding practices of macrobiotic families can vary greatly from those of vegan families. Some very strict macrobiotic diets may lack adequate calories due to fat restrictions, and these diets have been modified more recently to permit the inclusion of somewhat more fat, such as is found in seeds and nuts.[5]
Most parents find it easy to plan a vegan diet that is adequate in protein, calories, vitamins and minerals. Following a vegan diet has been made easier in recent years since vegetarian products fortified with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 are available in most food stores: vegetarian hot dogs, burgers, fortified soy and rice milks, vegetarian deli slices, and other meat analogs are readily available. Calorie, protein, and all other nutrient needs can be easily met by a vegan diet, supplemented with vitamin B12. - Calcium Some of the best vegan sources are fortified soy or rice milk, fortified cranberry, orange, or apple juice, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, kale, broccoli, blackstrap molasses, tofu processed with calcium sulfate, and tempeh. Calcium absorption from these foods has been shown to be excellent.[6]
- Vitamin D Vitamin D is normally produced within the body after sunlight exposure to the skin. If children do not get regular sun exposure or live in northern areas, fortified foods and supplements (such as any common multivitamin) are available.
- Protein A diet drawn from varied plant sources easily satisfies protein requirements, providing all essential amino acids, even without intentional combining or “protein complementing” as long as calorie intake is also adequate. Good protein sources include cooked beans, tofu, soy yogurt, tempeh, seitan, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. "Soy protein has been shown to be nutritionally equivalent in protein value to proteins of animal origin and, thus, can serve as the sole source of protein intake if desired." [13]
- Calories Concern has been expressed that the increased bulk provided by certain foods in the vegan diet will cause a child to feel full before he has consumed enough calories. Including some refined grain products and peeled, cooked vegetables can reduce the bulkiness of meals. Nuts and seed butters, avocados, dried fruits, and added fats (e.g., vegetable oils) can provide additional concentrated calories without bulk.
- Vitamin B12 Produced by microorganisms in the small intestines of humans and animals, vitamin B12 made by humans is not well absorbed and retained. Plant foods contain little of this nutrient. However, it can be easily obtained from vitamin B12 fortified breakfast cereals and soymilk, nutritional yeast, B12 fortified meat analogs, or any common multivitamin. When reading labels, look for the words “cyanocobalamin” or “cobalamin” in the ingredient list. These are the most absorbable forms of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in irreversible nerve deterioration.
- Iron Diets consisting of vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, and nuts provide adequate iron.[7-12] Consuming foods rich in vitamin C, such as orange juice, with iron-rich foods enhances the absorption of iron. Some foods are naturally rich in both iron and vitamin C, such as broccoli, Swiss chard, and other dark green leafy vegetables. Other good iron sources include iron-fortified cereals, enriched bread, pasta, rice, soybeans, chickpeas, and blackstrap molasses. Dairy products are extremely low in iron and may interfere with iron balance, especially in very small children.
- Zinc Good sources include legumes, nuts, and zinc fortified breakfast cereals.
References:- Messina VK, Burke KI. Position of the American Dietetic Association: vegetarian diets. J Am Diet Assoc 1997;97:1317-1321
- Dwyer JT, Miller LG, Arduino NL, et al. Mental age and I.Q. of predominately vegetarian children. J Am Dietetic Assoc 1980;76:142-7
- Dagneli PC, van Staveren WA, Vergote FJVRA, et al. Nutritional status of infants aged 4 to 18 months on macrobiotic diets and matched omnivorous control infants: a population-based mixed-longitudinal study. II. Growth and psychomotor development. Eur J Clin Nutr 1989;43:325-38
- Dwyer JF, Andrew EM, Berkey C, Valadian I, Reed RB. Growth in “new” vegetarian preschool children using the Jenss-Bayley curve fitting technique. Am J Clin Nutr 1983;37:815-27
- Kushi M, Kushi A. Macrobiotic Child Care and Family Health. Tokyo, Japan: Japan Publications; 1986
- Weaver CM, Plawecki KL. Dietary calcium: adequacy of a vegetarian diet. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;59(suppl):1238S-41S
- Munoz JM. Fiber and diabetes. Diabetes Care 1984;7:297-300
- Crane MG, Sample CJ. Regression of diabetic neuropathy on total vegetarian (vegan) diet. J Nutr Med 1995, in press
- Roy MS, Stables G, Collier B, Roy A, Bou E. Nutritional factors in diabetics with and without retinopathy. Am J Clin Nutr 1989; 50:728-30
- Schirmer BD, Dix J. Cost effectiveness of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. J Laparoendoscopic Surg 1992;2:145-50
- McIntyre RC, Zoeter MA, Weil KC, Cohen MM. A comparison of outcome and cost of open vs. laparoscopic cholecystectomy. J Laparoscopic Surg 1992;2:143-50
- Pixley F, Wilson D, McPherson K, Mann J. Effect of vegetarianism on development of gallstones in women. Br Med J 1985;291:11-2
- ADA Position Statement, J Am Diet Assoc. 1997;97: pp.1317-1321
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 Vegetarian/Vegan Diet can help with the following: | | | | | | Aging |  Parkinson's Disease / Risk | Diets high in vitamin C and beta-carotene provide significant protection against Parkinson's disease. American researchers have concluded that a high intake of animal fats is associated with a five-fold increase risk. |
 Cataracts / Risk| | In a study of nurses who ate spinach or other leafy greens at least 5 times a week, it was found they had a 47-65% lower risk of cataracts. |
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Allergy |
Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever| | Many of the diet and lifestyle changes recommended against allergies are a natural consequence of adhering to a more animal-free lifestyle: avoiding saturated fats (meats and dairy products), eggs, shellfish; consuming fresh fruits and vegetables (be careful of citrus in particular though), whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fresh juices; using synthetic materials such as acrylic instead of animal products such as wool. |
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Autoimmune |
 Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis)| | Animal-based proteins (beef and milk) seem to be the prime offenders in aggravating the symptoms of Lupus. However, certain plant-based proteins appear also to be. These include soy beans, corn, spinach and carrots. [Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology 1982;17: pp.417-24]
Alfalfa sprouts and legumes, to a lesser extent, should also be avoided as the constituent L-canavanine causes SLE-like diseases in primates. [Acta Medica Scandinavica 1984;216: pp. 67-274] Peas and lima beans are alright to eat in this regard.
lupus flare-ups have also been reported after the ingestion of large amounts of foods containing psoralens (celery, celery salt, parsnips and figs). |
Multiple Sclerosis / Risk| | A vegan/vegetarian diet satisfies several of the requirements set out in the Swank Diet for Multiple Sclerosis. When the disease is treated early in its course, dietary measures can provide dramatic improvement. The dietary regimens which contain the most pro-inflammatory food types (e.g. gluten, dairy, saturated fat) and the least anti-inflammatory nutrients ( vitamin D, omega 3 fats) occur in areas in which MS and other autoimmune diseases are most common. |
Autoimmune Tendency| | Dr. Joel Fuhrman, M.D. reports that for the benefits of a fast to be maintained, a vegan diet is required. Switching to a vegan diet before the water fast sometimes improves patients' symptoms. |
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Circulation |
Increased Risk of Stroke| | A low incidence of cerebrovascular disease was associated with geographical regions where fresh fruit and vegetable consumption (increased potassium) was high. [Low fruits and vegetables, high-meat diet increase cerebrovascular event risk. Medical Tribune March 10, 1997:26] |
Varicose Veins| | Constipation is one of the leading causes of varicose veins, although it may initially be hard to see the connection. Constipation may restrict the blood as it returns to the torso through the deep veins in the legs. Straining to have a bowel movement closes off these veins. As the blood backs up it takes another course through superficial veins, thus the blue streaks in the legs. A diet low in fat and high in fiber is best for promoting regularity: reorganize your diet to include plenty of low-fat foods, grains, fresh fruit and vegetables. A diet tending towards vegan/raw-food generally satisfies all these requirements; vegetarians should watch their fat intake. |
Atherosclerosis
Hypertension |
Diet |
A Vegan Diet
Low Fiber Intake |
Digestion |
Constipation| | A vegetarian diet is generally higher in fiber than non-vegetarian diets. Constipation amongst those on vegan and raw-food diets is extremely rare. |
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Environment / Toxicity |
Fungus / Mycotoxin Exposure| | Cottonseed is typically found in the oil form (cottonseed oil), but is also used in the grain form for many animal foods. Many studies show that cottonseed is highly and frequently contaminated with mycotoxins. |
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Hormones |
Histadelia (Histamine High)| | Nutritionists recommend a low-protein, high complex carbohydrate diet. Histidine, which is more common in animal proteins, should be avoided as it can be converted into histamine. |
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Immunity |
Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome| | See the link between Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia and Raw Food Diet. |
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Lab Values |
Elevated Total Cholesterol| | Cholesterol levels are much lower in vegetarians.[1-4] Vegetarian diets reduce serum cholesterol levels to a much greater degree than is achieved with the National Cholesterol Education Program Step Two diet.[5-8] In one study published in The Lancet [7] total cholesterol in those following a vegetarian diet for 12 months decreased by 24.3%.- West RO, Hayes OB. Diet and serum cholesterol levels: a comparison between vegetarians and nonvegetarians in a Seventh-day Adventist group. Am J Clin Nutr 1968;21:853-62
- Sacks FM, Ornish D, Rosner B, McLanahan S, Castelli WP, Kass EH. Plasma lipoprotein levels in vegetarians: the effect of ingestion of fats from dairy products. JAMA 1985;254:1337-41
- Fisher M, Levine PH, Weiner B, et al. The effect of vegetarian diets on plasma lipid and platelet levels. Arch Inter Med 1986;146:1193-7
- Burslem J, Schonfeld G, Howald M, Weidman SW, Miller JP. Plasma apoprotein and lipoprotein lipid levels in vegetarians. Metabolism 1978;27:711-9
- Cooper RS, Goldberg RB, Trevisan M, et al. The selective lowering effect of vegetarianism on low density lipoproteins in a cross-over experiment. Atherosclerosis 1982;44:293-305
- Kestin M, Rouse IL, Correll RA, Nestel PJ. Cardiovascular disease risk factors in free-living men: Comparison of two prudent diets, one based on lacto-ovo-vegetarianism and the other allowing lean meat. Am J Clin Nutr 1989;50:280-7
- Ornish D, Brown SE, Scherwitz LW, et al. Can lifestyle changes reverse coronary heart disease? Lancet 1990;336:129-133
- Hunninghake DB, Stein EA, Dujovne CA, et al. The efficacy of intensive dietary therapy alone or combined with lovastatin in out patients with hypercholesterolemia. New Engl J Med 1993;328:1213-9
The ratio of HDL- to total-cholesterol has been shown to be significantly lower in vegans as compared to lacto-ovo-vegetarians. |
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Metabolic |
Blood Type A
Problem Caused By Being Overweight| | Obesity is a major contributor to many serious illnesses, and is much less common among vegetarians, compared to the general population. Vegetarians are, on average, about 10% leaner then omnivores.- Br Med J 1985;291:11-2
- Nutr Cancer 1988;11:117-26
- Nutr Res 1985;5:1077-82
- Nutr Cancer 1988;11:117-26
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Metabolic Diet Type
Headaches, Migraine/Tension| | When migraine and tension headache patients are placed on low-protein, natural plant-based diets, with no refined sweets of any type, they often recover within a month. |
Gilbert's Syndrome| | Chemicals that tax Phase II liver detoxification pathways tend to be found in higher concentrations in animal products than in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. |
Acidosis
Not recommended for:
 Blood Type O |
Musculo-Skeletal |
Rheumatoid Arthritis| | Researchers in one study found that participants who ate the greatest number of servings of cooked vegetables were about 75% less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those who reported eating the fewest servings. [American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: November 1999;70: pp.1077-1082]
"... 43 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, those assigned to a vegan diet... had improvement in rheumatoid arthritis symptoms." [British J Rheumatology, 36(1) 1997]
Another study found that of 22 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who completed 9 months of a vegan diet that did not contain any dairy products or gluten, 40% noted an improvement in symptoms compared with minimal improvement in rheumatoid arthritic patients who consumed a non vegan diet. [Rheumatolozy 2001;40: pp.1175-1179]
Rheumatoid arthritis patients consumed either the typical Western diet or an antiinflammatory diet, which was a modified lactovegetarian diet for an 8-month period. Patients in both groups received either placebo or an oil which provided 30mg of total fish oil omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) per kg of body weight. Those on the antiinflammatory diet compared with the Western diet experienced a reduction in tender and swollen joints by 14% during the placebo treatment while during the fish oil supplementation, the antiinflammatory diet compared with the Western diet had a reduction in the number of tender joints at 28% versus 11%, respectively, and swollen joints at 34% versus 22%, respectively. [Rheumatol Int. 2003;23:27-36] |
Gout / Hyperuricemia| | Preferably no meat should be eaten as it is rich in uric acid forming components. Raw fruit, vegetables, grains, seeds and nuts are highly recommended. |
Osteoporosis / Risk| | Calcium loss is reduced with a vegetarian type diet.
A study published in the January, 2001 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined the diets of 1,035 women, particularly focusing on the protein intake from animal and vegetable products. Deborah Sellmeyer, M.D., found that animal protein increases bone loss. In her study, women with a high animal-to-vegetable protein ratio experienced an increased rate of femoral neck bone loss. A high animal-to-vegetable protein ratio was also associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. Dr. Sellmeyer states: "Sulfur-containing amino acids in protein-containing foods are metabolized to sulfuric acid. Animal foods provide predominantly acid precursors. Acidosis stimulates osteoclastic activity and inhibits osteoblast activity."
A 1994 report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that when volunteers are switched from a typical American diet to a diet eliminating animal proteins, calcium losses were reduced to less than half of baseline values. [Remer T, Manz F. Estimation of the renal net acid excretion by adults consuming diets containing variable amounts of protein. Am Clin Nutr 1994;59:1356-61]
Higher consumption of fruits, vegetables and cereals was associated with greater femoral bone mineral density (in men) in a study of 907 older adults. [Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76(1): pp.245-252] |
Dupuytren's Contracture| | The most favorable diet is a totally vegetarian (vegan) diet - no meat, milk, eggs, or cheese. |
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Organ Health |
Kidney Failure| | A low protein diet is important in reducing the processing responsibilities of compromised kidneys. |
Diabetes Type II / Risk| | One study found that 21 of 23 patients on oral medications and 13 of 17 patients on insulin were able to get off of their medications after 26 days on a near-vegetarian diet and exercise program.[Am J Clin Nutr 1990; 51(3): pp.416-20] During two- and three-year follow-ups, most diabetics treated with this regimen have retained their gains. [Diabetes Care 1983;6(3):268-73] The dietary changes are simple, but profound, and they work. Low-fat, vegetarian diets are ideal for diabetics. |
Gallbladder Disease| | In a study published in the British Medical Journal, it was shown that vegetarian women had a much lower incidence of gallstones than non-vegetarian women. Of the 632 vegetarians, overall occurrence of gallstones was 25%. Vegetarians had only half as many gallstone problems, with 12% being found to have gallstones. |
Cirrhosis of the Liver| | Protein intake should be between about 60 - 120gm a day in patients with hepatitis C, unless a complication of cirrhosis known as encephalopathy occurs. Encephalopathy is an altered mental status. The exact cause is not fully understood and is probably multifactorial. It has been shown that restriction of the diet of animal protein and maintaining a total vegetarian diet, helps reverse this condition and improve mental capacity.
Obtain your protein by combining grains, raw nuts, raw seeds, sprouts and legumes and use of a quality whey protein powder. The cirrhotic liver cannot handle large amounts of concentrated protein and for this reason minimize, or even better, avoid the consumption of red meat and poultry. If you eat too much animal protein, ammonia levels will build up in the blood stream causing mental fatigue and confusion. |
Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis)| | Sixty men with recurrent kidney stones who were on a low animal protein and low salt diet were compared with 60 men who were on a low calcium diet. It was found during a 5 year followup that only 12 out of 60 men on the low animal protein, low salt diet had a recurrence of kidney stones while 23 of 60 men on the low calcium diet had a recurrence. [NEJM January 10, 2002;346(2): pp. 77-84] |
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Respiratory |
Asthma| | A long-term trial of a vegan diet (elimination of all animal products) provided significant improvement in 92% of the 25 patients who completed the study. Drinking water was limited to spring water (chlorinated tap water was prohibited), and coffee, tea, chocolate, sugar and salt were excluded. [Journal of Asthma 1985; 22:44, p.13] |
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Risks |
Increased Risk of Stomach Cancer| | An October, 2001 study by Yale School of Medicine researchers has found that a diet high in cholesterol, animal protein and vitamin B12 is linked to increased risk of a specific type of esophageal and stomach cancer, known as adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastric cardia, that has been increasing rapidly. The number of cases increased by 300% between the mid-1970s and 2000, according to lead author Susan Mayne, associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at Yale School of Medicine, and associate director of the Yale Cancer Center.
The researchers found that plant-based nutrients such as dietary fiber, dietary beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin C and vitamin B6 were associated with lower risk of these kinds of cancers.
"We found that many animal-based nutrients found in foods of animal origin are strongly associated with risk of developing these types of cancers and we were able to identify nutrients that presumably would be protective," said Mayne. "We also found that regular users of vitamin C supplements were at significantly lower risk of stomach cancer."
"Our results suggest that prevention strategies for these cancers should emphasize increased consumption of plant foods, decreased consumption of foods of animal origin with the possible exception of dairy products, and control of obesity." |
Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer| | The intake of vegetable fiber, but not of fruit or cereal fiber, was found to be negatively associated with risk of ovarian cancer, with a 37% decrease in the odds for each 10gm per day addition. [Am J Epidemiol 139(11): S37, 1994]
Consumption of foods containing beta-carotene by 71 women with epithelial cancer of the ovary and 141 matched controls was investigated. Consumption of carrots was found to decrease risk. [Nutr Cancer 15: pp.239-47, 1991] |
Increased Risk of Hypertension| | The prevalence of hypertension among vegetarians is about one-third to one-half that of non-vegetarians.[1-3] A study of Caucasian Seventh-day Adventists found hypertension in 22% of omnivores, but only 7% of vegetarians. Among African Americans, the prevalence was 44% of omnivores and 18% of vegetarians.[3] Adopting a vegetarian diet significantly lowers blood pressure in both normal and hypertensive individuals.[4-8]- Ophir O, Peer G, Gilad J, Blum M, Aviram A. Low blood pressure in vegetarians: the possible role of potassium. Am J Clin Nutr 1983;37:755-62
- Melby CL, Hyner GC, Zoog B. blood pressure in vegetarians and non-vegetarians: a cross-sectional analysis. Nutr Res 1985;5:1077-82
- Melby CL, Goldflies DG, Hyner GC, Lyle RM. Relation between vegetarian/nonvegetarian diets and blood pressure in black and white adults. Am J Publ Health 1989;79:1283-8
- Rouse IL, Armstrong BK, Beilin LJ, Vandongen R. Blood-pressure-lowering effect of a vegetarian diet: controlled trial in normotensive subjects. Lancet 1983;1:5-10
- Rouse IL, Belin LJ, Mahoney DP, et al. Nutrient intake, blood pressure, serum and urinary prostaglandins and serum thromboxane B2 in a controlled trial with a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet. J Hypertension 1986;4:241-50
- Margetts BM, Beilin LJ, Armstrong BK, Vandongen R. A randomized controlled trial of a vegetarian diet in the treatment of mild hypertension. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 1985:12:263-6
- Margetts BM, Beilin LJ, Vandongen R, Armstrong BK. Vegetarian diet in mild hypertension: a randomized controlled trial. Br Med J 1986;293:1468-71
- Lindahl O, Lindwall L, Spangberg A, Stenram A, Ockerman PA. A vegan regimen with reduced medication in the treatment of hypertension. Br J Nutr 1984;52:11-20
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Cancer / Risk Reduction - General Measures| | "35 percent of cancer deaths may be related to diet." [The National Cancer Institute booklet "Diet, Nutrition, & Cancer Prevention: A Guide to Food Choices"]
Cancer rates for vegetarians are 25 to 50% below population averages, even after controlling for smoking, body mass index, and socioeconomic status.[1,2] Vegans show even better results. One study found that people who include generous amounts of fruits and vegetables in their daily diets have lower rates of cancers of the lung, breast, colon, bladder, stomach, mouth, larynx, esophagus, pancreas, and cervix compared to people who avoid such foods.[3]
Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidant substances, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids, which protect cells against oxidative damage, which is related to cancer risk and other health problems.[4] The multitude of phytochemicals found in various fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and nuts are thought to protect against heart disease and cancer.[5]
- Chang-Claude J, Frentzel-Beyme R, Eilber U. Mortality pattern of German vegetarians after 11 years of follow-up. Epidemiology 1992;3:395-401
- Thorogood M, Mann J, Appleby P, McPherson K. Risk of death from cancer and ischemic heart disease in meat and non-meat eaters. Brit Med J 1994;308:1667-70
- Block G. Epidemiologic evidence regarding vitamin C and cancer. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;54:1310S-4S
- Jacob RA, Burri BJ. Oxidative damage and defense. Am J Clin Nutr 1996;63:985S-90S
- Craig WJ. Phytochemicals: guardians of our health. J Am Diet Assoc 1997;97:S199-S204
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Increased Risk of Bladder Cancer
Increased Risk of Breast Cancer| | In the Nurses' Health Study, beta carotene proved protective against breast cancer for more than 87,000 women. Beta carotene both in supplement form and in foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables should be included in your diet if you are interested in breast cancer prevention.
Regarding children, plant-based diets may encourage a later menarche (beginning of the menstrual function), which has been shown to be associated with reduced risk of breast cancer in epidemiologic studies.[1, 2]- de Ridder CM, Thijssen JHH, Vant Veer P, et al. Dietary habits, sexual maturation, and plasma hormones in pubertal girls: a longitudinal study. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;54:805-13
- Beaton GH, Bengoa JM. WHO monograph. 1976;62:500-19
If an American woman consumes one-and-a-half servings of red meat each day, her risk of developing breast cancer is double that of a woman who consumes three servings per week or less, say researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, USA. You can read about this new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, November 14, 2006 |
Increased Risk of Esophageal Cancer
Increased Risk of Colon Cancer| | Diets high in fiber-rich foods may reduce the risk of cancers of the colon and rectum. [The National Cancer Institute booklet "Diet, Nutrition, & Cancer Prevention: A Guide to Food Choices"] |
Increased Risk of Cervical Cancer
Increased Risk of Pancreatic Cancer| | Diets high in meats, fried foods and nitrosamines may increase the risk, while diets high in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. |
Increased Risk of Cancer Of The Larynx
Increased Risk of Lung Cancer| | A higher consumption of potatoes, but not leafy green or other vegetables, was associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer in a study in Spain. However, higher fruit consumption was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. [ Nutr Cancer 2002;43(1): pp.47-51] |
Increased Risk of Lymphoma| | A high red meat and animal fat intake is associated with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in older women. |
Increased Risk of Coronary Disease / Heart Attack |
Skin-Hair-Nails |
Psoriasis |
Tumors, Benign |
Colon Polyps| | There have been other cases which suggest that colon polyps may disappear with improved diet and health, and the fecal material becomes less toxic. Polyps have been shown to regress and disappear when the fecal material is diverted away from the colon by a surgical colostomy. This is because toxic irritation of the colonic tissues is caused by diets or poor digestion that can contribute to toxicity in the colon. Some individuals have reported many colon polyps disappearing within years after making changes to improve their diet. Even though all the details have not been worked out, the evidence indicates that meat, fat, processed foods, and a lack of fruits, vegetables and dietary fiber contribute to this toxic state. |
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Uro-Genital |
Endometriosis |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended | | | May have adverse consequences |
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