Carolyn Guilford, CNC The more affluent we’ve become, the more we have increased our meat consumption. Most people today can’t imagine a meal without meat. That means the average family has meat three to four times day.

Every day someone will ask me “how can I reduce my risk of cancer”, or “where does cancer come from”. My answer is always the same. “Change your diet. Change your lifestyle.” New data from a very large multi-ethnic cohort study that looks at the dietary habits, and lifestyle of 190,545 men and women.

African-American, Japanese-AmericanCaucasian,LatinoandNative Hawaiian, found that diets high in red meat, processed meats, and pork appear to put individuals at an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer, and colon cancer. This studies’ principal investigator believes that the preparation of processed meats and the sheer quantity of red meats the participants eat, ( and as a whole, Americans eat ), has lead to this association with cancer. In the first seven years of this cohort study, 1,482 cases of pancreatic cancer, and 27,927 cases of colon cancer, occurred and have been analyzed.

Consumption of poultry, fish, dairy products and eggs showed no direct link to pancreatic cancer risk, nor did the overall intake of total fat, saturated fat or cholesterol. These large prospective epidemiological studies give the best data because none of the participants knew before answering the questions that they were at risk for any illness.

There is no bias in this type study. The study showed that: • Adults consuming more than 2 portions of meat per day had a significantly increased risk for colorectal cancer compared to those consuming less than 1 portion per day. • • Subjects eating a portion of fish every other day had a 30% reduced risk of colorectal cancer compared to those consuming less than a portion a week. • Poultry consumption was not associated with the risk of either cancer – either positive or negative. Aportion of meat equates to 80g. This is the same as about 2 large pork sausages, or one average serving of chicken breast. Many researchers believe that because animal products take longer to digest, and that this longer transit time, in the digestive system, may be the cause of the increased risk of colorectal cancer. Fish is a good source of protein and iron. At present most people do not meet the recommended intake of fish. Increasing the amount of fish in your diet lowers triglycerides levels, deaths from cardio vascular disease and now appears to decrease the risk of cancer of the colon and pancreas. Risk factors for cancer? Research has identified a number of lifestyle risk factors for all cancers: • Physical inactivity • Low intake of fresh fruits and vegetables • Being Overweight • Exposure to tobacco products in early life • Smoking • High intake of red meats and processed meats • Excessive alcohol consumption, possibly combined with low micronutrient intakes (folate) • Lack of sufficient sleep Remember, Health is a Choice.

If you have any comments or questions about health issues covered in this column, or an issue you’d like addressed, please call or write to:

Carolyn Guilford www.HealthRestoration101.co

m P.O. Box 2814, Savannah,

GA 31402 912) 236-8987