A survivor is saving lives through early detection
It was 1980 when Janelle Hail of Frisco, Texas, discovered a small lump during a self-breast exam. A visit to the doctor resulted in an early breast cancer diagnosis. The then-34-year-old mother of three feared for her life. Today, she attributes her survival to early detection.
These foods work together to reduce your risk for disease.
“This holistic approach to eating is better than focusing on one component, like olive or fish oil,” says Daniel-MacDougall. “It doesn't work that way. It's taking out the bad things and putting in the good things in concert together.”
The link between inflammation, cholesterol and prostate cancer
Research shows that progression of some prostate cancers is linked to inflammation and may also depend on certain types of lipids. This may be why the Mediterranean diet is so helpful.
“We know that the Mediterranean diet lowers systemic levels of inflammation,” says Gregg. “It also likely increases antioxidants, and it lowers levels of some lipids in the body.”
The diet is full of anti-inflammatory foods and healthy fats that reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL).
The foods you eat affect your body on multiple levels. And it’s not possible to replicate the benefits of healthy foods with supplements, says Daniel-MacDougall.
“There are actually biological ways that all the different components of vegetables work together to form a perfect package that your body can efficiently absorb,” she says. “They’re put together with the phytochemicals, the micronutrients, antioxidants and different types of fiber. Nature has made it that way, and that’s still the best way for us to consume it.”
The Mediterranean diet is safe
More research is needed before a Mediterranean diet is prescribed for patients with prostate cancer or other diseases.
But, says Gregg, this diet is safe, easy to follow and may also reduce your risk for conditions like heart disease and stroke.
“If patients ask me what they should eat, I tell them about this work. It is exciting data,” says Gregg. “This study makes a clear case for future research about the Mediterranean diet.”
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