| In addition, because of the very high correlation between fat and protein intake in western diets, and the more consistent and often stronger association of these cancers with fat intake, it seems more likely that dietary fat is the more active component. Nevertheless, the evidence does not completely preclude an independent effect of protein.
Experimental Evidence
In laboratory experiments, the relationship of dietary protein to carcinogenesis appears to depend upon the level of protein intake. |
National Women's Health Network
See book keywords and concepts |
 One anthropologist has described people living traditional lifestyles in other parts of the world as "almost immune" to osteoporosis.48 western diets foster the development of osteoporosis by not providing enough calcium in the first place and, just as important, by "wasting" the calcium that is ingested.
T. Colin Campbell, a professor of nutritional biochemistry at Cornell University, argues that Americans don't need more calcium; they need less protein. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| As suggestive as the animal studies are in linking ulcerative colitis with carrageenan, and despite the increased consumption of carrageenan in western diets, there appears to be no correlation between human consumption of carrageenan and development of ulcerative colitis at this time. No lesions of IBD were observed in healthy human subjects fed enormous quantities of degraded carrageenan.40 However, differences in intestinal bacterial flora are probably responsible for this discrepancy, as germ-free animals do not display carrageenan-induced damage. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| The typical intake of zinc in western diets is around 10 mg, two-thirds of the RDA. The elderly often consume
Table 108.28 Zinc (mg)
Category
Age
RDA
Optimal
Males
11-14
15
15
15-18
15
18
19-24
15
20
25-50
15
20
51 +
15
20
Females
11-14
12
12
15-18
12
15
19-24
12
17
25-50
12
17
51 +
12
17
FURTHER READING
Introduction
1. National Research Council, Committee on Diet and Health. Diet and Health. Implications for reducing chronic disease risk. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. 1989
2. |
David Heber, M.D., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Today, in typical western diets, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids ranges from twenty to one to thirty to one.
Because the human genome evolved to suit a very different ratio of fatty acids than the Western diet offers, high omega-6 intake causes a physiologic shift that can adversely affect health in many ways. According to nature's design, fats are consumed in small amounts as part of whole foods. When oils are extracted from grains or nuts and added in large quantities to other foods, they are bound to cause imbalances. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| An abundance of AA is quite common in western diets high in meat and corn oil and can result in the elevation of the AA/EPA ratio. This is one of the indicators that extra co3 fatty acids, including EPA of fish oils, would be beneficial.
Red cell stearic/oleic index
The ratio of stearic to oleic acids in red cell membranes has been found to be a strong indicator of the presence of malignant tissue, as it reflects the lowered ratio found in malignant tissue cell membranes.29 Values below 1.1 are associated with the presence of malignancy. |
Nicola Reavley
See book keywords and concepts |
 Most people eating western diets routinely eat more protein than they need so most pregnant women may not have to consciously increase the amount of protein they eat. Some vegetarians and particularly vegans may be the exception to this, and may need to discuss their needs with a dietitian.
Vitamins, minerals and pregnancy
Optimal intake of all vitamins and minerals is essential for a healthy pregnancy. However, requirements for some of these increase considerably and supplements can be very useful in ensuring optimal intake. |
J. Robert Hatherill
See book keywords and concepts |
 And fresh foods like vegetables and fruits, which protect from cancer, have been replaced in western diets with prepackaged, processed foods with long shelf lives. with two independent populations: Seventh Day Adventists and the Japanese.
Seventh Day Adventists have religious beliefs
Tell me what you eat and
I will tell you what you are.
—Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, 1755-1826
Japanese Cuisine
A unique food culture has evolved in Japan due to its mild climate and religious beliefs. |
Gary Null
See book keywords and concepts |
 Shortly thereafter, I was introduced to Surgeon-Captain Cleave, who had written a book connecting many of the characteristically Western diseases to western diets, in particular to fiber-depleted carbohydrates.
"I thought his concept was brilliant. At the time I was getting regular information from about 140 hospitals in rural areas, mostly throughout Africa, partly throughout Asia, and I realized that what Cleave was saying was actually right. . . |
Michael Lerner
See book keywords and concepts |
 It is interesting to note that postmenopausal Japanese women with breast cancer following peasant diets have been observed to have much longer survival periods than postmenopausal American breast cancer patients following western diets.25 There are also some preliminary investigations indicating that lower fat diets may increase natural killer cell activity in humans,26 which can be critical in destroying tumor cells in the body. The types of fat consumed may also influence tumor growth. |
Committee on Comparative Toxicity of Naturally Occurring Carcinogens
See book keywords and concepts |
 In many cases, and especially in developing countries, the populations will not have benefited from the experience that has produced our present western diets. Even in the United States, several people die each year from the toxic constituents in teas made of herbs gathered by amateurs. It is useful to keep in mind that throughout history, plant materials have served as a source of poisons and medicines, as well as food.
Naturally occurring toxicants occur in most plants, in many microorganisms, and also in marine plants and animals. |
Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 A number of slowly developing chronic diseases such as osteoporosis (the progressive loss of calcium from the bones), high cholesterol and high blood pressure now are thought to be either caused or exacerbated by the low levels of calcium typical of western diets. Not only is the amount of calcium deficient, but the body must make a constant, debilitating effort to adapt to the consequences of this loss (1). Colon cancer, for example, may be among the disastrous effects of low calcium intake. |
J. Robert Hatherill
See book keywords and concepts |
| The high fat/high risk theory was championed in the 1960s, supported by statistics reflecting high rates of breast cancer in countries where high amounts of fat are consumed. western diets typically are 40 percent fat, while Asian diets at that time had only 15 percent fat.
In present-day Japan, where American-style fast food restaurants have been rapidly replacing traditional offerings of fish, rice, and vegetables, breast cancer has become more prevalent (although it is still less common than in the U.S.) Between 1965 and 1985, breast cancer in Japan increased by 50 percent! |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Selenium levels are frequentiy low in the soils of some regions and in certain western diets. There appears to be problems associated with selenium deficiency; however, no clearly defined selenium deficiency syndrome has been accepted, although several theories postulate such a syndrome and evidence to support them seems to be mounting. Given selenium's many important functions and uses, its deficiency may generate increases in many of the disease states that it can prevent and treat. |
Nicola Reavley
See book keywords and concepts |
| Reduction of salt intake is generally recommended to reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure as most western diets are very high in salt.
A review published in 1997 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that experimental data support the view that when adults meet or exceed the recommended dietary allowances of calcium, potassium, and magnesium, high sodium intakes are not associated with high blood pressure. Thus adequate mineral intake may protect against salt-sensitivity. |
| Recent research suggests that western diets may be linked to asthmatic and allergic reactions in children.3 Vegan and vegetarian diets have been tried as therapy for asthma and have shown benefit in some people, possibly due to the elimination of allergens and/or altered fatty acid metabolism.
Vitamins, minerals and asthma
Antioxidants
There is a lot of evidence to suggest that oxidative stress results in inflammation and tissue damage in the respiratory system, and later in immune damage. Those with low levels of antioxidants in their cells may be at increased risk of developing asthma. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| In a study designed to determine the effects of boron supplementation on blood and urinary minerals in athletic subjects on western diets, findings suggested that boron supplementation modestly affected mineral status.15
DEFICIENCY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Information on boron deficiency is very limited, especially in humans. It is thought that insufficient intake of boron becomes obvious only when the body is stressed in a manner that enhances the need for it. |
Email this page to a friend
