Role of Diet in Prevention of Genetic Disease Such as Cancer - Essay Example

Institution : xxxxxxxxxxx Title : Role of Diet in Prevention of Genetic Disease Such As Cancer Tutor : xxxxxxxxxxx Course : xxxxxxxxxxx @2010 Role of Diet in Prevention of Genetic Disease Such As Cancer Introduction Genetic diseases are those illnesses which occur due to unusual changes in the genes or the chromosomes. These include celiac disease, Down syndrome, phenylketonuria and cancer among others. However, some diseases such as cancer may be genetic but environmental factors may play a big role in their development. Cancer is a form of disease where cells display uncontrolled division, invasion to the surrounding cells and metastasis or spread to other areas. It affects various parts of the body including the breasts, the stomach, esophagus, and colon, among others. In some cases, genetic disease may be unavoidable but their attack can be delayed or even completely prevented therefore an individual may be able to manage their health status as a way of avoiding such diseases. Chances of getting genetic disease increase with the type of lifestyle that one leads. To avoid such diseases, people who are at risk should therefore lead a healthy lifestyle. One of lifestyle factors that may be observed in a disease like cancer is the diet. Diet plays a great role in delaying the onset of genetic disease. People who are genetically predisposed to some diseases may delay or prevent the attack by observing proper diet. In cases of cancer, diet may play a very important role. This essay therefore looks at the role of diet in preventing genetic disease such as cancer. Role of diet in preventing cancer Whatever one eats or drinks has a powerful impact on health especially on the individual’s risk to cancer. Research has indicated that many cancer related deaths are due to the type of lifestyle people lead. Lifestyle factors such as alcohol intake, smoking cigarettes and taking unhealthy diet. Some diets may fuel cancer while others may help against cancer. It is therefore important for one to be aware of the food nutrients that may protect one from cancer (Abdulla & Gruber 2000). Cancer preventive diets and their action The best diet in prevention of cancer is one that is dominated by plant based foods. This is diet whose constituents come from plants such as fruits, vegetables, grains and cereals. The best form of these foods is where they have been less processed or not much altered from their original form. It is therefore important to eat less processed plant foods in the diet. According to Béliveau, Gingras, & Bruneau, (2006), the main importance of plants in the diet comes from the fact that they have less fat more fiber, and more nutrients for fighting cancer. These are factors that work together to maintain a strong immune system that help the body to fight cancer. Processed foods may contain chemicals that may have been added during processing and some of them may be carcinogenic. Lower fat foods are helpful in preventing cancer for example lean meat and whole milk. These contain the saturated fats and the Trans fats. Research has showed that saturated fatty acids increase the risk of cancer. The Trans fats are the partially hydrogenated oils which are made by adding a hydrogen molecule to make them solidify and stay for longer. This process is harmful to human body and predisposes one to cancer. The best fats are the unsaturated fats which are obtained from plant sources. These remain liquid at room temperature. Plant foods also play a role in cancer prevention by the function of the bulk in them. The bulk, also known as roughage is the indigestible part of the plant. This helps in cleaning the digestive system and keeping it healthy. The bulk helps in faster movement of foods along the digestive system thereby moving the carcinogenic food substances out of the digestive system before they can cause any harm. Fiber is high in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grain cereals. The food pyramid diagram below is an example of healthy eating schedule which can be adopted by people aiming to prevent cancer. During man’s daily life, he gets exposed to oxidizing and cancerous substances which may cause damage to the DNA thereby causing cancer. However, to limit their impact, intake of fruits and vegetables can help. The green leafy vegetables contains chlorophyll that helps in detoxifying the body and also acts as an anti cancer agent. The blue- green algae also contain high levels of chlorophyll which helps in maintenance of the immune system. It helps in fueling phagocytosis and improving response to tumours. Carotenoids are also other dietary substances that help in preventing cancer. These are found in the yellow, orange and red fruits and vegetables. Carotenes protect the body from various types of cancer such as the lung cancer, breast cancer, prostrate and the colorectal cancer. The carotenes act by breaking down the free radicals of oxygen that are contained in the lipids, that also promote immune response and also protecting body cells from cancer causing ultraviolet light. According to ScienceDaily, (2007), fruits such as black raspberries have been found to play a role in preventing cancer of the esophagus. This is due to their ability to reduce oxidative stress in patients who have other disease of the esophagus such as Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that may develop from gastroesophagial reflux. Reducing the oxidative stress means reducing the extent of destruction of cells by oxygen ions or molecules containing oxygen. Research also showed that berries protect the DNA from damage, and decreases the number of carcinogenic cells that may be found in the esophagus. Other foods that have cancer preventive factors include the sulfur containing foods. This is because sulfur is believed to be an active compo8und that destroys pathogens. Caffeine and ferulic acid containing foods are also preventive against cancer. Caffeine helps in degrading carcinogens while the ferulic acid prevents the conversion of nitrates into nitrosamines which are carcinogenic. The two can be found in the green tea. Generally spices have anti carcinogenic substances in them. These include garlic, ginger, turmeric, rosemary and curry powder among others. These can be used in some dishes since they contain some nutrients that help in fighting cancer. Micronutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and Selenium have also been known have a protective impact on cancer of the stomach and the colon. Vitamin C has been found to play a role in protecting an individual from cancer of the stomach while vitamin E and selenium protects against colorectal and prostate cancer. The manner in which diet is prepared can also play a role in preventing cancer. Cooking oils on high heat may turn them carcinogenic and thus harmful to the body. Such methods include deep frying, sautéing and pan frying. The safe methods of cooking include boiling, baking, and steaming. Burning of meats may also result to carcinogenic substances. According to a study published by Soós, & Fritz, (1998) in Pubmed online journal, the process of burning creates aromatic hydrocarbons that are known to be carcinogenic. Water also plays a role in preventing cancer. Drinking plenty of water after meals is very important for prevention of cancer. Water helps in stimulating the immune system and transporting nutrients to various parts of the body. Some of these nutrients are those that help in fighting carcinogens. Water also helps in removing toxins from the body some of which may accumulate and become carcinogenic. Diet also plays a cancer preventive role by helping in maintenance of healthy weight. Overweight and obesity is a risk factor to cancer due to excess fat accumulation in the body. Healthy eating therefore ensures that one maintains healthy weight which is not a risk for cancer. High fiber diet and minimal fat together with regular exercise helps in maintaining healthy body weight (Charles 2006). Conclusion Cancer can be prevented by reducing an individual’s exposure to risk factors. Risk factors associated with cancer include unhealthy diet, overweight and obesity. Eating healthy foods may help in preventing carcinogenic substances and at the same time protecting the body from cancer. Diet has been seen to help in promoting the immune system, driving out carcinogens out of the body, and acting against oxidative agents that may cause cancer. It is therefore important for individuals who are genetically at risk of developing cancer to observed healthy eating. Bibliography ScienceDaily, 2007, Diet and Cancer: New Evidence for the protective Effects of Fruits and Veggies. Retrieved on 19th October, 2010 from Soós, K., & Fritz, W., 1998, Smoked food and cancer., Pubmed ;(29):57-64. Béliveau, R., Gingras, D., & Bruneau, P., 2006, Foods That Fight Cancer: Preventing Cancer Through Diet, McClelland & Stewart, Alberta. Abdulla, M., & Gruber, P., 2000, Role of diet modification in cancer prevention, BioFactors, Vol, 12 (4): 45-51. Charles, S., 2006, Cancer and Nutrition, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi. Read More