If your genetic cards are stacked up against you don’t give up hope. Intensive lifestyle changes may be able to influence your genetic predisposition. Dean Ornish M.D., president of Preventive Medicine Research, recently led a study investigating the impact of intensive lifestyle changes on men with low-risk prostate cancer.
The researchers compared gene expression of 30 male participants with prostate cancer before and after a vigorous 3-month program of dietary change, moderate exercise, stress management and group support. All participants refused surgery, hormone therapy and radiation; instead participating in the lifestyle program, which also tracked tumor growth.
The program participants followed a vegan diet, walked 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week, and practiced stress management. Their diets were supplemented with soy, fish oil, vitamin E, selenium, and vitamin C. After 3 months, the researchers observed changes in gene expression that affected the tumors. Genes that promoted cancer were no longer active or were less active and genes that helped fight cancer were switched on.
Adherence to the lifestyle program made the difference in the positive outcome of this study. The findings suggest that it is never to late to make positive changes that can affect your health.
