U.S researchers stated that comprehensive lifestyle and dietary changes including more exercise can lead not only to a better physique, but also to swift and dramatic changes at the genetic level.
In a small study, the researchers tracked 30 men with low-risk prostate cancer who decided against conventional medical treatment such as surgery and radiation or hormone therapy.
The men underwent three months of major lifestyle changes, including eating a diet rich in alkaline fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and soy products, moderate exercise such as walking for half an hour a day, and an hour of daily stress management methods such as meditation.
As expected, they lost weight, lowered their blood pressure and saw other health improvements. But the researchers found more profound changes when they compared prostate biopsies taken before and after the lifestyle and dietary changes.
After the three months, the men had changes in activity in about 500 genes — including 48 that were turned on and 453 genes that were turned off.
The activity of dis-ease-preventing genes increased while a number of dis-ease-promoting genes, including those involved in prostate cancer and breast cancer, shut down, according to the study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The research was led by Dr. Dean Ornish, head of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito, California, and a well-known author advocating lifestyle changes to improve health.
“It’s an exciting finding because so often people say, ‘Oh, it’s all in my genes, what can I do?’ Well, it turns out you may be able to do a lot,” stated Dr.
Ornish.
“‘In just three months, I can change hundreds of my genes simply by changing what I eat and how I live?’ That’s pretty exciting,” Ornish said. “The implications of our study are not limited to men with prostate cancer.”
About Ross Bridgeford
Ross is known as THE Alkaline Diet Expert...especially when it comes to implementation and making the alkaline diet REAL in your life. He has been living, learning, teaching, coaching and loving the alkaline lifestyle since 2004 and has written over 600 articles, alkaline recipes, videos and guides on how to live alkaline and stay alkaline for life. Ross loves life in Brisbane, Australia (although is a proud Englishman) and is healthily-obsessed with nutrition, fitness and Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Mail | Web | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | YouTube
Note: This blog is only my opinion. It is not medical advice or diagnosis. Only opinions based upon our own personal experiences or information detailed in medical/academic journals or other publications is cited. WE DO NOT OFFER MEDICAL ADVICE or prescribe any treatments. Please consult with a medical professional before making any diet or nutrition changes. Refer to our full disclaimer for more information.
33 
219 
4409
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I also have a mostly alkaline diet. Regarding the study, I think we should take a look of the effect of meditation in health, which is also huge because reduces the stress levels, resulting in reducing coloesterol, and also creates an alkalizing effect in the body.
I reviewed the original research paper. Although it does not specifically state that it is an alkaline-based diet, it is one. The diet contained no animal products and only 10% total calories from fat (all plant sources). The diet was plant-based with the emphasis on whole foods. The participants following this diet would be alkalinizing their body fluids. I believe making the link is justified. If this diet can slow or stop prostate tumor growth, think what it could do as a preventive program.
Thanks for your input Jill. Really appreciate it.
I relate to Bob’s “skepticism”. I’ve also found many infomercials while trying to research alkaline diets and others similar in nature. Thank you, Callum, for providing a reference.
It’s difficult finding reliable information on some of these ideals. Well…good things are worth it…right?
Hey Levi
We’ve uncovered some other articles lately too:
http://www.energiseforlife.com/wordpress/2704/alkaline-diet-proof-evidence
http://www.energiseforlife.com/wordpress/0805/more-scientific-proof-supporting-the-importance-of-alkaline-minerals-for-health
There is more out there. We’re really trying to get some rigor around this right now.
Ross
This study is not an “infomercial”. It is a genuine attempt to find time to report on news stories that can help people. I am deeply sorry that I didn’t include a reference to where this study is published. It was published by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.
PNAS is one of the world’s most-cited multidisciplinary scientific serials. Since its establishment in 1914, it continues to publish cutting-edge research reports, commentaries, reviews, perspectives, colloquium papers, and actions of the Academy.
The published paper can be found here: http://www.pnas.org/content/105/24/8369.full.pdf
Bob, can you please lower your cynicism and not assume that everything out there is an attempt to con people. Also give people the chance to answer before jumping to conclusions.
I was wondering what that diet consisted of in more detail. I was wondering if someone could email me that diet. It sounds like something I could really benefit from.
A “Study” is normally “published” and “peer reviewed” not simply and infomercial… I’m with the first commenter. I don’t see any link to this published study, and nothing that looks even close to peer-review.
just brilliant my partner has been suffering from acid reflux latley and i know that if we change our diet together and eat more alkalising foods we can beat the acid problem. Very interesting read thankyou
I am new to this website and am moving to a healthier lifestyle.the more I read this kind of info the less respect I have for doctors and their drugs!
Do you have the source article? Is it online?
My understanding is that no dis-ease can prosper and grow in a body that is Alkaline.
This study actually has nothing to do with alkaline/acid levels. if you watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Dh0EzaI94I They dont say anything about alkaline levels. I’m all for alkaline diets but there is limited research available at the moment both for and against the alkaline diet. If you can give me sources and arguments from non bias, scientific point of view it would be greatly appreciated. Currently most of the information on alkaline diets are on alkaline-product endorsing websites. I’m not being totally skeptical but i think a healthy amount of critical analysis is necessary especially in this ‘diet age’ where so many diets are coming out claiming to be the best program