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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (June 27, 2015)
6 A SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2015 J OEL F UHRMAN , MD Animal protein, IGF-1 and cancer www.shoppelocal.biz Most people are aware of the connections between red and processed meats and cancer- that there is convincing evi- dence that these dangerous foods are a cause of colon can- cer. In addition, cooking any meat at high temperatures (for example, grilled or fried chick- en) forms carcinogenic com- pounds such as heterocyclic amines, which contribute to cancer risk. However, animal foods such as non-fat dairy products, egg whites, and fish are considered healthful by most people. It not yet widely recognized that foods such as these, since they are so high in animal protein, may also contribute to increased cancer risk. When we consume too much animal protein, the body increases its production of a hormone called IGF-1, (insulin-like growth factor 1). IGF-1 is one of the body’s important growth promoters during fetal and childhood growth, but later in life IGF-1 promotes the aging process. Reduced IGF-1 signaling in adulthood is associated with reduced oxidative stress, decreased inflammation, enhanced insulin sensitivity and longer lifespan. In contrast, IGF-1 has been shown to promote the growth, proliferation and spread of can- cer cells, and elevated IGF-1 levels are linked to increased risk of several cancers. Several observational studies have sug- gested that high circulating IGF-1 may translate into pro- motion of tumor growth in colon, prostate and breast tis- sue. Which foods raise IGF-1? Since the primary dietary factor that determines IGF-1 levels is animal protein, the excessive meat, fowl, seafood, and dairy intake common in our society elevates circulating IGF-1. Refined carbohydrates, like white flour, white rice, and sug- ars can also raise IGF-1 levels, because they cause rapid increases in insulin levels, lead- ing to increases in IGF-1 sig- naling. In fact, IGF-1 signaling is thought to be a major factor in the connection between dia- betes and cancer. It is the amino acid distribu- tion of animal protein that sparks IGF-1 production. For this reason, isolated soy protein, found in protein pow- ders and meat substitutes, may also be problematic because the protein is unnaturally concen- trated and its amino acid profile is very similar to that of animal protein. How can we keep IGF-1 in a safe range? Reducing IGF-1 levels by dietary methods is now consid- ered by many scientists to be an effective cancer prevention measure. Minimizing or avoid- ing animal protein, isolated soy protein and refined carbohy- drates can help to keep our IGF-1 levels in a safe range. Green vegetables, beans and other legumes, and seeds are rich in plant protein and they have cancer-preventive, not cancer-promoting properties. For optimal cancer protec- tion, vegetables, beans, fruits, nuts and seeds should comprise the vast majority of our calo- ries. Dr. Fuhrman is a New York Times best-selling author and board certified family physician specializing in lifestyle and nutri- tional medicine. Visit his website at Dr Fuhrman.com, or submit questions and comments to news ques- tions@drfuhrman.com. Welcome to 80 Years of Excellence! We Make All Our Own Ice Cream Art, music to benefit Real Food today – Over 50 Flavors – Including Sugar-free Ice Cream & Non-fat Frozen Yogurt in a variety of flavors. “Over 5 Generations of Old Fashioned Goodness!” Tw o l o c a t i o n s i n F l o r e n c e H i g h w a y 1 0 1 N & B a y S t r e e t i n O l d To w n Wa l d p o r t • W i n c h e s t e r B a y • A s h l a n d • S i s t e r s There will be a silent art auction to benefit Real Food Co-op today, June 27, at 6 p.m., at the Kenneth B Gallery, 1458 First Street. Bring an instrument and join the drum circle at 6:30 p.m., watch a Bollywood dance performance at 7:15 p.m. Local band Speaker Wave starts at 8 p.m. *Valid for new patients only. Call for details. Expires 6/30/2015 VOICE YOUR OPINION! Write a Letter to the Editor today. Email: E DITOR @T HE S IUSLAW N EWS . COM Introducing your brand-new local bank. Community banking is where we got our start 125 years ago. And it’s what we deliver everywhere we go. Which is why even though Siuslaw Bank is now Banner Bank, you’ll still find the same local employees you know, and trust and an unwavering commitment to serving your community. Visit one of our many convenient branches or find us at bannerbank.com. Let’s create tomorrow, together. MEMBER FDIC