Connection Between Diet and Inflammation Uncovered
A recent study presents a concerning link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the escalating risk of colorectal cancer, highlighting how these foods—and the inflammatory oils commonly found in packaged items—can drive chronic inflammation in the body.
The research introduces an innovative concept known as resolution medicine, which aims to tackle inflammation with natural remedies instead of relying solely on synthetic drugs.
Colorectal cancer has risen to become the second deadliest cancer in the United States.
Experts from the University of South Florida (USF) and the Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute have identified a troubling connection between the Western diet—which is notoriously high in ultra-processed foods and unhealthy oils—and the chronic inflammation that can accelerate tumor development.
This study benefited from a generous five-year, $3.1 million funding grant from the National Institutes of Health.
Its primary aim is to explore how the intake of processed foods might hinder the body’s natural healing capabilities.
The results of this pivotal research will be published in the journal Gut, a leading international source for studies in gastroenterology and hepatology.
Impact of Inflammation on Cancer Progression
Dr. Timothy Yeatman, a noted physician-scientist and professor of surgery at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, remarked that those with poor dietary habits tend to exhibit heightened inflammation levels.
Notably, recent findings show that such inflammation can also exist within colon tumors, indicating that cancer behaves much like a chronic wound.
According to Yeatman, diets rich in ultra-processed foods impair the body’s ability to heal these wounds, promoting cancer progression amid persistent inflammation and a weakened immune response.
In his analysis, Yeatman called for a reevaluation of common elements in the Western diet, which typically features excessive amounts of added sugars, saturated fats, artificial chemicals, and inflammatory oils.
Research from the USF Health Heart Institute shows that dietary imbalances affect not only colorectal cancer but also a spectrum of other serious health issues, including Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and heart disease.
Resolution Medicine as a New Approach
Associate Professor Ganesh Halade, associated with both the USF Health Heart Institute and the Cancer Biology Program at Tampa General Hospital, added that our bodies are equipped to effectively regulate inflammation when nourished with bioactive lipids from healthy fats, such as those in avocados.
However, sourcing these lipids from processed foods can disrupt immune system harmony, exacerbating chronic inflammation instead.
Using a sophisticated analysis technique, Halade detected trace lipids in tumor samples from 162 patients treated at Tampa General Hospital.
These samples were collected shortly after surgical removal and analyzed through collaboration with both the USF and TGH Cancer Institute’s Biobank and the USF Health Colorectal Surgery and Gastrointestinal Oncology programs.
The findings revealed a wealth of inflammatory compounds and a notable lack of substances that support healing.
This discovery has given rise to the concept of resolution medicine, a fresh, diet-centered approach that seeks to promote dietary balance as a means to effectively combat colorectal cancer.
Dr. Yeatman emphasized that the immune system “holds the reins” over the tumor microenvironment, presenting opportunities for positive health outcomes if its potential is properly channeled.
Unfortunately, the inflammatory lipids from processed foods can hinder this potential.
Resolution medicine focuses on reducing inflammation by advocating for diets abundant in omega-3 fatty acids and specialized pro-resolving mediators sourced from fish oils.
It also emphasizes the importance of balanced sleep and regular physical activity to further enhance the body’s self-healing abilities.
Yeatman is optimistic that this approach could revolutionize cancer treatment, promoting the harnessing of natural healing processes rather than relying solely on pharmaceuticals.
He views this as a significant step forward in addressing chronic inflammation and preventing the onset of diseases.
Initial trials that explore the use of specialized fish oil derivatives have already shown promise in targeting the root causes of inflammation.
Ongoing research at the TGH Cancer Institute will continue to investigate the potential of resolution medicine for patient care and disease prevention.
Source: ScienceDaily