Studies show diet rich in vegetables, fruits can lower risk by half
Hodgkin’s lymphoma accounts for less than 12 percent of lymphoma cases. The rest are referred to as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which includes more than 30 different types that may have different causes. NHL risk seems to increase with disturbances to the immune system, including HIV/AIDS, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and immune-suppressing medication. Celiac disease, a disorder involving an immune reaction to the gluten in wheat and certain other grains, substantially increases risk of lymphoma. Certain viruses and bacteria may also be involved. For example, the H. pylori bacteria linked to stomach ulcers apparently increases risk of lymphoma in the stomach wall. Occupational exposure to certain pesticides and industrial chemicals also seems a likely risk factor.
Two new studies add to the evidence that eating habits may influence the risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Incidence of NHL has increased 74 percent from 1975 to 2002. It is now the fifth most common cancer in women and the sixth most common cancer in men in the United States.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes (white blood cells), which are part of our immune system. Changes in the DNA of a lymphocyte cause it to become cancerous. As malignant cells crowd out healthy cells, they form a tumor that grows in the lymph nodes or other parts of the body’s immune system.
Foods that fight disease
Research is showing that many of our favorite foods contain compounds that help our bodies fight infection, heart disease and even cancer. Find out what helpful substances these foods offer.
Apples
Flavonoids that protect against cancer, heart disease, allergies, ulcers, viral infections and tumors.
Broccoli
Glucosinolates that help the liver rid the body of toxic substances.
Indol carbinols that protect against certain breast tumors.
Beta-carotene that protects against lung, colorectal, breast, uterine and prostate cancers.
Folic acid, a B vitamin that reduces the risk of some cancers, as well as birth defects such as spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
Sulforaphanes that boost the body’s ability to detoxify carcinogens.
Carrots
Beta-carotene that protects against lung, colorectal, breast, uterine and prostate cancers.
Sulforaphanes that boost the body’s ability to detoxify carcinogens.
Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids that protect against heart disease and have been shown to prevent cancer in animal studies. The fatty acids also help maintain normal elasticity of arteries and nourish heart and blood vessels.
Garlic and onions
Allylic sulfides, which protect against DNA damage and help the body to detoxify carcinogens. The compounds also appear to inhibit growth of tumors, and decrease blood clotting that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Kale
Folic acid, a B vitamin that reduces the risk of some cancers, as well as birth defects such as spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
Sulforaphanes that boost the body’s ability to detoxify carcinogens.
Legumes
Isoflavones that block enzymes that promote tumor growth.
Multi-grain breads
Selenium, a natural antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of cancer and diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Raspberries
Salicylates, compounds with anti-clotting properties, may reduce the risk of blood clots that lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Red wine
Polyphenols, which prevent blood from clotting, thus warding off heart attacks.
Flavonoids that protect against cancer, heart disease, allergies, ulcers, viral infections and tumors.
Soy beansPhytoestrogens that mimic the body’s own estrogens, protecting against ovarian and breast cancers.
Genistein, which can block the blood supply to tumors, thus choking cancerous cells to death.
Tomatoes
Lycopene, one of the most potent of antioxidants — substances that sop up so-called free radicals, unstable particles that can lead to DNA damage, cancer and heart disease.
Salicylates, compounds with anti-clotting properties; may reduce the risk of blood clots that lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Earlier studies also linked fruit and vegetable consumption with lower risk of NHL. Researchers say this could come from these foods’ many antioxidants and natural plant compounds that block damage to DNA from free radicals and carcinogens.
Diet can affect immuney system too
Our diet may influence NHL risk through its effects on our immune system, too. Studies have linked increased risk of NHL with a high consumption of animal protein, saturated fat, fried red meat and dairy foods, and a decreased risk with fish consumption.
These associations could be related to the findings of some studies that suggest certain fats in these foods promote immune functions and other fats lead to a less healthy immune system. (It’s also important to consider that a “high” consumption of foods depends upon the population studied. For example, in a Swedish study, increased risk related to dairy consumption was seen in those consuming more than six-and-a-half servings daily. In many U.S. studies, “high” consumption refers to those who simply meet the recommendation for adults of at least three daily servings of dairy.)
