Food nutrition Cancer and heart disease. They are the two leading causes of death in the United States, and most people have family members or friends who have been impacted by one of these illnesses.
But experts in nutrition science say there are things everyone can do to prevent or lessen the severity of chronic diseases by simply changing their eating habits—even for those at high genetic risk for some of these conditions.
Research indicates that improving one’s diet to add more whole, plant-based foods, as well as adding exercise into your daily routine, can lower one’s risk of heart disease, diabetes, digestive problems, and cancer.
We spoke to researchers and faculty members at the University of Miami and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center , part of the Miller School of Medicine, to learn more.
Michelina Witte is a lecturer in kinesiology and sport sciences at the School of Education and Human Development , a neuroscientist at the Miller School of Medicine , and co-founder of the BikeSafe program at the KiDZ Neuroscience Center, as well as faculty mentor to Plant based Canes. Many of her students often remark that Witte’s nutrition courses helped them transform their eating habits for the better.
Arlette Perry is professor and chair of kinesiology and sport sciences, with a secondary appointment in internal medicine at the Miller School. She directs the Laboratory of Clinical and Applied Physiology, where her research and clinical trials focus on cardiovascular physiology, obesity prevention, women’s health, and pediatrics.
Tracy Crane is an associate professor of medical oncology, a registered dietitian, and director of Lifestyle Medicine, Prevention and Digital Health at Sylvester, along with Dr. Paola Rossi , clinical program director of lifestyle at Sylvester. Both believe that for cancer patients, diet and exercise can be a critical part of their recovery and could reduce the chance of cancer returning or a new cancer developing.
Perry, Witte, Rossi, and Crane shared some tips on what foods can help ward off chronic disease or keep it from recurring.
Q: What foods can we integrate into our diet to help avoid chronic diseases like cancer and […]
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