Re: [pyrnet] Cancer and other diseases

["Tracy Bassett" <espinay@bigpond.com>]

<<I just think that diet plays a larger role in total health and survival of
a species than we've been led to believe by the science that is provided us
by the dog food companies. And in my mind this includes immune related
diseases, cancer, and many other problems.>>Barb Bowes

Research in relation to humans has certainly shown the benefits of fresh
foods in relation to the immune system.  More specifically, the Australian
Defence Science and Technology Organisation has done research in this area
examining the 'honeymoon period' after which the immune system begins to
falter and injury/illness begins to increase when soldiers are fed on
dried/dehydrated 'complete' meals. Their particular 'honeymoon period' is
more in the ballpark of 40 days as opposed to the years we are talking about
with dog's however, so some of the major immune-mediated conditions do not
come into play in these studies.

Here is an abstract of some of Dr Ogilvie's work.  While much of his work
has to date focussed on nutrition after cancer has been diagnosed, he has
discussed the hypothesis that nutrition can also play a role in prevention:
Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 1998 Nov;13(4):224-31
Interventional nutrition for the cancer patient.
Ogilvie GK.
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Department of
Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Colorado State University,
Ft. Collins 80523, USA.
"Dogs and cats with cancer have significant alterations in carbohydrate,
protein, and fat metabolism, which can result in cancer cachexia and
subsequently can decrease quality of life, reduce response to therapy, and
shorten survival time. Nutritional modulation may be beneficial in the
treatment of cancer patients to reverse these metabolic alterations. There
is evidence that foods relatively low in simple carbohydrates with moderate
amounts of high-quality protein, fiber, and fat (especially fats of the
omega-3 fatty acid series) are beneficial for pets with cancer. In addition,
certain supplemental nutrients may have potential to reduce the risk of
developing cancer, or the growth and metastases of established malignant
disease. Nutritional intervention can be a powerful tool for controlling
malignant disease and for reducing toxicity associated with chemotherapy and
radiation therapy."

Tracy Bassett
Murrumbateman, Australia
espinay@bigpond.com