The Anti-inflammatory Diet: Stopping the Coming Epidemic of Chronic Disease Michael J. Wargovich, PhD Cancer Center Council Distinguished Chair in Oncology

Inflammation and Cancer  Chronic, clinically invisible, unresolved inflammation may create a very high risk for common cancers  Tumors corrupt the inflammatory pathway to survive  They hijack the immune system to give them a growth advantage

A Common Mechanism? Alzheimer’s CVD Cancer Diabetes Asthma Obesity CHRONIC INFLAMMATION Mucositis Esophagitis Gastritis Colitis

Living in South Texas: Historically Lower Risks for Cancer

Cancer Rates Now But South Texans have the highest risk in the US for certain cancers If: You are male Hispanic Older Live in South Texas Your risk for LIVER cancer is 17x greater than anywhere else in the US

Two Detrimental Forces At Work Acculturation – When people give up their traditional, cultural, and dietary practices to adopt new, unhealthy patterns Phytochemical Depletion – Replacement of natural phytochemical sources – with high calorie, easy access foods low in natural product content

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 2010 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% 25%–29% ≥30%

Age-adjusted Percentage of U.S. Adults Who Had Diagnosed Diabetes <4.5% Missing data % % % ≥9.0% CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation. National Diabetes Surveillance System available at

What is Phytochemical Depletion? When Number of Plant Species In the Diet 12, 000 Years ago7000 plant species Traditional or Indigenous Peoples 200 plant species Multi-tasking, sleep- deprived, overstressed, the Spurs are in the playoffs modern San- Antonian 12 species (wheat, corn, rice, potatoes, soybeans comprise 90% of calories)

The CanSurvive © Cuisine Concept Iverson Brownell, CEC Michael J. Wargovich, Ph.D.

Our Mission Our Mission: To change the eating patterns and content of the current American diet, by offering meal plans rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory plant compounds, from the freshest available sources. Let’s work together to create a healthier San Antonio! CanSurvive Cuisine:

Our Focus: Chronic Inflammatory Disease More and more people are surviving their first brush with what are now known as “inflammatory-driven chronic diseases”. The state of medical research has advanced to the point where “anti-inflammatory” diets can enter the mainstream and help people who have initially survived hospitalization to adapt to a new way of eating, a dietary cuisine soundly based on intervening on inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory Foods: daily consumption if possible Deep Marine Fish (wild) Lean poultry Nuts, legumes and seeds Fresh whole fruits, vegetables Bright multi-colored vegetables Garlic, onion, chives, shallots Dark green leafy vegetables Olive oil Green and black tea Spices: e.g.: turmeric, black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, chillies

Today’s Menu Agua fresca Wild Thai Garden Sweet Take home Watermelon and pomegranate are rich in antioxidants; ginger and rosemary are anti-inflammatory; black pepper boosts uptake Rosemary and ginger; basil; cherries with peppered vinaigrette boosting uptake Anthrocyanins in port and berries; pecans provide omega 3 fatty acids Addition of red chillie accelerates the uptake of chocolate and berry antioxidants

Green Tea Camellia sinensis Kills cancer cells in vitro Kills cancer Cells in vivo Antioxidant Anti- inflammation Compound  Yes/Yes EGCG Research Suggests: Daily Chef Brownell’s Creation: Green Tea Vinaigrettes and Reductions Camellia sinensis

Ginger Zingiber officinale Kills cancer cells in vitro Kills cancer Cells in vivo Antioxidant Anti- inflammation Compound  Yes/Yes GINGEROL Research Suggests: Often Chef Brownell’s Creation: Complement to aqua frescas Use to marinate meats

Chillies Capsicum sp. Kills cancer cells in vitro Kills cancer Cells in vivo Antioxidant Anti- inflammation Compound  Yes/Yes Capsaicin Research Suggests: Often Chef Brownell’s Creation: Blueberries and Chocolate with Red Chillie Dusting

Black Pepper An essential part of Indian cuisine Contains piperine, a substance known to enhance the uptake of antioxidants and anti- inflammatories from other vegetables and fruits Antioxidant in its own right Anti-inflammatory, too Piper nigrum Research Suggests: Daily Chef Brownell’s Creation: Add to vegetable dishes AND fruit dishes

Rosemar y Kills cancer cells in vitro Kills cancer Cells in vivo Antioxidant Anti- inflammation Compound  Yes/Yes Ursolic Acid Rosemarinus officinalis Research Suggests: Often Chef Brownell’s Creation: Complement to aqua frescas Use in all meat dishes

Red Grapes, Berries Melons, Cherries Kills cancer cells in vitro Kills cancer Cells in vivo Antioxidant Anti- inflammation Compound  Yes/Yes Resveratrol Research Suggests: Daily Chef Brownell’s Creation: Essential to aqua frescas Use in desserts, vinaigrettes

Turmeric Kills cancer cells in vitro Kills cancer Cells in vivo Antioxidant Anti- inflammation Compound  Yes/Yes Curcumin Curcuma longa Research Suggests: Daily Chef Brownell’s Creation: Essential to meat dishes, curries, soups and drinks

The Anti-inflammatory Diet It’s about balance It’s about turning back the dietary clock It’s about daily use of an array of plant-based foods with good use of herbs and spices, the right oils, fruits and vegetables It’s about adding the good things when you crave the bad things It’s a daily commitment (but it’s also not that hard!!!!)