Overview
Investigators hope to learn about potential dietary intervention strategies (specifically a whole-food, plant-based diet) that may help lower cancer markers in firefighters.
Description
The purpose of the San Francisco (SF) Firefighter's Diet Study is to determine if a diet low in processed foods, mostly plant-based, with added fermented foods, can lower the risk of cancer in firefighters. We will assess this by randomly assigning SF firefighters to either a whole-food, plant-based diet or their usual firehouse meals. Participants will be followed for 12 weeks.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18+
- Active SF firefighter
- Willing to consume a plant-based diet (vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, etc.)
- Willing to complete 4 clinic visits
Exclusion Criteria:
- Weight < 110 lb
- BMI >= 40
- Self-reported uncontrolled hypercholesterolemia, hypertension or diabetes
- Pregnant, lactating, or planning to become pregnant during the course of the study.
- Use of any of the following drugs/supplements within the last 2 months:
- systemic antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, or antiparasitics (intravenous, intramuscular, or oral);
- corticosteroids (intravenous, intramuscular, oral, nasal or inhaled);
- cytokines;
- methotrexate or immunosuppressive cytotoxic agents.
- Chronic, clinically significant, or unstable (unresolved, requiring ongoing changes
to medical management or medication) pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hepatic or renal functional abnormality, as determined by medical history, Type 1 diabetes, dialysis
- History of active cancer in the past 3 years except for squamous or basal cell carcinomas of the skin that have been medically managed by local excision
- Unstable dietary history as defined by major changes in diet during the previous month, where the subject has eliminated or significantly increased a major food group in the diet.
- Recent history of chronic excessive alcohol consumption defined as more than five 1.5-ounce servings of 80 proof distilled spirits, five 12-ounce servings of beer or five 5-ounce servings of wine per day; or > 14 drinks/week.
- Any confirmed or suspected condition/state of immunosuppression or immunodeficiency (primary or acquired) including HIV infection, multiple sclerosis, and Graves' disease.
- Surgery of the GI tract, with the exception of cholecystectomy and appendectomy, in the past five years. Any major bowel resection at any time.
- Regular/frequent use of smoking or chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, cigars or other nicotine-containing products
- Regular use of prescription opiate pain medication