Q:
I am a journalist researching an article for a major woman's magazine. There have been many reports lately about how our diets affect our chances of developing Alzheimer's, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and other debilitating diseases. During the course of my research I came across your website. I like the fact you temper what you say with caution and say that many studies are inclusive and contradictory. People want a magic cure-all and as a writer I am cautious about saying – eat tomatoes and you will be fine. What are your thoughts about the influence of diet on these conditions?
A:
Diet (over a lifetime) is underestimated by the medical profession as having a strong influence on disease initiation and progression, or prevention. In my opinion I think there are many medical diseases that are strongly influenced by diet, for instance diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's, certain forms of cancer, etc., whereas others have a stronger genetic influence, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or childhood cancers whereas even though diet may have an influence on the severity of these conditions, dietary changes and/or the use of supplements alone are not likely to be curative (as far as we know now).