![]() |
|
|---|---|
|
8 WAYS TO LIVE CANCER-FREE Most of us live in fear of developing cancer. It seems that every day we either learn that someone we know has it or we read or hear about it in the news. Over 1.2 million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and over 500,000 will die because of it. Cancer is responsible for one out of every four deaths, making it the second leading killer in the United States. You can sit idIy by and worry, or you can do something about trying to avoid this disease. I'm in the second camp, and I think you should bei too. That's why this special report brings you the good news about what you can do to shield your body from cancer. 1. DIM: A SMART BOMB AGAINST CANCER More than a decade ago, the lead article in Alternatives reported that you could reduce your risk of getting various cancers by including cruciferous vegetables in your diet. At that time, all the research I had uncovered focused on the prevention of cancer with these vegetables, not the treatment of existing cancer. I'm now happy to report that, almost 12 years later, researchers at the Louisiana State University Medical Center have remedied this situation. They found that a natural extraction of indole-3-carbinol (I-3-C) from these vegetables can reverse and possibly cure the most common form of cervical cancer. This latest report, authored by Dr. Maria Bell, is a major breakthrough in the treatment of cervical cancer. I-3-C is a compound found naturally in cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cress, kale, mustard, radish, horseradish, turnip, rutabaga, and kohlrabi. When these vegetables are crushed, chewed, or exposed to an acid environment, like that in the stomach, I-3-C is changed into another indole called diindolylmethane (DIM). TARGETING BAD CELLS We now know that DIM has the unique ability to modify the metabolism of estrogen. This capability led Dr. Bell and her colleagues to focus on the extracts of these vegetables for treating estrogen mediated cervical cancer. Thirty women with stage I! and stage II! cervical cancer were involved in the study, which lasted only 12 weeks. Ten women took a placebo, ten took 200 mg of I-3-C daily, and ten took 400 mg of I-3-C daily. After 12 weeks, none of the women taking the placebo showed any regression of their cancer. Four of those taking 200 mg of I-3-C daily and four taking 400 mg experienced complete remission. At the conclusion of the study, all patients were given Pap smears, a colposcopy, and a biopsy to verify these findings. (Gynecoi Oncol 00;75(2):123:129) Dr. Bell reports that additional research is planned, but instead of using I-3-C, researchers will be using DIM. DIM appears to have several advantages over I-3-C. First of all, 1-3-C is inactive until it is transformed by stomach acid into DIM. We tend to produce less acid in our stomachs as we get older, which makes foods more difficult to digest and probably inhibits the conversion of I-3-C to DIM. Also, I-3-C is very unstable. Some reports have cited reduced effectiveness over time because of its short shelf life. Using pure DIM overcomes these problems. DIM needs no conversion in the stomach and is very stable. It also appears to be effective at lower doses than I-3-C. Since these compounds are natural components of vegetables, they have the added benefit of being non-toxic. And best of all, they are currently available as nutritional supplements. A BONE OF CONTENTION The only concern that has arisen with I-3-C and DIM is the possibility that, if taken for long periods of time, they might decrease bone density. Two individuals who have been taking high doses of I-3C continuously for four to six years to help control an incurable disease, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), have reported lower bone density test scores. Whether the estrogen-altering effect of I-3-C is responsible for the bone loss has not yet been determined. But if I had to choose between getting rid of cancer and the possibility of bone density loss, I could live with the bone loss (though I would be sure to employ several of the techniques I discussed in the July 1998 issue of Alternatives to help prevent bone loss. Back issues of Alternatives can be ordered by calling 800-71828293). Even if bone loss does occur, I suspect that it would take several months of high dosage I-3-C or DIM usage for that to happen. Just for the record, I should also mention that the quantity of indoles you get from eating cruciferous vegetables is far less than in the extract, so there shouldn't be any concern about over-consumption of the vegetables. HOPE FOR OTHER CANCERS, TOO Cervical cancer isn't the only form of cancer that might be treated by these indoles. Dr. Bell's research opens up a whole new phase in the natural treatment of estrogen-mediated cancers. DIM is not a plant estrogen or phytoestrogen. Instead of mimicking estrogen like a phytoestrogen, DIM has been shown to exhibit these three specific mechanisms that can help reduce risk of cancer.: 1. Reduction of the activity of estrogen receptors in the body. (Carcinogenesis
98;19:1631!639) By making sure that estrogen in the body is broken down into only its beneficial components, DIM can help prevent the growth of cancers that feed off the harmful byproducts of estrogen. I suspect that future studies will show that in addition to cervical cancer, DIM is useful in treating breast cancer in both men and women, prostate cancer, uterine Cancer, and lupus erythematosus--all cancers that have been linked to higher estrogen levels. DIM may also be helpful in mitigating the increased cancer risk associated with female hormone replacement therapy, increased alcohol consumption, and the use of DHEA. It may take several years before we fully understand the benefits of DIM. However, we know that the indoles from simply eating cabbage once a week can dramatically lower the risk of esophagus, lung, bladder, colon, and rectal cancer. (Am J Epidemiology 79;190(1):1-20) (Cancer Res Suppl 83;43:2488s-2453s) Past research would suggest that a form of cancer brought into remission by using DIM would be prevented from recurring by a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables. If you have a family history of cancer, I would highly recommend including cruciferous vegetables in your diet at least three or four times weekly. And if you have one of these cancers, DIM certainly appears to be a strong natural treatment option. HOW TO TAKE IT AND WHERE TO GET IT While dosages of DIM can vary slightly, from one individual to another, therapeutic daily doses generally range from about 2-4 mg per pound of body weight. For someone weighing 150 lbs, the daily therapeutic dosage would normally be 300-600 mg. DIM is available under the name PhytosorbDIM from BioResponse in either 75- or 150-mg capsules. You can contact them at 877-312-5777 or on the Web at www. Bioresponse.com. BioResponse has done much of the cancer research with DIM to date. (This is a small company, so please be patient while placing your order.) Another source that sells the Tyler Encapsulation DIM product, Indolplex, at a 20-percent discount is N.E.E.D.S. at 800-634-1380 or www.needs.com. Note: When you call, please be aware that neither of these companies will give treatment information over the phone. 2. SELENIUM: ULTRA CANCER PROTECTION Almost daily, there's new research released touting the benefits of getting adequate amounts of minerals from your diet. By now, most people are aware of the problems caused by a diet low in calcium and iron. Trace minerals like zinc and iodine play a major role in your health, and recently, the importance of so-called "ultra-trace" minerals has come to light. One in particular that has gotten a lot of attention is selenium. It's been called a "cure-all for whatever ails you" by some, and totally insignificant by others. As is usually the case, its importance probably lies somewhere in between. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that protects cell membranes by neutralizing destructive free radicals. It slows down the metabolism of cancer cells and inhibits not only tumor growth, but the growth of tumor ceils that have spread to distant parts of the body. It enhances the immune system and helps regulate thyroid hormone levels. These specific attributes help explain the often overlooked connection between selenium intake and the incidence of cancer. Selenium intake has been shown to be low in the United States, as well as in many of the Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Norway)Clin Nutr Rev 89;9[2]:68-75) While the RDA for selenium is around 70 mcg, this appears to be far too low for optimal health. Even worse, the average daily intake in this country is probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 to 50 mcg. ADEQUATE AMOUNTS OF SELENIUM IN THE DIET CAN LOWER RISK OF MOST CANCERS In many studies, both in this country and abroad, selenium has been shown to prevent or delay the appearance of cancer. Patients with either low blood levels or diets low in selenium had proportionately greater incidence of cancer of the ovary, breast, prostate, rectum, colon, esophagus, stomach, liver, lungs and lymphatic system. (Brit Med J 85; 290:417) (Bioinorganic Chem 77. 7:23) (Biological Trace Element Res 85; 7..21) People who live in areas where there is selenium-rich soil have far less risk of developing cancer. Canadian researchers found this to be especially true concerning cancers of the organs that come into direct contact with selenium-rich foods (mouth, throat, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, kidney, and bladder). (Can Med Assoc J 69;100:682) A decrease in the incidence of breast cancer has also been found in these groups. In another study, researchers compared blood selenium levels to the number of cancer deaths in 190 different U.S. cities. Lower selenium blood levels were associated with increased cancer deaths. (Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 71;2:211-221) These same findings have proven true in worldwide evaluations. SELENIUM TOXICITY Most researchers and doctors won't openly endorse selenium supplements because too much selenium can be toxic. The beneficial and toxic levels are so close that most authorities prefer to avoid the subject of dietary supplementation altogether. But when you consider the enormous benefits and protection this trace mineral can provide, I think this is a serious mistake. The trappings of modern society tend to increase your need for selenium. Factors like increased alcohol consumption and/or exposure to substances like cadmium, copper, and lead-metals that can leach from pipes supplying drinking water--can lower selenium levels. Even though selenium toxicity is rare, you should be aware of some telltale signs: garlic smelling breath, sweat, and urine; intestinal problems; kidney or liver impairment; arthritis; and eruptions and yellowish tinting of the skin. And remember that more is not necessarily better in the case of selenium. While the exact amount that will lead to toxicity varies from individual to individual, a safe daily intake appears to be in the 250-400 mcg range. Currently, the National Cancer Institute recommends 200 mcg and the World Health Organization suggests 400 mcg daily. NATURAL SELENIUM SOURCES Good food sources of selenium are generally the high-protein foods: red meat, fish, shellfish, poultry, eggs, breads, and many whole-grain cereals. The yeast content of these foods can vary considerably, depending on where they were produced. For example, in many of the research studies, beef raised in South Dakota, where the soil is rich in selenium, is used in high-selenium diets. In contrast, low-selenium beef from New Zealand is placed on low-selenium menus. Brewer's yeast is another source of selenium, but probably the best and most overlooked source is nuts. Sunflower seeds and cashew nuts are good choices and can provide anywhere from 10 to 80 mcg per 3.5 oz serving. My favorite selenium source is Brazil nuts. A single ounce of these powerhouses contains between 300 and 860 mcg of selenium. Obviously, you don't want to get carried away with Brazil nuts, but a couple of nuts every other day or so is an excellent way to protect yourself against cancer. (And as Dr. James Duke, a respected economic botanist, likes to say, it's also a good way to help save the rain forests. Purchasing products like Brazil nuts helps put the emphasis on sustaining these trees for their nut production rather than cutting them for their lumber.) 3. CLA: THE FORGOTTEN FAT I've often written about conjugated linoleic Acid (CLA) an essential nutrient that has almost disappeared from the standard American diet. CLA has been shown to dramatically improve the body's ability to convert dietary fat to energy, which helps reduce overall body fat. In addition to its fat-reducing properties, CLA has other important benefits that researchers are beginning to explore. Among these are some amazing preliminary reports on CLA's ability to fight cancer. Although most of the published research involving CLA and cancer has been performed on animals, the results are very promising. Early results suggest that CLA can help reduce tumor growth and development of both prostate and breast cancers. Particularly in breast cancer, CLA appears to play a protective role in preventing the formation of tumors in the first place. In mice studies, CLA slowed breast cancer growth and prevented its metastasis to the lungs and bone marrow. CLA appears to work on several different fronts when it comes to cancer. It inhibits inflammatory compounds that trigger tumor growth, it interferes with tumor-growth factors, and it impedes uncontrolled cell division. (Anti-cancer Res 97,'17(2A):969-73) CLA appeared to have a lifelong protective effect when it was given to mice prior to the introduction of known carcinogens. (Cancer Res 97'57(22):5067- 72) Over the next several years, we're going to hear a lot more about the benefits of CLA. Hundreds of CLA research studies are currently under way. CLA is another one of those items that has been gradually removed from our food supply--a victim of the low-fat craze that has become so popular these days. It's a case of throwing the baby out with the bath water. I urge you not to wait until all the research is in and fats like CLA have the full blessing of the medical establishment. Do yourself a favor and get started on CLA now. It's safe and non-toxic, though not inexpensive--unless you weigh its cost against the price of treating obesity, cancer, heart disease, and the other problems related to CLA deficiencies. HOW TO MAKE SURE YOU'RE GETTING ENOUGH CLA You could be getting some CLA from your diet, but certainly not enough. CLA is found in beef, lamb, and turkey; but with changes in the way these foods are being produced, they are less reliable sources. The percentage of CLA in beef, for example, has been dwindling as a result of cattle being fed prepared feeds in feedlot environments, rather than being fattened by grazing on natural grass pastures. If you have a safe source of raw milk and cream, that's an especially good source of CLA. Other dairy products, such as cheese, also contain CLA. In one evaluation of several varieties of cheeses, the CLA content varied from 3.59 to 7.96 mg per gram of fat. Blue, brie, Edam, and Swiss cheeses had the highest CLA content. Cheddar cheese also ranked fairly high, with sharper cheddar having more CLA than mild to medium varieties. The CLA content of fermented dairy products ranged from 3.82 to 4.66 mg per gram of fat. Cultured buttermilk had the highest content. In this same study, the CLA content of regular milk varied from 3.38 to 6.39 mg per gram of fat. (J Dairy Sci 95:78(11):2358-65) The studies done on CLA for body fat reduction show that taking 3.4 grams of CLA daily will bring significant reductions in body fat. (Because the research on CLA's cancer-preventing abilities is so preliminary, there are no specific recommended dosages for cancer protection:) Looking at the levels mentioned for the foods above, you can see that getting 3.4 grams daily from diet alone will be almost impossible. Luckily, high-quality CLA can be taken in supplement form. HELP FOR THE DIETARY FAT-CHALLENGED Much of the research on CLA has been done using a form of CLA called Tonalin. The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation holds the patent on Tonalin, but several companies have been granted licenses to market the product. Looking for the Tonalin label is probably the most reliable way of ensuring that you're getting a quality CLA product. There are companies out there selling vegetable oil and calling it CLA. Obviously, you won't get the results I've discussed with vegetable oil. Tonalin CLA comes from safflower oil, but is a conjugated product that is quite different from common vegetable oil. If taking 3.4 grams of CLA per day is cost prohibitive, 2 to 2.4 grams might be enough. A healthy diet that includes moderate amounts of the foods mentioned in this report might give you a gram of CLA each day. CLA is available from most health food stores or from the Vitamin Shoppe at 800223-1216 or www.vitaminshoppe.com. 4. A TEA OF A DIFFERENT COLOR In the next few months you can expect to start seeing more information about the benefits of white tea--not tea with cream, but a rare variety of Chinese tea that has been shown to have an even higher concentration of antioxidants than green tea. (I still regularly consume green tea, however.) White tea is grown on Chinas East coast, in the Fujian province, and is the least-processed of all teas, which probably accounts for its strong antioxidant capabilities. Preliminary research from the Pauling Institute suggests that it may be effective in the prevention of cancer. Before I share the results with you, let me underscore that this research is new, and a lot more work needs to be done. This very interesting study, just released, indicates that an extract of white tea applied topically can boost immune capabilities within the skin and protect it against sun damage. Scientists applied the extract to the skin on one buttock and left the other unprotected. After being exposed to artificial sunlight, the two patches of skin were carefully analyzed. The white tea extract protected the Langerhans cells in the outer layer of the skin, which is the immune system's first line of defense in detecting invading germs and mutated proteins produced by cancerous cells. The scientists also discovered that DNA damage to cells was very limited where the extract was applied compared to the unprotected areas. Not only did the extract protect against the sun damage, it could also help reduce wrinkling and aging of the skin. There are several mail-order sources for white tea:
The white tea I drank was somewhat pale in color but very flavorful. And since the chemical structure is similar to black and green teas, I suspect there would be a noticeable benefit to topically applying the tea as well as drinking it. 5. NUTRITIONAL PROSTATE PROTECTION One out of every 11 men will eventually develop prostate cancer--almost 200,000 will be diagnosed with the disease this year. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men, after lung cancer. A TO ZINC Those who have prostate cancer have been shown to be deficient in practically every fat-soluble vitamin (A, D, E, and K), essential fatty acid, and bioflavonoid. In a National Cancer Institute study, those with the lowest levels of vitamin A had twice the risk of developing cancer compared to those with the highest levels of the vitamin. For this reason, many people are now taking supplements that address this deficiency. I recommend plenty of vitamin A (10,000-25,000 IU/day), vitamin E (800-1,200 IU/day), lycopene from cooked tomatoes (see below), and selenium (200 mcg/day). Other supplements that are part of a good prostate protection plan are pumpkin seeds, bilberry extract, saw palmetto extract, flaxseed oil, and zinc. You should be able to find these supplements in your local health food store. TOMATOES TO THE RESCUE Increased consumption of tomatoes appears to be another way to reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Researchers recently reported that tomatoes could help shrink even existing prostate cancer tumors. For a period of three weeks they gave 15 mg of lycopene, the carotenoid in tomatoes, twice daily to patients waiting for prostate surgery. The patients had the surgery as scheduled. Researchers then evaluated and compared the glands of these patients to those of other patients who did not take lycopene. The tumors in the lycopene patients decreased in size and became less aggressive. The lycopene-taking patients also had reduced PSA levels. What's amazing in this study was the fact that such significant and dramatic changes took place in a period of only three weeks. Practically every indicator used to predict survival outcome of patients with prostate cancer improved, and there were no reported side effects from the lycopene. That's enough motivation to include lycopene-rich foods in your diet now. The lycopene used in the above study is Lyc-OMato, made by LycoRed of Israel. So far the only U.S. source I've found for Lyc-O-Mato is Healthy Origins at 888-228-6650 or www.healthyorigins.com. Keep in mind that the 30-mg dose was intended to reduce the size of existing prostate tumors. For general health and cancer prevention, 5-10 mg of lycopene per day should be sufficient (and won't require eating tomatoes around the clock!) Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that men who ate five or more raw tomatoes a week had 40 percent less risk of developing prostate cancer than non-tomato eaters. Other reports show that eating raw tomatoes can decrease the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, colon, rectum, digestive tract, breast, pancreas, and lungs. If you can't eat that many raw tomatoes, you may want to try sun-dried or oven-dried tomatoes--both have a sweet, subtle taste: Besides tomatoes, watermelon, guava, apricots, and pink grapefruit are rich in lycopene. LEARN TO LOVE GARLIC Based on the latest research findings, anyone with prostate problems should learn to love garlic as much as I do, especially aged garlic. As garlic ages, a unique sulfur compound is formed called S-allylmercaptocysteine (SAMC). Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York have reported that SAMC can slow the progression of prostate cancer. SAMC does this through a couple of different mechanisms:
Even if you eat garlic regularly, I recommend also taking it in supplement form. Don't waste your money on garlic oil capsules, however, because most are 99-percent vegetable oil with just a touch of garlic. By far the best garlic supplement I've found is SGP. It is available in larger health food stores or from Progressive Laboratories at 800-527-9512 or www.progressivelabs.com. You can find liquid and powdered garlic extracts in practically every health food store in the country. What may be harder to find is a doctor who will be familiar with this latest research and open enough to recommend these products. The important thing is that you now know how effective they can be, regardless of whether your doctor recommends them or not. 6. A NATURAL SUBSTANCE TO STOP THE SPREAD OF PROSTATE CANCER Many prostate cancers are very slow-growing and will not result in death, but fast-growing tumors can be very aggressive. They will often metastasize to distant parts of the body within a matter of weeks--almost half of all prostate cancers metastasize to bone. Any time a cancer metastasizes, it becomes far more difficult to treat. Tumors spread or metastasize in these ways:
The prognosis of patients with metastasized prostate tumors is less promising than that of patients whose tumor has remained confined to the prostate gland. Current conventional thinking is that metastasized prostate cancer is incurable; therefore, keeping a prostate tumor from spreading could mean the difference between life and death. Researchers at Wayne State University School of Medicine have released information that may help save the lives of many prostate cancer patients who would otherwise die from metastases. Dr. Kenneth Pienta and his colleagues have discovered that when "modified" citrus pectin is given orally to laboratory animals, it can help stop the metastasis of prostate tumors. While the effects of modified citrus pectin are somewhat complicated, they were more pronounced with larger doses. (The pectin did nothing to prevent the growth or formation of the primary tumor, regardless of the amount given.) Although the results of this study are encouraging, human studies need to confirm Dr. Pienta's work. Still, since modified citrus pectin has no ill effects, I wouldn't hesitate to use it now, especially if I were faced with an aggressive prostate tumor. Citrus pectin is basically a fiber that provides the framework for fruits like oranges and grapefruits. For the most part, the body's digestive enzymes have a very difficult time breaking down pectin. Once it reaches the large intestine, however, certain bacterial enzymes are able to split it into smaller fragments. Research at the University of Florida has shown that in its transformed state, it can help lower cholesterol levels and actually reverse heart and artery disease. Modified citrus pectin is a totally different product from the one being used to treat heart and artery disease. In their prostate study, Dr. Pienta and his colleagues used an acid process to break down normal citrus pectin into smaller pieces. This "modified" pectin is small enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, it binds to tumor cells and interferes with their ability to form metastases. Modified citrus pectin has become available only recently. Since there are only a few suppliers of this product, they have very little competition. This tends to keep the price somewhat inflated. As more producers enter the marketplace, I suspect the price will drop dramatically--but then we'll also have to watch for a flood of inferior products. Currently, you can obtain modified citrus pectin from Klabin Marketing at 800-933-9440. The recommended adult dosage is 10-15 grams a day, which is about one teaspoon taken two or three times daily. CANCER-PROOF YOUR BREASTS Breast cancer has become the most common cancer in women, increasing at a rate of almost two percent a year since 1980. The risk of developing breast cancer is highest in women who are exposed to the greatest amount of estrogen during their lifetime. The Standard American Diet, estrogen-like compounds in our environment, and long-term use of birth control pills and hormone replacement greatly increase lifetime exposure to estrogen. 7. FLAXSEED: THE PERFECT FOOD The good news is that compounds contained in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds can reverse the trend by helping deactivate or bind with estrogen and remove it from the body. Nothing does this as effectively as flaxseed. Much of flaxseed's cancer-fighting power comes from lignans, which in your stomach convert to estrogen-blocking agents. Ground whole flaxseed is most effective at preventing risk of cancer, but flax oil seems better after a tumor has been established. One ounce of ground flaxseed plus one tablespoon of oil daily is a good starting dosage. Flaxseed and flax oil are readily available and confer so many other benefits in preventing cardio-vascular disease, diabetes, and gastrointestinal problems, as well as other cancers, that it's logical to include flax as a regular part of your diet. You can get flaxseed and oil in health food stores, or from Walnut Acres at 866-492-5688. 8. SOYBEAN SOLUTION Like flaxseed, soybeans contain phytoestrogens or isofiavones that attach to estrogen receptors in cells, blocking the cell-growth-stimulating hormone from locking in and setting off cell proliferation. Studies show that women who regularly eat soybean protein have a significantly lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who eat no soy at all. As the amount of isoflavones is increased, the risk of breast cancer decreases. Unlike the drug tamoxifen, soybeans have not been shown to increase the risk of uterine cancer. Adding about three ounces of soy foods (60 grams of soy protein) is a good start. Eat steamed soybeans, tofu, tempeh, or soy cheeses, or use soy flour for baking. If you are allergic to soy, check out the several brands of capsules that deliver 50-60 mg of purified isoflavones per day. Soy products can be found in health food and grocery stores. Cancer is a growing threat that faces us all. Millions of people are already battling for their lives, and many will lose the battle. Don't sit and wait for cancer to strike. By following the suggestions I have outlined in this report, you can easily--and inexpensively--reduce your risk of developing cancer. |
|
| Holladay Physical Medicine - 4211 Holladay Blvd. Salt Lake City, UT - 801-272-8471 | Please read the Disclaimer |