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By Vera Tweed
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- Hormones
“Hormones are messenger molecules in the body and many of them act as growth signals,” says Alschuler, who explains that while growth signals are beneficial in healthy cells, the opposite occurs with cancerous cells. For example, estrogen is a growth signal for breast and certain lung cancers, as is androgen for prostate cancer. To lower the risk of cancer, avoid exposure to pesticides on lawns and in foods, and toxins in skin care products that lead to elevated levels of estrogen. At the same time, you can help your body metabolize excessive hormones by supporting the liver (which breaks down hormones once they have been used) by eating healthful vegetable fats and getting sufficient amino acids from proteins, such as lean meat, fish, nuts, seeds and legumes, and supplementing with whey or rice proteins if necessary. Antioxidant supplements and milk thistle provide additional liver support.
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Insulin Function
Sugar doesn’t directly feed cancer cells, according to Alschuler, but a diet that provokes high levels of blood sugar, or glucose, will contribute to cancer. This is how it works: In the normal process of life, elevated blood glucose triggers insulin production and the insulin delivers the glucose to cells to be used as energy. However, a diet with too much sugar and refined flour leads to overabundant levels of blood glucose that activate excessive levels of insulin. When there is a continual oversupply of insulin in the blood, cells eventually become resistant to it, bringing about insulin resistance, a condition that, in addition to promoting inflammation, aids development of cancer. “Cancer cells are studded with insulin receptors,” says Alschuler. As a result, cancerous cells accept excess insulin more readily than healthy ones and the insulin stimulates division of cancer cells. To prevent or reverse insulin resistance, avoid refined sugars and flours, get regular exercise, limit or skip alcohol, reduce stress, get adequate sleep and take B vitamins, essential fatty acids, alpha-lipoic acid, magnesium and chromium.
- Digestion
“Most of the immune system is located in the gut,” says Alschuler, “so healthy digestion means a healthy immune system.” To keep the gut healthy, avoid inflammation-producing refined foods and, if digestive problems exist, get checked for food allergies or sensitivities. To absorb nutrients effectively, eat fiber-rich foods that nourish beneficial bacteria, including fl ax meal, and oat bran and meal. Add yogurt and kefir to your diet, as well as fermented vegetables, such as sauerkraut and kimchi, because these all contain healthful bacteria. For additional digestive support, probiotic supplements provide friendly bacteria and digestive enzymes help break down food.
- Vitamin D
“It’s a very important prevention agent for a multitude of cancers,” says Alschuler, “and most people are deficient in vitamin D, even people who live in sunny latitudes.” Supplements offer a safe way to fill the gap.
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HEALTH GOALNATURAL SUPPORT AFTER CONVENTIONAL CANCER TREATMENT
By Lise Alschuler, ND, and Karolyn A. Gazella, authors of Alternative Medicine Magazine’s Definitive Guide to Cancer: An Integrative Approach to Prevention, Treatment, and Healing
Prevention remains paramount in our fight against cancer. The fact remains, however, that about 2.5 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. Most people diagnosed with cancer use some type of conventional treatment, including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Natural support after treatment is one of the best ways to prevent a cancer recurrence or a new cancer from developing in the future.
A large percentage of cancer patients go through some type of surgery. More than 50 percent of people with cancer have radiation, and according to the American Cancer Society, at some point in their treatment, most people with cancer receive one or more chemotherapy drugs. The natural strategies used to prevent cancer can also help people regain their health and vitality after these daunting cancer treatments. Although this is an expansive topic, there are some key things people can do after surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.
DETOXIFICATION: Gentle detoxification is one of the best ways to address the feeling of malaise that can come after completing a course of radiation or chemotherapy. This will also help improve liver function and reduce inflammation. We do not recommend intense detoxification programs that feature fasting or colonics directly following conventional treatments. A gentle detoxification program should include the following:
- Lots of pure drinking water—at least eight 8-oz. glasses daily.
- No processed and refined foods, caffeine, alcohol, high-fat foods or simple sugars.
- Lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains—organic when possible.
- Herbal supplements including milk thistle, green tea and turmeric (NOTE: if you are taking tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, check with your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.)
- Antioxidant supplements, such as vitamins C and E.
IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT: Proper immune system support will help aid recovery. Focus on foods that are rich in bioflavonoids, specifically dark-colored fruits, such as blueberries, cherries, grapes, strawberries and raspberries. Fish oil supplements and melatonin are also recommended.
ENERGY ENHANCEMENT: Conventional therapy can cause long-term fatigue. A healthful diet, getting plenty of rest and using stress-reducing mind-body techniques can help. In addition, CoQ10, Siberian ginseng, rhodiola and ashwagandha can also help enhance energy.
Light-to-moderate exercise can help your body recover from conventional treatment; however, talk to your doctor before embarking on a new exercise program.
Enduring conventional therapy can be emotionally and physically draining. Natural medicine can enhance recovery and help prevent a recurrence.
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SUPPLEMENT DAILY DOSAGE GUIDE
Alpha-lipoic acid: 300mg, twice daily.
Astragalus: 2–3g daily (capsules).
B complex: 25–50mg, once daily.
Chromium: 250mcg, 1–2 times per day.
Curcumin: 2–3g, three times daily.
Digestive enzymes: Follow label directions.
Essential fatty acids (EFAs):1g, 2–3 times daily.
Garlic: Eat 2–3 cloves daily or take 600–1200mg daily of a supplement.
Green tea: 600mg twice daily, or 8 cups. Magnesium (citrate or glycinate): 200–400mg once daily.
Milk thistle: 400mg daily of a standardized extract
Mushroom extracts: Take an amount necessary to obtain 40–50mg daily of 1.3 beta-glucans.
NAC: 600–1200mg once or twice daily.
Probiotics: Choose a product that states it is designed to survive stomach acids and release beneficial bacteria in the colon. One serving should be at least 1 billion CFU (Colony Forming Units).
Selenium: 200mcg once or twice daily.
Siberian ginseng: 150–300mg twice daily of a standardized extract.
Vitamin C: 500mg four times daily.
Vitamin D: 2000 IU once daily.
Vitamin E (natural): 400 IU daily.
* Take with food for optimal absorption
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