Cancer Corner Tips
Read these 35 Cancer Corner Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Alternative Health tips and hundreds of other topics.
Green Tea Vs Cancer
The major antioxidant in green tea, EGCG, has 20 times more free-radical fighting power than vitamin E and 200 times more than vitamin C. It also inhibits chemicals that tumors need to grow and divide, as well as the COX-2 enzyme, which makes carcinogens more active in the body. Director of medical oncology at New York City's Strang Cancer Prevention Center recommends those wanting an extra edge against developing cancer, drink at least 3 cups of green tea a day. He feels it's best to NOT add milk if you want to get the most antioxidant benefit.
Foods To Eat
Nutitional needs are crucial when dealing with cancer, and these are the foods most beneficial according to leading nutritionalists; whole grains, seaweeds (immune-boosting & anti-cancer), beans, sprouts, flaxseed, Reishi & Shitake mushrooms (one mushroom per day), onions, garlic, cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, broccoli, microalgae like spirulina, chorella, & blue-green algae, and white fish.
Gerson Diet VS Cancer
The Gerson Diet, formulated by Dr. Max Gerson, whom Albert Schweitzer called "one of the genuises in medical history," prescribes a nutritional approach to cancer treatment. It is very low in fat and salt and is considered a lactovegetarian diet, meaning people can eat low-fat dairy items in addition to plant foods. Supplemental nutrition is also obtained by by drinking large quantities of fruit and vegetable juices. The Gerson program also involves hormonal thyroid stimulation and coffee enemas, procedures Dr. Gerson felt detoxified the liver, thus removing potential body poisons.
Fish Oil For Cancer Patients
According to the book Blended Medicine, The Best Choices in Healing, Greek researchers gave 60 people with a variety of advanced, metastatic cancers 18 grams a day of either a placebo or fish oil. Patients who received the placebo suffered a dramatic decrease in the strength of their immune systems. Those who received the fish oil were rewarded with immune systems that rallied, and they lived significantly longer. Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting compounds that have been found to be very effective in helping treat many conditions.
If you have cancer, discuss taking fish oil with your doctor.
Fish Oil Boosts Chemo Effects
New evidence suggests that by consuming more of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids - the kind found in fish oil - cancer patients can help chemotherapy drugs selectively destroy cancerous cells with less damage to the body's normal cells. Scientists sponsored by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) are investigating an innovative technique that may increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy while reducing its destructive side effects.
For more info check web site for American Institute for Cancer Research listed in my Guru suggested Cancer Corner Links.
Estrogen & Cancer
Natural health guru Dr. Andrew Weil warns against the residues of estrogenic hormones found in most meat, poultry, and dairy products, and he believes that foreign estrogens in food, water, and the environment are a significant factor in the current epidemic of breast cancer. Obesity and high consumption are associated with increased estrogen production, so choose low-fat foods and patronize health food stores which sell meats and dairy products obtained from animals NOT subjected to hormone-induced raising processes.
Alcohol & Breast Cancer
It's hard to keep up with whether alcohol is or isn't good for you BUT a study conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health analyzed six long-term studies involving 320,000 women - came up with the following results. Women who drank 2 to 5 drinks a day had a 41 percent greater risk of developing breast cancer than nondrinkers. One drink a day increased breast cancer risk by 9 percent. So, give some thought to these stats when considering drinking.
Sepia For Chemo Nausea, Headache & Fatigue
The homeopathic remedy Sepia has been helpful to many chemo patients who suffer debilitating nausea, fatigue, and have headache pain (particularly left-sided). The patient may also be withdrawn and prefers not to socialize or interact with friends or family.
Like all homeopathic remedies, it works with your own body chemistry to provide relief from side effects from chemo. Follow dosage directions on vial.
Foods To Avoid
The general consensus amongst nutritional experts feel it is best to avoid the following foods if you have been diagnosed with cancer. These include red meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, processed foods, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, hydrogenated vegetable oils, like oleo and margarine, shortening or soy margarine, and salty foods.
Couch Potatoes & Cancer
A study published in the 1997 New England Journal of Medicine (which followed over 25,000 women for almost 14 years) found that those who exercised at least 4 hours a week had a 37 percent LOWER risk of developing breast cancer than their counterparts who did not partake of any exercise activities. So, isn't it time for you to get off your little tushy?
Homeopathic Doses
Too many people worry about taking the correct dosage of a homeopathic remedy, but it does not have to be difficult. Select the remedy that coincides with your symptoms and select from the potencies of 6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X or 30C. Generally, it is advised to go with the lower potencies if you are self-treating. Follow dosage directions on container, and if you do not feel significant results within a reasonable time (for me this would be in about 4 to 6 hours), then select another remedy aimed at relieving your main symptoms.
Cancer-Fighting Fat
Recent studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to slow the growth of cancerous tumors. They achieve this by attacking prostaglandins and other compounds that encourage tumors to grow. The fat appears to work particularly well against breast and colon tumors. These studies have basically shown that folks who include fish in their diets regularly suffer a better chance of those who don't when it comes to developing cancer.
Multivitamins & Cancer
A multivitamin/mineral formula can fill in the nutritional gaps for patients undergoing chemotherapy. These gaps result due to the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, nutrient malabsorption, & weight loss. Discuss taking this supplement with your doctor.
Food Choices & Cancer Rates
The National Cancer Institute research team believes their studies show that people who eat 5 or more DAILY servings of fruits & veggies may do wonders in cutting down their risk of developing cancer of the bladder, esophagus, & stomach. This may not be as difficult as it sounds, IF you start your day off by adding fruit to your breakfast in cereal or in a smoothie, then by snacking on crisp veggies during the day and making sure that dinner and lunch include a salad, vegetable choice, and even a bit of fruit for dessert.
What Is Cancer?
Lifestyle and food choices can truly impact one's chances of developing cancer, so exercise, lots of fruits & veggies & a low-fat diet are recommended. But what actually IS cancer? Cancer starts when unstable oxygen molecules (free radicals) damage healthy cells & prevent normal cell activity & growth. The more damaged cells - the greater the cancer invasion.
Cancer & Barbecued Food
Marinate meats, poultry and fish in a low-fat marinade BEFORE grilling. For reasons yet unknown, even a BRIEF time in marinade REDUCES the amount of HCAs (compounds formed on grilled foods that have been shown to cause cancerous tumors in animals). This can help reduce HCAs as much as 92 to 99 percent. Use a marinade that contains an acidic ingredient, like vinegar or citrus juice. Also, keep the amount of oil in marinades to a minimum to reduce flare-ups that can cause the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to a minimum.
Garlic vs Cancer
Don't let the pungent odor from garlic & onions keep you from consuming these allium-rich foods. This substance helps boost levels of naturally occurring enzymes that detoxify potential carcinogens, plus stimulate cancer-fighting immune cells, as well as reduce the stickiness of blood platelets that can lead to heart attacks.
Oils & Constipation
Oil can help get things moving if they are stuck - and people who live in the Mediterranean region rely on that fact when it comes to constipation. Their usual home remedy is to ingest a tablespoon of olive oil every few hours until things get moving - but vegetable oil will also acts as a helpful lubricant. Both coat the stool and make expulsion much easier.
Tummy Woes & Herbs
The stomach is frequently an area that rebels the most if someone is undergoing chemo but many people have found relief from nausea by taking ginger either in capsules or by making ginger tea. Slice a few small pieces from fresh ginger root and boil in water for 5 minutes then allow to steep an additional ten minutes. Drain, sweeten with honey if desired, and enjoy. Also, great for helping inflammation. Mint, peppermint, and chamomile teas are also friends to the digestive system and are particularly helpful for heartburn. Those with acid reflux should avoid mint.
Coenzyme Q 10 & Cancer
Coenzyme Q 10 (Co Q 10) is found in almost every living cell, particularly in the cells' mitochondria, which is responsible for energy. A study done in 1993, using 32 patients with advanced breast cancer, treated them with 90 mg of CoQ 10 per day. Six of the 32 showed partial tumor regressions. Two of the six increased their doses and their tumors disappeared completely. Co Q 10 has also been found to help prevent heart damage caused by certain types of chemotherapy. Recommended dosages per the *Natural Health Bible* is 30 to 300 mg daily, divided into 2 or 3 doses. Check with your doctor before taking if you are a cancer patient.
Combatting Lung Cancer
Eating just 1/2 cup of carrots, winter squash or yams can cut your chance of developing lung cancer in half, according to studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute. This can benefit former smokers and current smokers, but odds of not developing lung cancer are not as high for those who continue to puff away!
High-Fat Diets & Cancer
There is enormous evidence linking dietary fat intake to many types of cancer particularly breast, colon, and prostate cancers. Diets high in trans-fatty acids damage healthy cells and may damage the body's genetic material, plus high-fat diets can stimulate estrogen production, which has been implicated in breast cancer. The solution? Choose low-fat food items more regularly than reaching for high-fat items.
Herbal Info
According to the book Blended Medicine, one of the most widely used and respected herbal cancer therapies is the Hoxsey program. The Hoxsey formula contains burdock, red clover, licorice root, bloodroot, barberry root, buckthorn, prickly ash and stillingia root. National Cancer Institute studies have shown that 9 of these 10 herbs exhibit antitumor activity in laboratory testings, and there are anecdotal reports of the Hoxsey formula producing dramatic cancer remissions. Check on Hoxsey Cancer Info site listed in Cancer Corner Guru suggested LINKS.
Help For Stress
Stress is a common side effect when one is undergoing treatment for cancer but many patients have found considerable relief by incorporating yoga, tai chi, massage, meditation, and progressive relaxation into their daily routines. If you do not have access to a class, there are many videos available to help you learn a soothing routine.
Nux Vomica For Chemo Symptoms
The homeopathic remedy Nux Vomica has been found to be very beneficial to chemo patients who suffer from nausea but aren't able to vomit easily. Other symptoms indicating a need for this particular remedy include irritability, chills, impatience, and over-sensitivity to light, odors, and noise.
Kali Phosphoricum For Exhaustion
If you are feeling completely exhausted, feel depressed and dull mentally, and basically feel at the end of your rope coping with all that's going on around you, try the homeopathic remedy Kali Phosphoricum. Other telling symptoms that indicate your need for this remedy include extreme sensitivity to ligth, noise and feeling deeply chilled. Follow dosage directions on vial.
Diarrhea & Natural Helpers
Diarrhea can make life extra miserable for many people but Mother Nature does offer some gentle and effective food remedies in this area. Try eating a serving of cooked carrots, dried blueberries, or remember the BRATT theory - which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, tea, and toast. These foods are all binding, which means they add bulk to loose stools. Teas made from the leaves of blackberries, blueberries, or raspberries are also helpful.
Homeopathy & Radiation Treatments
If unpleasant side effects arise following radiation treatments, many patients have found some relief by using the homeopathic remedy Cadium Iodatum. It works with your body's chemistry to ease side effects naturally. Follow dosage directions on vial.
Laetrile Dangers and Cancer
The substance in apricots (actually the pit) thought by some to helpful to cancer patients is that the pit contains laetrile, a natural cyanide and vitamin B (B-17). This is also found in peaches, apples, and bitter almonds. The concern here is that laetrile-based remedies like these work by releasing cyanide near cancer cells but can contaminate other nearby cells.
Patients utilizing laetrile treatments have suffered cyanide poisoning by eating foods containing laetrile while in treatment. For outstanding info on dealing with cancer, I HIGHLY recommend - An Alternative Medicine Guide To Cancer- available through our link with Amazon.com, which you can access by going to my Guru Resource Center. Scroll down to Cancer Corner.
Gelsemium For Anxiety Relief
If anxiety or nervous anticipation are a problem for you as you go through chemo, try the homeopathic remedy, Gelsemium. This may also help accompanying symptoms of weakness, trembling, chill and headache.
Beta-1, 3-D-glucan & Cancer
Beta-1,3-D-glucan is a polysaccharide extracted from the cell wall of baker's yeast that has been shown to trigger a powerful immune-system response. It has specific receptor sites that match up exactly on the macrophage, which are the immune system's first line of defense that devours antigens, foreign invaders, and cellular debris. It also effectively scavenges free radicals, unstable molecules that destroy healthy cells. When combined with conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, this simple carbohydrate molecule appears to promote their effectiveness and protect against their adverse side effects. See Cancer Links for additional info including ordering info.
Acupuncture & Cancer Pain Relief
A recent forum of the National Institutes of Health reported that acupuncture has been found to be very effective in helping relieve pain, nausea, and vomiting in many cancer patients. Treatments target specific meridian points in the body that in turn work to ease these symptoms with a non-toxic approach.
Acupuncture For Chemo Vomiting
Chinese medicine's treatment of acupuncture has been found to be very helpful for many people who suffer from nausea and vomiting, resulting from chemo treatments. Acupressure was also found to helpful when pressure was applied to acupressure point Pericardium 6, which is located on the inside of your upper arm two thumb widths above the wrist crease. Out of 100 patients who participated in a test group overseen by researchers at Queen's University in Belfast, Ireland, 75 percent experienced significant relief after using Sea Bands, which are elastic bands with buttons to press on the correct pressure point. For more info check out my listed link for SEA-BANDS FAQ.
Cadium Sulphuratum For Vomiting
If debilitating nausea and vomiting come after chemo, give the homeopathic remedy Cadmium Sulphuratum a try. This usually helps someone who also feels chilled and exhausted.
Ipecacuanha For Violent Vomiting
If horrific nausea and violent vomiting plagues you during chemo, and you seem to be producing excess saliva, and get little relief from laying down - give the homeopathic remedy Ipecacuanha a try. It works with your body's own chemistry to provide relief naturally. Check vial for dosage directions.
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