Fighting and or preventing cancer is not a “take one pill in
the evening, call me in the morning” philosophy; it must be a multi-pronged
approach and must include diet, exercise, proper living, supplementation and
aggressive preventative care. Below, are nine “big guns” of aggressive
preventative care. These supplements don’t cure cancer, but they give
your body the building blocks it needs to do its own job, which is to prevent
cancer, and in some cases they can even help turn the tables in the right
direction for someone who is already fighting cancer!
#1 – SUPERFOOD GREENS AND DARK LEAFY GREENS!
The most over-looked cancer-fighting agent isn’t in a pill
or a box from the vitamin isle, but in the organic produce section of the
grocery store. It is widely known that fresh vegetables contain compounds
that have been extensively researched for their cancer-fighting abilities, and
yet, most Americans struggle with consuming one serving daily, let alone the
minimum of 5 servings.
Of all vegetables, I strongly recommend dark, leafy green
vegetables because of their high amounts of important healing properties. A
flavonoid compound called luteolin that is abundant in several green
vegetables, such as broccoli, celery, cabbage, spinach, and green pepper, has
been shown to exhibit cancer-fighting effects, but may also support healthy
inflammatory processes (3). Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli,
cauliflower, bok choy, cabbage, etc., compounds that have been shown to reduce
the formation of tumors, and inhibit cancer cell growth in laboratory and
animal studies, and shows promise in inhibiting cancer cell growth and invasion
(4).
For disease prevention, at least half of your meals should
consist of dark green leafy vegetables. Consume a variety of cooked,
lightly steamed, raw and juiced greens along with fruits (especially berries)
and other vegetables to ensure your body can obtain the variety of antioxidants
and therapeutic compounds that these foods offer!
If you can’t get your leafy green vegetables every day, I
recommend reaching for a supplement, my favorite is GenEssentials
Greens, which you can find online or
in health foods stores like Whole Foods. This supplement offers up to 5
servings of leafy green veggies in just one scoop! I like to mix it with
a little Acai Berry Juice and water in the mornings. Not only will it
deliver all of the cancer-prevention benefits of green veggies, but you’ll
notice an increase in energy. It’s one of my favorite supplements
currently on the market.
#2 - BLACK RASPBERRY
This is probably one of my top picks this year not only for
cancer, but for overall health, this amazing superfood has incredible new
research behind it. Not to be confused with the blackberry, Black
Raspberries are very concentrated fruits or berries with antioxidant levels
that far surpass other berries. The dark, rich color of these berries
showcases the extremely high levels of antioxidants, called anthocyanins, which
are in the Black Raspberries. Arguably, the Black Raspberry may top the
list of berries with the deepest and darkest color and the highest anthocyanin
content. What makes this berry exciting in the field of cancer research is that
the anthocyanins in this berry may target one of the most deadly and one of the
most aggressive forms of cancers: esophageal cancer.
In one study at Ohio State University, a dietary supplement
of pure Freeze-Dried Black Rasberries was shown to inhibit cancer that was
chemically-induced in the esophagus of rats by up to 60 percent, and of the
colon up to 80 percent (1). The effect of the strong inhibition of the tumor
cells in esophageal cancer studies are believed to be due to the cellular
uptake and retention of the anthocyanins in the Freeze-Dried Black Raspberries
(2). Early research has also shown promising results for treating cervical
cancer, and I truly believe that the list of those cancers will continue to
grow! Black Raspberries are also believed to be beneficial for supporting
healthy eyes and cardiovascular system.
Although the current data exists from animal research,
clinical trials are underway in patients at high risk for esophagus and colon
cancer. Because the Freeze-Dried Black Raspberry supplement may serve as
a fantastic source of anthocyanins antioxidants, this fruit may offer hope as a
powerful nutritional for many types of cancer.
There are only a handful of freeze-dried capsule and powder
supplement products on the market, I definitely recommend www.pureblackraspberry.com.
The company named Pure Health offers 100 percent pure freeze dried capsules
with no additives encapsulated in vegetable capsules – I take two every day,
and I recommend that all of my clients do the same. When purchasing
supplements, always look for the least amount of “other ingredients”, Pure
Health has NONE – and that’s why I love their products!
#3 - IP6
Also known as Inositol Hexaphosphate, IP6 is a fairly new
discovery that should be on everyone’s radar screen. It is a type of polyphosphorylated
carbohydrate found in cereal grains, beans, brown rice, nuts, and
other high-fiber foods. Many researchers believe that some of the health
benefits may be due to the antioxidant, immune enhancing, and cardiovascular
supporting activities of IP-6. Laboratory and animal research has shown
IP-6 to have significant protective and growth regulating effects on various
unhealthy cells and tissues including those of the colon and prostate (5).
IP6 is available as a dietary supplement and has been known
for its beneficial effects, including strengthening the immune system,
preventing kidney stone formation and lowering serum cholesterol levels besides
showing promise as a cancer-fighting supplement. Look for it at your
favorite health foods store or online.
#4 – MANGOSTEEN FRUIT
An exotic superfruit grown in the Eastern tropics,
Mangosteen has been considered the “Queen of Fruits,” and for good reason. This
fruit has been used traditionally for centuries as a remedy and natural
treatment for a variety of health ailments, from inflammatory conditions and
arthritis to infections.
However, much of the research on this fruit has been
dedicated to the special antioxidants, called xanthones (found in the outer
rind of Mangosteen fruits), and their effects on cancer cells.
Xanthones, such as alpha-Mangostin, have been shown to be toxic to human cancer cells, and contribute to their destruction, while also suppressing tumor development as well as enhancing the sensitivity and effectiveness of chemotherapy (6). The xanthones found in Mangosteen possess an ability to block the conversion of androgens (masculizing hormone) to estrogens (feminizing hormones), which would likely have positive effects of estrogen-sensitive cancers (7).
Xanthones, such as alpha-Mangostin, have been shown to be toxic to human cancer cells, and contribute to their destruction, while also suppressing tumor development as well as enhancing the sensitivity and effectiveness of chemotherapy (6). The xanthones found in Mangosteen possess an ability to block the conversion of androgens (masculizing hormone) to estrogens (feminizing hormones), which would likely have positive effects of estrogen-sensitive cancers (7).
Although peeled and canned Mangosteen can be found in Asian
grocery stores, the whole Mangosteen fruit is rarely found in the U.S.
The outer rind of the fruit is the most desired portion of the fruit from a
therapeutic perspective since that is where the powerful xanthones are
found. The best way to get the benefits of the whole Mangosteen fruit,
including the xanthones, is to purchase a 100 percent pure Mangosteen juice
from your local health food store, with nothing added, and not diluted with
water or sugary fruit juices, to obtain the most therapeutic product. You can
find pure Mangosteen juice with nothing else added at Whole Foods, Health Food Stores or online on www.pureblackraspberry.com. Read
the label carefully, and make sure that under “other ingredients” it says the
word NONE.
#5 – SELENIUM
Even though it is required in small amounts, this essential
trace mineral is a cancer-fighting powerhouse. Selenium is bonded to
methionine, an essential sulfur amino acid, and it functions to increase the
activity of the glutathione peroxidase antioxidant system, particularly in the
liver, heart and kidney tissues (8). Research shows that selenium may play
important roles in reducing free radical damage to DNA that increases the risk
for cancer, but it also enhances immunity and decreases inflammation. It
is believed that selenium may suppress tumor growth, and a lack of the trace
mineral may contribute to the development of cancer (9). Many of the clinical
and laboratory studies focus on selenium’s role in prostate, colon, and lung
cancers (10). This antioxidant appears that it would be a fantastic supplement
for the prevention of cancer.
It is abundantly found in organ meats, Brazil nuts, seafood,
and wheat germ, and it can be taken as a supplement found in health food
stores. For the nutritional prevention of cancer, 200 mcg per day of selenium
is likely an adequate daily intake (11). Most multivitamins only contain 50-70
mcgs.
#6 – ACAI BERRY
Honored for their potent antioxidants and essential fatty
acids, native Brazilians have relied on Acai berries as an important source of
nutrients. Unfortunately the recent Acai craze that hit North America
over the past 3 – 4 years has brought both positive and negative attention to
this potent and powerful superfood. Most companies exaggerate the
benefits of the Acai berry, so it’s very important to only purchase quality
products from reputable brands, when in doubt, as someone at your local health
foods store.
It is believed that the natural compounds of Acai have
contributed to the beautiful appearance, hair, and skin of Brazilians, which
has inspired Acai’s nickname of the “beauty berry.” However, research has
determined that the benefits of the berry aren’t merely skin deep!
Although Acai hasn’t been researched as extensively as other
exotic superfruits, it is believed that it may offer powerful immune-enhancing
benefits. In vitro laboratory experiments have shown that when the
polyphenols from the Acai berry go to battle with isolated human leukemia
cells, the Acai polyphenols win. The Acai polyphenols were found to
inhibit the growth of the cancer cells, and destroy them (12), making Acai
another interesting, potential candidate for healing.
Acai berries are extremely perishable and can’t make the
trip overseas unless flash frozen. The berries have a large pit, or seed,
which makes them difficult to eat. Subsequently, consuming the berries in the
form of a pure juice can provide all the nutritional goodness the berry has to
offer closest to its natural state. Look for a 100% pure Acai supplement
at your local health food store, my favorite product is Genesis
Today’s Acai100, which you can find at Whole Foods or online.
It might be hard to believe, but Wal-Mart has a very good Acai juice in its
refrigerated beverage section next to the orange juice. This juice
contains a whopping 16,000 milligrams of Acai per serving, and it’s also made
by Genesis Today.
#7– NONI FRUIT
Grown in volcanic soil, Noni fruits contain a wealth of
minerals and compounds that are revered by island natives throughout the South
Pacific. The Noni fruit contains interesting compounds, such as iridoids
and anthraquinones, which may play helpful roles in digestion, elimination and
detoxification. Furthermore, the Noni may also provide synergistic, or
additive beneficial effects when combined with other herbs and medications
having similar properties. The enhanced effects may also be true when Noni is
combined with certain chemotherapeutic drugs, increasing Noni’s anti-tumor
potential (13).
The mechanisms of action behind Noni’s possible powerful
cancer-fighting properties may lie in the unique compounds in the
polysaccharide-rich juice of the fruit. Damnacanthal, is an anthraquinone that
may be able to inhibit enzymes that cause the growth of cancer cells (14),
while turning off the signals that lead to cancer cell growth and division
(15).
The current research on the clinical applications for polysaccharide-rich
Noni juice seems encouraging as a potential supplement in the treatment of
cancer, especially lung cancer. Noni is a very bitter fruit with
astringent properties that is best taken alone and undiluted. Look for
the ingredients list on the label and be sure to obtain a 100% pure Noni with
absolutely nothing else added in order to get the most therapeutic value in the
supplement.
#8 - GOJI BERRY
Used for thousands of years in ancient Chinese Medicine, the
potential to fight cancer is just one out of dozens of positive effects that
may be derived from consuming Goji berries. Known as the “happy” berry, the
polysaccharides in Goji have been studied for their supportive effects in
vision and eye health, blood sugar and cardiovascular benefits. The
mechanism of action in the berries is the polysaccharides, known as Lycium
Barbarum Polysaccharides (or LBPs). These have been found to inhibit the growth,
and contribute to the death of human liver tumor cells, and stop cancer cell
growth (16). The LBPs may also play a role in increasing the amount of
signaling proteins that are involved in boosting immunity against tumors (17).
Because the LBPs in Goji may promote healthy immune responses, researchers
believe that Goji may offer therapeutic potential for those with cancer.
Goji berries can be found in the dried form in many
health food stores, but for the most therapeutic effect, a juice that is full
of effective polysaccharides will make an impact that many can feel with the
first or second dose. The ancient Chinese used to slow-cook the juice of
fresh Goji berries to extract more of the polysaccharides (much like cooking
tomatoes increases the lycopene). A 100 percent pure Goji juice, that is
darker in color due to the slow-cooking method, can be found at your local
health food store, just as for Goji100,
which is the product I recommend.
#9 - VITAMIN D
Besides aiding in the absorption of calcium to protect
strong teeth and bones, vitamin D also facilitates the absorption of calcium in
the intestines, and stimulates the absorption of minerals, such as phosphate
and magnesium. It also behaves much like a hormone, since the active form
of vitamin D can affect the function of certain genes. What isn’t
commonly known, though, is that a low intake of this
fat-soluble vitamin is associated with an increased risk of cervical, breast,
and colorectal cancers. Most of the studies have been population-based
case control studies looking at the association between vitamin D levels and
the incidence of breast cancer (18). Although correlation shouldn’t be confused
with causation, the strong association between low vitamin D intake and breast
cancer is compelling.
Vitamin D is a vitamin that is normally obtained from the
diet (egg yolk, fish oil, or plant sources), or it can be produced by the skin
from the ultraviolet energy of the sun. However, as more people avoid sun
exposure, the supplementation of vitamin D becomes necessary to ensure that the
body receives an adequate supply. The most absorbable form is vitamin D3,
or cholecalciferol. Once in the body, vitamin D turns into
25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (the form that is measured in the blood to assess vitamin
D status), and is converted to calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D3.
You can look for vitamin D3 sold as soft-gels in the health food
store. Those not exposed to sunshine on a daily basis may need as much as
5,000 IU (international units) daily. Be careful with vitamin D because
it is a fat soluble vitamin (instead of water soluble) and may store inside
your liver if you take too much.
Overall, perhaps we should consider that cancer is not
really a disease but rather a symptom, a symptom of something else.
Cancer cells become cancerous not because they are the disease but because they
are normal cell reacting to the causative factors of the disease. While
there is no “one-size-fits all” approach to cancer prevention, these
supplements, especially when combined with diet and exercise, can help your
body do what it was designed to do, which is fight off cancer and other
illnesses and defend itself. When it comes to achieving optimum health
and feeling your best, you’re only as good as the tools in your toolbox, and my
toolbox is stocked with these incredibly powerful cancer-preventing supplements
and foods!
