Archive for the 'Cancer' Category
Let’s see how close we could get to this for, say, lung cancer. Screening tests we could consider are sputum cytology, X-rays and bronchoscopy. Sputum cytology is simple, safe and convenient for the patient. However, each specimen takes quite a few minutes to examine thoroughly and this must be done by a specially trained technician, so it is not cheap. There are false negatives— not all cancers shed cells into the sputum to be coughed up. Some do so erratically—there may be no cancer cells in the specimen that goes to the laboratory even if there were the day before and the day after. False positives are rare but occasionally other abnormal cells are mistaken for cancer cells. The test can pick up very tiny cancers at a stage when surgical removal would have a good chance of curing the patient. To pick up very early cancers, specimens would have to be examined every few months, which obviously would make it extremely expensive in the long run. Another problem occurs if the cancer is so small that it can’t be seen on X-ray. It then has to be located by bronchoscopy or special types of X-ray before it is possible to go ahead with surgical removal.
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Tests that allow us to ‘see’ the liver are not necessary in every person with cancer. They are usually only recommended when there are clues from symptoms, clinical examinations or blood tests that there is liver abnormality. A radionuclide liver scan shows us the size of the liver and whether there are any areas in it that are not functioning normally. Normal X-rays do not show up the liver. A CT scan does and it may also pick up cancer deposits as they let through less X-rays than the normal liver. In some cases, the combination of symptoms, clinical findings, blood tests and scans build up a picture so typical of liver secondaries that a biopsy for conclusive proof may not be recommended. However, when there is something unusual or unexpected about the situation, or when it is very important to be quite certain, a liver biopsy should be considered.
This can be done with a special type of needle through the skin, under local anaesthetic. Because the liver moves up and down as you breathe, it is important to try hard to hold your breath when the doctor asks you to. Before doing a liver biopsy, your doctor should make quite sure that your blood can clot normally. If not, injections can be given to correct this. Even so, it is possible to bleed internally after a liver biopsy. This is unusual, but has to be watched for carefully. After the biopsy you will be kept lying still for some hours while the tiny hole in the liver seals over. During this time your pulse rate and blood pressure should be checked regularly. The main danger of bleeding is right after the biopsy. Sometimes transfusion is necessary. Very rarely, an operation is needed to stop the bleeding.
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Seeds
Research has shown that cultures that consume large amounts of seeds have a decreased risk of developing several forms of cancer. A high seed intake can decrease the risk of breast, colon and prostate cancer. Many seeds contain antioxidant and protective compounds including oligosaccharides, fatty acids, lithium and molybdenum. Fenugreek seeds and flaxseeds are believed to prevent colon cancer and many other forms of cancer.
Sesame seeds contain potent antioxidants, including sesaminol and laetrile. Sesame seeds and flaxseeds are rich in lignan, a phyto-oestroegen which prevents many forms of harmful oestrogen-induced cancers, including breast and colon cancer.
Pumpkin seeds are best known for their concentrations of zinc and their use in the treatment and prevention of male prostate problems.
Soy Products
Soy products are protein packed sources of energy that are widely incorporated into Asian diets, particularly the Japanese diet. The high intake of soy protein in the diet is believed to contribute to Japan’s low rate of breast cancer. In fact, societies with a high consumption of soybeans and soybean products, especially the fermented variety, exhibit only 25 per cent of the incidence of breast cancer, compared to populations in Western countries.
Soybeans are rich in phyto-oestrogens, particularly lignan. Lignan blocks oestrogen receptors within the body preventing the toxic effects of excessive oestrogens. The high content of lignans and isoflavonoids in soybeans and soy products are believed to be responsible for this cancer-inhibiting ability. Soybeans also contain genistein, an isoflavonoid that inhibits the growth of cancer cells by preventing the growth and formation of blood vessels that feed them.
Tofu, made from a combination of soybeans coagulated with a sea water extract called Nigari, is rich in bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids help to lower cholesterol levels and protect against cancer.
Miso, a paste made from soybeans, is believed a valuable aid in reducing the incidence of stomach cancer. Stomach cancer in Japanese women has decreased by over 30 per cent perhaps due to a high intake of miso soup and other soy based products. Miso facilitates the chelation of the toxic chemical residues of tobacco smoking, including nicotine, from the body. Miso improves the function of the intestines and digestive system, and protects against the toxic effects of radiation. It is a useful addition to the diet during radiation treatment. Miso also contains anti-carcinogenic compounds, which neutralize Benzopyrone, a known cancer-causing agent.
Soymilk is made from soaking soybeans in water; grinding and draining the cream-coloured liquid out. Soymilk is rich in lignans, a phyto-oestrogen that prevents colon and breast cancer, and cancers caused by excessive oestrogen.
Tamari or shoyu, commonly referred to in Western countries as soy sauce, is believed to prevent stomach cancer and facilitate the elimination of toxic residues of tobacco smoking, including nicotine from the body. Perhaps this is the reason why Japanese people, who smoke so many cigarettes, have a much lower rate of lung cancer than Western societies.
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Supporting the immune system is critical to good health. Here are some suggestions to boost immune system function and prevent cancer and other illnesses:
Acupuncture
Enhances many immune functions and may increase the number of T cells, lymphocytes, natural killer cell activity, Â cells and phagocytic activity. It also has a very harmonizing effect on emotional and physical well-being.
Balanced Emotional State
The most important factor that stimulates and supports our body’s immune function is a positive and balanced emotional state. This can be attained through a number of methods including playing with pets or children, laughing, having fun, doing what you love, skilled relaxation, positive affirmations, visualizations or imagery, giving yourself a treat, getting adequate rest and exercise, achieving goals and enjoying life.
Diet
Diet is a very important tool in supporting the health of the body’s immune system. Avoid foods rich in sugar, white flour products, artificial and processed foods, saturated fats, caffeine, nicotine, excessive red meat intake and full fat dairy products. These devitalized foods rob the body of valuable and key nutrients required for optimal immune system function.
Try to eat more immune system-stimulating foods such as onions, garlic, ginger, bitter melon, whole grains, legumes, fish, salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, nuts and seeds, sprouts, dark green leafy vegetables and fruits. Eat plenty of orange, yellow and green vegetables to enhance immune system responses. Eat adequate levels of protein to maintain good immune system function and tissue repair. Variety is the key to obtaining adequate levels of life-giving nutrients from foods.
Environment
Living in clean environments with good fresh air circulation is important to health. Beautiful environments like the beach, ocean, waterfalls, mountains and deserts have high amounts of negative ions in the air, which promote a healthy immune system function and uplift emotions.
Exercise
The immune system is greatly influenced by regular exercise. The endorphins and enkephalins released by exercise make you feel wonderful and uplifted. Remember that excessive exercise can have the reverse effect and diminish immune response.
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Acceptance, Resolution
True acceptance is reached after experiencing a whirlpool of other emotions and feelings. Acceptance is attained when we fully learn to acknowledge our condition and realize we are responsible for all our own actions, mistakes and experiences. Acceptance is attained at different periods of time for everyone. Learning to truly accept the fact that we have cancer allows us to undertake on a journey of true healing for our soul.
Humans are similar to instruments, animals and plants – we are all adaptable. If a blossom is cut off a plant, it adapts to the changes and grows a new, stronger bud. If an animal is put into a new environment, it accepts the change and develops new senses to cope with the changes. Everything in life is adaptable, which makes us uniquely intelligent beings that fight for survival. Humans are adaptable. We have the ability to react to situations, accept the condition and make the necessary changes to ensure survival.
Accepting that we as humans are ultimately responsible for our cancer allows us to fight this disease with courage and vitality. On reaching this stage and accepting all possibilities and outcomes, we open ourselves to all methods to heal and overcome our cancer. Without acceptance, we remain in a state of denial and avoidance, deeming it impossible to reach permanent healing. Embracing your illness and understanding your condition takes you one step closer to greater health, happiness and inner peace.
As humans we are born with an inherent courage. We possess a true fighting spirit. It is in our nature to stand up and fight bravely, and not to let life pull us down for too long.
Courage abounds in human spirit! How wonderful to be in the presence of courageous souls with the bravery to fight and overcome a disease or illness. I take my hat °ff to anyone who has had to go through conventional cancer treatment like surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. To even step into this treatment takes a tremendous amount of courage, willpower and determination, as the side effects experienced are extremely debilitating and uncomfortable.
No one in this world likes being uncomfortable. We are ultimately creatures of comfort. And to be willing to put yourself in this unusual position of pain and discomfort signifies your desire to live. It is part of being human. As humans we never give up; it the essence of our genetic structure to fight for survival. This is a mere fragment of the human character I will continue to admire and respect for my entire existence. We are all ultimately fighters with an innate instinct to survive not only for ourselves, but also for our loved ones. To survive through these obstacles involves a large amount of courage and strength.
If you have journeyed through the myriad of emotions experienced in your fight and you have learnt to fully embrace your illness – congratulations! You have overcome the most difficult part of your healing. You are endowed with a fighting spirit and have discovered the path to better health, inner fulfillment and well deserved happiness. Nothing can stop you now. See health, feel health and know health -perfect health is your natural state of being. Don’t let this condition pull you down, use your strength and fighting spirit to beat this disease. After all you have nothing to lose and absolutely everything to gain!
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Insomnia
Diet
• Avoid a high intake of tea, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, sugar and white flour products.
• Foods that help to encourage a more restful sleep include lettuce, warm milk, thyme, honey, bananas and turkey.
Vitamins and Nutrients
• Take a good Calcium/Magnesium supplement before bed.
• If you have difficulty falling asleep tryptophan can be useful (this should be prescribed by a practitioner). Try taking a combination supplement that contains 75 to 150 mg of 5 HTP (5 Hydroxy tryptophan) on an empty stomach, one hour before bedtime.
• If you wake during the night and have difficulty going back to sleep a histidine formula is more suitable.
• If restless legs are keeping you awake, a folic acid or vitamin E deficiency may be the cause.
• If you have a burning sensation in the legs try a supplement with choline and vitamin Â1 to help relieve the symptoms.
• A mineral deficiency of copper, iron or zinc can also cause insomnia.
Herbal Teas
• Some great herbal teas to promote a peaceful and relaxed sleep include valerian, hops, passionflower, Jamaican dogwood, catnip, kava kava, skullcap, wild lettuce and chamomile.
• Ground anise seed mixed with honey in warm milk is an age-old cure for insomnia in Germany and Russia.
• Progressive muscle relaxation can help. Isolate each of your muscle groups, tense for a count of 5 and then relax for 15 to 20 seconds before moving on. You should slowly fall into a blissful dreamland with this relaxing exercise.
Kidney Damage
Diet
• To prevent kidney damage it is important to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of pure water every day.
• Eat more foods that are beneficial to the kidneys such as watermelon, lemons, celery, cucumber, parsley, green leafy vegetables, cranberries, papaya, asparagus, watercress, garlic and soybeans.
• Reduce intake of chocolate, meat, table salt, tea, coffee, animal protein and dairy products.
Vitamins and Nutrients
• Vitamin B6 helps to reduce fluid retention at 50 mg/twice daily.
• Calcium, vitamin A, vitamin Ñ and bioflavonoids (2000 – 6000 mg/day) are also useful.
• L-Arginine helps to reduce pressure in the kidneys and also helps to stimulate the body’s immune system.
• L-methionine (as directed) improves kidney circulation.
Herbs
Buchu tea, celery and parsley tea, dandelion root, uva ursi, marshmallow tea, red clover, watermelon seed tea (Place fresh watermelon seeds in a pot of water, bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and drink.) and nettle tea all help good kidney function. Dandelion root protects the kidneys and the liver.
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Poor dietary habits account for thirty-five per cent of cancer cases. Food carcinogens may include:
• A high intake of bacon, corned beef, maize oil, cottonseed oil, sassafras oil, champignon mushrooms and excessive pepper can cause or exacerbate cancer.
• Burnt or browned foods such as burnt toast and fried pork.
• Eating meats containing antibiotics and other growth enhancing agents may provoke cancer.
• Excess quantities of capsaicin (found in chillies) may lead to cancer. (Although moderate consumption has many health benefits and may prevent cancer).
• Excessive fat intake, mainly rancid, oxidized fat and altered vegetable oils.
• Excessive intake of caffeine.
• Excessive intake of simple sugars tends to feed cancer.
• Food additives or contaminants, including artificial additives, artificial colours, flavourings, artificial sweeteners (saccharin), propyl gallate, sulphites, BHT, BVO, BHA, MSG, sulphur dioxide, food colouring Amaranth (Red Dye No. 2), Benzopyrene, cyclamates, Hydrazines and piperine may be harmful.
• The herb chaparral in excessive amounts can contribute to the development of some forms of cancer. (However, chaparral can also be used to help heal cancer if given in correct dosages.)
• High triglyceride levels and trans-fatty acids contribute towards cancer onset.
• Inadequate antioxidant and immune system nutrients.
• Low fibre intake. If the bowel’s transit time is slow and bile is permitted to remain in the colon, detrimental bacteria convert cholic acid into the powerful carcinogen, apcholic acid. Likewise, the fermentation of food in the colon due to habitual overeating or long-term constipation causes toxins to retain within the bowel area possibly increasing one’s risk of developing colorectal cancer and other illnesses.
• Excess intake of mould carcinogens found in mould-contaminated foods such as corn, some grains, some nuts, peanut butter, bread, cheese and peanuts. Aflatoxin is a highly carcinogenic mould found on peanuts.
• Nitrites are extremely potent carcinogens that convert into nitrosamines and have the ability to cause cancer in any part of the body, particularly the stomach and bowel. Foods cured, pickled, smoked and packaged all contain nitrites. Meats which contain nitrites include bacon, sausage, hams, salami and luncheon meats.
• Toxic metals such as arsenic found in shellfish and grapes treated with arsenic pesticides in large amounts may prove dangerous.
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