Beating Cancer

CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE PATIENT WITH A MALIGNANCY

​

There are specific suggestions associated with each type of cancer. For example, melanomas and glioblastoma multiforme consume excessive amounts of phenylalanine and tyrosine. Prostate and breast cancer are often influenced by hormones. Other cancers have different characteristics, and thus each cancer patient type warrants a specific strategy.

​

There are eight general goals when using nutrition in an individual who has cancer.

​

1. Prevent malnutrition: It is estimated that 40% or more of cancer patients actually die from malnutrition, not from the cancer. One of the most important blood tests to assess nutritional status is the serum albumin level. This protein represents the liver’s ability to make new proteins, and albumin serves as an important buffer in keeping the blood from become too acidic. High quality foods are a must – both in terms of their vitamin and mineral content but also their protein and fat quality. See the above discussion regarding fat consumption since it plays a huge role in the metabolism of cancer cells, immune system balance, and inflammation. Sugar and processed carbohydrates, red meat and alcohol should be avoided unless specifically allowed in your case.

​

As I have mentioned already, one of the great discoveries about cancer was made by Otto Warburg, who received a Nobel Prize for showing that the difference between normal cells and cancer cells was the ability to use oxygen. The normal cell requires oxygen to produce energy from glucose, but the cancer cell does not. Glucose metabolism when oxygen is used creates 30 units of energy (ATP) per molecule of glucose. Glucose metabolism without oxygen, as is the case in cancer cells, only produces 2 units of energy per molecule of glucose. As a result of this anaerobic (without oxygen) metabolism of glucose, the cancer cells build up lactic acid. Lactic acid is what you feel in your muscles after a work-out. The liver and to some extent the kidneys can convert the lactic acid back into glucose. Since the cancer cell is so inefficient in making energy from glucose (2 units of ATP compared to 30), it takes a large amount of glucose to quench the energy demands of the growing cancer. The cancer ultimately starts to steal the glucose supply from the body and the malnutrition begins. Finally the weight loss and fatigue sets in and the cachexia becomes more dangerous than the cancer itself. As you can see sugar and simple carbohydrates should always be avoided.

​

Lactic acid build-up induces an acid build-up within the cell, which now causes changes in the DNA of the cell to promote unlimited reproduction. In other words, the cancer feeds itself in an acid environment. This is one reason that your program will include alkalizing or oxygenating nutrients – minerals like calcium, magnesium, oxygen, sodium, germanium, etc. found in vegetables. Some specific cancer therapies like cesium can raise the pH (move it toward alkalinity rather than acidity) and thereby reduce the cancer’s growth cycle. Cesium has been used at Texas Tech for sarcoma, Germany for lung cancer with bone metastasis, and University of Wisconsin for colon cancer. The moral of the story here is to have a diet rich in alkalizing minerals by eating a lot of fresh organic vegetables.  (Organic vegetables tend to have a higher mineral and nutrient content compared to others).  One of the best ways to get healthful vegetables is Beiler’s Broth, which is listed elsewhere on my website.  It is rich in nutrients that supply vitamins and minerals and assists in liver detoxication. Another potential way to starve the cancer then is to interfere with the liver’s ability to produce glucose from lactic acid (the enzyme is called phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase) through hydrazine sulfate.  Again, the specific agent is not the emphasis but rather the conceptual approach to altering the tissue environment.

​

2. Bolster immune functions: A robust immune system can provide additional weapons against cancer. Every successful regimen using nutrition around the world includes immune support. In a study of 77 women with breast cancer, 95% of those whose immune system reacted to the cancerous tissue were alive at 12 years compared to only half of those whose immune system did not respond to the cancer (J McCoy in Annals of NY Acad of Sci 1993). If chemotherapy and radiation are being used, adding immune support will give you that much more firepower. There are many claims made about how to bolster your immune system. Making yours function optimally requires an individual approach.

​

It is important not to confuse immune stimulation with immune support.  Cancer seems to thrive and even induce inflammation.  For example, increased levels of several small chemicals called cytokines, are associated with disease activity, poorer outcomes, metastasis, etc.  A few relevant examples include Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-kB), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-a), which all promote inflammation.  One strategy to consider is to monitor and attempt to reduce the levels of these pro-inflammatory cytokines. There are many nutritional supplements that down-regulate their production. An effective strategy is to optimize hormone levels since hormones like DHEA, testosterone, estriol, etc. reduce inflammation, etc.

​

3. Detoxification: Even if you have not received chemotherapy or radiation, the detoxification pathways of the body with a cancer are under strain. It is surprising how many patients with cancer tell me that they “never get sick.” Because getting sick is an innate form of defense and detoxication, perhaps those who never or rarely detoxify have insufficient natural detoxification mechanisms. Remember cells that transform into cancer have done so because of an insult to their metabolism.  A healthy body has to expel not only the day-to-day byproducts of metabolism but also the multiple toxins inhaled, absorbed, or eaten. Toxic trace minerals like cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and lead all blunt the immune system. Chemicals used in modern industrialized society no doubt contribute.  Add the burden of a rapidly dividing cancer cells with their metabolic waste – you increase the demand for an efficient detoxification system.  With chemotherapy and radiation, there is added toxicity.

​

But we must be certain that in an effort to improve detoxification, you are not reducing the effectiveness of the treatment you have chosen.  Many of the programs and products have been studied for their influence on killing the cancer cells. Whenever possible we try to not get in the way of other therapies but to support the healthy parts of the body as it deals with the extra metabolic-toxic burden.

​

I would be less than truthful with you if I did not tell you that the hardest and most uncomfortable part of dealing with the patient with cancer is without question, detoxication. In reality, because our patients should not die from malnutrition, the biggest burden we will face is toxic waste products from the either the cancer itself or the accumulated toxins that have never been eliminated successfully. Repair and recovery only occurs when the body has become purified. The liver is the major gland of detoxication and this is the organ to focus on in most cases. The colon is the primary avenue of elimination and this too must be healthy.

​

Tissue detoxification – matrix

​

H.Riordan and his group (RECNAC) as published in Medical Hypothesis (1995), ascorbic acid and its salts (AA) are preferentially toxic to tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Given in high enough doses to maintain plasma concentrations above levels that have been shown to be toxic to tumor cells in vitro, AA has the potential to selectively kill tumor cells in a manner similar to other tumor cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. Most studies of AA and cancer to date have not utilized high enough doses of AA to maintain tumor cytotoxic plasma concentrations of AA. There is a 10 — 100-fold greater content of catalase in normal cells than in tumor cells. This potentially creates a large gap between the toxic dose of hydrogen peroxide for normal cells compared to tumor cells.  Ascorbic acid and its salts (AA) are preferentially toxic to tumor cells both in the lab (in vitro) and in the body (in vivo). This preferential cytotoxicity has been demonstrated to be related to intracellular hydrogen peroxide generation. AA thus belongs in a class of substances which, given at the correct dosage, can preferentially induce cytotoxicity of tumor cells with negligible toxic effects to the host. AA concentrations exceeding those required to kill 100% of tumor cells in vitro can be sustained in humans and that those levels can generally only be obtained by intravenous administration of AA. Here is a partial list of what is reported in the scientific literature about IV AA use:

​

1. Preferentially kills neoplastic cells.

2. Is virtually non-toxic at any dosage.

3. Does not suppress the immune system, unlike most chemotherapy agents.

4. Increases animal and human resistance to infectious agents by enhancing lymphocyte blastogenesis, enhancing cellular immunity, strengthening the extracellular matrix, and enhancing bactericidal activity of neutrophils and modulation of complement protein.

5. Strengthens the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix which is responsible for stromal resistance to malignant invasiveness.

​

4. Establish an optimum metabolic state: Cancer only develops in a state of cellular anabolic dominance, which is another term for anaerobic cellular dominance. In other words the cells are in a “build-up” phase. By the time you present to me, however, you may be in a state of catabolism or rapid “break down.” Through home and in-office metabolic tests, your metabolic state will be monitored so that you do not get into an extreme “break down” or wasting condition or that you remain in a “build up” phase that promotes further cancer. Credit must be given to Otto Warburg, M.D. and Emmanuel Revici, M.D., a brilliant but persecuted doctor in New York, who recently died at 101½ years. He pioneered this concept, which unfortunately has not received the attention it deserves. Establishing a cancer-unfavorable but health-promoting metabolic state based on increasing cellular aerobic metabolism should be emphasized and will demand you follow the precise program given for your specific need. One of the key components is the use of specific essential fatty acids, of which there are two types – parent and derivative.  There are two types of parent EFAs – omega-3 (ALA) and omega-6 (LA) and both have complementary functions to each other.  Some of the most common known derivatives of omega-3 EFAs are EPA and DHA, and of omega-6 EFAs are CLA and GLA.  Although EPA and DHA are often promoted as more therapeutic, the body directly uses up to 20 times more parent EFAs (ALA and LA) than derivatives.

​

The worst thing you can do in terms of reducing cellular oxygenation is to consume trans-fats.  Even foods stating there are “0 grams” of trans-fats can contain some (< 0.5g) based on labeling laws.  Trans-fats are often listed as partially hydrogenated oils.  The type of oil that has been hydrogenated is not relevant. Another problem area is thinking that olive oil is acceptable. Olive oil contains a high percentage of oleic acid, a non-essential fatty acid, which competes with the essential omega-3 and omega-6 oils for incorporation into the cell and mitochondrial membrane. Because oleic acid is 50% as effective in oxygen transfer compared to LA (omega-6), choosing the proper oils is critical to optimizing cellular oxygenation.

​

The autonomic nervous system must also be considered when balancing the metabolism. Solid tumors that have originated from epithelium include the liver, breast, lung, pancreas, colon, ovaries, prostate, and uterus seem to occur only in individuals with an overly active sympathetic nervous system (and therefore a weak parasympathetic nervous system). A vegetarian diet emphasizing fresh fruits and vegetables (particularly leafy greens) contains large doses of magnesium and potassium.  It has been shown in many studies that magnesium suppresses the sympathetic nervous system while potassium strengthens the parasympathetic nervous system. Melatonin reduces sympathetic outflow. While melatonin supplementation is convenient, resting in a dark quiet room (sleep, nap, etc) also stimulates melatonin release.  In addition, fruits and vegetables are alkalinizing, and this too has a balancing effect on the autonomic nervous system by reducing sympathetic activity and increasing parasympathetic activity. For these individuals, a diet largely vegetarian with fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and seeds with occasional fish, eggs, or yogurt with no other animal protein is suggested.

​

On the other hand, blood or immune based malignancies such as leukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas do best on a high animal protein, high fat diet because these seem to occur in individuals with an overly active parasympathetic nervous system (and therefore a weak sympathetic nervous system). Such a diet is rich in phosphates and promotes acidity that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system.  The Nerve Express used in our office to assess heart rate variability gives a scientifically valid profile of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.

​​

5. Enhance the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapy: Whenever scientific studies support it, nutritional agents that enhance either radiation or chemotherapy will be suggested. For example, using vitamin C, vitamin E, glutamine, whey protein, etc. seem to improve the response to radiation in certain circumstances.

​

6. Improve microcirculation: No program or procedure will work if the blood supply is inadequate. Chemotherapeutic agents can’t be delivered, waste products will not be excreted, surgical wounds will not heal, etc.  This is not the same as the cancer developing new blood vessels to feed itself (this has been an avenue of exploration for therapy called anti-angiogenesis).  Rather it is to improve the body’s ability to deliver and therefore regulate the tissues.  It is interesting to note that some of the most effective programs contain products or procedures that improve circulation (ex – exercise, enzymes, heat, heparin, Coumadin, alkalization, etc.)

​

7. Prevent cancer spread: Studies from Matthias Rath, M.D. and his research group show that cancer cells do not appear to be able to spread past the local tissue when a combination of nutrients were added to the culture medium. The basis of his work was derived from his work with Linus Pauling in cardiovascular health.  Ascorbic acid (a component of vitamin C), lysine, proline, and green tea extract play a central role in this approach.  While there are limits to the conclusions that can be drawn from his studies, in clinical practice the consistently effective results speak for themselves as another tool for the patient with cancer.

​

From an observational study by L Michaels of Canada, patients kept on permanent anti-coagulant therapy (fro stroke or heart reasons) had only 1/8th the expected number of cancer deaths.  In fact there was not a single case of death by cancer metastasis.  Although anti-coagulants do not reduce the viscosity (stickiness) of blood, parent omega-6 fats reduces platelet clumping and thus increases the speed of blood flow.

​

8. Emotional Release: One might not expect that emotional issues are relevant to the discussion of nutritional issues and cancer. But emotions play a huge role.  Emotional nourishment is as important as vitamins and minerals.  A common theme documented in research studies is the failure of cancer patients to distinguish self from non-self.  It is often said that cancer occurs in the nicest people.  Perhaps this trait is due to the inability to say “no” and thus to distinguish self from non-self.  An interesting concept since cancer in a metaphysical way is non-self.  Along the same theme is letting go of that which is not “you” in your life – things you’ve suppressed, situations that raise your ire and yet you tolerate, etc.  The work of Bernie Siegal and Wayne Dyer are excellent on this subject and worthy of reviewing. Addressing these can have a powerful impact on your emotional state, which in turn influences the cancer.  Many cancer specialists have made the observation that the feisty ones do best.  Assert yourself and take charge!

​

In a long term project begun in 1946 by Caroline Bedell Thomas at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine charted students over decades of time to see what specific psychological indices were associated with the development of cancer – poor relationship with parents, self-pity, self-deprecation, passivity, a compulsive need to please. And above all an inability to rise from depression after some traumatic event such as the death of a loved one or loss of a job.

​

As a corollary to this is how you decide on your course of action.  You no doubt will be bombarded by information and suggestions by well-intentioned friends, family, etc.  Whatever you decide, do it without doubt.  Do not reduce the power that having control and a clear intent provides.  The mind is an extraordinarily powerful tool, let it work uninhibited without doubt and uncertainty.  That doesn’t mean new approaches and inquiry are to be avoided, rather the choices you make are with all your heart and soul…

Although not exactly the same as emotions, the mind is a powerful tool and weapon.  Harnessing the power of your mind to influence your immune system, behavior, etc. should not be underestimated.  Just realize that a person (just like you) put in the proper frame of mind can walk on hot burning coals and not burn his/her feet!  Imagine what you can do!

​

9. Micro-currents/Electronegative Static Magnetic Energy: The electrical potential of cancer is very different from normal tissues.  These micro-currents play a powerful role in cellular function.  It is an area that I continue to explore and appears to be simple to incorporate for nearly anyone.  Time will tell if this avenue is worthy of consideration.  Cells depolarize before becoming metastatic, and so one can speculate on how this approach may have been successful in those clinical cases that have responded to magnet therapy. When using magnets for cancer, remember the following rules of thumb: The magnetic pole used must be entirely negative.  The field should be larger than the primary lesion and the gauss strength greater than 25. It appears that the success rate increases if both the gauss and duration are increased.  We measure every magnet for polarity and strength before releasing it for use.  It has been reported that a minimal duration of 20 hours per day for no less than three months is required in most cases. The therapeutic effect is, in part, a result of the negative pole producing alkaline hyperoxia (abundance of oxygen). Cancer cells form their energy by making ATP in an acid anaerobic environment, which is termed acid hypoxia.

​

Russian reports indicate that using magnetic therapy along with chemotherapy increases success in the treatment of brain tumors. Patients given magnetic therapy were less sick than patients who did not receive it, and they recovered more quickly. They also had fewer problems with their adrenal glands, which chemotherapy can sometimes affect.

​

Since the amount of information available on magnetic therapy with cancer is so limited, and since cancer is such a serious condition, one should never consider magnets as a sole therapy.  Again, we are not trying to treat cancer with magnets, only to make your cellular environment as resistant to disease (including cancer) as possible.  To entice you to research Electro-Negative Static Magnetic Energy (ENSME) further, it is reported to increase cellular oxygen, pull fluids and gases, reduce fluid retention, encourage deep restorative sleep, fight infection, promote mental acuity, support biological healing, reduce inflammation, normalize acid base balance, relieve/stop pain, reduce/dissolve fatty deposits, reduce/dissolve calcium deposits, etc.

​

10. Specific Organ/Tissue involvement: There are numerous studies reporting that specific agents (some natural and some synthetically derived) have activity against certain types of cells.  Because of the legal ramifications and the implication of a therapeutic use, the discussion here is limited.

​

GENERAL BREAST CANCER PREVENTION

​

Cultural Diets: Traditional Oriental diets are associated with very low risk, traditional Mediterranean with an intermediate risk, and Western diets with a very high breast cancer risk.  Of all of the literature I reviewed regarding beneficial dietary substances, iodine insufficiency seems to be a common denominator in breast cancer.  This is not surprising given the fact that other than the thyroid gland, the breast tissue contains the most iodine than any other tissue.

​

General Nutrients: Vegetables, fruit and fish provide protection. Beans, whole grains, non-fat yogurt, and extra-virgin olive oil are fine. High animal and/or saturated fat intake seems to be associated with increased incidence of breast cancer due to increased estrogen exposure.  EPA (from fish) and GLA (from black currant seeds, primrose, borage) apparently alter the properties of tumor cell membranes to make them more responsive to chemotherapeutic agents as well as being selectively toxic to human breast cancer cells in vitro.

​

Avoiding estrogenic agents:  Agents with estrogenic effects include pesticides such as DDT, heptachlor, and atrazine, ingredients in plastic (polycarbonates and polystyrenes), magnetic fields, and petroleum by-products. Certain drugs have estrogenic effects such as cimetidine (Tagamet®) and alcohol. In addition the metabolism of estrogen can take one of two paths, one that promotes cancerous behavior (the 4 and 16 OH pathway) and the 2 OH pathway that appears to reduce cancer potential.

​

Specific Chinese herbs have been shown to dramatically lower estradiol levels.  This herbal product directly decreases estrogen production by inhibiting Aromatase, the enzyme that converts androstenedione to estrone and converts testosterone into estradiol.  This herb has been shown in several studies to directly reduce estrogen levels through this mode of action.  It also competitively attaches to estrogen receptors in estrogen-sensitive tissues. By attaching to the receptors, estrogen can no longer stimulate the tissue to proliferate. Whether or not other estrogens are reduced or the profile of estrogen metabolism is altered by these Chinese herbs has not been reported.

​

One study showed that EPA, an omega-3 oil found in fish, lowered the level of estradiol in 25 women at risk for breast cancer. As published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (Nov 2, 2005; 97 (21): 1611-5), gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) found in evening primrose oil and black currant seed oil can inhibit the action of the cancer gene, Her-2/neu.  This gene is responsible for almost 30% of all breast cancers.  GLA also improves the response to the drug Herceptin up to 40 times (not 40% but 40x).

​

IF YOU HAVE CANCER AND WOULD LIKE TO ADD A NUTRITIONAL/METABOLIC PROGRAM

​

To be successful, you must have a comprehensive and individualized approach.  Winning the battle against cancer and then losing the war to malnutrition and toxic build-up is all too common.  I can not make generalized nutritional recommendations in good conscience.  There is no other condition where careful monitoring is as crucial.  We have employed several objective monitors of your physiology in an attempt to be sure that what are doing is actually working. We want you to be sure that you are doing the right thing and not just something for the sake of doing it.  The wrong supplements may actually promote further cancer.  If you would like to get us to get involved in caring for you, call the office and we will make your visit as soon as possible (top priority on our pending appointment list).  Do not give up; we have many healthy survivors of cancer in our practice and for those without detectable cancer focus on reducing their cancering tendencies.