Nutrition Supplements for Breast Cancer Prevention

Nutrition Supplements for Breast Cancer Prevention will discuss natural and herbal supplements that have been found not to cure, but can perhaps help to enhance an individual immune system against breast cancer. As you nay know cancer cells generates havoc on one’s immune system via the cancerous mutant cells in addition to many of the cancer treatments given. For years the challenge has been finding a good balance between getting rid of the cancerous cells while boosting the immune system. At least that was the challenge that my sister had when she was fighting breast cancer.

Within my spirit, I’ve always felt that the immune system and the mind-set of the person were two very important parts to fighting this disease. However, I’m not in the medical field and during that time was really struggling to comprehend the 4 w’s (what, where, when, and why) of my sister’s illness. As revealed in my hub, Tattoos for Breast Cancer Survivors, I lost my sister to this disease way too soon. Since our loss, my younger sister (a nurse) and I attempt to stay consciously proactive with any changes that might be occurring within our bodies through education and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

If you’ve read any of my other health hubs; then you probably have guessed by now that I’m a student of Dr. Oz and his team. On a recent show Dr. Oz revealed the steps that women should be doing as preventive measures to breast cancer which are:

• Get a Routine Mammogram

As you know earlier this year there was a debate on at what age a woman should get a routine mammogram. And I’m not sure what the end results of that debate will be; however inevitable it is left up to the individual. However, Dr. Oz is recommending that you don’t skip your mammograms. Having a mammogram can play a critical role in early detection of finding breast cancer at a curable stage. Click here and read Dr. Michel Roizen’s views on who should be getting mammograms.

• Aspirin or Ibuprofen

Now this step surprised me because I had never read that taking an aspirin or ibuprofen could be used for fighting against breast cancer. However, according to Dr. Oz, “recent studies have revealed that the inflammatory process plays a role in causing malignancies in several different organs, including the breast.” As it have been advertised over the last few years, the anti-inflammatory properties in aspirin/ibuprofen are good to keep one heart healthy. But now it is believed that by taking 2 aspirin or ibuprofen a week, an individual can reduce your chance of breast cancer between 21% and 28%.

• Boost Your Immunity

More researchers are now saying that one of the best defense against cancer and other diseases is to strengthen your immune system. Some researchers of alternative medical treatments theorize that, “all cancer is the result of an immune system that didn’t destroy mutant cells.” Dr. Oz revealed that even a healthy person may have some cancer cells within their bodies. Such cancerous (or foreign) cells are destroyed via healthy cells overtaking and removing them; hence, the importance of healthy cell grow and a strong immune system.

Obviously, poor nutrition will cripple and or hinder normal bodily functions like healing a wound, managing stress, and even building immune cell blood counts. Numerous researchers have isolated 2 key areas for breast cancer prevention – estrogen regulation and immunity boosting.

The theory is that many types of breast cancer are caused by too much estrogen in one’s body. Nonetheless, there are ways you can reduce the fuel that makes cancer cells multiply, divide and spread. Scientifically proven ways to regulate estrogen and boost your immunity are through the foods that you eat and certain vitamin supplements.

Most experts agree that vitamins and other important nutrients are best if eaten in whole foods because food in its natural form may contain many other valuable components that cannot be duplicated in a processed supplement. Dr. Oz says it over and over again: the foods you eat have incredible power to heal – or harm – your body. Below are the top superfoods and supplements that have been shown to protect you from breast cancer. Incorporate them as much as you can into your daily diet.

Because most of these items can be purchase in supplement form as well; so, I’m including the entire list as nutritional supplements. Personally, I like to incorporate whole foods as well as supplements within my diet depending on convenience of the food item. For example garlic, while I love this food item I may not necessarily want to eat it every day. The nutritional supplements are as follows:

Vitamin D

Dr. Oz revealed that taking a daily regimen of (1200 IUs) vitamin D supplements can possibly prevent tumors from spreading, reduce cancer cells and help with estrogen inhibitors. One should be sure to get dietary sources of calcium (such as sardines, salmon and some dairy like milk and cheese); in addition to soaking up 15-20 minutes of sunshine every day.

Vitamin D is an immune booster and assists in improving muscle strength, reduces inflammation, and promotes calcium absorption from the small intestines. Its cancer-protective role is that it can assist in the death of the cancer cells and it slows the proliferation of cells.

Natural Garlic and or Garlic Supplements

A good immunity booster has anti-inflammatory properties and the allyl sulfur compounds reportedly help the body gets rid of cancer-causing chemicals and may help to reduce cancer cell growth. Garlic can be used to treat bacterial, yeast, fungal, and parasitic infections and can be used to treat high blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and aid in reducing heart disease.

Some proponents believe on how garlic should be ingested by eating either raw or cooked, while others believe it works just as well if it is taken in the form of garlic extracts, powders, oils, or tablets. The suggested dosage of fresh garlic should equal to 4 grams per day (about one large clove per day) to assist in healing one’s body.

Seaweed

Is a type of algae that grows in or near the sea and has been eaten as food for thousands of years.  It is another estrogen reducer, and high in iodine.  In recent years seaweed and other algae are sold as food supplements called sea vegetables.  Advocates claim that sea vegetables contain nutrients that assists in regenerating the body because organic iodine from seaweed can be absorbed easier; and fights against the degenerative diseases of asthma, cancer, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and tuberculosis.  Marketers of some blends recommend taking 3 or more capsules a day.  The dried plant can be blended into a powder and mixed into soups or other foods.

Green tea

Research has shown that in countries like Japan where people consume green tea regularly tend to have lower cancer rates.  Experts believe that having 3 cups of green tea a day can prevent breast cancer by as much as 50% because of its high EGCG antioxidant content. In addition if you squeeze a little lemon into your cup and increase the antioxidant power 10 times. Researchers think that the polyphenols help kill cancerous cells and stop their progression.  In one study of 472 women with various stages of breast cancer found that the women that consumed the most green experienced the least spread of cancer.  Green tea can be found as a supplement as well however, as with all supplements you must research the quality of the product and consult with your doctor if you are under a physicians care.

Cruciferous vegetables

Are green leafy vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and brussel sprouts. Leafy greens like kale, bok choy, and Swiss chard bind estrogen in your GI tract and reduce tumor stimulation. Cruciferous vegetables contain a unique molecule called the indole-3-carbinol, which enhances the ability of the body to detoxify cancer-causing agents; while stimulating enzymes that convert estrogen into a safer form of estrogen. They also detoxify the liver, so you don’t have toxins flowing through your body that may irritate cells and turn them into early cancers. So if your grandmother was like mine in that she always insisted that you drink the “pot liquor” from the greens because of the nutrients; now you understand why.

Olive oil

The Greeks are another population that has lower cancer rates than other countries. Many advocates contribute it to the fact that for over 4000 years Mediterranean cultures have used olive oil as a medicine. This monounsaturated fat can help suppress tumor activity. It is the only added lipid [fat] that has not been associated with increased risk of cancer.

In addition, olive oil prevents the formation of certain free radicals (highly reactive molecules) that may cause cell destruction within the human body; which is contributed to the presence of phenols, tocopherols, and other natural antioxidants. Earlier studies showed that oleic acid, the main monounsaturated fatty acid in olive oil, can assist in fighting a cancer gene responsible for 25 to 30 percent of all breast cancers.

Turmeric

The Indian cultures whose diets are rich in turmeric have lower cancer rates than countries that do not. This spice known for its beautiful orange color has been found to help decrease estrogen and can block cancer-causing toxins.Researchers found that curcumin helped to stop the metastasis of breast cancer cells to the lungs within mice. As little as 1 teaspoon a day has been shown to reduce tumor growth. It is believed that turmeric inhibits or blocks an enzyme called COX-2 that plays a key role in the initiation and progression of breast cancer. One can take it as herbal supplement capsules or get your daily dose by mixing the root or powder form into salad dressings, rice or vegetable dishes.

In conclusion of Nutrition Supplements for Breast Cancer Prevention, I think it is important to write again the above suggestions are not a cure for breast cancer. Nonetheless, anyone wishing to take a proactive approach in prevention of breast cancer should follow the above list provided by Dr. Oz’s show; it is theorized that when all steps are followed one can decrease your breast cancer risk by 50%. Also take an additional step, both male and females and be proactive by performing a self-exam of one's chest (male) and breast (females).

Important: Remember a small percentage of men (1%) develop breast cancer, as well. Statistics reveal that 480 men will die from male breast cancer in comparison to over 40,000 women will lose their lives to this disease.

In addition to the foods listed above from Dr. Oz’s lists, my research revealed that there are other foods that are believed to increase the activity of T cells and their escort cells while increasing the production of antibodies and fighting cells. The American Cancer Society provides information under its diet and nutrition section on broccoli, grapes, kombucha tea, maitaske and shiitake mushrooms, soybeans, wheatgrass, the noni plant, and more. Perhaps at a later date I will do another hub to review those findings.

During Dr. Oz’s show, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Sheryl Crow confirmed that she was eating and or supplementing all the items mentioned except she had not heard about the aspirin. She said she would be implementing that in her daily regimen immediately. Sheryl has been cancer-free since 2007 and is an advocate for routine mammograms and an activist involved with organizations like Stand Up to Cancer whose directive is to find a cure for cancer as fast as possible.

Disclaimer: This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, including the use of natural or herbal remedies, you should do your own research, and then consult your present physician.

Thank you for being a reader of this hub; please be sure to share your thoughts via the comment section below and rate it up (green button below) if you have found the information helpful and or informative.

Namaste!

05-08-10