elyn jacobs

Cancer Coach Elyn Jacobs, cancer stem cells and metastases, chemo and radiation cancer stem cells, Holistic Cancer Treatment, Natural Alternatives to Aromatase Inhibitors, natural alternatives to Tamoxifen, Radiation Therapy Risks

Why You Might Want to Think Twice About Radiotherapy for Cancer

In Alternative Cancer Therapies, Alternatives to Anti-Hormone Therapy For Breast Cancer, Alternatives to Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer, Alternatives to Tamoxifen, Anticancer diet, Breast Cancer, Cancer Coach, chemotherapy, Integrative Oncology, Natural Aromatase Inhibitors, Radiotherapy for breast cancer, Uncategorized on January 24, 2023 at 2:19 pm

“Elyn, we could do lumpectomy with radiotherapy, but did you know that radiation can result in more cancer?” These were the words the first surgeon I went to see uttered during my consult (February 2007). Stunned, I told him I would not do it. He then explained that lumpectomy wasn’t really an option considering how much cancer was in my left breast and therefore made no sense to do lumpectomy and harmful radiation. But his words of warning will never be forgotten. I chose mastectomy, but with a different surgeon who also said mastectomy was the best choice (I just felt more comfortable with him and his associated hospital).

The question one needs to ponder is why would any doctor push a cancer-promoting therapy on a person with cancer? We all know that radiation is linked to cancer, and we all know that potentially and intentionally inflicting up to 3^rd degree burns cannot be a good thing! (Read on to understand more on the harms and limitations of radiotherapy as well as chemotherapy.)

When I was diagnosed again in 2014 for stage 3 lymph node involvement, this time I was offered radiation and chemo. I declined both. My oncologist was relieved that I was declining the radiation. He suggested the chemo and when I declined, he offered low-dose chemo. I declined that too, which he was fine with. He had done his job of recommending the standard of care and backed it up with a letter to my surgeon stating I flat out refused. I embarked on a holistic protocol, which he fully supported.

So Why do Docs Recommend Radiation?

What you need to know too is that doctors and other medical professionals can lose their license to practice medicine if they fail to recommend anything other than the standard of care, meaning conventional cancer therapies such as chemo and radiation. These therapies are also part of their very limited toolbox as holistic therapies are typically not taught in medical school.

Sadly, radiation therapy is a huge profession (same for other cancer treatments), one that enthusiastic young medical students flock to. It’s what they are then trained to do and fall under the belief that they are doing good.

True, it is believed that radiotherapy that has the potential to reduce the risk of recurrence in the local area (not always but sometimes). However, no one dies of a local breast tumor, for example. And radiotherapy does nothing for the cancer stem cells, the only cancer cells that can metastasize (“mets”) to other areas such as the lungs, brain, and bones. Metastasis essentially shuts down essential organs and body systems (such as digestion, bones, lungs, liver, brain, etc.), resulting in death.[i] (Of course, the ‘treatment’ for mets is often chemotherapy, which also doesn’t target stem cells and is highly toxic to essential organs, again often resulting in death, particularly when given repeatedly).

But what these professionals do not tell you is that “Cancer stem cells (CSCs) comprise the subpopulation of tumor bulk and acquire resistant to conventional therapies and are considered as the primary tumor initiator cells. Nowadays, the tumor heterogeneity originated from CSCs, and its progenitors are accepted as a mortifying drawback in front of the cancer therapies.”[ii] Let that sink in. In layman terms, it means that CSCs are the reason that conventional treatments fail and encourage progression of the disease.

To learn more about cancer stem cells and what you can do about them, please read Cancer Stem Cells and Progression of Disease: What You Need to Know Now. In the article is a link to a second article and to a podcast of mine.

Other Risks of Radiotherapy:

Radiation increases the risk of skin cancer in the treatment area.
Radiation to lymph nodes can cause damage to lymph nodes and lead to lymphedema.
Radiation treatment to the chest can affect the heart. You may be at a higher risk of cardiac (heart) issues if your breast cancer was in the left breast. Speak to your radiologist for breathing techniques that mitigate this risk.
Radiation can cause small cracks (fractures) in the bones that are in the treatment field.
Radiation to the chest or underarm area can experience damage to the brachial plexus nerve.
Radiation injury to the nerves and muscles is called radiation-induced neuropathy or radiation fibrosis. It tends to develop in the years following treatment and slowly worsens over time [i]

If you are considering radiation (or chemo), I strongly suggest you do your research first. And always work with an integrative professional or coach if you do choose these treatments. If you have had radiotherapy or chemo, I strongly suggest you move on and embrace the fact that you made the best choice you could at the time and meanwhile work on targeting the stem cells as well as the reasons for the original cancer.

To learn more about holistic remedies for cancer, please visit my website.

For Supplement information and brand recommendations, please visit my supplement page HERE.

Always remember that you and only you can determine the best treatment for your cancer. Your cancer, your body, your choice of treatment.

In your everlasting good health,

Elyn

~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor and holistic cancer strategist who helps people make healthier, less-toxic choices for their healing. She emphasizes the importance of not just surviving cancer but surviving well and reducing the risk of recurrence. She is a Contributing Editor for The Truth About Cancer and is on the Medical Advisory Board for BeatCancer.Org and the Advisory Board to the Radical Remission Project. Elyn has written for numerous journals and publications. She was the former Executive Director of the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation and the creator and host of the Survive and Live Well Radio Show. To contact Elyn, visit www.elynjacobs.com. Elyn offers consults via Skype, phone, or in-person. Elyn does not provide online advice.

DISCLAIMER:
Elyn Jacobs does not provide medical advice. The information provided is for general information only. No online site should be used as a substitute for personal medical attention.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to forgo medical advice and treatment. This post is not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease or condition. This post does not represent medical advice, nor should it be considered to be medical advice or a replacement for medical advice. I encourage you to discuss this information with your integrative oncologist, naturopathic doctor, or conventional oncologist. The information provided is from my research and not to be taken as scientific evidence. Elyn Jacobs Consulting, Inc. does not provide endorsement for the content, claims, or products discussed in this article.

Affiliate Links Disclosure:

Some product links on some posts are affiliate links. This website is monetized in part using affiliate links. This means that if you were to click on a link that is an affiliate link and purchase an item after clicking on that link, I may receive a small percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use often. Thank you for your support!

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[i] https://www.emedicinehealth.com/how_does_metastasis_cause_death/article_em.htm

[ii] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30268439/

But what these professionals do not tell you is that “Cancer stem cells (CSCs) comprise the subpopulation of tumor bulk and acquire resistant to conventional therapies and are considered as the primary tumor initiator cells. Nowadays, the tumor heterogeneity originated from CSCs, and its progenitors are accepted as a mortifying drawback in front of the…

Alternative Cancer Therapies, Alternatives to Anti-Hormone Therapy For Breast Cancer, Alternatives to Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer, Alternatives to Tamoxifen, Anticancer diet, Breast Cancer, Cancer Coach, chemotherapy, Integrative Oncology, Natural Aromatase Inhibitors, Radiotherapy for breast cancer, Uncategorized

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Ashwagandha and virus, Best foods to eat if you have Covid, Best supplements to prevent Covid, Best supplements to take if you have Covid, Best supplements to take if you have the flu, Black Seed and Virus, Epstein Barr and Cancer, NAC and virus, Natural Antivirals, Natural Cold and Flu Remedies, Resveratrol and common cold, Resveratrol and flu, Resveratrol and Virus

Get Ready for Cold and Flu Season with Natural Antivirals

In antioxidants, COVID-19, Epstein Barr and Cancer, inflammation, Natural Antivirals, Natural remedies for Flu and Covid, Uncategorized on November 2, 2022 at 8:10 am

Is there really such a thing as flu-season and can we rely on vaccines? I am not certain, but with colds (which are viral), flus, and COVID-19 in the air, it makes sense to bolster our immune systems. A good overall strategy to prevent getting sick this winter or during the other seasons could include natural antivirals that support the body and do no harm.

Natural therapeutic food supplements have always been considered an excellent source against viral infections. Viruses hijack healthy cells and reprogram them to make more viruses, which allows the virus to spread more virulently. Therefore, halting the process can reduce viral load and make symptoms less severe.

The original “flu shot” our grandmothers concocted was typically something that contained raw garlic, onion, ginseng root, cayenne pepper, green onion (similar to scallions) turmeric, and ginger. But there are many fruits, herbs, and supplements to consider taking now for prevention and others to keep on hand if you do feel a bit under the weather. Below are a few to consider.

Resveratrol and Other Polyphenols

Studies have shown that the polyphenol resveratrol can assist in various stages of COVID-19, colds, and other viruses. A study done at the Institute of Microbiology in Rome found that resveratrol “strongly inhibited” the replication of the flu virus in cell cultures. They credited resveratrol’s antioxidant properties for targeting viruses at the cellular level. [i]

The researchers found it highly effective when administered three hours after infection or symptoms, but if your roommate, spouse, kids, coworkers, etc. are symptomatic, perhaps consider it now. While there is no conclusive evidence that it prevents viruses altogether, it might lessen the severity. Resveratrol is found in red grapes, red wine, grape juice, blueberries, bilberries, and cranberries, but can also be found in supplement form (typically extracted from Japanese knotweed roots).

Another study published in Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that resveratrol has antiviral activity against numerous viruses responsible for severe respiratory infections. Its anti-inflammatory properties can be credited for lowering the risk of severe virus-related complications related to the overactivation of the host-immune response, leading to lung damage. [ii]

Polyphenols, in general, are found to be anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial and thus can be effective against viral infections. Most plant-based foods such as vegetables and fruits contain polyphenols that exert these antiviral activities. But berries, herbs, and spices have some of the highest polyphenol content. Berries such as elderberries, blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries have consistently proven to be effective against viral infections. They are known to strongly impede the replication in cell lines which may relieve the symptoms of cold and flu viruses. A 2021 study published in the National Library of Medicine, “Berry Derived Constituents in Suppressing Viral Infection: Potential Avenues for Viral Pandemic Management” found that “berries could be an alternative source for managing viral infections.” [iii]

Previous studies have shown that elderberry can reduce flu symptoms and shorten the duration of symptoms in half, but more recently scientists have identified a compound in elderberries that binds to cell receptor sites to block viruses, essentially immobilizing the flu virus. Apparently, a unique phytochemical in elderberries blocks the virus from hijacking healthy cells, preventing the virus from replicating. In doing so it may cut recovery time to 48 hours. The extract was also able to stimulate the immune system to coordinate a more efficient response to the virus, contributing to the shortened duration. [iv]

A study published in the American Journal of Physiology/Endocrinology and Metabolism, “Can Phytotherapy with Polyphenols Serve as a Powerful Approach for the Prevention and Therapy Tool of Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)?” reported on the clinical utility of plants-derived polyphenols in fighting viral infections. The researchers found that “polyphenols help to suppress viral replication, inflammation, and additional pathogenic conditions as well as to help restore the natural immune response.” [v]

While the following conclusion was made in 2020 before vaccines were offered, it amazes me that polyphenolic compounds have not gotten much attention with respect to COVID:

“Given the lack of vaccine and effective antiviral agents for COVID-19, evidence is provided to propose that natural polyphenolic compounds may serve as a useful arsenal to mitigate coronaviral infection in view of their established beneficial properties and functions.” (levy, 2020)[vi]

More Options

Ginger has anti-inflammatory, fever-breaking (although fevers do help the body to heal, too high a fever is not always great), blood-thinning, and antiviral activity.

A good multivitamin, adequate vitamins A, C, and D, zinc, selenium, probiotics, mushroom extracts, beta glucans, selenium, and astragalus support immune function, helping to slow down the speed at which pathogens replicate and mutate.

Zinc and Chaga mushroom inhibit the ability of viruses to reproduce and spread. Magnesium, fish or krill oil, vitamin E, and curcumin (turmeric) are natural anti-inflammatories. Also helpful are holy basil/ tulsi, ashwagandha, raw garlic, propolis, and NAC (N-acetylcysteine).

Antiviral colloidal silver, quercetin, olive leaf extract, monolaurin, and lysine are also quite helpful. One of my absolute favorites, especially for COVID (or the vaccine) is black cumin (also known as nigella and black seed).

Given the general lack of efficacy of past flu shots and considering the inability of COVID vaccines to prevent a person from getting or spreading the virus (and the risks involved with these shots), natural means of support may be worth considering.

On a side note:

Found that in preclinical studies, resveratrol also helped prevent malignant transformation of human B cells in response to the Epstein Barr virus (EBV), a process linked to many cancers. (For more information on EBV and cancer, please visit Epstein Barr and Cancer.

For Supplement information and brand recommendations, please visit my supplement page HERE.

In your everlasting good health,

Elyn

~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~

DISCLAIMER:
Elyn Jacobs does not provide medical advice. The information provided is for general information only. No online site should be used as a substitute for personal medical attention.

Affiliate Links Disclosure:

Follow Elyn on Facebook

Follow Elyn on LinkedIn

[i] https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2005/05/24/Resveratrol-could-prevent-flu-epidemics#

[ii] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0163725820301431

[iii] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34857187/

[iv] https://backyardbend.com/study-elderberries-block-flu-virus-from-attaching-to-and-entering-human-cells/

[v] https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpendo.00298.2020

[vi] https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpendo.00298.2020

[vii] https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpendo.00298.2020

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best diet for fatty liver, Declining estrogen and fatty liver, estrogen and cardiovascular health, Fatty Liver and Estrogen, Fructose and liver health, high protein diet for liver health, milk thistle for fatty liver, reversing fatty liver disease, Why you shouldn't take aromatase inhibitors

Estrogen and Your Liver: What you Need to Know About Declining Estrogen and NAFLD

In Alternatives to Anti-Hormone Therapy For Breast Cancer, antioxidants, aromatase inhibitors, Bio-Identical Hormones, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, Estrogen, Estrogen and Breast Cancer, Hot Flashes and Night Sweats, inflammation, Integrative Oncology, menopause, NAFLD and Estrogen, Natural Alternatives to Aromatase Inhibitors, Natural Aromatase Inhibitors, Uncategorized on May 16, 2022 at 9:03 am

Estrogen plays a key role in our body. It is involved in everything from prepping for reproduction to keeping bones strong and eyes healthy. It improves insulin sensitivity and facilitates the export of lipids from the liver. It protects the heart and modulates cholesterol. Estrogen controls everything from the smoothness of your skin to where your body stores fat. Declining estrogen is driving an epidemic of fatty liver among postmenopausal women.

Reduced Estrogen and Your Liver

Many women are all too aware that declining estrogen levels result in hot flashes, mood swings, thinning of the hair, osteoporosis, and weight gain. But when estrogen drops, there’s no longer enough of it to steer where your fat goes-and so the fat goes where the body can most easily store it — the liver. This is turn antagonizes the metabolic and inflammatory alterations that trigger and boost a harmful condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Early-stage NAFLD does not usually cause any harm, but it can lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis. Having high levels of fat in your liver is also associated with an increased risk of other serious health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.

Researchers at the University of Vermont found that decreasing estrogen levels are associated with an 82% increase in fat stored in the liver and other organs.[i]

By the age of 40, up to 90% of women are battling a fat-clogged liver, and post-menopausal women are developing NAFLD 60% faster than men of the same age.[ii] The buildup of fat in the liver also often leads to a pileup on pounds on the waist, hips, and thighs. Elevated ALT and AST on lab reports may be indicative of a fatty liver, especially if ALT is significantly higher than AST.

Lack of estrogen is associated with increases in cellular toxicity in the presence of abnormal fat accumulation, which can result in cell death, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress, and with decreases in anti-inflammatory cytokines.[iii]

It is becoming increasingly clear that once women reach menopause, they are exposed to increasing risks of developing complications due to a decrease in estrogen-related protective effects. Among the numerous protective effects of estrogen, preventing liver fat accumulation is important due to its role in the development of insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases.[iv]

“It’s never too late to turn the tide and eliminate liver fat”, Fred Pescatore, M.D.

What you can do NOW!

Cut down on fats and Fructose Results from animal studies indicate that high dietary fat (including nut butters and tahini) or fructose (eat fruit, skip fruit juice and certainly no high fructose corn syrup) intake can synergistically enhance the effects of estrogen deficiency, leading to exaggerated effects on liver injury and fat accumulation.[v]

Over the past century, the increased intake of added sugars (fructose in particular) is associated with increased incidence and progression of NAFLD and liver inflammation. Fructose enhances liver cell destruction, macrophage accumulation, and progression of fibrosis, all negative effects that can be reverted by estrogen supplementation. While bioidentical estrogens may not be a good option for many women (and synthetic estrogen is never a good idea), intentionally inhibiting estrogen may not make sense.

Lose weight and exercise. The rising trends in obesity has been linked with the increase in the incidence and severity of NAFLD. Currently, 74% of Americans over the age of 20 are either overweight or obese. In Europe the number is 60%, with 30% among children (up from 61% and 50% respectfully) Normal-weight postmenopausal women with lipid and glucose and insulin levels within normal range are at a lower risk of developing NAFLD.

Therefore, efforts to emphasize healthy diet and regular physical activity should be especially emphasized in middle-aged women as they approach menopause to prevent the development of NAFLD. Exercise seems to exert an estrogenic-like effect not only on expression of genes involved in lipid accumulation but also on expression of genes of inflammation in the liver.[vi]

Eat more protein. It is important to get sufficient protein, something we need more of as we age. A high protein (lower carb) diet can help switch off the genes responsible for storing fat in the liver (but not necessarily the Keto diet which is often too restrictive for optimal health and may include harmful processed meats such as bacon). Researchers reporting in the journal Liver International found that eating a high-protein diet cuts liver fat in half (a low-protein diet didn’t change liver fat).

Another study found that the genes responsible for liver-fat storage were less active in high protein dieters. “Amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins and boosting your intake of amino acids has been shown to help speed metabolism and fat burning,” explains Dr. Fred Pescatore in Fit for Women magazine.[vii] Animal-based proteins contain something calling branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which appear to be the most crucial to both weight loss and eliminating liver fat. More specifically, the branched-chain amino acid leucine, for example, instructs the body to burn the deep visceral fat that collects in the liver, while valine helps remove toxins from the liver. This lightens the load on the liver so it can focus on eliminating fat buildup. Studies show that following a high-protein diet for just two weeks can dramatically reduce liver fat. Protein also keeps you full longer so it may help with weight loss or management.

While the basic recommendation is to load up on protein, variety is helpful. While plant-based proteins are fine for most people, animal proteins contain all the BCAAs that are most crucial to eliminating liver fat (and encouraging weight loss). Wild-caught fish is a great option, alternating with grass-fed meats. You can even change up the amino acid profile by eating different types of fish and different cuts of meat. Full fat dairy is another option as it has a high concentration of BCAAs. Full-fat dairy is also rich in carnitine, which helps the body convert fat into energy, helping to eliminating liver fat (all dairy products should be organic and from pastured animals, never conventionally processed). The more carnitine, the more quickly fat gets burned.

Eggs, while controversial, are an excellent source of choline, a B vitamin that heals and energizes liver cells. Choline may help reduce your risk of fatty liver disease and interferes with progression. Choline deficiency is associated with liver dysfunction.[viii] (Choline is also found in meat, poultry, fish, dairy, cruciferous vegetables, and potatoes.)

While many studies show a beneficial role exerted by high-protein diets in reducing body weight and in reverting fatty liver disease, other studies suggest that high-protein diets can instead promote the development of NAFLD. Hence, don’t go overboard on protein—balance it out with a lot of vegetables and some fruits. Even too much of a good thing is not good and excess protein not a good idea for other reasons.

Eat your vegetables. For copious reasons, vegetable should be eaten throughout the day. They provide phytochemicals that keep inflammation in check so the liver can function optimally. Cruciferous veggies are particularly helpful as they are rich in indole, which helps break down liver fat. Also helpful are avocados, coconut, dandelion greens, mushrooms, okra, and squashes.

Get some sun. Unprotected sun exposure can also be helpful (no sunscreen) as UV light prompts the skin to make vitamin D, which switches on the liver enzymes that burn trapped fats for fuel. Get more sunshine or take vitamin D3.

Cut back on carbs. This is key to preventing future fat build up in your liver.

Supplement with Milk Thistle. Milk Thistle has been found to spur the growth of new liver cells damaged by fat buildup. The remarkable silymarin in it increases the body’s levels of liver detox enzymes dramatically. Studies confirm that milk thistle can protect liver function, prevent liver damage, and normalize elevated liver enzyme levels. Like silymarin, vitamins A, C, and E act like an antioxidant and support the live- just be sure not to take too much vitamin A.

Breast Cancer and Aromatase Inhibitors

This begs the question as to why oncologists are so bent on further reducing estrogen in postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive breast cancers. This issue is indicative of many medical professionals. In my opinion, the goal should be to concentrate on estrogen metabolism and not reduction. Thus, it is up to you, the person whose goal is to keep the entire body healthy, and to make choices that best fit your needs. Taking hormone-blocking drugs is a choice, but any decision made from fear is likely not a good one. Please do your own research so there are no regrets.

To learn how to better manage hormones if you are in a cancerous state or have healed from hormone-related cancers, please visit my website or read my article Natural Alternatives to Anti-Hormone Therapies for Breast Cancer: What Your Doctor May Know but Cannot Recommend. To learn more about detoxification and estrogen, please visit my webpage on that.

Elyn Jacobs does not provide medical advice. The information provided is for general information only. No online site should be used as a substitute for personal medical attention.

Excerpted in Part from First for Women Magazine

[i] https://www.pressreader.com/usa/first-for-women/20210607/281539408793660

[ii] https://www.pressreader.com/usa/first-for-women/20210607/281539408793660

[iii] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2020.572490/full

[iv] https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jnme/2012/914938/

[v] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29751074/

[vi] https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jnme/2012/914938/

[vii] https://www.pressreader.com/usa/first-for-women/20210607/281539408793660

[viii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3601486/; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/22202-choline-supplement