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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 3rd 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.

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.

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!

Follow Elyn on Facebook

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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…

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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

Other Recent Top Posts:

Natural Alternatives to Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer

Natural Alternatives to Tamoxifen

Why Cancer Returns

Natural Alternatives to Aromatase Inhibitors

Could the Natural Alternative to Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors be in Your Refrigerator? Part I

Why You Need to Know About IP-6 if You Have Cancer

Bone Health Myth for Breast Cancer Patients

Low Dose Naltrexone for Cancer and Thyroid

Progesterone and Breast Cancer

Butyric Acid and Cancer (Yes, eat cooked cold potatoes)

Top 12 Supplements for Prostate Cancer

Two Powerful Anticancer Substances and Why YOU Should Consider Them

One Unique Cancer Killer You Need to Know About (and support during chemo) 

What You Need to Know About P53 The Tumor Suppressor Gene

Enzymes for Optimal Health and Healing

Healing Elyn: My Healing Journey

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.

Important Disclaimer: Elyn Jacobs Consulting, Inc. does not provide endorsement for the content, claims, or products discussed in this article. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to forgo medical advice and treatment.

Affiliate Links Disclosure:

Some product links on some posts are affiliate links. This website is monetized in part through the use of 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!

Follow Elyn on Facebook

Follow Elyn on LinkedIn

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Bone Broth and Acid Reflux

In Alternative Cancer Therapies, Anticancer diet, Anticancer foods, foods for colon cancer, foods for breast cancer, Bone Health Cancer Treatments, Breast Cancer, Uncategorized on April 26, 2022 at 3:24 pm

Strong Evidence On Bone Broth: Article shared from BrothMasters. Get 10%off first order.

Nutrients & Acid Reflux

Do you feel burning sensations in your chest after you eat? 

How about difficulty swallowing, chronic sore throat, or hoarseness during the morning hours?

All of these can be symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), commonly known as Acid Reflux. People with GERD have a slightly higher risk of getting adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.

There are many possible causes of GERD –– ranging from:
 

  • Smoking 
  • Laying down after eating
  • Too much pressure on the abdomen from pregnancy or being overweight
  • Consumption of dairy, spicy foods, fried foods, or caffeine (which relaxes muscles that allow stomach acid to travel up your esophagus)

Obviously, we’re not doctors, and we’re in no position to diagnose you with GERD or tell you how to treat it. 

With that said, we’re always on the lookout for solid studies that point towards relief. (Especially when they involve nutrients in bone broth.) 

That’s why we were intrigued by a 2013 randomized controlled trial published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences.

Normally, when you are suffering from GERD, the doctor might suggest a Proton Pump Inhibitor (such as Prilosec) to lower the amount of acid your stomach makes.

However, for individuals with a unique form of reflux called non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) that common treatment doesn’t work very well. 

So –– for this study –– researchers gathered 20 patients who were experiencing these stubborn NERD symptoms.

10 of them were given a placebo for the 14-day study. The others were given a melt-in-mouth adhesive strip containing Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Sulfate (which are nutrients found in bone broth.)

The results were impressive:

Two weeks later, every patient taking the HA+CS treatment saw a significant reduction in the intensity of their heartburn and acid regurgitation symptoms.

And 50% saw their reflux symptoms disappear altogether.

By comparison, only 10% of patients who took the placebo saw their symptoms disappear. 

60% of the treatment patients also felt it taking action in under 30 minutes –– versus just 30% of the placebo group.

The researchers concluded: “A fixed combination of HA + CS has demonstrated to be effective in gastroesophageal reflux control, with a rapid onset of action.”

Now, we can’t necessarily extrapolate the results of this study (which, again, used a melt-in-mouth adhesive strip) to bone broth.

For that, we would need a study that specifically tested bone broth: something that has never been done.

Meanwhile, I (Elyn) would like to add that the gelatin in bone broth supports healthy digestion. Importantly, bone broth helps repair the lining of your gut, which is something we hear about all of the time now.  Gut health=overall health. Leaky gut is the root cause of autoimmune disorders and many cancers. Read more HERE. Order Bone Broth HERE.

Bone Broth has numerous health benefits, Acid Reflux being only one of the many.
BrothMasters

What we can tell you is that every pouch of BrothMasters contains meaningful amounts of Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Sulfate. In fact, we use grass fed and pasture-raised bones and simmer them for 48 hours to get those exact nutrients into the broth for you. 

And we often hear from customers after they put it to the test:

“The best broth you can buy! I have one or two cups of broth per day and I love it. It has a rich, homemade taste that is far superior to any other broth on the market. I have struggled with acid reflux for years and it is much improved after adding this broth to my daily routine.” – Donna B

If you’ve been struggling with Acid Reflux, why not try them out?

I love this broth, hope you do as well. A sprinkle of Celtic sea salt and can be enjoyed simply warmed up or can be used instead of regular broth in soups and stews.

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.

Important Disclaimer: Elyn Jacobs Consulting, Inc. does not provide endorsement for the content, claims, or products discussed in this article. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to forgo medical advice and treatment.

Affiliate Links Disclosure:

Some product links on some posts are affiliate links. This website is monetized in part through the use of 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!

Follow Elyn on Facebook

Follow Elyn on LinkedIn

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Progesterone and Breast Cancer

In Alternative Cancer Therapies, Alternatives Cancer Treatment, Alternatives to Anti-Hormone Therapy For Breast Cancer, Alternatives to Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer, Alternatives to Tamoxifen, Anticancer diet, Anticancer foods, foods for colon cancer, foods for breast cancer, aromatase inhibitors, Bio-Identical Hormones, BPA and breast cancer, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, Estrogen, Estrogen and Breast Cancer, Healing Cancer Naturally, Hormone Balance, infertility, insomnia, Integrative Oncology, Natural Alternatives to Aromatase Inhibitors, Natural Aromatase Inhibitors, Tamoxifen, Uncategorized on January 29, 2022 at 12:59 pm

Progesterone is vital to the female body, yet many women fear it. Progesterone is the key to many aspects of female health, and often thought of as one of the most important hormones. But most women have very low levels of progesterone which can result in estrogen dominance and can significantly increase one’s risk of breast cancer!

In short, estrogen and progesterone work in tandem. The former hormone helps cancerous cells flourish while the latter puts the brakes on cell growth and proliferation.

Why You NEED Progesterone

Progesterone is the precursor to other important hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. These hormones play a significant role in female health, influencing everything from cognitive function, menopause, fertility, helping the uterus to grow during pregnancy, normal breast development during puberty, and so much more, including breast cancer prevention. Importantly, the body depends on the right balance of these hormones in order to function properly.

“Estrogen can cause cells to grow or proliferate, but progesterone decreases proliferation/cell growth while encouraging cells to become more specialized or mature, so in effect, progesterone’s actions decrease cancer risk. When progesterone is present, its receptors make the estrogen receptor no longer able to cause breast cells to grow or proliferate.”[i] (The Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research). More on receptors below.

Natural progesterone is not to be feared. In fact, it is widely believed that estrogen can only fuel breast cancer in the absence of progesterone. In essence, progesterone puts the brakes on cell proliferation and growth. Estrogen should also not be feared and is actually essential for so many reasons (heart, bone, and eye health, etc.) The Important thing is to help your body metabolize estrogen properly so the body can use what it needs and excrete the excess ( a topic beyond the scope of this article).

The confusion about progesterone comes from studies using progestin (synthetic progesterone). Progestins are NOT the same thing as progesterone. But again, one of progesterone’s jobs is to decrease the risk for breast cancer. It does that by decreasing the proliferation often caused by excess estrogen.

Importantly, chemical estrogens (also known as xenoestrogens) such as BPA (bisphenol A) and other chemicals often found in home and personal care items are another story. They DO fuel breast cancer. For more information on the damages of BPA and BPS please read: BPA: The Bathroom Toxin that Fuels Breast Cancer.

Symptoms of Progesterone Deficiency Include:

  • Unexplained fatigue and low energy
  • Intense PMS symptoms such as cramps and moodiness
  • Dizziness
  • Difficultly sleeping
  • Irritability
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Fibrocystic breasts
  • Mood swings
  • Hot flashes
  • Low libido
  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Weight gain
  • Fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Infertility and miscarriage
  • Uterine bleeding
  • Breast and other cancers

Some women have been progesterone-deficient most of their lives, whereas others find themselves in this predicament around age 45 or so, when the ovaries stop making the hormones estrogen and progesterone and turn the job over to the adrenals. Regardless, it is imperative that we increase progesterone if it is low and in turn, balance the hormones. Clearly the list above gives you enough reasons.

Raising Progesterone

Foods that can help raise progesterone include broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, beans, and nuts. Supplements include magnesium, and vitamin E (mixed tocopherols). Chaste Tree (Vitex) can also stimulate progesterone. Activated B6 is necessary for the synthesis of progesterone and helps the liver to metabolize and break down estrogen (B6 can also available in food sources such as leafy greens, peppers, carrots, asparagus, broccoli, walnuts, eggs, sweet potatoes, and sunflower seeds. For the carnivores, you can find it in grass-fed beef and beef liver). Zinc supports the production and use of progesterone. A deficiency in zinc increases estrogen sensitivity and decreases the progesterone response.

Things that deplete progesterone are stress and excessive exercise (which cause the body to produce stress hormones instead of progesterone).

Importantly, too much zinc will deplete copper. While copper can promote cancer, the body does need just a bit. Cooper deficiency can cause extreme tiredness, elevated cholesterol, brittle bones, increase risk of infection, and more.

A Note About Bio-Identical Progesterone

It is important to understand the difference between progesterone that is made by the body or is molecularly similar to one’s own natural progesterone and synthetic progesterone, which has been molecularly altered. This is why many women opt for bio-identical progesterone.

However, as discussed in a previous article,  Could Aromatase Inhibitors Actually Increase One’s Risk for Breast Cancer prescription bio-identicals can be problematic. According to Dr Mache Seibel, M.D., author of The Estrogen Window, you must be careful with compounded bio-identicals. This is because sometimes the progesterone in compounded formulas can be 60-80% lower than ordered and estrogen 80-200% higher than ordered which can result in increased estrogen dominance. This could raise your risk of hormone-driven cancer.

Another option is bio-identical topical creams. There are a few good ones on the market, but one I use is Progesto-life. According to the instructions, you just rub a quarter teaspoon into your wrist or belly.

I strongly suggest you work with a qualified practitioner before beginning any type of bio-identical hormones. There is much we don’t know and some react differently than others. Please know that your oncologist might not be trained to discuss this with you.  

Importantly, please do not confuse hormone levels with receptor status!

Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. They travel in your bloodstream to tissues or organs to help them do their work.

Estrogen and progesterone receptors are proteins in cells that bind hormones and switch genes on and off, changing the cell’s behavior. Hormone receptor-positive breast cancers have many receptors, and the tumor cells become overly sensitive to estrogen. When estrogen activates the estrogen receptor, it signals the genes that tell the cells to keep dividing, driving tumor growth. However, when breast cancer cells have working progesterone receptors, and there is sufficient progesterone available, progesterone will slow down estrogen fueled growth and division of these cells.

The late John Lee, MD, author of What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer maintained that when activated by progesterone, its receptors attach themselves to estrogen receptors. This tells the genes that promote growth to pivot and instead promote the death of cancer cells.

A study published in the Dec 2016 edition of the journal Nature, led by Cambridge-based Cancer Research U.K. researcher Dr. Jason Carroll of the University of Adelaide in Australia found that progesterone –via the progesterone receptor– reprograms the estrogen receptor, causing the cells to stop growing as quickly. For more information, please read my article, Progesterone and Breast Cancer.

So, if you are ER and or PR positive it simply means you have receptors for these hormones. It does not mean you have high levels of either hormone. In fact, most doctors recommend tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors without even testing hormone levels, which could be a big mistake (particularly in the case of aromatase inhibitors).

For those who have or have had TNBC (triple negative breast cancer), progesterone has been found to inhibit this type of cancer as well.

This article is a re-write from a previous article of mine published in January 2020.

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.

Important Disclaimer: Elyn Jacobs Consulting, Inc. does not provide endorsement for the content, claims, or products discussed in this article. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to forgo medical advice and treatment.

Affiliate Links Disclosure:

Some product links on some posts are affiliate links. This website is monetized in part through the use of 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.cemcor.ca/resources/does-taking-progesterone-alone-or-estrogen-increase-women%E2%80%99s-risk-breast-cancer

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Everyday Toxins In Our Household

In Alternative Cancer Therapies, Alternatives Cancer Treatment, BPA and breast cancer, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, Healing Cancer Naturally, Hormone Balance, organic skin care, Uncategorized on October 28, 2021 at 1:12 pm

Have questions on what common household products fuel breast cancer? Join Lilly and I in the Lillian Mc Dermott Classroom, When You Need a Friend, Thursday, November 4th  at 12:05 pm EST. The show will be live at 12:05pm EST, on both Facebook and YouTube. Hope to see you there!

REPLAY LINK ON FACEBOOK You can also find it on YouTube BitChute.

Here is the link to Keep Me Safe Organic Cosmetics that Lilly and I discussed- KMSO. For more information on BPA and what you can do about it, read my post on BPA.

Also, I have started a new private group on Facebook, Cancer Coach Elyn. If interested, you can visit it HERE. Please do not forget to answer the group questions if you would like to join.

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.

Important Disclaimer: Elyn Jacobs Consulting, Inc. does not provide endorsement for the content, claims, or products discussed in this article. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to forgo medical advice and treatment.

Affiliate Links Disclosure:

Some product links on some posts are affiliate links. This website is monetized in part through the use of 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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Square One FREE Online Anticancer Series

In Alternative Cancer Therapies, Alternatives Cancer Treatment, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, cancer stem cells, chemotherapy, colon cancer, Integrative Oncology, IVC and Cancer, prostate cancer on October 8, 2021 at 9:41 am

Get the Roadmap to Radically Transform Your Life and Give Your Body the Nutritional Support it Needs to Heal & Prevent Cancer.

Square One is FREE online, October 12th-21st, with a replay weekend October 23rd and 24th. Watch the trailer HERE.

Also, I have started a new private group on Facebook, Cancer Coach Elyn. If interested, you can visit it HERE. Please do not forget to answer the group questions if you would like to join.

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. Elyn specializes in understanding the role of estrogen in breast cancer and debunks the myths associated. 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 http://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.

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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Tips on Cancer Prevention

In Alternative Cancer Therapies, Alternatives to Anti-Hormone Therapy For Breast Cancer, Anticancer diet, antioxidants, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, EMFs and breast cancer, Estrogen and Breast Cancer, foods that target cancer stem cells, Healing Cancer Naturally, Health Benefits of Rebounding, Uncategorized on September 20, 2021 at 9:00 am

I will be on the Lillian Mc Dermott Radio show, When You Need a Friend, today at 12:05 pm EST. The show will be live at 12:05pm EST, on both Facebook and YouTube. Hope to see you there!

Also, I have started a new private group on Facebook, Cancer Coach Elyn. If interested, you can visit it HERE. Please do not forget to answer the group questions if you would like to join.

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. Elyn specializes in understanding the role of estrogen in breast cancer and debunks the myths associated. 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 http://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.

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!

Follow Elyn on Facebook
Follow Elyn on LinkedIn

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Natural Alternatives to Anti-Hormone Therapies for Breast Cancer: What your Doctor May Know but Cannot Recommend

In Alternative Cancer Therapies, Alternatives to Anti-Hormone Therapy For Breast Cancer, Alternatives to Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer, Alternatives to Tamoxifen, Anticancer diet, Anticancer foods, foods for colon cancer, foods for breast cancer, aromatase inhibitors, Bio-Identical Hormones, BPA and breast cancer, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, colon cancer, Estrogen, Estrogen and Breast Cancer, Healing Cancer Naturally, Hormone Balance, Natural Alternatives to Aromatase Inhibitors, SERMS, Tamoxifen, Uncategorized on April 27, 2021 at 2:12 pm

Natural alternatives to anti-hormone therapies have been well-known for a long time. Oncologists are often hesitant to recommend them as they are required to stick to the ‘standard of care’ (SOC), which limits them to drugs such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. That does not mean they are not aware that there are alternatives that can be as good or even better than pharmaceutical drugs. However, alternatives are typically not taught in medical school and your doctor may not feel comfortable in recommending them even if s/he could.

So, what can you do?

There are many things you can do to balance your hormones naturally and minimize the cancerous effects of your own estrogen and more importantly, the chemical estrogens in your world. Chemical estrogens (xeno-estrogens) may include but are not limited to chemicals such as BPA (bisphenol A) as would be found in beauty and home products, weed killers, insecticides, and pesticides (especially glyphosate). Oral contraceptives, cash register receipts, plastics, and paper products such as toilet paper and paper towels are also problematic. When too many of these aggressive estrogen molecules occupy estrogen receptor sites, this is when cancer can grow. The first and foremost thing to do is to get these things out of your life as much as possible. Buy organic foods, free of pesticides and GMOs whenever possible. Aim for a variety of 8-10 servings of vegetables and 2-4 servings of fruit daily. Limit processed and packaged foods and use only clean home and personal care products.

Certain nutrients, botanicals, and nutrient compounds impact the body’s ability to process toxins. Top choices are cruciferous vegetables, garlic, onions (red, white, chives, leeks, scallions, and shallots), parsley, leafy greens, turmeric, berries, lemon water, green tea, beets, flax seeds, and artichokes. Consume these regularly to support your body’s natural detoxification systems. Drinking pure water and sweating are very helpful too!

For information about helpful supplements for estrogen management and detoxification, visit the Supplement Page on my website or request my handouts.

BPA: The Bathroom Toxin that Fuels Breast Cancer

The Role of Phytoestrogens

A number of nutrients, botanicals, and nutrient compounds have varying effects on the cancerous process. You may have been told by your doctor to avoid phytoestrogens (plant estrogens), but these substances can inhibit breast cancer! Phytoestrogens are plant compounds with a similar molecular shape and structure to endogenous estrogen molecules. Phytoestrogens such as flax and sesame seeds work like SERMS (selective estrogen receptor modulators) such as tamoxifen. They modulate the effects of estrogen in the body by connecting to their receptors (just as tamoxifen does) thus inhibiting cancer cell replication.

Seeds such as flax and sesame contain lignans, molecules that bind to estrogen receptors just like tamoxifen. Binding turns on, or activates, a hormone receptor. Activation sets in motion cell signaling systems that trigger gene expression. In other words, phytoestrogens are similar enough to estrogen that they can bind to estrogen receptors, but cancer cells cannot use them in the same way as your own natural estrogen or chemical estrogens (they are far less potent). Lignans activate far weaker than your own estrogen or chemical estrogens. What this means is that they cannot stimulate breast cells to divide. They ‘park’ on the estrogen receptors, essentially blocking harmful estrogens from being able to bind to that receptor and do the dirty deed.

Further, flax and sesame seeds reduce tumor growth by increasing cell death and decreasing angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels that allow cancer to advance). Flaxseed has also been found to knock down (inhibit) CYP1B1, an enzyme that plays a role in estrogen metabolism. CYP1B1 converts estrogen to the less favorable metabolites. CYP1B1 also tends to make environmental toxins more carcinogenic. It is expressed in ovarian, uterine, and breast tissues and is implicated in colon cancer as well.

Read more about the lignans in flax and sesame seed in my articles Demystifying Flaxseed and Estrogen and Gluten-Free Anticancer, Anti-inflammatory Seeded Flatbread.

Soy is another powerful phytoestrogen that only weakly interacts with receptors. Plus, for many people, the genistein in soy works hard to inhibit cancer growth factors. Soy is a bit more controversial as in some people it can interfere with thyroid function, so speak with your doctor before consuming it.

There are many other phytoestrogens that inhibit the estrogen-related cancerous process. I focused on the seeds and soy as the information on these can be confusing. Fennel, clove, citrus peels, clary sage, and myrrh are a few other good ones.

Demystifying Flaxseed and Estrogen
Gluten-Free Anticancer, Anti-inflammatory Seeded Flatbread

Natural Aromatase Inhibitors

For women who have an over-abundance of natural estrogen (again, often a result of toxin overload, imparied estrogen metabolism, and chronic stress), reducing aromatase might be helpful. However, it is not necessary to rely on pharmaceutical aromatase inhibitors (loaded with terrible side effects) to lower the production of aromatase (which produces estrogen). Eat foods such as button mushrooms, celery and parsley (rich in apigenin), rosemary, citrus peel, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseed. Supplements such as D3, DIM, vitamin K2, calcium D-glucarate, zinc, grapeseed extract, gingko biloba, myomin, chrysin, red wine, and sea cucumber are natural aromatase inhibitors as well.

Importantly, many women do not need to and should not reduce estrogen, particularly if they have extremely low levels. I caution you not to severely inhibit estrogen, either by holistic or pharmaceutical means. Low estrogen contributes to osteoporosis, heart disease, ocular damage[i], and so much more. Sadly, doctors often order aromatase inhibitors for people without even testing hormone levels.

That said, even if estrogen levels are low, it is still essential to metabolize and excrete estrogen, the way nature intended to be.

Of note, DIM helps with phase 1 liver detoxification, so the toxins and hormones will be broken down and eliminated. However, without an active phase ll pathway, these toxins could get recirculated in the body, rather than being eliminated. When you combine DIM (or Indole-3-carbinol) with sulforaphane and calcium D- glucarate, the nutrients help the liver complete the detox process and eliminate the excess estrogen from the body.

Estrogen is NOT always the Problem

All of that said, estrogen is NOT always the problem. Most people who suffer from hormone imbalance are deficient in progesterone. Progesterone sort of puts the brakes on estrogens’ cancerous activity. While you can use a progesterone cream or perhaps use bioidentical, I would encourage you to try to balance your hormones with diet and supplements.  

Things that help raise progesterone are stress reduction, zinc, thyme, vitamin C, magnesium, cruciferous vegetables, vitamin E, Chaste Tree (Vitex), and activated B6 (also available in food sources such as leafy greens, peppers, carrots, asparagus, broccoli, walnuts, eggs, sweet potatoes, and sunflower seeds. For the carnivores, you can find it in grass-fed beef and beef liver). Activated B6 is necessary for the synthesis of progesterone. It is also necessary for the liver to metabolize and break down estrogen, which can help reduce estrogen dominance. You can find activated B6 here at Amazon or at your local drugstore.

Good info on progesterone in this article, Eternity: Quite Possibly the Best Bio-Identical Progesterone Cream

Estrogen Metabolism and Methylation

Estrogen metabolism and methylation play a role in hormone-sensitive cancers. To control the level of estrogen in the body, we need a way to break it down and eliminate it. This is mostly done by the liver, where enzymes create metabolites, known as catechol estrogens, that can either be favorable or less favorable for estrogen metabolism. Supplements such as DIM, Indole-3-Carbinol and Calcium-d-glucarate (not calcium) support healthy metabolism and elimination of estrogen. That said, not everything is right for everyone, so you may want to do some testing to see what works best for you.

A simple blood test is one option if you just want an idea of your hormone levels. However, because hormone levels vary day to day as well as throughout the day, a blood test may not accurately reflect hormone levels. It will also not provide information regarding methylation and pathways. But it is a start.

Saliva tests are another option, which are believed to test hormones at the cellular level, as opposed to the blood test with measures the level of hormones circulating in the blood stream. You can purchase home kits. See my supplement page if you need recommendations.

The Dutch Test can give you a baseline measurement of hormonal imbalances. It will show you what your estrogen profile looks like and what pathway the estrogens are headed down. Among a lot of other things, it will show methylation and even if things such as DIM, for example, are working for you or against you. For more information see their website.

The Nutrition Genome Test looks at the genetic gene mutations (inherited DNA alterations) you may have been born with that could be affecting estrogen metabolism and driving the growth of cancer.

For example, COMT is a gene that plays a role in methylation and estrogen metabolism. If you have variants of this gene, you might have sluggish methylation. However, it does not affect everyone the same way and can be driven by diet and lifestyle choices, stress, and exposure to environmental toxins such as cigarette smoke. ‘Healthy’ things such as quercetin, resveratrol, cilantro, green tea, and others can further slow COMT in some people and may need to be avoided. The supplement SAMe can help those with COMT, depending on your genetic makeup.

Genomic testing, like many other ‘tests’ is not right for everyone. If you believe you will be super-stressed by finding out what SNPs you have (DNA variants) then you might want to skip the tests. Most variants are quite common, so don’t freak out if you have one or even all of the variants linked to cancer. Lots of things are linked to cancer.

Our gut, brain, and bodies in general are often the most powerful test. Listen to your gut –it is trying to tell you something. Connect with yourself and do not go with what others are doing just for the sake of following the crowd.

Importantly, our genes are NOT our destiny. It is how we ‘talk’ to them that matters. We ‘talk’ to your genes with thoughts and food choices. A great read on this is Dr Mitch Gaynor’s’ The Gene Therapy Plan: Taking Control of Your Genetic Destiny with Diet and Lifestyle.

Keep that Estrogen Moving!

Estrogen that has been metabolized and is ready to be eliminated through feces can be recycled back into circulation either due to chronic constipation or an interaction with certain bacteria in the gut, such as beta-glucuronidase. Calcium d-glucarate suppresses beta-glucuronidase helping you excrete the estrogen metabolites. Adding more fruits and vegetables may help ease constipation.  

So, you can see that estrogen is far more complicated with respect to its role in cancer than you may have been led to believe. Hormones can be very confusing!! Importantly, estrogen and progesterone levels are not to be confused with receptor status!!! For more clarification on that, visit me in my private Facebook group Cancer Coach Elyn as I post on this often, or schedule a consult with me.

There are many more substances that improve hormonal balance, stimulate the livers’ detoxification systems, and inhibit cellular proliferation, but if I listed them all this post would get too long. But, blocking estrogen is not the most important factor for many breast cancer patients. Addressing the cancerous terrain that may have allowed cancer to present is crucial. Chronic inflammation, GMOs, emotional and environmental toxins, viruses, obesity, and other factors are all involved.

Read Also: Natural Ways to Balance and Manage Hormones for Breast Cancer as well as my articles on natural alternatives to anti-hormone therapies.

The above information is not to be considered to be a cancer treatment, but rather to provide information that may improve health. The information provided is for general information only. No online site should be used as a substitute for personal medical attention. If you’d like more guidance, I’d love to work with you! Check out my “Contact Us” page or email elyn@elynjacobs.com for more details.

I have started a new private group on Facebook, Cancer Coach Elyn. If interested, you can visit it HERE. Please do not forget to answer the group questions if you would like to join.

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. Elyn specializes in understanding the role of estrogen in breast cancer and debunks the myths associated. 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 http://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.

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!

Follow Elyn on Facebook
Follow Elyn on LinkedIn

[i] file:///C:/Users/elyn/Downloads/[14796805%20-%20Journal%20of%20Endocrinology]%20Oestrogen,%20ocular%20function%20and%20low-level%20vision_%20a%20review.pdf

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Fiber and Butyric Acid: What you Need to Know if you Have Cancer

In Alternative Cancer Therapies, Anticancer diet, Anticancer foods, foods for colon cancer, foods for breast cancer, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, colon cancer, Estrogen and Breast Cancer, Healing Cancer Naturally, Hormone Balance, inflammation, prostate cancer, Uncategorized on January 26, 2021 at 7:07 am

Likely you have heard that eating a fiber-rich diet is good for your digestion and overall health, including gut health. A higher intake of dietary fiber has been found to increase the amount of butyric acid (butyrate) the gut produces. Butyric acid supports healthy digestion, the gut and microbiome, and reduces inflammation, all of which may help reduce the risk of various cancers. Excitingly, butyric acid also directly inhibits the growth of cancer cell development and growth.

What is Butyric Acid (BA)?

Butyric acid is saturated short-chain fatty acid with numerous health benefits. Increasing butyrate acid feeds the cells of your colon and improves the function of your digestive system. BA is created when the good bacteria in your gut break down dietary fiber. It is also found in animal fats and vegetable oils.

Much research point to butyric acid’s ability to help prevent or even help treat colon, breast, prostate, and other cancers.[i] It is recognized by the R.G.C.C test (aka the Greek test) as a cytotoxic agent.

Studies have found that BA blocks the growth of cancer cells and increases the rate of cancer cell death (apoptosis). It inhibits an enzyme called histone deacetylase, which is produced in most cancers. Inhibiting histone deacetylase initiates apoptosis, putting the brakes on cancer cell development and growth.

BA also halts some of the pro-inflammatory processes, which reduces oxidative stress and controls the damage caused by free radicals. More butyrate means less inflammation. The throes of inflammation have been linked to most, if not all, chronic diseases, including cancer.

Excess cortisol (stress hormone) is often produced when there is digestive stress. Cortisol triggers to release glucose into the blood, but cancerous tumors ignore this signal. As a result, excess cortisol tends to feed tumor cells. Cortisol also suppresses immune function, including natural killer cell count and activity, and thus interferes with the immune system’s ability to respond to cancer cells.[ii]

A high fiber diets encourages butyrate-producing bacteria in your colon to thrive, which preserves the integrity of your gut lining, protecting against leaky gut (with a bonus that it reduces bloat and gas), and reduces digestive stress. Gut bacteria also aid with the metabolism of estrogens, especially those associated with breast, ovarian, and thyroid cancers.[iii]

BA also help manage blood sugar levels and may help prevent weight gain, another two factors that influence cancer growth.

Anticancer Benefits of Butyric Acid:

  • Anti-tumor properties
  • Inhibits cancer development and growth
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Supports the integrity of your gut lining, repairing and protecting against leaky gut
  • Improves insulin resistance and manages blood sugar leves
  • Regulates hunger and satiety, and helps maintain a healthy weight
  • Supports immune function
  • Aids in the metabolism of estrogens

ow to Incorporate Butyric Acid into Your Diet

Butter and ghee are two of the best dietary sources of butyric acid. Some cheeses (such as Parmesan) contain this as well. Conversely, diets high in processed foods and low in fiber can disrupt butyrate production.

Good Sources of Butyric Acid:

  • Ghee
  • Butter
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Red meat
  • Sauerkraut
  • Goat, cow, and sheep’s milk

However, the amount of butyric acid found in foods like butter and ghee (probably the richest source) is small compared to the amount that can be made in your gut. Increasing your dietary fiber intake will help boost the amount of butyric acid produced in your gut. Something known as resistant starch feeds the friendly bacteria in your gut and increases the production of butyrate acid.

Resistant starch (RS) is starch that is resistant to digestion, and functions kind of like soluble fiber. As the fibers in resistant starch ferment, they act as a prebiotic and feed the good bacteria in the gut. The bacteria in your gut depend on the resistant starches that your body cannot break down. RS not only benefits digestion, but improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar levels, and reduces appetite.

RS can be found in fiber-rich fruit, whole grains, legumes, and some vegetables such as Jerusalem artichokes and cooked (and cooled) potatoes. Cooking and then cooling starchy foods such as potatoes increases the resistant starch content (it is fine to reheat them after they have cooled for a few hours or overnight).

Good Sources of Prebiotics and Resistant Starch:

  • Artichokes
  • Jerusalem artichokes
  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Asparagus
  • Chicory root
  • Potatoes (when cooked and cooled)
  • Bananas (under ripe)
  • Apples
  • Carrots
  • Oat bran
  • Beans

While it best to help your gut make its own butyric acid, you can complement this with a supplement – especially if your diet is less than optimal or if you have cancer and would like a bit more support.

Calcium-magnesium butyrate works well for most people. Sodium butyrate and sodium-potassium butyrate may be good choices for serious athletes or others who lose a significant amount of sodium through sweat. Sodium butyrate is not a good choice for those with sodium-sensitive hypertension.  The recommended dosage is 150-300 mg per day.

The above information is not to be considered to be a cancer treatment, but rather to provide information that may improve health. The information provided is for general information only. No online site should be used as a substitute for personal medical attention. If you’d like more guidance, I’d love to work with you! Check out my “Contact Us” page or email elyn@elynjacobs.com for more details.

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. Elyn specializes in understanding the role of estrogen in breast cancer and debunks the myths associated. 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 http://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.

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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24086397/; https://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/39/9/4659; https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/butyric-acid

[ii] https://news.stanford.edu/news/2000/june28/breast-628.html#:~:text=For%20instance%2C%20cortisol%20causes%20normal,tumor%20cells%20over%20normal%20ones.

[iii] https://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-10-microbiome-role-cancers.html

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Inflammation and Cancer, Putting out the Fire

In Alternative Cancer Therapies, Anticancer diet, antioxidants, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, inflammation, Integrative Oncology, Uncategorized on November 10, 2020 at 8:24 am

Inflammation lies at the root of many chronic conditions and certainly plays a role in cancer. In fact, cancer is often considered a disease of inflammation. While cancer is complicated and multifaceted, warranting an individualized approach, we can help change the cancerous fire-breathing terrain by adopting an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. This just might reduce the risk of developing cancer and can help lower the risk of progression.

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is a natural and healing response to injury. It is the body’s immune response to some stimulus, such as virus, toxins, injury, harmful bacteria, or disease. This is all good. However, chronic low-grade inflammation in the body is quite different than the redness and itching you see when a wound is healing. When inflammation burns out of control, trouble follows. Chronic inflammation could be causing problems in your body and fueling the cancerous process. Lowering inflammation is one of the most important things you can do for overall health and to reduce your cancer risk.

What Causes Chronic Inflammation?

Most causes of chronic inflammation are related to lifestyle, even things such as lack of or little time spent in nature. Importantly, many causes of chronic inflammation are not always visible, but the effects add up over time. Each choice we make matters and some of the biggest triggers are the following:

  • Diets high in processed foods, sugar, artificial ingredients, GMOs, and non-organic produce
  • Pollution
  • Foods that your body may be allergic or sensitive to, including some common food allergens, such as gluten, dairy, nuts, peanuts, corn (gluten, peanuts, and corn should mostly be avoided by all due to their toxic nature).
  • Lack of sleep
  • Chronic stress
  • Lack of exercise or excessive exercise
  • Zinc deficiency
How to Know if You are Suffering from Chronic Inflammation?

 Aside from noticing your unhealthy behaviors, watch your symptoms. See the list below for some of the most common ones:

  • Ongoing and/or chronic pain in your body
  • Constant fatigue, lack of energy
  • High blood pressure
  • Blood sugar issues
  • Weight gain
  • IBS, ulcers, another stomach, and digestive issues (poor gut health)
  • Allergies, food sensitivities, and asthma
  • Frequent colds and compromised immunity
  • Skin problems such as eczema and other rashes
  • Lethargy, low mood, depression, or excessive anxiety
  • Brain fog
  • Lack of mental clarity or lessened memory
  • You have cancer

 Testing for Inflammation:

While there is no one test that can ‘diagnose’ you with chronic inflammation, there are some tests you can ask your doctor to order that would be indicative (elevated levels could be an indication of chronic inflammation):

  • High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (HS-CRP)
  • SED rate
  • Homocysteine
  • Ferritin
  • HDL
  • Monocytes
  • Blood Glucose

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above or your blood tests indicate chronic inflammation in your body, it is time to do something about it.

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Every morsel of food you put into your mouth has the potential to amp up or lower inflammation in your body. While no one diet is perfect for everyone, a mostly plant-based diet, some protein, and a bit of healthy carbs can fit into many different diets.

Importantly, inflammation alters the diversity in your microbiome which sets off a vicious cycle. When your microbiome is out of balance, issues such as weight gain and insulin resistance frequently result. The immune system then begins producing even more inflammation which then further challenges the microbiome. Probiotics and a diet rich in prebiotics (such as Jerusalem artichokes, leeks, onions, radishes and tomatoes) and healthy fats can help support the microbiome.

It may surprise you that I have listed nightshades. While many people avoid nightshade vegetables, potatoes, for example, help soothe the digestive tract and feed the good bacteria inside the intestinal tract. Tomatoes (especially cooked) reduce inflammation throughout the body. Certainly avoid any or all if they adversely affect you, but enjoy if not.

You will also notice that I mention eating grass-fed butter or ghee. These are high in CLA (conjugated linoleic acid, a long-chain amino acid that suppresses inflammation and inhibits cancer growth), butyrate (a small-chain amino acid that promotes healthy digestion and energy production and which selectively kills cancer cells and inhibits migration), omega 3’s, and other nutrients which not only help suppress inflammation but reduce cancer risk as well.

Turmeric is typically at the top of the list for calming inflammation, but there are many other anti-inflammatory foods. Below are just a few suggestions:

  • Turmeric (curcumin)
  • Broccoli and other cruciferous veggies such as cauliflower, arugula, kale, and brussels sprouts
  • Organic extra virgin olive oil, avocado and other healthy fats
  • Lentils
  • Salmon and other fatty fishes (or a pure omega-3 supplement)
  • Brazil nuts, almonds, and walnuts
  • Cooked mushrooms
  • Root vegetables and winter squash
  • Tart cherry and pomegranate juices
  • Ginger, cinnamon, allspice, fenugreek, and cloves
  • Dark leafy greens (including arugula, microgreens and sprouts)
  • Coconut oil and other healthy fats
  • Green juices
  • Herbs such as parsley, basil, oregano, rosemary, dill, mint, sage, and cilantro
  • Grass-fed butter and ghee
  • Nightshades such as potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant (if they agree with you)
  • Beans and legumes
  • Green tea (limit if you have a COMT mutation)
Best to avoid:
  • conventional meat, dairy, and poultry
  • processed, fried, and packaged foods
  • sugar and artificial sweeteners
  • gluten and most gluten-free flours and products

Remember that good sleep, moderate exercise, and engaging in mind-body therapies such as meditation, yoga (especially restorative and yoga nidra), and sound therapy help reduce stress and dampen down inflammation flare-ups. They have profound anti-inflammatory effects.

If you suffer from joint pains, muscle pains, headaches, fibromyalgia, etc., you may wish to avoid harmful Ibuprofen, Tylenol and other NSAIDS. Replace these with curcumin, T-Relief tablets and safe topical creams such as Topricin and T-Relief whenever possible.

If you’d like more guidance, I’d love to work with you! Check out my “Contact Us” page or email elyn@elynjacobs.com for more details.

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. Elyn specializes in understanding the role of estrogen in breast cancer and debunks the myths associated. 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 http://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.

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!

Follow Elyn on Facebook
Follow Elyn on LinkedIn