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Archive for the ‘Tamoxifen’ Category

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Should We Block Estrogen After Breast 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, aromatase inhibitors, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, Healing Cancer Naturally, Natural Alternatives to Aromatase Inhibitors, Tamoxifen, Uncategorized on October 13, 2023 at 8:41 am

Should we or should we not take estrogen blockers if we have or have had breast cancer? Well, the answer is yes and no and perhaps maybe. Whether or not to take hormone blockers such as aromatase inhibitors is a huge decision many women diagnosed with breast cancer face. Lilly and I discussed this on her show, the Lillian McDermott Classroom. If you missed this conversation, you can replay it here: Is Blocking Estrogen After Cancer Good? Below is some additional information on the subject.

Is Estrogen Guilty?

Let’s talk about estrogen and reality. If estrogen really caused breast cancer, we would see far more breast cancer in young premenopausal women than postmenopausal, right?

While many doctors stress to their patients with hormone positive breast cancers that estrogen is fueling their cancer, let’s look at this logically. If our own estrogen was the real or only culprit, why is breast cancer more prevalent in postmenopausal women who certainly have lower estrogen levels then younger premenopausal women? And we would certainly see more breast cancer in pregnant women or those with young children, right? While those rates are rising, it is most likely due to chemical estrogens, not our own, as well as genetic mutations and other powerful drivers such as emotional traumas—but I’ll step away from that topic for now.

Estrogen receptors are on all breast cells, and are stimulated by estrogen, particularly in the absence of progesterone. It is true that when there is breast cancer there’ll be more estrogen receptors. But and this is a big but.

Typically, it is not so much our own estrogen that is sitting on these receptors, but rather the xenoestrogens that are doing the nasty deed. These include chemical estrogens found in self-care, beauty, plastics, paper products, cash register receipts, cleaning products, and the like. If we can eliminate those as best as we can, we severely reduce the toxic load of chemical estrogens that can accelerate cell proliferation. And since we might not be able to avoid everything, it might be helpful to block the receptors (but that doesn’t have to mean tamoxifen, which is considered to be carcinogenic and a form of chemo). Consuming phytoestrogens such as flaxseed, tahini (sesame seeds), and non GMO, organic whole-food soy can help block receptors.

Weight Matters

Postmenopausal women who are overweight, particularly in the belly area, often have increased levels of circulating estrogen. This is because when you are premenopausal most of your estrogen is made by the ovaries, but when you are postmenopausal, a little bit is made by the adrenals and then it is also made in fat cells, including those in the belly and breast. What this means is that a postmenopausal woman who is overweight will have a higher risk of breast cancer than a normal weight postmenopausal woman or premenopausal woman.

To be clear, just because there’s more estrogen doesn’t mean that is the reason we find more cancer in postmenopausal. It may have more to do with the visceral fat that surrounds the abdominal organs which secretes pro-inflammatory chemicals that can spike breast cancer. Cancer loves belly fat.

Should You Take an Aromatase Inhibitor?

When confronted with the decision to take an aromatase inhibitor (AI), one must ask the question does this make sense? We are all told that AIs will extend life, but do they really? Als can damage the heart, brain, bones, eyes — so many things essential to quantity and quality of life. Given that the number one cause of death in women is heart disease, not cancer, it is wise to do one’s research before committing to these drugs.

So, what can we do? lose weight, eat healthy, reduce or eliminate grains if you need to. Eliminate gluten. Eliminate processed foods. Exercise and move your body throughout the day. Take the stairs, park far from your destination. Make many trips up and down your stairs. Garden, walk the dog. If you struggle with your weight then an AI might be right for you, even if it is only for a short time while you make some lifestyle changes. However, there are many natural substances that help both with weight management as well as inhibiting aromatase (see below).

Meanwhile, metabolising estrogen is super important (taking advantage of the benefits and excreting any excess). Raising progesterone appropriately to offset estrogen can also be helpful. And super important is resolving past and present emotional traumas. Suppressed traumas are, in my humble opinion, one of the biggest drivers of cancer, and no estrogen-reducing drug can fix this. Topics for another day.

To read about the potential harms of aromatase inhibitors and what other options you might have, please read Natural Alternatives to Aromatase Inhibitors. There are many alternatives to these toxic drugs.

Just a few cool facts:

  • Button mushrooms are natural aromatase inhibitors.
  • Many supplements are either natural AIs or help to metabolize and detoxify estrogen.
  • High blood levels of vitamin D are linked to reduced estrogen. D also reduces the number of estrogen receptors on breast cancer cells, making the cells less responsive to estrogens’ cancer-promoting signals.
  • Apigenin – found in parsley, celery, and chamomile—is an aromatase inhibitor and is a potent estrogen metabolizing compound. It also inhibits cancer growth and progression.
  • Vitex Fruit (Chaste Tree) may also be helpful to raise progesterone so that it can offset estrogen, particularly in premeno.
  • Leafy greens such as arugula have both anti-cancer and estrogen-blocking properties.
  • Apples contain insoluble fiber that binds to estrogen, preventing it from being absorbed in the body.
  • Coconut protects the liver from excess estrogen and other toxins.
  • Avocados help reduce the absorption of estrogen.
  • Grapes and red wine contain resveratrol and other polyphenols that are known to lower estrogen levels. The quercetin they contain also inhibits cancer growth.
  • Eggs help boost detox pathways and aid in the removal of excess estrogen.
  • Citrus fruits contain phytochemicals that act as antiestrogens and target estrogen receptors, helping to prevent the growth of cancer cells. The d-limonene in them (especially the peels) aids in detoxifying estrogen.
  • Olive oil is high in lutropin, a natural aromatase inhibitor.

Read also: Natural Alternatives to Anti-hormone Therapies for Breast cancer

REPLAY: Is Blocking Estrogen After Cancer Good?

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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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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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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Cancer-Fighting Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios

In Alternative Cancer Therapies, antioxidants, aromatase inhibitors, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, Cell Phones, colon cancer, Cononavirus, EMF Radiation, EMFs and breast cancer, EMFs and Health Risks, inflammation, prostate cancer, Radiation, Tamoxifen, Uncategorized on February 5, 2020 at 5:08 pm

Brussels sprouts are nutritious and delicious. A member of the cruciferous (aka brassicas) family, they offer several health benefits. Most notably, Brussels sprouts are powerful anti-cancer powerhouses.

Anticancer Benefits of Brussels Sprouts

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and other sources, compounds in Brussels sprouts have powerful anticancer, antioxidant, anti-estrogen, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties.[i] This is due to their high content of glucosinolates, sulfur-containing compounds that have been widely studied for their health benefits.

Diets rich in cruciferous vegetables have been found to inhibit and slow cancer growth in many cancer-cell lines, including breast, prostate, colorectal, esophageal, liver and lymphoma. Researchers attribute the benefits to the glycosinolates in Brussels, particularly sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. Notably, these glucosinolates help detoxify and eliminate cancer-causing free-radicals in the body. Sulforaphane promotes cancer cell death and inhibits cancer cell proliferation. It also supports the immune system and in particular, increases Natural Killer Cell activity.

Specific to breast cancer, studies show that Indole 3 carbinol helps to block estrogen receptors and restore receptor site expression to normal levels.[ii] It may act as a natural aromatase inhibitor and mimic tamoxifen or perhaps even perform more anti-cancer benefits than tamoxifen.

How to Enjoy Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are still in season now, but you won’t see them for long. While available in many areas year-round, the peak season is from September to mid-February. Look for smooth, unblemished, small heads. Sprouts with spots of signs of withering may be past their prime will taste slightly musty and contain fewer nutrients. For maximum freshness, look for Brussels in your local farmer’s market.

Boiling is not really the best option for cooking brussels sprouts as the cancer-fighting glucosinolates are water-soluble and may be lost in the cooking water. Further, high heat may decrease the bioavailability of the sulforaphane in brussels sprouts. Certainly, I do not recommend microwaving.

The following recipe involves a low-heat method that preserves their great nutty flavor and bright color, but also the anticancer benefits of Brussel sprouts.

Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios

Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios

Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons coconut oil

1 medium red onion or 2 small red onions or shallots

1-pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed

1/2 cup shelled unsalted pistachios

2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • Separate outer leaves of the sprouts and reserve; thinly slice the inner core pieces
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add onions or shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes
  • Add the sliced inner core pieces of the sprouts and cook for 5 additional minutes, until soft
  • Add the sprout leaves and pistachios, and sauté until leaves begin to soften, but retain their bright color, about 3 minutes
  • Add the lemon juice and season to taste with fine-ground Celtic sea salt and fresh pepper
  • Serve and enjoy

Heart-healthy pistachios are rich in nutrients, a good source of protein, and packed with antioxidants. Onions are another anticancer powerhouse.

Don’t enjoy Brussels sprouts or out of season? You can take sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol in supplements.

Buy Indole-3 Carbinol HERE

Buy Sulforaphane HERE

Like DIM, indole-3-carbinol is also known to be radioprotective, making it essential in today’s toxic world of technology. To read about more radioprotectors, click HERE.

For more information on Cancer-Fighting Crucifers, please click HERE.

In your everlasting good health,

Elyn

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

ej portrait 150res for PrueElyn 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.

Warning: Cruciferous vegetables are rich in vitamin K, so if you have special dietary needs, speak with your doctor. If you have hypothyroidism or any other condition that suggests you should avoid Brussels spouts, consult with your doctor.

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.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/cruciferous-vegetables-fact-sheet; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2737735/

[ii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11110848

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Options for Breast Cancer: Making the Best Choice for YOU

In Alternative Cancer Therapies, Alternatives to Anti-Hormone Therapy For Breast Cancer, Alternatives to Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer, Alternatives to Tamoxifen, Anticancer foods, foods for colon cancer, foods for breast cancer, antioxidants, aromatase inhibitors, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, EMFs and breast cancer, EMFs and Health Risks, Energy Healers, Epstein-Barr Virus, Estrogen, Estrogen and Breast Cancer, Healing Cancer Naturally, High Dose Vitamin C and Cancer, Integrative Oncology, Mind Body Therapies for Cancer, Natural Alternatives to Aromatase Inhibitors, Radiation, Radiotherapy for breast cancer, Tamoxifen, Uncategorized on January 23, 2020 at 2:48 pm

If you don’t know your options (for breast cancer) you don’t have any. That is my motto, and I can’t tell you how important it is to take control of your treatment plan. It is imperative that you make informed choices, not fear-based choices for your breast cancer.

In October, 2014 I found that my previously stage 1 cancer had spread to my lymph nodes. I was subsequently diagnosed as stage 3 (ER+). I have told this story before, but am sharing it again as I want people to know there are many paths to healing breast cancer.

Importantly, there are many reasons why people get cancer and why it returns. Resolving those reasons can make all the difference in survival.

Declining Chemo and Radiation

My choice does not necessarily have to be your choice. I was fortunate that I had a holistically-minded oncologist who supported my choices. A world-renowned integrative oncologist, he believed healing cancer often required both Eastern and Western medicine. This typically involved conventional methods used alongside holistic mind-body therapies, supplements, dietary changes, and more. Most of all, like me, he believed getting to the reason for the cancer is a major part of treating it.

Given my new diagnosis, my oncologist was legally compelled to recommend chemotherapy. I know that if had chosen the conventional chemo (or even the low dose chemo he suggested after I declined traditional chemo) it would have been a reasonable option. I know that if I had chosen it, he would have done everything he could to make the treatment work better with less negative effects.

That said, it did not resonate with me. Part of that came from my mother dying not so much from her cancer, but from the treatment (he was not her doctor). The rest came from my innate feeling that it was not right for me, and that it would not resolve the reason for my recurrence. My oncologist agreed that chemo was not necessarily the best option for me. He said was glad that I opted out of radiotherapy, and supported my choice to skip the aromatase inhibitors. He offered a few other options, but none seemed to resonate with me. I will forever be grateful for his support.

My Choices for Breast Cancer

Instead of the options presented, I chose a protocol put together from my years of research and conference attendance, leaning on input from my oncologist and an alternative doctor friend of mine.  I do believe that most of us have more to learn than we will ever know, and the experience has only strengthened my ability to help my clients through their cancer.

You can read about my protocol HERE. A major part of my healing (and most likely one of the major reasons for the recurrence) was resolving past emotional traumas, which you can read about HERE.

Read about natural alternatives to aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen HERE.

To listen to me talk with the Templeton Wellness Foundation about my choices, click HERE.

Goals for Healing:

  • Don’t be fooled that your own estrogen is the reason for your breast cancer (it plays a role, but not the lead).
  • Target viruses such as Epstein Barr, which plays a significant role in breast cancer (and you may not realize you have it)
  • Clean house: remove toxic products and people from your life
  • Eat clean without deprivation
  • Take targeted supplements
  • Resolve the traumas that are getting in the way of your healing and may well be at the root cause of your breast cancer
  • Avoid EMFs and take protective measures; for recommendations, click HERE
  • Believe you can and will heal–the power of the mind is incredible!
  • Walk in nature; soak up the positive vibes and the sun
  • Live, laugh, love and smile!
  • If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any

You have many options for healing from breast cancer. I implore you to be informed and make educated, confident choices.  Know that there are many natural substances that can make conventional therapies work better and with less toxicity. You can read about these on my Shop page. To schedule a consult, please click HERE.

In your everlasting good health,

Elyn

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

ej portrait 150res for PrueElyn 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.

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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Eternity: Quite Possibly the Best Bio-Identical Progesterone Cream

In Alternative Cancer Therapies, Alternatives to Anti-Hormone Therapy For Breast Cancer, aromatase inhibitors, Bio-Identical Hormones, Boosting Estrogen, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, Estrogen, Estrogen and Breast Cancer, Healing Cancer Naturally, Hormone Balance, infertility, insomnia, menopause, Natural Alternatives to Aromatase Inhibitors, Tamoxifen, Uncategorized on January 16, 2020 at 9:05 am

Progesterone is vital for a woman’s body. It is the key to many aspects of female health, and often thought of as one of the most important hormones. Unfortunately, most women have very low levels of progesterone which can result in estrogen dominance. This can wreak havoc in the body. Eternity bio-identical progesterone cream might be the answer.

Eternity Organics Bio-Identical Progesterone Cream

Eternity Organics Bio-Identical Progesterone Cream

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.

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 found themselves in this predicament around age 45 or so. Regardless, it is imperative that we increase progesterone 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. Things that deplete progesterone are stress and excessive exercise (which cause the body to produce stress hormones instead of 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 (the prescription one). 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 have to be careful with compounded bio-identicals. This is because typically the progesterone in many compounded formulas tends to 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.

The answer lies in safe and effective bio-identical topical creams. There are a few good ones on the market, but one I recently discovered that has some great research behind it and no harmful chemicals is Eternity Organic Progesterone Cream.

Please take a few moments to view this informative clip on progesterone and Eternity Bio-Identical Cream:

To Order Eternity, click HERE

According to their website, Eternity does NOT contain Chinese Progesterone (only natural, American-made progesterone) and is made from all plant-based, natural ingredients.

Eternity Organic Bio-Identical Progesterone Cream

Eternity Organic Bio-Identical Progesterone Cream

  • Cruelty-Free
  • Hypo-Allergenic
  • GMO-Free
  • Petroleum-Free
  • Paraben-Free
  • 100% Plant-Derived
  • Sustainably Sourced

Regarding breast cancer,  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. Of course, 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. Unlike natural estrogen which is flushed out of the body after doing its job, xenoestrogens are stored in fat cells, increasing the risk of cancer (time to clean those out of your life). For more information specific to breast cancer, please read my article Progesterone and Breast Cancer

For more information on the damages of BPA and BPS please read: BPA: The Bathroom Toxin that Fuels Breast Cancer 

To Order Eternity bio-identical progesterone cream, click HERE

In your everlasting good health,

Elyn

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

ej portrait 150res for PrueElyn 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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Could the Natural Alternative to Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors be in Your Refrigerator? Part II

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 foods, foods for colon cancer, foods for breast cancer, antioxidants, aromatase inhibitors, BPA and breast cancer, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, cancer stem cells and recurrence, Estrogen, Estrogen and Breast Cancer, Natural Aromatase Inhibitors, prostate cancer, SERMS, Tamoxifen, Uncategorized on November 15, 2019 at 9:07 am

Synthetic selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMS) such as tamoxifen and pharmaceutical aromatase inhibitors are often recommended for ER+ breast and other hormone-driven cancers, but they have significant adverse effects. Is it possible that natural plant products can perform the same function without the risks and damage of pharmaceuticals? Research says they can.

While estrogen plays many important beneficial roles in humans, the proliferation of ER+ breast cancer cells can sometimes be enhanced by estrogen (especially in the absence of progesterone), which may induce multiple processes involved in cell survival and cell cycle progression. Beyond the estrogen dominance that comes from a lack of progesterone, it is not necessarily our own estrogen at fault, but more likely xenoestrogens — the chemical estrogens, environmental hazards such as BPA and BPS — Bisphenol A and S.

However, to add clarity to the estrogen equation that oncologists speak of, the body has two different estrogen receptors, ERα (alpha) and ERβ (beta). ERα has a proliferative effect, and ERβ acts as a negative regulator of ERα in breast cancer cells, counteracting the proliferative effect of estrogens. Importantly, plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) preferentially interact with ERβ and display high specificity toward ERβ transactivation. Phytoestrogens, also known as phytochemicals, are synthesized from plants and vegetables. They show low estrogenic activity or anti-estrogenic activity with anti-proliferative effects that studies show offer nutraceutical alternatives to pharmaceutical anti-hormone therapies for various cancers.[ii]

For the men reading this article (including those with breast cancer), androgens and estrogens also influence the development and progression of prostate cancer. Research shows that phytoestrogens such as soy could be used alone or in conjunction with anti-hormone therapies for prostate cancer to target metabolic pathways involved in androgen and estrogen syntheses and epigenetic modifications of DNA to promote tumor-suppressor genes.[iv]

In a nutshell, phytoestrogens may be useful as substitutes for breast cancer treatments such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, and could be extremely helpful for other hormone-related cancers.

The Role of Phytoestrogens as Replacements for SERMs and Aromatase Inhibitors

It is well-established that many foods and natural products have beneficial effects on ER+ breast cancer as well as other hormone-driven cancers.  Pytoestrogens are structurally similar to our own estrogen, but functionally are weakly estrogenic (weakly mimicking estrogen) or antiestrogenic (blocking estrogens’ effects). They have been researched extensively for their role in the interaction with estrogen receptors. The beauty is that they block the receptors from more volatile estrogens.  As such, they deserve consideration in preventive and therapeutic settings for the intervention of cancer initiation and progression.

Studies show that phytoestrogens may provide an alternative or complementary approach to anti-hormone treatments. For example, 2017 research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences cited many studies confirming that an important application of phytoestrogens is that they could be used as an alternative to the SERMs.[iii] In general, phytoestrogens act as aromatase inhibitors by decreasing aromatase gene expression and inhibiting the aromatase enzyme.   

Some of the more powerful phytoestrogens include flax and sesame seeds as well as whole soy. 

Flax and sesame seeds have anticancer, breast tumor-reducing effects. Both lignans are metabolized to estrogen-like enterodiol and enterolactone, and reduce cell proliferation and apoptosis.[xiv] While each works a bit differently, both may be useful as an effective adjuvant therapeutic agent against tumor development and progression, and therefore, could be used in the prevention and/or treatment of various types of cancer. Studies show that higher intakes of lignans such as flax and sesame seeds are associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Flax seed works with tamoxifen to inhibit breast cancer tumor growth, so if you choose to take tamoxifen, know that you can also benefit from flax.  

I have written extensively on the benefits of flax seed, but to recap, a few of the benefits of flax are the following:

  • Decreases cell proliferation rates and inhibits tumor growth in ER+ cancers
  • Decreases angiogenesis (blood supply for tumors) and increases apoptosis (cancer cell death)
  • Influences ER-negative and ER-positive tumors by decreasing insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER2 and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which supports angiogenesis
  • Reduces growth and metastasis of ER-negative and triple negative breast cancers
  • Favorably influences tumor suppressor genes

For more on flax seed and breast cancer, please read some of my other posts, such as  Demystifying Flaxseed and Estrogen and Flaxseed, Better Than Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer.

Soy: Numerous studies indicate that genistein, the most abundant isoflavone present in soybeans, has anti-proliferative effects on various cancer cells, including prostate, ovarian, and breast. Like other phytoestrogens, genistein interferes with the effects of estradiol by binding to estrogen receptors. This is good as soy may also inhibit inflammation and boost anticancer immune responses, while other estrogens do not. The following are a few key findings of soy[v]:

  • Inhibits NF-kB activity in prostate, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer cells. Nf-kB plays a crucial role in immune response, inflammation, cell growth and survival.
  • Selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor impeding angiogenesis, a major factor in cancer growth and proliferation. Tyrosine kinases play important roles in cell proliferation, survival, migration and differentiation are often altered in cancer cells, leading to malignancy
  • Induces cancer cell death (apoptosis) in several cancer cell lines, including prostate, ovarian, and breast cancer
  • Modulates EGF (epidermal growth factor) which has been implicated in the development and growth of many types of cancer cells
  • Long-term consumption seems to result in a decreased response to stimulation by estradiol[vi]

Please note that soy consumption is somewhat controversial. Please work with your coach or medical professional to see if soy consumption is right for you.

More Notable Phytoestrogens                                                                            parsley root

  • Apigenin is a natural flavonoid commonly found in fruits and vegetables such as parsley, celery, thyme, chamomile tea, and oranges. The chemical structure of apigenin is similar to estrogen and as such it mimics estrogen. 2107 research indicates that phytoestrogens such as apigenin and resveratrol have the therapeutic potential act like SERMs and could be considered in the development of therapeutics for breast cancer and brain disease.[vii] Extensive studies show that apigenin has potent antioxidant and anticancer activities in ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer. Apigenin also inhibits proteasome, which certain cancer cells need for survival. By inhibiting proteasome, phytoestrogens such as apigenin induce apoptosis in prostate, breast, and many other cancer cell lines.[viii]
  • Pau d’ Arco exhibits selective anti-proliferative effects in carcinoma cell lines. A study performed at the Strang Cancer Prevention Center in New York found that the anti-proliferative effects of herbal medicines such as pau d’arco may correlate with down-regulated estrogen responsive genes and up-regulated apoptosis-specific genes. The researchers believe their data validates the need to prioritize efficacious herbal medicines and concluded that phytoestrogens such as pau d’arco may provide an alternative or complementary approach to endocrine therapy for breast cancer.[ix] Read more
  • Broccoli: The sulforaphane in broccoli (particularly in broccoli seeds and sprouts) has been found to inhibit proliferation and down-regulates hormone receptor expression in MCF-7 cells. Sulforaphane also passes the blood brain barrier and targets cancer stem cells. If you cannot find sprouts locally, I recommend a supplement.sprouts
  • Luteolin and Naringenin: Flavonoids, especially flavones such as luteolin and flavanones such as naringenin are potent aromatase inhibitors. [x] Luteolin has also been found to down-regulate aromatase gene expression. Luteolin is found in celery, thyme and chamomile tea. Some rich sources of naringenin include bergamot, grapefruit, tomatoes, and tart cherries.
  • Quercetin, found in abundance in food sources such as apples, onions, tea, and red wine, has been reported to have strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer effects. It has the ability bind at high affinity to estrogen receptors, resulting in inhibition of estrogen-regulated cell growth and proliferation[xi]
  • Hesperetin, found in citrus fruits and essentials oils, exerts it anticancer actions by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and by regulating aromatase activity and oxidative stress. Although hesperetin is unable to bind to ERs, it is effective in inhibiting cell proliferation of ER+ breast cancer and dramatically decreasing tumor size and other actions. Hesperetin has also been found to reduce serum estrogen levels and down-regulate estrogen target genes and estrogen metabolism-related genes.[xii]. Try putting a drop or two of lemon essential oil in your water, or grating the peel of an organic lemon.
  • Black seed contains thymoquinone, a phytochemical compound found in plant Nigella sativa. It has been found to initiate apoptosis, improve estrogen metabolism, and regulate signally pathways in breast cancer.
  • Vitamin E inhibits cell proliferation, down-regulates the expression of ERα, ERβ, COX-2, and serum estrogen levels (should always be mixed tocopherols, not just d-alpha.
  • Red Clover binds to estrogen receptors, inhibits cell proliferation, and initiates apoptosis in ER+ breast cancer cells.
  • Ellagic acid, a dietary flavonoid present in berries, grapes, pomegranates, and nuts, inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis in ER+ breast cancer cells.
  • Eugenol, a compound found in clove oil, inhibits cell proliferation and initiates cancer cell death in both ER+ and ER- breast cancers. Excitingly, one study done in Indonesia found that eugenol  is a potent ERa antagonist. The researchers indicate that not only does it work just like tamoxifen, but it may actually work even better.
  • This list is  not inclusive: There are many more powerful phytoestrogens. For more cancer-fighting alternatives to pharmaceuticals, please read my articles on Natural Alternatives to Aromatase Inhibitors and Natural Alternatives to Tamoxifen.

Phytoestrogens can be our friends, but know that herbs are powerful. I have no concerns with food-based phytos, but do take care with extracts. They are best rotated so as to maximize benefits, reduce the chances of resistance, and avoid interactions. Drugs, of course, are often even more dangerous, yet are routinely prescribed.

                               Trust me, I’m a doctor” Peter Gøtsche

I interviewed Peter Gøtsche, author of Deadly Medicines and Organised Crime, on my radio show a few years back. Amazing man, whose controversial views have since gotten him tossed from the Cochrane Collaboration, which he co-founded. Sadly, there are many who wish to silence the voices who speak against Big Pharma.

Like me, Gøtsche worries that most people let their doctors make the decisions for them, but the evidence tells us that we should be cautious. He is a strong advocate for the avoidance of drugs and while not against medical interventions, believes one can not just blindly follow the orders of the medical community.

Notably, there is tremendous variability in the metabolic processing of phytoestrogens and pharmacological drugs, thus establishing the difficulty and complexity of this topic. The bottom line is that it extremely important that one understand that it may not make logical sense to attempt to poison one’s way back to health. Certainly drug therapies have worked for many. That said, NO ONE was every born tamoxifen or AI deficient, but over time we may become estrogen dominant, increasing our risk for cancer. It behooves us all to do our research and decide for ourselves whether drugs or holistic remedies are best, or even a combination of both.  

Estrogen plays many important roles in humans, so it may not make sense to arbitrarily take it away. If you are estrogen dominant (meaning out of balance with progesterone), you may want to consider a bio-identical progesterone cream (I like that one as it is paraben-free, soy-free, and Non GMO).

Read Part I of this article HERE.

Reminder: To get an additional $30 off on the online course for breast cancer,  Toxic Free Me, enroll now and use this LINK. This course will further delve into alternatives for anti-hormonal therapies.

An online course not right for you? Know that I am always there for individual consultations.  To inquire about a consult, please visit me HERE.

Life is a journey, just be sure that journey is on-course for a healthy life.

In your everlasting good health,

Elyn

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

ej portrait 150res for PrueElyn 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.

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.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5535874/; Notably, there are numerous  crsos-references cited in this article that support the use of phytoestogens as nutraceutical anti-hormone therapies for various cancers.

[ii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5535874/

[iii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5535874/; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4699002/

[iv] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27194038; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5535874

[v] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5535874/#B61-ijms-18-01381; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5535874/

[vi] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8625449

[vii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28396216; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5033666/

[viii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26771497; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25408199

[ix] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19578798

[x] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21741436

[xi] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4203161/#b9

[xii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5535874

[xiii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26614455

[xiv] https://elynjacobs.com/2016/02/28/flaxseed-better-than-tamoxifen-for-breast-cancer/; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29032105; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22136581

 

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Pau d’arco for Breast, Prostate, Colon, and Other Cancers

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, antioxidants, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, chemotherapy, CLA and Cancer, colon cancer, Epstein-Barr Virus, Estrogen, Estrogen and Breast Cancer, foods that target cancer stem cells, Healing Cancer Naturally, inflammation, prostate cancer, SERMS, supplements that target cancer stem cells, Tamoxifen, Uncategorized on November 1, 2019 at 8:56 am

Pau d’arco, also known as Taheebo, is extracted from the inner bark of several species of Tabebuia trees that grow in Central and South America. The medicinal uses of Pau d’arco (PDA) date back to 1873.  PDA has been used in South America to treat a wide range of conditions, including pain, ulcers, arthritis, fever, prostatitis, Candida, osteoarthritis, cough, influenza, herpes, diabetes, ulcers, warts, infections, allergies, and even cancer, particularly cancers of the breast, colon, lung, prostate, and malignant melanoma.

What the Docs Have to Say

Dr. James Duke of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Dr. Norman Fransworth of the University of Illinois have reported PDA contains active substances (such as β-lapachone and lapacho) found to be highly effective against various cancers. Dr Paulo Martin, a Brazilian medical researcher, reported that PDA has powerful antibiotic, virus and cancer-killing properties.[i] The late integrative oncologist Dr. Mitch Gaynor also used Pau d’arco with his cancer patients.

What the Studies Say

Scientists have discovered that compounds in PDA called naphthoquinones (mainly lapachol and beta-lapachone) are the reason for these impressive healing abilities. PDA also contains a significant amount of the antioxidant quercetin, which has been found to inhibit growth of cancer cells, including cancer stem cells. Some of the exciting cancer research on PDA:

  • Exhibits selective anti-proliferative effects in carcinoma cell lines, including ER+MCF-7 breast cancer cells[ii]
  • Inhibits the growth of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells and activates cancer-fighting genes[iii]
  • May block estrogen receptors [much like the SERM tamoxifen] as it is a powerful phytoestrogen [iv]
  • Effective against some bacteria, fungi, viruses (including Epstein Barr), and parasites that may be involved in cancerous processes
  • Induces cell death in prostate cancer lines[v]
  • Induces apoptosis independent of P53 expression; notably, over-expression of bcl2, a contributor for a number of cancers – including melanoma, breast, prostate, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and lung cancer, does not appear to inhibit the  B-lapachone in PDA[vi]
  • Inhibits angiogenesis, the ability of tumors to make new blood vessels in prostate and other cancers[vii]
  • Suppresses the growth and angiogenesis of lung cancer[viii]
  • Inhibits the growth of cancer in a wide range of cancers, such as breast, prostate, cervical, liver, lung, and colon* (see Quercetin below)
  • Appears to increase the effectiveness of chemo and decreases side effects

Research also shows that the lapachol in PDA may have the ability to stimulate the production of red blood cells in bone marrow, which could be helpful for those with low red blood cell counts (RBC). Pau d’arco is also thought to eliminate toxins in the body and purify the blood.

Enjoy Pau d’arco tea, tincture or capsules. Another good tincture is Pau D’ Arco Plus, which also contains dandelion and red clover. Use of PDA during pregnancy is not advised. A potent herb, PDA should be cycled – meaning a few weeks on and then take a break for a few weeks – or swapped out for another cancer-fighting herb. This is especially important for those taking drugs or herbs that thin the blood or for Candida, as resistant strains of Candida can develop.

Please also read my related published articles:

*Potential Therapeutic Effects of Phytochemicals and Medicinal Herbs for Cancer Prevention and Treatment  Contains a discussion on the powerful anticancer effects of quercetin.

Etiology of Chronic Disease: A Discussion on Epstein-Barr Virus

Spotlight on CLA, a Cancer-Fighting Fatty Acid: CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) is a fatty acid found in grass-fed meats and dairy products, but can also be taken in supplement form.  CLA suppresses the development of cancer at various levels. CLA has been shown to decrease skin, liver, and colon cancer. Activating protein-1 (AP-1) is one of the main promoters of colon and breast cancer, but it is blocked by CLA (licorice root and rosemary-fresh or essential oil also do this). Human abdominal, breast, and axillary fat have the ability to convert androgens into estrogens. Some studies show CLA helps rid the body of belly fat and may modulate immune and inflammatory responses.

To get an additional $30 off on the Online Course for Breast Cancer, Toxic Free Me, enroll now and use this LINK.

Additional Resources for this article:

In your good health,

Elyn

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

ej portrait 150res for PrueElyn 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.

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

[i] https://books.google.com/books?id=RIydBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA120&lpg=PA120&dq=dr+norman+farnsworth+pau+d%27arco&source=bl&ots=ZqFrjj9sQr&sig=

[ii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19578798; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25891355

[iii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19578798

[iv]  http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/wiki/Phytoestrogen

[v] https://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/55/17/3712.short; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27048660; http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/pharmacy/currentstudents/OnCampusPharmDStudents/ExperientialProgram/Documents/nutr_monographs/Monograph-pau_darco.pdf

[vi] https://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/55/17/3712.short

[vii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27048660

[viii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27048660

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New Online Course for Breast Cancer: Toxic Free Me

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 foods, foods for colon cancer, foods for breast cancer, antioxidants, aromatase inhibitors, BPA and breast cancer, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, chemo and cancer stem cells, chemotherapy, colon cancer, Estrogen, Estrogen and Breast Cancer, foods that target cancer stem cells, Healing Cancer Naturally, High Dose Vitamin C, Hormone Balance, inflammation, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Iodine, Mind Body Therapies for Cancer, Natural Alternatives to Aromatase Inhibitors, prostate cancer, Radiation, radiation and cancer stem cells, Tamoxifen, targeting cancer stem cells, trapped emotions and cancer stem cells, Uncategorized, what causes cancer to spread on October 28, 2019 at 9:22 am

As a holistic cancer coach (and survivor of stage 3 hormone-positive breast cancer), I work with people with many different types of cancer. However, the majority come to me looking to avoid the dreaded tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, Herceptin, Lupron, and other drugs and treatments, such as chemo and radiation. And of course, everyone is looking to get through cancer with the least amount of collateral damage and to do what they can to reduce the risk of recurrence or further cancers–to survive and live well. I coach one-on-one, but also offer a plethora of information on my website. However, some people are looking for options other than individual coaching or DIY (do-it-yourself) healing.

About a year ago I decided I would offer a webinar course to cover these topics and more. However, as life and work got very busy, I put that on hold. Meanwhile, my colleague and friend, Marnie Clark is now offering a fantastic ‘how-to-get-through-breast-cancer-course. Toxic Free Me is a comprehensive online-course with multiple learning modules.

The beauty of the course is that you can learn at your own pace. Plus, she will be adding to the course as new information comes out, and subscribers will have full access at no additional charge. The course is valued at $295 and offered for a limited time at $179, but if you enroll now and use this LINK, you get the entire course for only $149, with a 30-day money back guarantee.

Is this course for you? Are you determined to survive your cancer and live well? Are you looking for safe, non-toxic remedies for your cancer (alongside or without conventional treatments) that will support your body, build your immune system, and lower your risk of recurrence? Have a look at the full course description HERE.

Remember, when you enroll now and use this LINK, you get the entire course for only $149.

This information is for educational 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. The information provided is from my research and not to be taken as scientific evidence.

In your good health,

Elyn

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

Marnie_homepageMarnie Clark is a breast cancer coach, and also a 15-year breast cancer survivor. Marnie has studied natural medicine for over 25 years and knew that in order for her own body to heal from breast cancer, it would require a blend of both conventional and natural medicine. She now teaches others going through breast cancer about the things in nature that help to make the body hostile terrain for cancer cells, as well as empowering clients with knowledge about the lifestyle alterations that are crucial to the healing process. Marnie draws from several decades of experience in the disciplines of massage therapy, natural healing and nutrition, aromatherapy and energy healing. Her website is https://MarnieClark.com.

ej portrait 150res for PrueElyn Jacobs is a 12-year 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.

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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What You Need to Know About Sugar and Breast Cancer—It’s NOT What You Think!

In Alternative Cancer Therapies, Alternatives Cancer Treatment, Alternatives to Anti-Hormone Therapy For Breast Cancer, Alternatives to Tamoxifen, Anticancer foods, foods for colon cancer, foods for breast cancer, aromatase inhibitors, Boosting Estrogen, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Estrogen and Breast Cancer, Hormone Balance, SERMS, Tamoxifen, Uncategorized on October 20, 2019 at 7:00 pm

Cancer loves sugar, we all know that – sugar feeds cancer and suppresses the immune system. The effects of each dose can last for 5-6 hours. The more sugar we eat, the faster cancer cells can grow. But do you know why sugar happens to love breast cancer?

Cells require sugar for energy, but it needs help to get into the cells. Insulin is the helper that attaches to and signals cells to absorb sugar from the bloodstream. Food sources that boost insulin production and regulate blood sugar levels include red cabbage, sweet potatoes, fenugreek seeds, curcumin, blueberries, vitamin D, and Ceylon cinnamon (so please continue to eat them). However, consuming sugar (sweets, pasta, and many bread, including whole wheat) raises blood sugar levels quickly. The pancreas responds to this by pumping out insulin to lower blood sugar levels. Over time, this can lead to decreased insulin sensitivity. When this happens, the body begins to ignore the signal to take glucose out of the bloodstream and put it into our cells. This triggers the body to start producing even more insulin. The more insulin, the more circulating estrogen there is to stimulate breast cancer cells.

     Sugar spikes insulin levels. Insulin regulates how much estrogen is available to stimulate breast cells. The more sugar you consume, the higher your circulating estrogen levels.

In the Fall 2019 issue of Breast Cancer Wellness there is an excellent article on sugar and its connection to estrogen, written by Dr Christine Horner, M.D. According to Horner, sugar “attacks a portion of the estrogen cycle, making more estrogen available to attach to the estrogen receptors in breast tissue. Insulin regulates how much of the estrogen in your blood is available to attach to estrogen receptors in your breast tissue. When estrogen travels in the blood, it either travels alone seeking a mate (an estrogen receptor), or it travels with a partner (a protein binder) that prevents it from attaching to an estrogen receptor. Insulin regulates the number of protein binders in the blood. So, the higher your insulin levels are, the fewer the number of protein binders there will be and therefore the more free estrogen that will be available to attach to estrogen receptors.  In other words, when your insulin levels are up, free-estrogen levels are up too. And both of them speed up cell division. That’s why high insulin levels increase your risk of breast cancer so much.” She further explains that “when insulin attaches to its receptor, it has the same effect as when estrogen attaches to its receptor; it causes cells to start dividing. The higher your insulin levels are, the faster your breast cells will divide; the faster they divide, the higher your risk of breast cancer is and the faster any existing cancer cells will grow.”

Addressing Estrogen Receptors with SERMS

To address estrogen receptor positive cancers, oncologists often recommend SERMS (selective receptor modulators) such as tamoxifen. However, tamoxifen is a carcinogenic drug that comes with significant side effects, including an increased risk of cancer.

Research shows that phytoestrogens,  plant-derived estrogens that can actually cause anti-estrogenic effects by binding to estrogen receptors (much like tamoxifen), might be worthy of consideration. The potential effects of dietary phytoestrogens have been studied to lower the risk of menopausal symptoms, cardiovascular disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, brain function disorders, and cancers of the breast, ovaries, endometrium, prostate, and other cancers. 

I will address the role of phytoestrogens as holistic selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMS vs Tamoxifen) in a subsequent post.  I will also address the question of ‘do aromatase inhibitors actually increase your risk of breast or other cancers?’. Meanwhile, you may wish to read my many articles on natural alternatives to anti-hormone therapies such as aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen.

In your good health,

Elyn

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

ej portrait 150resElyn Jacobs is a holistic cancer strategist and speaker specializing in the prevention and treatment of cancer. 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.

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

[i] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190212162216.htm