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Posts Tagged ‘Cancer Coaches’

ImmPower Your Immune System to Boost Natural Killer Cell Activity

In Alternative Cancer Therapies, Alternatives Cancer Treatment, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, Immunotherapy on April 24, 2024 at 1:19 pm

Natural killer cells (NKcells are innate immune cells that are critical to the body’s antitumor and antimetastatic defense. [i] NK cells make up 10% to 15% of the immune system’s white blood cells.  NK cells perform a cytotoxic function and play an important regulatory role in the immune system. Immunologists, who named these cells NK cells and have described them as the “sentinel cells” of the immune system, have been developing immunotherapies to treat patients with metastatic disease. Importantly, ImmPower, a dietary supplement made by American BioSciences, supports peak functioning of Natural Killer (NK) cells. While immunotherapies can often have unpleasant side effects, extensive published research shows that ImmPower is safe and non-toxic (see below for documentation and detailed information provided by American BioSciences).  This post is not to imply that AHCC is a replacement for cancer treatments such as immunotherapy, it is simply for educational purposes. Always speak with your medical doctor before taking any supplements.

American BioSciences’ ImmPower® dietary supplement introduced the US to Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC®), a best-selling Japanese product. AHCC is a standardized fermented mushroom extract that contains a unique low molecular weight, alpha-1, 4 glucan. It has been the subject of more than 40 articles in peer-reviewed journals describing research in animals and humans. These studies show that AHCC supports peak Natural Killer (NK) cell function and associated immune system activity (including enhanced cytokine production and optimal t-cell and macrophage activity).  These are available via the website of the National Library of Medicine, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=%22active+hexose+correlated+compound%22 The full text of many articles are available via the website www.ahccpublishedresearch.com 

Extensive published research shows that the ingredient in ImmPower is safe and non-toxic, and in the context of many types of health challenges, supports peak functioning of Natural Killer (NK) cells.  NK cells make up 10% to 15% of the immune system’s white blood cells.  Immunologists named them “Natural Killer Cells.” From birth, they have an inborn natural ability to distinguish healthy “self-cells” in the body, from pathogenic, “non-self cells,” which they attack. NK cells perform a cytotoxic function and play an important regulatory role in the immune system. They have been described as the “sentinel cells” of the immune system.

Like the sentinels which guard a fort, NK cells are constantly patrolling the body, on the look-out for cells which don’t display the self-antigen (a feature on every healthy cell which tells the NK cells, “I’m one of the good guys, don’t attack me”). NK cells shoot a packet of enzymes at non-self cells, which will often kill them out right, or create cell debris that acts like a siren, calling the rest of the immune system army into the battle. When NK cell function is high, they send out an “all clear” signal to the immune system army, so that immune system resources remain rested and ready until they are needed. When NK cell function is low, the immune system army does not get the “all clear” signal and is subsequently more active than it needs to be. If it is too active, there can be an over production of compounds, which stimulate white blood cell proliferation, excessive inflammation, and other conditions.

NK cell activity declines with age, and in response to emotional and physical stress. Additionally, a decline in NK cell activity is associated with the onset and progression of many health problems.  Because NK cells regulate the immune system, they have the potential to dampen overactive immune system activity that can damage healthy tissue.   

In clinical trials, people taking ImmPower’s primary active ingredient, AHCC, took the equivalent of six capsules per day. Many physicians recommend two with each meal: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, although they can be taken on an empty stomach as well.  For more information and links to research, visit The Harmony Company.

American BioSciences was established in 1999, and is involved in research, manufacturing, and marketing of dietary supplements.  They have collaborated with leading medical researchers in the US and abroad, and our products contain ingredients which have been extensively studied to show safety and health benefits.  Their dietary supplements are sold via many health food stores and pharmacies, Amazon.com, and direct to consumers via The Harmony Company.

I have been taking ImmPower for many years and attribute that in part to my good health. I hope this information is helpful to you. Next up is Metatrol, a fermented wheat germ extract by American BioSciences that supports mitochondrial and immune function, modulates Th1/Th2 balance, and more.

In your everlasting good health,

Elyn

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

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

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

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

Affiliate Links Disclosure:

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

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[i] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8920322/

Five Questions to Ask Your Oncologist About Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine

In Uncategorized on January 19, 2014 at 3:29 pm

Working with an Integrative Oncologist or Naturopathic Doctor can help minimize the side effects and boost the efficacy of treatment.  There are integrative departments within many hospitals these days.  Some of these departments work directly with your team, but others may be quite independent. Therapies such as massage, Reiki, exercise and stress reduction therapies will benefit most all cancer patients, however, for full integrative care, you will want to work with an expert on nutritional and supplemental therapies that target your individual needs.  Not all integrative specialists have a full understanding of the benefits of these therapies and thus may not offer to integrate them into your care. While there is much research to be done, there is considerable evidence that such therapies will boost survival as well as quality of life.

So how can you improve your chances of making the most of Complementary and Alternative Medicine?  Empower yourself to ask bold questions and find the best team for your cancer and your needs.

The following is a shared with permission from the January Newsletter for The Radical Remission Project:

Questions for your Oncologist, by Dr Kelly Turner, PhD

Founder, The Radical Remission Project

kelly turner camMany cancer patients would like to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) alongside their conventional cancer treatment. However, their oncologists do not always know enough about CAM to know which treatments are helpful versus which ones may be contraindicated.

If you would like to use CAM for your cancer, then look for an oncologist who will be supportive of your wishes.  In the best case scenario, your oncologist would answer “Yes” to these 5 questions:

5 Questions to Ask Your Oncologist About Using CAM  

  1. Are you open to my using CAM alongside my Western medicine treatment?
  2. Do you believe that changes in diet, stress, and exercise can help my immune system?
  3. Have you read any of the latest studies on CAM, or gone to any recent CAM conferences?
  4. If I find a CAM practitioner that I like, would you be willing to talk to him/her about my case?
  5. Have any of your other patients integrated CAM with their conventional treatment? If so, how did it go?

Click HERE for a list of integrative oncologists compiled by the Society for Integrative Oncology.

 

View my YouTube video with Dr Turner–Natural Alternatives to Tamoxifen

Replay Dr Turner on the Survive and Live Well Radio Show

Read Radical Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds

If you cannot find an integrative oncologist or naturopathic doctor in your area, contact a coach—s/he may be able to help you directly or connect you with the best doctor for your needs.

Elyn

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

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor, professional cancer strategist, speaker, and the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs. She is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and well-being. Elyn has been featured on CNN Money, Talk About Health, and Breast Cancer Answers and has written for the Pink Paper, Breast Cancer Wellness, Integrative Oncology Essentials, Surviving Beautifully, Body Local and more, and writes the Options for Life column for the Natural Healing-Natural Wellness Newsletter.  Elyn hosts the Survive and Live Well Radio Show on the Cancer Support Network. Elyn lives in New York with her husband and two young boys. https://elynjacobs.wordpress.com/about/

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Survive and Live Well on iHeartRadio Talk

In Uncategorized on November 21, 2013 at 5:48 pm

iheartThe Survive and Live Well Radio Show is now on iHeartRadio!

Choice, it gives us a feeling of empowerment—it allows us to regain the much needed control we somehow lost when we heard “You have cancer.” That’s why on Survive and Live Well we empower you with the information you need to make the best possible choices for your cancer, and to help you along the road to survival.  After all, if you don’t know your options, you don’t have any.

Join me weekly when I chat with the experts about treatment options and lifestyle choices that can help you not just treat cancer, but beat cancer, survive, thrive and live well.

Listen live, Tuesdays at 1pm (EST) on www.W4CS.com or via iTunes or iHeart Talk. Join the team at the Cancer Support Network, empowering you to defeat cancer.

iHeartRadio-Talk-logo-blackReplay your favorite shows anytime via iHeart Talk @ Survive and Live Well. You can also access the Archives on my website.

 Upcoming Schedule: (Please visit my website for show details and guest information)

Tuesday November 26, 1pm EST– Donald Abrams MD– Integrative Oncology: Optimizing Cancer Care 

Tuesday December 3rd, 1pm EST– Stacia Hachem–The Estrogen Gene Test: What You Need to Know

Tuesday December 10th, 1pm EST–Dr Michael Schachter MD, CNS, FACAM–High Dose Vitamin D and K2 for Cancer: Discussion of the Standard of Care

Tuesday December 17th, 1pm EST– Jana Flaig–Practical Tips to Knocking Out Fear

With a diagnosis comes fear, but also the urgent need to make treatment decisions—some of which will affect quality and quantity of life. We must also address the root cause of our cancer and not just treat the presenting symptom.  We need to change the environment in which our cancer was permitted to grow and make it one less hospitable to the disease.

A coach can help to bridge the gap between what you will hear from your allopathic oncologist and what you need for survival; she can help you find the best path for your cancer. Empower yourself to build a survival team incorporating experts in the conventional, integrative and holistic world. Visit my website, www.elynjacobs.wordpress.com for information, resources and one-on-one cancer coaching.

Elyn

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

ej portrait 150resElyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor, professional cancer strategist, speaker, and the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs. She is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and well-being. Elyn has been featured on CNN Money, Talk About Health, and Breast Cancer Answers and has written for the Pink Paper, Breast Cancer Wellness, Integrative Oncology Essentials, Surviving Beautifully, Body Local and more, and writes the Options for Life column for the Natural Healing-Natural Wellness Newsletter, and hosts the Survive and Live Well Radio Show. Elyn lives in New York with her husband and two young boys.

  • Follow Elyn on Linkedin
  • Tune in to the Survive and Live Well Show
  • Replay the Survive and Live Well Radio Show archives
  • Follow Elyn on Facebook
  • Follow Survive and Live Well on Twitter

Breast Cancer Nutrition, Cancer Coach’s Tips–Video with Elyn Jacobs

In Uncategorized on April 13, 2012 at 1:25 pm

 

April 12, 2012 Youtube Video with www.BreastCancerAnswers.com

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor and certified cancer coach.  During her cancer treatment she discovered how what she was putting into her body, helped or hindered her body in it’s fight against cancer. She gives three very easy to follow and helpful tips on how you can help your body fight cancer by altering your diet.

 To View the Video, please visit:

http://www.breastcanceranswers.com/breast-cancer-nutrition-cancer-coachs-tips-elyn-jacobs/

Below is the text…my appologies as the text is computer-driven, and not all the verbage came through correctly….

Elyn Jacobs: I have three tips for you on eating to beat cancer. First let me say that nutrition matters. Dietary habits play a significant role in the prevention of breast cancer, the prevention of recurrence and slowing the progression of the disease.

Good nutrition will also support your body during damaging cancer treatments and will help you heal. That said, I’d like to suggest the 80/20 rule. So before you tell me, “No, I am not giving up my dessert or my meat”, remember, you don’t have to be perfect. Just try to eat well 80% of the time.

I also know that during cancer treatments, some foods may be very unappealing to you. So just do your best and try to avoid things like Ensure, because your body really doesn’t need the chemicals. Look for real foods.

So here are my tips:

Tip #1, Eat at least 15 servings of fruits and vegetables a day and try to include at least 10 different varieties. You also want to look for colors of the rainbow as each provides different cancer-fighting components.

Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet will also help you avoid the constipation that can come with many cancer treatments. If you find that you cannot or do not get enough produce, there are many whole food supplements out there that can help you bridge the gap between good intentions and reality.

Tip #2, Limit dairy products, meat and eggs as they can cause cancer-friendly inflammation in the body. They also add unnecessary hormones that you don’t need. You might want to consider limiting peanut butter too as that is also a pro-inflammatory food.

Tip #3, Cut out processed, fried, and fast foods, and eliminate as much sugar and refined grains as possible. You also want to try and stick to as much organic produce as you can, especially for those that are on the so-called ‘dirty dozen’, which by the way should now be the ‘dirty baker’s dozen’ because when they added blueberries they got up to number 13.

Hi, I am Elyn Jacobs, a breast cancer survivor and a certified cancer coach. I am also the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. You can find me at http://www.wordpress.com. I am also on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn @ElynJacobs, or you can email me at Elyn@ElynJacobs.com.

This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use the information provided on this site solely at your own risk.  If you have any concerns about your health, please consult with a physician

The Dark Side of Peanuts and Dairy

In Uncategorized on January 15, 2012 at 2:57 pm

Peanut butter is a staple in many children’s diets.  Peanuts (which, by the way are a legume, not a nut) are hign in protein, so why not eat them?  Peanuts, and expecially peanut butter are often contaminated by a fungus-produced toxin known as Aflatoxin (AF).  Aflatoxins often occur in crops in the field prior to harvest, but after harvest contamination can occur if crop drying is delayed and crops are stored in moist conditions.  Aflatoxins are found occasionally in milk, cheese, corn, peanuts, cottonseed, nuts, almonds, figs, spices as well as in feeds for animals (the reason AF is found in dairy and meat products).  However, the commodities with the highest risk of AF contamination are corn, peanuts and cottonseed.  Peanut butter is often contaminated with levels of AF as much as 300 times the amount judged to be acceptable in U.S. food, while whole peanuts were much less contaminated.  This disparity between peanut butter and whole peanuts originates at the peanut factory.  The best peanuts, which fill “cocktail” jars, are hand selected from a moving conveyor belt, leaving the worst, moldiest nuts to be delivered to the end of the belt to make peanut butter.  The visual here makes me never want to even look at peanut butter again.  So besides the unappealing idea of eating moldy peanuts, what’s the real issue?  AF’s have shown to cause liver cancer in rats, and are thought by many to be the most potent chemical carcinogen ever discovered.  So where’s the FDA?  The FDA allows AF’s at low levels in nuts, seeds and legumes because they are considered “unavoidable contaminants.”  The FDA believes occasionally eating small amounts of aflatoxin poses little risk over a lifetime, and that it is not practical to attempt to remove it from food products.   The problem here is the word “occasional.”  Occasional is a bit like the phrase “in moderation”; the problem being that it is easy to have too much of something you enjoy.

 To help minimize your exposure to aflatoxin, the FDA recommends purchasing only major brands of nuts and nut butters and to discard any shelled nuts that look discolored or moldy. Some medical research has indicated that a diet including vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, celery and parsley may reduce the carcinogenic effects of aflatoxin, and a study by the Johns Hopkins University also suggests that foods high in chlorophyll can be helpful.  Green vegetables – asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green cabbage, celery, collard greens, green beans, green peas, kale, leeks, green olives, parsley, romaine lettuce, sea vegetables, spinach, and turnip greens are concentrated sources of chlorophyll.

Who is most susceptible to AF contamination and its cancer-producing effects?  Children are major consumers of peanut butter.  (I will add that I practically survived on peanut butter for much of my early adulthood, and certainly suspect that was part of my demise.) Children are also major consumers of dairy products, and a well-known study called The China Study produced compelling evidence that casein, the protein in cow’s milk, helps promote and nurture tumor development.  The study produced significant evidence that a high-animal protein diet combined with even a small amount of aflatoxin resulted in very high rates of liver cancer in adults as well as children.  They also found that in those people who consumed considerable AF’s and very little animal protein, cancer rates were very low.   They found that casein, and very likely all animal proteins, may be the one of the most cancer-causing substances that we consume.  Adjusting the amount of dietary casein we eat may have the power to turn on and off cancer growth. What does this mean?  It means that while we should still be concerned with AF’s, it makes sense to reduce our animal protein consumption. (Overall, animal protein is not the best protein source for most people. While a high animal-protein diet can promote cancer growth, plant protein does not, even at high levels of intake). To reduce your animal protein consumption, consider almond, rice or hemp milk instead of cow’s milk, and switch to a mostly- whole foods, plant-based diet.

Need another reason to toss the peanuts?  Peanuts are an inflammatory food, which means consumption increases inflammation in the body.  Inflammation is known to provide a cancer promoting environment in the body.  Can’t imagine giving up peanut butter?  Try almond butter.  It may take some getting used to, but your body will thank you and may just find it delicious!

For more information, please visit:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC64728/

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/impacts/aflatoxin/index.cfm

http://www.thechinastudy.com/

and added 12/19/2014: Peanut component linked to cancer spread

Elyn Jacobs

elyn@elynjacobs.com

elynjacobs.wordpress.com

elynjacobs.blogspot.com

  Elyn Jacobs is a certified cancer coach, a breast cancer survivor and the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation.  She empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs.  Elyn helps women to uncover the nutritional deficiencies and emotional stress patterns that may have contributed to their cancer and to support their body as it activates it own natural ability to fight the disease. She is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and wellbeing. To learn more about Elyn’s coaching services or to learn more about eating for life, please visit:  https://elynjacobs.wordpress.com.