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Posts Tagged ‘Flaxseed and 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!

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[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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Natural Ways to Balance and Manage Hormones for 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, BPA and breast cancer, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, Estrogen, Estrogen and Breast Cancer, Hormone Balance, Integrative Oncology, Natural Alternatives to Aromatase Inhibitors, Natural Aromatase Inhibitors, Uncategorized on August 4, 2020 at 7:17 am

Hormone imbalances occur when we have to much or too little of a hormone in your bloodstream. While your body secretes about 50 different hormones that control many critical functions, for the purpose of this article, I will be discussing only estrogen and progesterone. When estrogen is high and progesterone is low, we have a condition known as estrogen dominance. Estrogen dominance is often a strong risk factor for breast cancer. Fortunately, there are many natural ways to balance the hormones and manage risk of cancer.

Even small hormonal imbalances can create side effects, including increased risk of breast cancer. What women with breast cancer hear most from their doctors is that estrogen is the villain, the cause of our cancer. However, while estrogen can fuel breast cancer, there is more to the story. Estrogen can fuel a tumor’s growth, but progesterone may put the brakes on that growth.

To be clear, estrogen is not bad, and in many cases, should not be reduced without due care. Estrogen plays a major role in numerous processes including blood sugar balance, as well as bone, eye, and heart health. But it needs to be balanced by progesterone, something that drops dramatically with age and increased stress.

To recap an article I wrote for The Truth About Cancer, estrogen and progesterone receptors are proteins found within many of the cells of our bodies, including cells in the breasts. Both receptors are directly involved in switching genes on and off − some 470 different genes. When estrogen and progesterone are present, these hormones stick to their respective receptors. They can then attach to specific regions of our DNA and turn genes on or off, changing the cell’s behavior.

Hormone receptor-positive breast cancers have many hormone receptors. In the case of breast cancer, tumor cells become overly sensitive to estrogen. When estrogen activates its receptor, it turns on a panel of genes that tell cells to keep dividing, encouraging tumor growth. However, the body also has progesterone receptors. When breast cancer cells have working progesterone receptors, and when there is sufficient progesterone available, progesterone will slow down estrogen-fueled growth and division of these cells. According to the late John Lee, Md, author of What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer, when progesterone receptors are activated by progesterone, they attach themselves to the estrogen receptors. This essentially puts the brakes on the estrogen receptors, telling them to stop turning on genes that promote the growth of cancer cells, and turning on genes that promote the death of these cells.

A 2016 study led by Cambridge-based Cancer Researcher Dr. Jason Caroll of the University of Adelaide in Australia found that progesterone, via the progesterone receptor, is affecting how the estrogen receptor works. He found that the progesterone receptor actually ‘reprograms’ the estrogen receptor, changing the genes that it influences.[i]

Importantly, Carroll found that progesterone seems to cause cancer cells to stop growing as quickly. That said, what I am referring to is natural progesterone. While natural progesterone has an anticancer effect, synthetic progesterone does not and can actually make cancers more aggressive and deadlier. Further, synthetic progesterone does not activate tumor suppressor gene p53 when it attaches to progesterone receptors. P53 is a repair gene, which protects cells from becoming cancerous.

Toxic Substances Act Like Estrogen

We are bombarded daily with chemicals in the air, our food, and the products we use in our home and on our bodies. These chemicals, also known as xenoestrogens, are considered endocrine or hormone disruptors because they interfere with the production of hormones. They cause wide-ranging damage in the body. For example, bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS), found in plastics, can liners, cash register receipts and most paper products mimic estrogen and can disrupt multiple hormonal pathways. Unlike our own estrogen, chemical estrogens (xenoestrogens) are particularly harmful. Read more HERE.

Fortunately, there are many natural approaches to ease hormones back into balance and reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Natural Approaches for Balancing Hormones

Let’s take a look at some herbs and natural approaches to balancing hormones.

Phytoestrogens modulate estrogen levels. Phytoestrogens work similarly to tamoxifen, blocking the effects of estrogen in breast tissue.[ii]

They act more like estrogen blockers than like estrogen; they modulate the production, availability, and action of hormones and slow down cell division. This is important as many oncologists illogically warn women to avoid them.

Phytoestrogens bind preferentially to estrogen receptor sites in the body. However, they are 99% weaker than our own natural estrogen, which means that they have very little estrogenic effects in the body. It also means that by binding to the receptors, more aggressive natural estrogen or xenoestrogens from the environment will be less able to bind to the receptors. Therefore, phytoestrogens might limit the negative estrogenic impact of those estrogens. Instead of fueling estrogen-dependent cancers, phytoestrogens tend to reduce the risk of these cancers. Even the NCI (National Cancer Institute) acknowledges that the plant-based hormones may have anticancer effects.[iii]

Meanwhile, if you are post-menopausal with very low estrogen levels, phytoestrogens may help reduce the resulting effects, such as bone loss, eye damage, and heart damage. Soy and flaxseed are two of the most powerful phytoestrogens, but herbs such as red clover, sage, hops, and fenugreek are also helpful.

Soy blocks cancer-promoting estrogens from attaching to the estrogen receptors on breast cells. It has also been shown to stop tumor growth, prevent metastasis, and shut off new blood vessels in growing tumors.  Fermented soy, such as tempeh and miso are preferred over unfermented versions such as tofu. This is because the fermentation process increases free radical scavenging activity and removes the nutrient blocking effect that soy can have—the phytic acid in unfermented soy can block absorption of key minerals such as magnesium and zinc. Soy in a highly processed form (like soy protein isolate or soy protein concentrate) should be avoided as they have the greatest ability to block nutrient absorption. Due to the fact that most soy is genetically altered, it is highly recommended to consume only organic and non-GMO. (My only issue with tempeh is that it is commonly ‘shrink-wrapped’ in plastic’)

 Flaxseed modulates the production, availability, and action of hormones—and does so much more (flax –and sesame seeds– offer anti-cancer lignans which can significantly reduce tumor growth by increasing cell death and decreasing the growth of new blood vessels that allow cancer to advance). As for hormones, the lignans in flax lower the production of estrogen by blocking the aromatase enzyme (similar to aromatase inhibitors) and block the estrogen receptors (similar to Tamoxifen). When lignans are consumed, intestinal bacteria convert them into enterolactone and enterodiol, weak estrogens. They attach to estrogen receptors, stimulate them weakly and block estrogen binding. This prevents estradiol or estrone from attaching to the estrogen receptors and strongly stimulating them, and includes not just the estrogen we produce, but also environmental toxins, thus making breast tissue more resistant to these environmental toxins.  One long-term study reported that relatively high circulating enterolactone levels are associated with lower risk of death after an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis. Please read my articles — Flaxseed: Better Than Tamoxifen and Demystifying Flaxseed and Estrogen.

Licorice root and Vitex (also known a chaste tree berry), focus more on raising progesterone. Progesterone tends to fall sharply as we age and are no longer ovulating. While bio-identical progesterone supplement progesterone directly, licorice root and vitex are thought to lower estrogen levels while simultaneously raising progesterone, thus helping to relieve hormone imbalance and estrogen dominance. (use caution if you have elevated blood pressure)

Combining vitex with stress-reducing adaptogens such as ashwagandha or Schisandra can be helpful as stress tends to lower progesterone. Some people have reported that vitex worsens depression, so discontinue if that happens. (Do not take Schisandra with Tamoxifen).

Red clover can bind weakly to estrogen receptors, standing in for estrogen when levels are low and lowering high estrogen levels, helping to balance the hormones and correct estrogen dominance.

White peony root, something often used in traditional Chinese medicine, also supports progesterone. Black cohosh seems to support healthy estrogen levels not by actually boosting estrogen, but by improving brain-ovary communication and modulating cell receptors. This can help reduces menopausal symptoms and ease depression.

Adaptogens such as maca support hormone balance and may boost libido and mood while decreasing anxiety.

Vitamin E is crucial to maintaining a healthy balance between progesterone and estradiol. Vitamin C plays an important role in preventing the degradation of steroid hormones into toxic and cancer-promoting metabolites. It also regenerates estrone and significantly regenerates progesterone.

Vitamin B6 has been shown to help increase levels of progesterone in the blood naturally. Magnesium is another key nutrient for increasing progesterone levels, as it plays an important role in maintaining a healthy hormonal balance in the body.

Probiotics support gut bacteria and improve digestion, helping to prevent constipation. This is important because when poop remains in the bowel for extended periods of time, excess estrogen is re-absorbed and re-circulated into the bloodstream. Plus, immune function depends on healthy gut microflora—and gut flora effects cancer genes too!

Consume GLA (gamma-linoleic acid), which is found in evening primrose oil and in hemp seeds.  Research shows that this type of omega-6 may support healthy progesterone levels.

Get more sleep—lack of sleep disturbs hormone balance. Try to get to sleep by 10 pm as melatonin production peaks between 10 pm and 2 am. Melatonin stimulates tumor-suppressor genes and counteracts the effects of aggressive estrogens, including xenoestrogens.  Cell phone EMF exposure can suppress the production of melatonin—limit use before bed and do not keep near your bed, and preferably out of your room.

If you are overweight, lose weight. Fat cells increase estrogen production. Increased weight often means insulin resistance and this is a common cause of high estrogen levels. Insulin resistance leads to an up regulation of the aromatase enzyme leading to high estrogen. Plus, over-consumption of calories leads excessive free radical formation. Free radicals damage cells and cause genetic mutations, which ultimately can lead to cancer.

Your Liver and Estrogen

Be sure that your liver and gut are functionally efficiently as estrogen is metabolized in the liver and excreted out of the bowel. Think of your liver as a filter that neutralizes toxic substances so that they can safely be excreted from the body.  By enhancing liver function, more estrogen is broken down in the body, reducing the overall estrogen load.

When the liver and colon have become sluggish due to low thyroid function, stress, and an overburden of toxins, the body cannot break down and remove excess estrogen adequately from the system. The excess unbalanced estrogen gets stored in the fat cells of breast tissues when it is not properly eliminated. Nutrients derived from cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts as well as sulforaphane supplements  help with the detoxification of estrogen through the liver (Read about Sulforaphane HERE)

Supporting the liver with supplements such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), Milk Thistle, and SAMe can be very helpful. DIM and Indole-3Carbinol,  two other extracts of cruciferous vegetables, can encourage proper metabolism of estrogens in the body and help to clear excesses and xenoestrogens from the system. Dandelion, herbal bitters, artichoke extract, also support the liver in detoxifying, metabolizing, and excreting hormones. Fiber binds to bile (liver’s waste) to support excretion.

For more on detoxification and liver function, please request my Estrogen and Detoxification Handouts or visit the Estrogen Management and Detoxification Sections on my supplement page.

Natural Aromatase Inhibitors:

Pumpkin seeds, button mushrooms, and supplements such as DIM, vitamin K2, calcium d-glucarate, zinc, gingko biloba, and  grapeseed extract (organic please)  are natural aromatase inhibitors. Research done at the State University of New Jersey demonstrated that a 2% concentration of rosemary extract was able to inactivate excess estrogen[iv] Apigenin – found in parsley, celery, and chamomile—is another aromatase inhibitor and is a potent estrogen metabolizing compound.

Read more on Natural Aromatase Inhibitors HERE.

Note: while herbs are powerful, it may take at least 4 months of use to begin to show benefits. Further, herbs can interact with one another or with various medications, so always consult your doctor before use.

Testing: If you are looking to lower your estrogen levels, you may want to test your hormone levels first. You can be low on estrogen and still be estrogen dominant, so it may be important to acquire this information. Also note that it is possible to have ‘normal’ estrogen levels when tested via blood or saliva, but still have high estrogen symptoms.  This can happen if your body is not detoxifying estrogen correctly.

In your everlasting good health,

Elyn

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

ej portrait 150resElyn 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.

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] http://scienceblog.cancerresearchuk.org/2015/07/08/solving-a-breast-cancer-mystery-why-do-double-positive-women-do-better/

[ii] .  https://marylandoncology.com/disease-drug-info/glossary/P/P1080/

[iii]   https://marylandoncology.com/disease-drug-info/glossary/P/P1080/

[iv] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9806165/

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

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, aromatase inhibitors, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Coach, Emotional Healing, Estrogen, Estrogen and Breast Cancer, Uncategorized on November 14, 2019 at 9:59 am

Estrogen play an important role in overall health in humans—it protects your heart, lungs, eyes, brain, bones, skin, and hair, averts cognitive decline, and does so much more. Estrogen is also protective against adverse symptoms during the peri-and postmenopausal periods. But estrogens are known to stimulate cellular proliferation associated with certain cancers. Hence, if you have been diagnosed with a hormone-related cancer, your doctor may advise a synthetic selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) such as tamoxifen or a pharmaceutical aromatase inhibitor such as Femara (letrozole), Arimidex (anastrozole), or Aromasin (exemestane).

Of course, these pharmaceutical drugs come with a host of detrimental side effects. What’s a person to do?

Side Effects and Resulting Effects of Pharmaceutical Anti-Hormone Drugs

pills tamoxifenSome side effects of tamoxifen include severe muscle pain, weight gain, thickening of endometrial lining of the uterus, daytime sleepiness, nausea, edema, hot flashes, vaginal hemorrhage, increased risk of cataracts, acute glaucoma, and other eye issues. It is not recommended to take tamoxifen if you have impaired CYP2D6 enzyme, nor should you take medications that block the activity of CYP2D6, such as Benadryl, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft (these lists are not inclusive) during treatment. Tamoxifen has been declared a human carcinogen by the WHO, NIH and other authorities.

Side effects of aromatase inhibitors include damage to the heart, never-ending flu-like symptoms, hair thinning and loss, joint pain, stiffness and swelling, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and headaches, a feeling of tiredness and lethargy, difficulty breathing, nails breaking down and peeling, memory fog, depression and mood swings, balance problems, sleep disorders, tightness of the chest, bone thinning, and more.

In the summer edition of Cure magazine, they spoke of a doctor who when asked why he didn’t tell his patient about the side effects of the prescribed hormonal therapy, replied “some women would not take the pill if they knew bout the side effects”. Incidentally, these were not listed on the medical paper that came with her bill.

Clinical trials have indicated that resistance develops with both tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors. This is another major pharmaceutical problem and cause of serious concern to clinicians and patients.

So, again what exactly is a person to do?

The easiest and most logical answer is to eat copious amounts of phytoestrogens throughout the day.

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived naturally occurring compounds that have chemical structures similar to estrogens. Phytoestrogens have been found to decrease cancer risk by inhibiting aromatase activity and CYP19 gene expression (The aromatase enzyme is a product of the CYP19A1 gene).

Aromatase plays an important role in breast cancer as it converts androgens to estrogens in many human tissues, the result of which has been known to stimulate cellular proliferation in certain cancers. In the vast majority of breast cancers, estrogen levels play a role tumor growth and depend on the activity of CYP19.

Research performed in 2015 by the Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology and The Neuroscience Center at Brigham Young University, indicates that phytoestrogens act as aromatase inhibitors by decreasing aromatase gene expression and inhibiting the aromatase enzyme. Their findings emphasize that estrogens have a significant impact on health and that phytoestrogens (being of similar structure to 17β-estradiol) have strong potential as anticancer agents.[i]

The researchers concluded that phytoestrogens not only act as SERMs (as has been previously reported and I will get into in Part II of this post), but also have the ability to alter the activity of the aromatase enzyme. They go on to remind us that the inhibition of aromatase activity and gene expression represents a key mechanism of how phytoestrogens may contribute to decreased cancer risk and recurrence.

The important difference is that phytoestrogens do not initiate the cascade of negative effects of pharmaceutical drugs and as estrogen modulators, may stave off the negative effects of declining estrogen, making them effective in more ways than one. Further, unlike drugs, they offer significant cancer-fighting abilities. For example, the apigenin in parsley is known not only for its aromatase-inhibiting abilities, but also for promoting cancer cell death, including cancer stem cells. parsley

In Part II of this post I will discuss many different phytoestrogens—all of which play a significant roll in the management of hormone-related cancers. In the meantime, a few of my favorites are flax and sesame seeds, broccoli sprouts, including the seeds (sulforaphane), parsley (apigenin), and organic whole soy.

However, as a strong reminder, estrogen is not the biggest driver of cancer, at least not your own estrogen. Emotional and environmental toxins (including xenoestrogens such as BPA and BPS) are often at the root of it all, as well as the viral factor—it is imperative that you resolve these issues as well as anything that may have contributed to your cancerous environment.

Importantly, it is not always wise or even necessary to reduce estrogen (many post-menopausal women already suffer from low estrogen). This is especially true for very thin women as post-menopause, estrogen is no longer made in the ovaries, but rather from adipose tissue (fat, especially in the breasts and belly), of which they may have very little. (This is also why many doctors advise their patients to lose weight, if necessary). Thin women might benefit more by raising progesterone. Reminder that you have to be very careful with compounded bio-identicals; read more HERE.

Many of my followers have been asking about a safe  bio-identical progesterone cream (It is paraben-free, soy-free, and Non GMO). 

Read Part II HERE

Below are just some of the articles I have written on natural alternatives to tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors:

Why You May Want to Reconsider Estrogen-Blocking Aromatase Inhibitors and Tamoxifen

Natural Alternatives to Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer

What to Do if You Have Low Estrogen Levels and Your Doctor Prescribes an Aromatase Inhibitor

Potential Therapeutic Effects of Phytochemicals and Medicinal Herbs for Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Managing Estrogen Naturally

Flaxseed, Better than Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer

Flaxseed, the Anticancer Power Seed

Alternatives to Aromatase Inhibitors

 

Reminder: To get an additional $30 off on Marnie Clarks’ online course for breast cancer,  Toxic Free Me, enroll now and use this LINK. This course will also 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/PMC4699002/

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Could Aromatase Inhibitors Actually Increase One’s Risk for 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, aromatase inhibitors, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Estrogen, Estrogen and Breast Cancer, Hormone Balance, Hot Flashes and Night Sweats, Soy and Breast Cancer Risk, Uncategorized on October 21, 2019 at 4:05 pm

Most oncologists recommend estrogen blockers or aromatase inhibitors for those with hormone-sensitive cancers. However, new research shows that decreased estrogen levels can promote insulin resistance, which may actually increase the risk of cancer of the breast, endometrium, and ovaries. 

To recap from my previous post, What You Need to Know About Sugar and Breast Cancer, insulin resistance leads to increased insulin in the body. High insulin triggers breast cancer cells to divide and grow.

After menopause many women face a dramatic increase in insulin resistance (and start noticing belly fat that wasn’t there before). Declining estrogen is considered to be the reason.[i] If decreased estrogen promotes insulin resistance, could intentionally reducing estrogen increase one’s risk of breast cancer? Can aromatase inhibitors actually promote breast cancer? Research shows they just might.

Decreased Estrogen Levels Promote Insulin Resistance

Studies (both clinical and animal) have shown a strong correlation between circulating estrogen deficiency and insulin resistance. At Texas A&M, a team lead by Dr. Shaodong Guo identified that decreased serum estrogen levels promote insulin resistance and that even a slight decrease in circulatory estrogen levels is associated with resistance and may increase the risk of cancer of the breast, endometrium, and ovaries. The researchers found that “for premenopausal women, even a slight decrease in their circulatory estrogen levels associated with insulin resistance may increase the risk for cancers, particularly in the organs having high estrogen demand (breast, endometrium and ovary). On the other hand, postmenopausal state with profound estrogen deficiency confers high risk for cancers in different organs with either high or moderate estrogen demand.”[ii]

According to the Guo, the lead investigator for the Texas A&M study, estrogen deficiency or impaired estrogen signaling is associated with insulin resistance. “Studies have shown the reduction of estrogen in postmenopausal women accelerates the development of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.” He further explains that estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women can reduce insulin resistance. “Clinical trials of estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women have demonstrated a lowered insulin resistance as well as reductions in plasma glucose levels.”

2015 research published in the Journal or Diabetes Research also concluded that the loss of circulating estrogen E2 and impairment of its cellular activity can lead to an abrupt reduction in metabolic rate and that E2 replacement is preventive. “It is very clear that E2 has tremendous potential as a therapeutic against diabetes and its associated complications, but it has to be administered in a safer form and personalized to individual needs”. [iii]  While the link between synthetic HRT (hormone replacement therapy) and breast cancer has been established and therefore may not be an option, it  just doesn’t make sense to intentionally lower our own already-declining natural estrogen.

Many women choose bio-identical hormones, but to be clear, bios are not ‘natural’, they are chemically constructed in a lab. According to Dr Mache Seibel, M.D., author of The Estrogen Window, you have to be careful with compounded bio-identicals. He says that studies show that despite the fact that the prescription may be filled correctly, typically progesterone tends to be 60-80% lower than ordered and estrogen 80-200% higher than ordered which can result in increased estrogen dominance and could raise your risk of hormone-driven cancer. He also points out the serious risks of declining estrogen, which include increasing your risk of heart disease by 30% and dementia 70%. 

Why You Need Estrogen 

We need estrogen for aiding in the prevention of heart disease and for strong, healthy bones. In fact, estrogen is essential to the health of all parts of your body, from your eyes to your heart to your brain to everywhere else.  Estrogen also improves body fat distribution and B-cell function, and reduces inflammation. And of course, estrogen increases insulin sensitivity (and thus is protective against diabetes and metabolic syndrome predisposing one to obesity) and conversely, low estrogen levels can lead to increased insulin resistance or impaired insulin activity.

Given that studies show that the reduction of estrogen in postmenopausal women accelerates the development of insulin resistance and thus could promote breast cancer, it is hard to believe that aromatase inhibitors are always a good idea. Perhaps ‘prescribing’ phytoestrogens such as flax and sesame seeds, herbs, and even perhaps whole soy, would be a better tactic. Phytoestrogens are plant-based weak estrogens which bind to estrogen receptors in the body (just like tamoxifen) and through competitive inhibition, can prevent the receptor-binding of more potent estrogens (including xenoestrogen such as BPA). Phytoestrogens also promote hormone balance and homeostasis. One can also take steps to raise progesterone to balance natural estrogens by taking supplements such as zinc and vitamin E, lowering stress, and using an over-the-counter progesterone cream. I will further address the role of phytoestrogens and hormone-driven cancers in my next post.

Natural Aromatase Inhibitors

Some natural substances and formulas that reduce aromatase activity (should you need to reduce aromatase activity or improve estrogen metabolism or hormone balance) include Calcium d Glucarate, which helps clear excess estrogen and chemical estrogens from the body, and a product known as Aromastat, which contains a blend of herbal ingredients that work together to help keep your natural hormones balanced.  Aromastat contains chamomile (apigenin), chrystin, daidzein, genistein, indole-3-carbinol, and glycitein (it does contain soy isolates, so if avoiding, look for these ingredients individually, although in the case of genistein, I prefer you eat organic whole soy). For more information on natural alternatives to tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, please read my previous posts on the subject or visit my Shop page.

This information is for educational and thought-provoking 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. 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~~

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.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5535874/#B135-ijms-18-01381

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

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28396216

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jdr/2015/916585/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30487265

https://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/68/2/291

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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What to Do if You Have Low Estrogen Levels and Your Doctor Prescribes an Aromatase Inhibitor

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, Boosting Estrogen, BPA and breast cancer, Breast Cancer, Natural Aromatase Inhibitors, Uncategorized on May 17, 2018 at 9:00 am

Despite the fact that estrogen is essential for both quality and quantity of life, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are regularly prescribed to most post-menopausal women with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer — even if they have low estrogen levels. AIs are associated with numerous life-challenging issues such as heart damage, osteoporosis, musculoskeletal symptoms, and increased risk of bone fracture. AI treatment reduces nearly all circulating estrogen which exacerbates post-menopausal symptoms and increases mortality.

Most of my post-menopause clients have VERY LOW ESTROGEN LEVELS. This is important to note as the last thing they need is even lower estrogen levels. Many, in fact, have low estrogen across the board (meaning the pro-cancer as well as protective estrogens). Often they have low progesterone as well, so their hormones are actually in balance, offering protection against breast cancer.  (While progesterone, in most cases, is protective, it is good to be balanced). However, low hormone levels leave these women with unpleasant symptoms and an increased risk of debilitating and life-threatening issues. Plus, when I look further at their labs they often even have favorable estrogen metabolism, which is also associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. (More on estrogen metabolism in a pending post). It simply makes no sense to block the production of estrogen in most post-menopausal women even if they have breast cancer. (For more information on why aromatase inhibitors may not be right for you, please read: Why You May Want to Reconsider Estrogen-Blocking Aromatase Inhibitors and Tamoxifen).

So, what can you do if you have estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer? First of all, it is important to resolve the real reason for the cancer. Estrogen may feed it, but does not really cause it. Environmental toxins, emotional trauma, and viruses such as Epstein-Barr are some of the most common triggers. Lowering estrogen with a harmful drug will not resolve any of these issues and may be detrimental to your health. If you have high estrogen, there are natural alternatives to AIs; please read: Natural Alternatives to Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer. If you have low estrogen or even if you don’t, read on:

Estrogen is Essential

We need estrogen for aiding in the prevention of heart disease and for strong, healthy bones. In fact, estrogen is essential to the health of all parts of your body, from your eyes to your heart to your brain to everywhere else.  Estrogen also increases insulin sensitivity and is protective against diabetes.

In general, estrogens are not always bad, and some are even protective, particularly Estriol (E3).  True, Estradiol (E2) can stimulate cancer cell proliferation, but not when opposed by sufficient progesterone. Keeping one’s progesterone levels up will offset your own more aggressive Estradiol. Sad that most doctors do not order hormone panels prior to subjecting patients to aromatase inhibitors.

Xenoestrogens (chemical estrogens), however,  should always be avoided. Xenoestrogens are chemicals that mimic natural estrogen compounds. They are close enough in molecular structure to estrogen that they can bind to estrogen receptor sites and stimulate proliferation of human breast cancer cells. Some examples of xenoestrogens are BPA (bisphenol A), found in plastics, paper products, cash register receipts, plant pesticides, and can linings, and parabens, which are found in many personal care products, cleaning products, and scented candles.

Boosting Estrogen

If you have low estrogen and would like to increase it, consider consuming more flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, and other phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). Phytoestrogens are plant derivatives that have a similar structure to estrogen and can bind to the estrogen receptor sites. They are weaker endogenous estrogens and, through competitive inhibition, can prevent the receptor binding of more potent estrogens. These will not raise your risk of breast cancer, and can actually lower it.

Importantly, research conducted by the Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University indicated that eating plant-based foods that contain phytoestrogens may  help women raise estrogen levels, relieving symptoms of low estrogen.[i]

herbs Estrogen

The increased cancer risk associated with anti-hormone therapies has encouraged many women to seek non-hormonal alternatives. Many foods, such as herbs, grains, vegetables and fruits provide compounds with estrogen-like effects.  Below is a list of some plant-estrogens you may wish to add to your diet:

  • Seeds such as flax, pumpkin, poppy, sunflower, and sesame
  • Apricots, oranges, strawberries, peaches, many dried fruits
  • Yams, carrots, alfalfa sprouts, kale, celery
  • Soy foods such as tempeh, tofu, miso soup, and soy yogurt (all soy should be organic and with no sugar added).
  • Dark rye bread
  • Lentils, peas, lima beans, pinto beans
  • Olives and olive oil
  • Chickpeas
  • Fresh herbs, such as parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme
  • Licorice root*

Here’s what you really need to know. Estrogenic cancers can be managed with a sensible diet and lifestyle changes. Drugs are not necessary to manage estrogen, and in fact will often fail for many reasons, as addressed in the links below. What women with breast cancer are rarely told is that in lieu of taking harmful medication (which creates its own set of problems and serious side effects), they can adapt diet and lifestyle strategies which can effectively reduce high levels of the antagonistic estrogen, estradiol.

If you still suffer from low-estrogen symptoms despite a change in diet or other lifestyle activities, then you may want to consider bio-identical hormones  such as an inexpensive cream.

*I want to highlight one phytoestrogen that seems to worry many women with breast cancer–licorice root. There is no cause for alarm. In fact, licorice root has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antiangiogenetic (meaning it inhibits cancer cells from generating their own blood vessels), and other anti-cancer properties. Licorice root is toxic to human cancer cells, but not to healthy cells. It also promotes an increase in progesterone by inhibiting the enzyme necessary for its breakdown, which helps to block the cancerous activity of estradiol, the most potent form of estrogen created within the body. Further, it is an adaptogenic herb, so if your estrogen is too low, it will increase it, and if it is too high, it will bring it down.  Licorice root tea is a delicious way to enjoy this herb. It is not advised to take licorice root during pregnancy or for those with high blood pressure, or for extended periods of time unless under the direction of a professional. Use of any medicinal herb should always be done under the direction of a knowledgeable physician or professional.

You may also wish to read:

Why You May Want to Reconsider Estrogen-Blocking Aromatase Inhibitors and Tamoxifen

Natural Alternatives to Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer

Vitamin D Better than Aromatase Inhibitors

Natural Alternatives to Tamoxifen

Natural Alternative to Aromatase Inhibitors

Why Aromatase Inhibitors Fail Women

You may wish to read my articles on flaxseed:

Demystifying Flaxseed and Estrogen 

Flaxseed: Better Than Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer

Flaxseed: The Anti-Cancer Power Seed

To read about one of the major contributors to most cancers, please read this article on Epstein-Barr and Cancer.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to forgo anti-hormone therapy. It 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 and make your own decisions.  The information provided is from my research and not to be taken as scientific evidence.

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 better, healthier, non-toxic choices. She emphasizes the critical nature of addressing the root cause of cancer and not just its presenting symptoms (such as the tumor). 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 was creator and host of the Survive and Live Well Radio Show on the Cancer Support Network. Elyn is on the Medical Advisory Board for BeatCancer.Org and is on the Advisory Board to the Radical Remission Project. Elyn was the former Executive Director of the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. Contact Elyn via her website. Elyn offers consults via Skype, phone or in person.

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.aao.org/eyenet/article/watch-ocular-effects-of-breast-cancer-drugs

[i] http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/lignans

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Demystifying Flaxseed and Estrogen

In Uncategorized on June 23, 2014 at 12:06 pm

Flaxseed, the tiny plant with powerful anticancer properties—why are people so afraid of it?  Breast cancer is thought to be a hormonal disease.  This means that a hormone may cause cancer to develop by encouraging cells to grow and divide; therefore the mere mention of the word estrogen strikes fear in many.  Although the conventional medical community identifies all estrogens, including phytoestrogens, as carcinogenic and surely to be feared, plant estrogens may actually reduce estrogen activity in the body. In fact, phytoestrogens are not really estrogens, they are anti-estrogens. Plant estrogens protect us from the stronger estrogens our bodies produce as well as the xenoestrogens found in environmental chemicals—they actually contain compounds that have been shown to reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells. Flax, being a phytoestrogen, is simply misunderstood.

flax on blue

What we know:

Phytoestrogens such as flax act more like estrogen blockers than like estrogen; flax helps modulate the production, availability, and action of hormones. The lignans in flax lower the production of estrogen by blocking the aromatase enzyme (similar to aromatase inhibitors) and block the estrogen receptors (similar to Tamoxifen–and experts now believe that flaxseed may work even better than Tamoxifen, with side benefits not side effects). When lignans are consumed, intestinal bacteria convert them into enterolactone and enterodiol. They attach to estrogen receptors, stimulate them weakly and block estrogen binding. This prevents estradiol or estrone from attaching to the estrogen receptors and strongly stimulating them, and includes not just the estrogen we produce, but also environmental toxins, thus making breast tissue more resistant to these environmental toxins.

Think of it this way.  If you flood your system with phytoestrogens such as flax, they have the opportunity to block the receptors and only weakly stimulate cell proliferation.  While estrogen may cause 1000 cells to divide, phytoestrogens cause only one cell to divide.  Further, because compounds in flaxseed act as weak estrogen imitators, your body reacts by decreasing its production of estrogen. If you have too much estrogen, you may see your estrogen levels drop when you eat flaxseed. Additionally, the estrogens that your body naturally manufactures may be a less active form.

Flax also increases programmed cell death (apoptosis), prevents new blood vessels from growing into tumors, decreases hot flashes, decreases HER2 expression (HER2 leads to growth factor signaling pathways that play a role in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and metastasis), decreases breast cancer proliferation, reduces tumor growth and protects against radiation damage–flaxseed may play a role in mitigating and protecting other healthy tissues and organs before exposure to radiation from x-rays and CT scans, and significantly reduces damage even after exposure.

Women who consume 25 grams of ground flaxseed per day showed decreased tumor cell proliferation (up to 30%), decreased HER2 expression (up to 70%) and increased apoptosis.  Flaxseed can inhibit the growth of both estrogen receptor positive and negative breast cancer cells.  It also reduced metastasis of ER negative breast tumors.  Decreased cell proliferation rates, decreased angiogenesis and increased apoptosis seem to account for the decrease.

But there is more…..

Flaxseed is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids.  Research has found that women who eat the highest amounts of omega-3’s have the lowest risk of breast cancer.  Omega-3’s have been found to help shrink breast tumors and prevent them from spreading to other parts of the body.  Omega’s also help calm inflammation and decrease the rate at which breast cells divide in response to estrogen.

What some others have to say about flax:

In Confirmed: Flaxseed Contains ‘Estrogens’ That Regress Cancer,  Sayer Ji reports on how dietary flaxseed has the potential to reduce tumor growth in patients with breast cancer.  As reported by Dr Michael Greger in Flax and Breast Cancer Survival , flaxseeds appear to have the potential to reduce tumor growth in just a matter of weeks and can help to increase survival.  In this article, Greger speaks of the first side by side study comparing Tamoxifen to flaxseed to effectively starve tumors of their blood supply. One of the ways the chemotherapy drug Tamoxifen works is by boosting the levels of angiogenesis inhibitors like endostatin, which is a protein the body makes to try to starve tumors of their blood supply. In the study they gave women tamoxifen for 6 weeks; the levels of endostatin within the breast tended to go up, but the same thing happened when they added three and a half tablespoons of ground flaxseeds to their daily diet. This is exciting news and further supports embracing nature in the management of cancer. Please read the article for more studies.

MSKCC agrees that Flaxseed inhibits the growth and metastasis of breast and other cancers and can lower tumor biomarkers, and can reduce radiation therapy-induced lung damage and increase survival. Of course, I would like them to rethink the contraindication warning that patients with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer should consume flax with caution as this makes no sense, but then perhaps they are cautious of conflict of interest.

You will also find an in-depth discussion on flax in Dr Christine Horner’s book, Waking the Warrior Goddess, Third Edition: Dr. Christine Horner’s Program to Protect Against & Fight Breast Cancer.

Embracing Flax:

Flaxseed is easy to eat. While flaxseed oil should not be heated because it can easily oxidize, heating flaxseeds does not measurably change the nutritional content.  Grind the seeds and bake them in muffins or add them to your cereal; add them to your smoothie. Aim for 2-4Tbs freshly ground daily.  Freshly ground is important to avoid oxidation and in order for your body to digest and utilize flaxseeds, they must first be ground. Need a new idea?  Make some oatmeal flax pancakes. Hemp seeds have gamma-linolenic acid, a powerful anti-inflammatory. They also offer all of the nine essential amino acids your body can’t make on its own, maybe add some chia seeds as well. Still don’t see yourself eating flaxseed daily or travel frequently?  Try a supplement: Brevail Proactive Breast Health Capsules, 30-Count Box.  While not a perfect solution, it is an option.

oatmeal flax pancakes with blueberries

Oatmeal Flax Pancakes

  • ¼ cup organic oats (whole or pulsed lightly)
  • ¼ cup flaxseeds (freshly ground)
  • 1 organic egg
  • 5 Tbs almond milk or milk of your choice
  • ¼ tsp baking powder (aluminum free), optional
  • Dash salt, optional
  • ½ tsp cinnamon (cinnamon is known to inhibit the formation of new vessels within the body as well as reduce the growth of tumors, and helps to manage blood sugar levels)
  • Dash of cloves and nutmeg (heavy dash of the cloves as they have strong anticancer benefits and nutmeg is anti-inflammatory)
  • Splash of vanilla
  • Small handful of walnuts
  • Dash of stevia (optional)
  • 1 small ripe banana, sliced
  • Butter or coconut oil for cooking

Grind walnuts (if using) with Flaxseed.  Stir into oats.  Add remaining ingredients except butter,  slightly mashing banana (if using).

Note: If you eat whey powder, add one tablespoon vanilla whey and omit the vanilla and stevia (whey boosts glutathione levels; for more information, click here.)

Warm pan with butter.   Spoon batter into pan, making thick pancakes.  Yield, 2 large or 4 small.

Serve with fresh berries, honey (try buckwheat honey), or topping of your choice.

I never overlook an opportunity to allow nature to heal; flaxseed is proving to be one such powerful agent to embrace for breast cancer management and survival.  Never sacrifice health for the sake of a cure (old Ayurvedic principle). Treatments should not create imbalances or disease. As we learned during my show with Peter Gotsche (Deadly Medicines and Organized crime-what you need to know about prescription drugs and your health) prescriptions drugs are the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer, and most come with the risk of potentially toxic side effects and contribute to further disease, not wellness; drugs do not cure imbalances, they create them. Anytime you can find a natural substance that works as well or better than a pharmaceutical drug, go for it.

While a comprehensive anticancer plan is beyond the scope of this post, there is much we can do to support the body against cancer; flaxseed is just one very important part of the puzzle, and estrogen is not the main culprit.  Endnote…estrogen is our friend, not our enemy, it’s all about balance, metabolism and management.

Part of knowing your options is speaking with the experts who offer more than just the standard of care. How to find them?  Visit my guide to Integrative Oncologists and Naturopathic Doctors or schedule a consult to learn more. Click here for more information on Natural Alternatives to Tamoxifen.

Find whole flax seed at your local market or health food store or find it here: Bob’s Red Mill Golden Flaxseed, 24-Ounce Bags (Pack of 4).  If you cannot eat flax, consider a flaxseed supplement: NuLignan 90t or  Brevail .

For more on the benefits of Flax:

Flax and Breast Cancer Survival

Chia Seed: The New Superfood

Natural Alternatives to Tamoxifen: Interview with Elyn Jacobs

Flaxseed Can Prevent And Kill Breast Cancer, Meta-Analysis Reveals

Confirmed: Flaxseed Contains ‘Estrogens’ That Regress Cancer

http://preventcancer.aicr.org/new/docs/pdf/AICR-InDepth-Issue-01-Flaxseed-and-Breast-Cancer.pdf

This article was also printed in my column, Options For Life in the Natural Healing, Natural Wellness magazine, Summer 2014

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 Magazine. 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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