natural girls
Comments
-
Timothy...Thanks...I think this means my coffee pot has too much nickel. On an Oz episode he says paper coffee filters filter out something that raises cholesterol. My LDL has gone up since I stopped using filters. Maybe I'll look for those non-whitened filters and see if my cholesterol goes back down. If there might be nickel in my stainless steel coffee pot, then I guess there wouldn't be any more harm in giving the old Cuisinart with the plastic water reservoir and plastic filter and glass pitcher a go with a paper filter. Haven't used paper filters for several years, so this could be an interesting experiment.
Beth, Thank you for the clarification on both points...I made notes.
Deoderant...sorry can't help...quit years ago when lived up north...don't sweat under my arms now...in fact have been going in sauna trying to teach my body to sweat...seems to have forgotten how.
MariannaHB and Beth...maybe I should lower my intake of tumeric and curcumin...I'm probably overdoing it.
Thanks everyone!
0 -
Would like others to comment on Eastcoast girl. My Mo took me off of antioxidants. He quoted the study that is out that while on active treatment you should not be on antioxidants, he said once tamox treatment is over he wants me back on them. He does believe in supplements and adjust some of the ones I was on which I thought was good. First doc to pay attention to my supplements. If I understood him correctly--- he explained to me is that antioxidants work the same on reg cells as cancer cells and that the cells try to repair themselves and will divide and grow hence we don't want cancer cells to grow any faster we want to deprive them of estrogen with tamox so they will die off. Any comments on this subject would be welcomed.
0 -
Is anyone else having problems with this thread? I'm a lurker but love the info. I'm not getting "new" posts when I pull up my favorites and when I pull up the thread it just list all the pages and then I need to click on a page to see posts? Oh well! (c:
0 -
Beth: I read about the saliva Cortisol test on the link above. I have been told it's best to do progenelone rather then DHEA--it converts to the amount of DHEA you need and what it doesn't need it dumps.
0 -
Beth: I read about the saliva Cortisol test on the link above. I have been told it's best to do progenelone rather then DHEA--it converts to the amount of DHEA you need and what it doesn't need it dumps.
0 -
Adey: Yes, I am having problems since yesterday! I thought it was my computer, lol.
0 -
There is definitely something going on around here. My page is a mess too.
Sherry, there is plenty of evidence to refute the idea that antioxidants protect cancer cells. I read Dr. Strand's book "What Your Doctor Doesn't Know about Nutrition" during my treatments, and when he stated success stories of his patients who took HIGH GRADE supplements during chemo, I decided to take some. I wish I had done more, but my doctors also told me not to. I mostly took just fish oil and coQ10 to protect my skin through rads. I had no clue what I was doing back then. I was just beginning to research and mostly following doctors orders, but as I learned more, I started to buck the system. I became very diligent about my diet, and daily exercise, and I do believe that is why I had very few side effects from rads. I posted a link to an article by doctor strand on my website about this but you can also google and find lots of info about the safety of antioxidants during treatments. I prefer to only put links there as they get lost in the shuffle around here. If you need to find lots of information without reading 263 pages, check it out.
0 -
Yikes I am having trouble as well on the this thread and another of my threads, I reported it to techincal support. Hopefully they will get it fixed quickly.
Vivre-thanks I will look it up
0 -
Ladies...help please. A customer of mine has been told her thyroid is fine....well...we all know how those tests fare....so.....I told her to do the thermometer test in the am before getting out of bed. For 10 days...her temp never even hit 98. I know someone in here said this was one of the best tests. So.....where can I tell my customer to go now??? Her PCP looked at her like she was nuts and she has no idea how to get help.
0 -
Timothy: Thank you for the nickel tip; and thanks to you, I am trashing my coffee pot NOW...
SuperMom: WOW!!! Congratulations on those 10 good years you had. Obviously, you made ALL the right choices. Fascinating, indeed......
0 -
Talking about anti-oxidants: I am part of an email group and we just received this from our group facilitator:
Researchers Provide Genetic Evidence That Antioxidants Can Help Treat CancerResearchers from Jefferson's Kimmel Cancer Center have genetic evidence suggesting the antioxidant drugs currently used to treat lung disease, malaria and even the common cold can also help prevent and treat cancers because they fight against mitochondrial oxidative stress—a culprit in driving tumor growth.For the first time, the researchers show that loss of the tumor suppressor protein Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) induces mitochondrial oxidative stress in the stromal micro-environment, a process that fuels cancer cells in most common types of breast cancer."Now we have genetic proof that mitochondrial oxidative stress is important for driving tumor growth," said lead researcher Michael P. Lisanti, M.D., Ph.D., professor of cancer biology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and member of the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson. "This means we need to make anti-cancer drugs that specially target this type of oxidative stress. And there are already antioxidant drugs out there on the market as dietary supplements, like N-acetyl cysteine."These findings were published in the journal Cancer Biology & Therapy.Lisanti's lab previously discovered Cav-1 as a biomarker that functions as a tumor suppressor and is the single strongest predictor of breast cancer patient outcome. For example, if a woman has triple negative breast cancer and is Cav-1 positive in the stroma, her survival is greater than 75 percent at 12 years, versus less than 10 percent at 5 years if she doesn't have the Cav-1 protein, according to Lisanti.The researchers also established Cav-1's role in oxidative stress and tumor growth; however, where that stress originates and its mechanism(s) were unclear.To determine this, Jefferson researchers applied a genetically tractable model for human cancer associated fibroblasts in this study using a targeted sh-RNA knock-down approach. Without the Cav-1 protein, researchers found that oxidative stress in cancer associated fibroblasts leads to mitochondrial dysfunction in stromal fibroblasts. In this context, oxidative stress and the resulting autophagy (producton of recycled nutrients) in the tumor-microenvironment function as metabolic energy or "food" to "fuel" tumor growth.The researchers report that the loss of Cav-1 increases mitochondrial oxidative stress in the tumor stroma, increasing both tumor mass and tumor volume by four-fold, without any increase in tumor angiogenesis."Antioxidants have been associated with cancer reducing effects—beta carotene, for example—but the mechanisms, the genetic evidence, has been lacking," Lisanti said. "This study provides the necessary genetic evidence that reducing oxidative stress in the body will decrease tumor growth."Currently, anti-cancer drugs targeting oxidative stress are not used because is it commonly thought they will reduce the effectiveness of certain chemotherapies, which increase oxidative stress."We are not taking advantage of the available drugs that reduce oxidative stress and autophagy, including metformin, chloroquine and N-acetyl cysteine," Lisanti said. "Now that we have genetic proof that oxidative stress and resulting autophagy are important for driving tumor growth, we should re-consider using antioxidants and autophagy inhibitors as anti-cancer agents."The diabetic drug metformin and chloroquine, which is used for the prevention and treatment of malaria, prevent a loss of Cav-1 in cancer associated fibroblasts (which is due to oxidative stress), functionally cutting off the fuel supply to cancer cells.This research also has important implications for understanding the pathogenesis of triple negative and tamoxifen-resistance in ER-positive breast caner patients, as well as other epithelial cancers, such as prostate cancers."Undoubtedly, this new genetically tractable system for cancer associated fibroblasts will help identify other key genetic 'factors' that can block tumor growth," Lisanti said.SOURCES:
Cancer Biology & Therapy, online edition, February 15, 2011
Thomas Jefferson University (http://www.jeffersonhospital.org)0 -
MBJ -
Thanks - I will look into that.
Beth
0 -
Estepp: Low temp usually means low thyroid, but it can also be adrenal fatigue. I have a problem getting over 98.1. She should find an integrative dr. more sympathetic to her situation.
0 -
One of the causes of the disruptions of sleeping patterns during aging is the reduction in the nightly release of melatonin by the pineal gland. Many people have discovered that bedtime doses of melatonin restored their ability to obtain a sound and peaceful night's sleep.
Melatonin levels are known to decline drastically with age. Since melatonin and FSH appear to be antagonistic in women, the same relationship may be true for men. It has been postulated that melatonin may even act to normalize (lower) gonadotropin levels. It is one of the few substances that have repeatedly been shown to extend the maximum lifespan of experimental animals. While low doses of melatonin (0.5 to 6 grams) act as a natural sleeping pill, high doses of melatonin (20 grams or more) have been used to fight cancer growth.
The exact dosage varies greatly between people. Trial and error is the best method. A higher dose does not mean more potency. Some people may feel better with a smaller dose. To normalize sleep and the bioclock, a good dosage to start is 1 mg and should be gradually increased if there are no side effects. A slight disorientation and dizziness may be experienced for the first few hours after waking up when melatonin treatment is first started. This sensation should go away after a few nights of melatonin use. If it persists, a reduced dose is recommended.
There are a few rules for the effective use of melatonin. Firstly, always take this hormone just before bedtime. If you take it earlier in the day, it may disrupt sleeping and waking cycle
One of the causes of the disruptions of sleeping patterns during aging is the reduction in the nightly release of melatonin by the pineal gland. Many people have discovered that bedtime doses of melatonin restored their ability to obtain a sound and peaceful night's sleep.
Melatonin levels are known to decline drastically with age. Since melatonin and FSH appear to be antagonistic in women, the same relationship may be true for men. It has been postulated that melatonin may even act to normalize (lower) gonadotropin levels. It is one of the few substances that have repeatedly been shown to extend the maximum lifespan of experimental animals. While low doses of melatonin (0.5 to 6 grams) act as a natural sleeping pill, high doses of melatonin (20 grams or more) have been used to fight cancer growth.
The exact dosage varies greatly between people. Trial and error is the best method. A higher dose does not mean more potency. Some people may feel better with a smaller dose. To normalize sleep and the bioclock, a good dosage to start is 1 mg and should be gradually increased if there are no side effects. A slight disorientation and dizziness may be experienced for the first few hours after waking up when melatonin treatment is first started. This sensation should go away after a few nights of melatonin use. If it persists, a reduced dose is recommended.
There are a few rules for the effective use of melatonin. Firstly, always take this hormone just before bedtime. If you take it earlier in the day, it may disrupt sleeping and waking cycles.
s.
0 -
Beth: Here is what I read:
Many people have reported more energy, ability to handle stress more easily, think more clearly and generally feel better, after receiving DHEA. Other benefits include enhanced immunity (stronger resistance to colds, flu etc) and lower cholesterol levels.
DHEA's ability to rejuvenate the immune function is particularly worthy of consideration. It boosts antibody production; enhances the activity of monocytes and maximizes the anti-cancer function of immune cells known as T lymphocytes. When administered concurrently with a flu vaccine, DHEA has been shown to improve the effectiveness of the vaccine in laboratory animals and in aging humans.
One interesting note is that DHEA is not regulated by a negative feedback loop in the body. In other words, taking supplements of DHEA will not suppress the production of these hormones or cause the adrenal to rest and result in atrophy from the disuse. Theoretically, no "resting period" is required, although it is a good practice to have a resting cycle of a few weeks for every few months of therapy, as with all hormone replacement.
DHEA replacement therapy offers powerful health benefits and is virtually risk-free. The usual starting dose is 25 mg. Men may require a higher quantity (up to 100 mg) while women may need less (up to 50 mg). The ideal anti-aging strategy is to supplement both DHEA and its precursor, pregnenolone. Commercial DHEA products are made from diosgenin, an extract from the Mexican wild yam of the Dioscorea family. Biochemists can convert diosgenin to DHEA by engineering a series of chemical conversions, but such conversion only happens in the laboratory and not in the human body. The ingestion of Dioscorea plant extracts cannot possibly lead to the formation of DHEA in the body.
Numerous studies have shown the effects of pregnenolone on the body and brain. It boosts energy, elevates mood and improves memory and mental performance. Pregnenolone also creates a sense of well being while improving the ability to tolerate stress. Furthermore, pregnenolone has a host of advantages which includes the ability to influence cerebral function, energy level, the female reproductive cycle, immune defenses, inflammation, mood, skin health, sleep patterns, stress tolerance, wound healing. Taking pregnenolone therefore normalizes and rejuvenates the entire adrenal cascade.
The normal starting dose is 15 mg, increasing up to 100 mg for men or women. There are minimal side effects. A laboratory, although good, is not necessary for doses below 200 milligrams per day. Pregnenolone should be derived from a pharmacologically pure product and not a yam-derived "precursor." A very safe dose is between 25 and 100 milligrams per day.
Although pregnenolone has not been studied as extensively as DHEA as it is a precursor of DHEA and since it appears to decline as rapidly as DHEA, pregnenolone should also be considered in a comprehensive hormonal replacement regimen.
Pregnenolone is best tested for its ability to alleviate depression, improve moods and enhance cognitive performance. It also has corticosteroid-like anti-inflammatory effects without the joint-destroying catabolic effects of corticosteroids (Regelson, 1995).
It is often recommended for anti-aging purposes that both pregnenolone and DHEA be taken together. Since some pregnenolone is converted into DHEA, the amount of DHEA intake can be lowered if both are taken together.
0 -
Hi All,
Am looking for anyone who was diagnosed with stage 2a IDC, grade 2 (ER+ PR + Her2 -) nodes negative. My sister (49 yrs old) was diagnosed last March. had lumpectomy and node dissection. She did not do chemo and rads. Tried tamox for a few months but stopped due to side effects.
her blood test and breast ultrasound, bone scan results (Dec 2010) were good. Will see her doc in 2 months.
If there's anyone with a similar diagnosis and did not go thru chemo and rads, please let me know. Any help is appreciated.
What herbal remedies would you recommend to ward off cancer cells from winning?
thanks,
bcgirl59
0 -
bcgirl59:
Welcome. This particular thread (and the entire Alternative/Complementary section) contains tons of information.
I know this is hard, but you will probably have to go through all the messages (little by little ):) to get all the information you need.
I have been using the Alternative/Complementary discussion forum since 2006, and I am still learning from all these well-informed, open-minded ladies.
0 -
bcgirl, surgery generally gives the best bang for your buck in terms of tx. Adjuvant chemo & rads confers relatively minor improvement beyond that.
Since your sister's cancer was ER+, the things she could focus on are to deal with the estrogen in her system. DIM or IC3 can help with that. Also calcium-c-glutarate. Have her get her body fat down as much as she reasonably can.
Also, in another of your posts, you referred to someone's survival rate as "only" 85%. That's really insensitive of you and I take great exception to that. Why didn't you focus on the fact that her risk of whatever adverse event was being discussed (recurrence or death - you didn't make that clear, and I don't think you even know) was just 15%.
Back to our regularly scheduled programming: If you want to know your sister's risk of recurrence or 5-year survival chances, ask her onc. If you want to know more about herbal remedies, go find a naturopathic oncologist or other medical provider who practices complementary medicine.
0 -
Hi Sandpiper,
Thanks for your reply. And also for pointing out my errors. I did not mean to be insensitive at all when I wrote "only" 85% on my previous post. I did not mean it to come across that way. I am currently in touch with that very nice and understanding Jainey, and I hope Jainey did not take offence. To everyone out there who did, please accept my apologies. OK that's enough for my ramblings!
Thanks to all for being supportive to newbies like me. There is so much to learn.
bcgirl59
0 -
To Sandpiper,
This might sound stupid, but where would I buy IC3? From health food stores?
thanks,
bcgirl59
0 -
Beth: re Pregnenolone: I found a link that gives you the pros and cons of taking this over the counter hormone. I requested a complete blood work up fro my dr. which they did today so that I can see if I will benefit from it. It can either be great or not so great for us, depending on our individual histories and problems:
http://intelegen.com/nutrients/pregnenolone_and_mental_function.htm
0 -
OT but has anyone noticed that several threads that you frequent now takes you to page one when you click? Strange.
0 -
Yes the pages are strange. Of the ones I look at this is the only one that is still messed up. HOpe they get it fixed. I don't post much here but love reading the information.
0 -
Should we all report technical problems to the moderators? It only seems to be on the natural girls thread. When I click on it, no posts show. I have to click on the 263 page in order to see anything. Do you think it might be because it is such a huge thread?
0 -
"Enchange City" is huger and it seems to work fine. Don't want to sound paranoid. If they really are out to get us...then I wouldn't be paranoid would I?
0 -
MBJ,.
Thanks for Dr. Lam's site. I've bookmarked it. I too have had depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue and insomnia almost all my life. Interestingly, the depression went away once I started chemo - definitely a bodily response not very tied to emotions or outlook.l can feel it in my stomach, face, head, everywhere! Did your depression subside or change after cancer treatment? It's been 17 mos for me and am just starting to have tinges of depression again that I hope don't come back in full force. I've found decaf green tea helps but I'm not doing anything else dramatically different other than that I only allow myself one or two small servings of meat and or dairy a week. But the depression lifted even before I got this strict on animal fat and went much heavier on fresh veggies and no preservatives.
0 -
Jainey and the rest of you who have shared what you are doing with herbs and supplements, thanks for the info. Am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that herbs and everything else I put in my mouth can make a big difference as there is nothing for me in the way of traditional treatment now that I've finished chemo and rads. Am doing Reishi tablets, melatonin, and lotsa green tea. Started a tincture for swelling that has spread to my ankles and feet but so far the only thing that makes a huge difference with the edema is not spending 12-14 hours a day on my computer. With that said, I'm gonna log off now! Gnite ladies.
Rachel
0 -
All you ladies posting about green tea may want to check this out (I extracted it from a posting of a woman I know on Facebook who heavily researches alternative cancer care) Sorry, I didn't note who her original source is, but I personally find her reliable based on what resources she has posted in the past.
Antioxidant Content of Tea
The antioxidant content of various types of tea has been well studied. An analysis on 20 common brands of tea has shown that they contain widely varying amounts of antioxidants, which are known to help fight off cancer and heart disease among other illnesses.
The following teas were brewed for 3 minutes each and the antioxidant level is shown below:
Brand of Tea Catechin content (in milligrams)
Celestial Seasonings Green Tea 217
Lipton Green Tea 201
Bigelow Darjeeling Blend (black tea) 164
Uncle Lee's Green Tea 157
Stash Premium Green Tea Decaf 53
Twinings Earl Grey Black Tea 46
Bigelow Constant Comment (black tea) 38
Bigelow Constant Comment Decaf 10
Lipton Lemon Iced Tea 0
Snapple Peach Iced Tea 0
0 -
Vivre,
Can you send me a link to your website? I have one too, and am always interested in what others are doing, especially survivors who do their research.Rachel
0 -
since there are few thing less natural than smoking, I quit two days ago. After 40 years. I feel oddly excited. The temporary stuff like irrtibility, weight gain...just my body reclaiming itself. How cool is this? I am not believing it but of course I do. man...wow(i am clapping, throwing money at myself and saying wow)
on other note all- ihave received full panel of my estrogen tests and cannot find what the desired levels should be...
estradiol was 5pg/ml
estrogen fract-estrone LC/MS/MS 16 pg/ml
estriol lc/ms/ms serum <0.10 ng/ml
got my vitamind d bnack from 18 to 113 YOWZER!and will replace that crappy D2 prescription with the d3 otc product.-my d3 level is still only 22....will work on this
anyway if someone who knows this stuff can give me a shout on my esrogen levels following my protocol of DIM, COQ10 (this test was taken BEFORE I stated activin grapeseed extract and the turmeric...which in fact i think haspushed me dangerously low further than my levels above...i will see what next test tells me and adjust accordingly...i know I need SOME estrogen....anyway thanks for everything:)
0
