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  • rgiuff
    rgiuff Member Posts: 339
    edited April 2011

    Fighter, many spices and condiments are supposed to help prevent gas, things like cumin, cilantro, parsley.  I personally use a lot of cumin in most of my bean dishes, and don't have that many problems with gas anymore.  I've also noticed that certain beans are worse than others for me.  Split peas and limas are the worst for me, don't really have much problem with the black or kidney beans.

  • donnadio
    donnadio Member Posts: 674
    edited April 2011
    Met with Vivre's Dr she recommended for bio-identicals. and I started today! I have had enough education for what kind of balance I need and feel this is goin to be the right route for me. I am so done with the fear basedness of hormones and cancer. IF this is living, I rather not! Seriously, I have disappeared and slowly diminshing within and this cannot be the way to live!
  • vivre
    vivre Member Posts: 881
    edited April 2011

    Is anyone seeing the new banner at the bottom of the page that says cancer is big??? I think they left out the word business. WTF

    I am so glad Donna got to see Dr. Raschid. I wish I could clone her. She is one special lady, and fearless. She told me she would be willing to answer our questions about hormones. So here is my proposition. I will set up a discussion on my website in the section called -is there a doctor in the house?. There you can all go and ask questions. When we get enough of them, I will ask her to answer them when she has the time. In the meantime, get her book Hormones Explained. She carries on where pioneers like John Lee left off. I have read at least half a dozen books on hormones and hers is very easy to read, in spite of the fact that she went to Harvard. She purposely had her friends and families read it first, so she could edit it in a way that was easy for others to understand. Let me know if anyone needs the link.

  • agnieszka
    agnieszka Member Posts: 1
    edited April 2011

    Vivre, I would love the link to your side. Thanks much.

  • donnadio
    donnadio Member Posts: 674
    edited April 2011
    I need the link vivre!!!
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 244
    edited April 2011

    vivre, please PM the link to me too.. thanks

  • OmaRoo
    OmaRoo Member Posts: 1
    edited April 2011

    FIGHTER:  oh my, yes..... I've been juicing lots of veggies & am finding that I do have a lot of gas! Haven't really figured out anything that help.  But then again, haven't researched it much.  I am still having a lot of fatigue from surgery.  (Surgery was 5 weeks ago, but still don't have much stamina.  When should I expect to have a little more "umphh"??) 

  • painterly
    painterly Member Posts: 266
    edited April 2011

    About the gas...

    A friend of mine who juices daily says the gas eventually goes away as the body gets used to the new diet. She didn't say how long that takes though. She follows "Detox for Women" by Natalia Rose. Whenever I am out shopping, I stop by a little cafe who do the juicing and buy a green power drink. They are so refreshing that I should buy the book and make my own.

  • painterly
    painterly Member Posts: 266
    edited April 2011

    About node removal:

    Dr. Kathleen Ruddy wrote a good article on her website about the history of node removal. If I have a recurrence, I shall take a copy along to my bs.

    http://www.breasthealthandhealing.org/socialnetworking/messages/20110308.html

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 244
    edited April 2011

    painterly, try ginger juice or turmeric juice.. it helps with the gas issue..

  • EastCoastGrl
    EastCoastGrl Member Posts: 206
    edited April 2011

    I have read that adding ginger to your foods helps with gas. Or even having a ginger/lemon tea mixture about 30 min before a meal. But I think cutting a few pieces of ginger from the root and adding it to the 'gaseous' meal might be helpful.

    I do enjoy a tea I make with fresh grated ginger root (I keep a ginger root in my freezer at all times) along with organic raw honey....sometimes with lemon and sometimes without. It's a nice evening 'tea' .

    Wel I never got an answer or advice to my post about the DIM or IC3....but just wanted to note that I have decided to take DIM after more research. Seems there are some questionable things I'd rather stay away from with the IC3. My MO is ok with me taking this along with Calcium D Glucarate and 10 mg of Tamox....for now.

  • annettek
    annettek Member Posts: 1,160
    edited April 2011

    eastcoast- i think there sometimes are so many posts-some questions just get lost- I too chose the DIM, as that is what is being used in clinical trials. I take the bioresponse type along with qctivn grapeseed extract, COQ10, Fish oil and a good Bstress vitamin, d3 and calcium. Last homrone tests showed really low figures across the board so I am curious as to what my tests will show later this month when I go back to onc.

    I somehow managed to log in to NCCN and get the physician's version of the most recent guidelines dated 2-11. Again, I am angry-for my particular stats it clearly says no adjuvant therapy-for if it s not believed to have any measureable effect. My oncodx was 6. What I don't understand is why are the oncs not reading what their PEERS that they turn to for the bible of conventional medicine recommend? I appreciate that the reading is dry and ponderous BUT-there are so many who take a drug that is doing them NO GOOD that can cause serious SEs. I am not speaking above Stage 1 Grade 1 no node inolvement diagnoses...but that still includes a LOT of women. ARGH. I am only taking my supplements as I feel better with the mental aspect of doing something- even if prophalactic. As well as needing supplementation to my diet in general.

    If anyone cares to wade through the 147 page PDF file- PM me and I will send it to you. It covers the most current conventional treatment recommendation and the reasoning behind them- which is scary in itself as so many are ^excluded$ or &excused& It covers everything from stage 1-IV and all of the grades, etc.

  • donnadio
    donnadio Member Posts: 674
    edited April 2011

    vivre....thanks for sharing Usana with me. The melatonin is good stuff!!! comapred to Life Extension's as I do not feel an after affect the next day! I am lovcing the Protein Powder for my smoothies as well! Used it before work and felt full for the work day! Did not try the Essentials yet and want to read up on what exactly is in the packets so they I do not duplicate!!Everyone, USANA is a quality supplement line for sure.

    Day three on being on my Bio- identicals.. sleep is better already. The rest is still a process as I have been off balance for too long.

  • luv_gardening
    luv_gardening Member Posts: 362
    edited April 2011

    Has anyone heard of Chaga mushroom or Betulin?  This is taken from Wikipedia:

    Recent scientific research in Japan and China has been focused more on the anti-cancer potential and showed the effects of these specific polysaccharides to be comparable to chemo therapy and radiation, but without the side effects.[4] [5] Further research indicated these polysaccharides have strong anti-inflammatory [6] and immune balancing properties, [7] stimulating the body to produce NK (natural killer) cells to battle infections and tumor growth, instead of showing a direct toxidity against pathogens. This property makes polysaccharide-based supplements stand out from standard pharmaceuticals - no side effects will occur / develop; the body is healing itself.[8] Herbalist David Winston maintains that it is the strongest anti-cancer medicinal mushroom.

    Betulin and betulinic acid, are compounds found naturally in chaga and birch trees. The compounds are now being studied for use as a chemotherapeutic agent.

    A search of BCO came up with few results. I've found a couple of studies but must get to bed now.   

  • EastCoastGrl
    EastCoastGrl Member Posts: 206
    edited April 2011

    thanks annette.....I'm actually interested in what you have to read. My stats are similiar to yours although larger tumor (1.5 cm) and I was grade 2. My oncotype score was 9. I wonder where I fall in all of that as far as what is recommended for adjuvent therapy.

  • sdstarfish
    sdstarfish Member Posts: 38
    edited April 2011

    I just wanted to add re: the ginger/lemon/honey tea: a great way to fight chemo-brain is to add a sprig of rosemary about the size of your thumb using a tea diffuser. Rosemary improves circulation and focus.

    Lisa

    www.pinkkitchen.info

  • annettek
    annettek Member Posts: 1,160
    edited April 2011

    eastcoastgirl- send me your email- I can't upload it as it is 146 pages...and it does have a chart that breaks down into all of the various stages, etc and size and leads to their recommendations. I think that is why I get so angry when people tell me I am a fool for not taking an AI...do they really think I feel like playing with my life or am an idiot? It is insulting. I have always said it is dependant on where I am at...I preclude nothing if it makes sense. In this case, it never made sense, the drug knocked me on my butt...BUT I am always open to reconsider if my blood stats do not back me up...funny, how so many have poopoohed this packet of info as baloney-like I am peddling monkey farts for a cure..it is from the GRAND POOBAHS OF CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE....THEIR GUIDELINES....not mine, not alternative. Oh well. you canno tlead a horse to water. Nor can you make him drink. The ones who oppose it (which is nuts since many of the passages support their own choices-which I would think would give them peace knowing they areon the "approved" track) so vigorously I do not understand. Knowledge is never a bad thing. COonventional or alternative.

  • althea
    althea Member Posts: 506
    edited April 2011

    sheila, I have some chaga mushroom tea that I mix with tulsi, cinnamon and sweeten with basil.  It's a very dark robust drink that anyone who likes coffee would probably like.  Now I'm out of tulsi and my two favorite places to order herbs don't have it right now.  I was drinking tulsi tea at night there for a while and really liked it. 

  • luv_gardening
    luv_gardening Member Posts: 362
    edited April 2011

    Thanks Althea, people say it helps with energy levels, weight loss and irritable bowel syndrome.  I see it's often included in mushroom supplements.  I'm thinking of trying a number of herbs and mushrooms to see how they affect me, then if ever I need any for medicinal uses I can combine them in higher doses.

    I'm also researching barberry among other things.  It's frustrating that they are only studied in vitro or in vivo, then we have to turn to historical and highly subjective testimonial evidence. 

  • MBJ
    MBJ Member Posts: 3,671
    edited April 2011

    So I was reading the back of one of the supplements I take, and 5-HTP 100 mg says this:

    The immediate precursor of seratonin.  The production of seratonin levels in the brain are directly related to eating and sleeping patterns, mood shifts, tranquility, and compulsive behavior.  Use has been shown to aid weight loss, reduce carb cravings, improve mood & reduce mood fluctuations and well as promote sleep patterns!

    I haven't slept well at all since starting my new program and so I took this before going to bed along with  my magnesium and melatonin and I slept 12 hours almost straight through without any hot flashes!  Just wanted to share this with everyone.

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 323
    edited April 2011

    MBJ - thanks for sharing, that sounds like a real treat !  My shopping list gets longer by the day.  Time to find me a job.  DAMN fatigue !

    VIVRE - most interested to get the link also, thanks ! Smile

    Has anyone read serious research on red chili pepppers being the hottest (no pun intended) find for cancer cure.  Have been adding them to my pasta sauce - they sure don't help with the hot flashes though...Burn, baby burn

  • MBJ
    MBJ Member Posts: 3,671
    edited April 2011

    Luan:  Unfortunately, things that are good for BC are bad for menopausal symptoms :<(

  • luv_gardening
    luv_gardening Member Posts: 362
    edited April 2011

    MBJ, I hope you'll get back about the 5-HTP and let us know if you continue to sleep well and if it helps your appetite and weight. They'd make a fortune if it really helped with all those things. Maybe it only helps those with a need for the nutrient which I've never heard of it so now I'll have one more thing to research.

  • MBJ
    MBJ Member Posts: 3,671
    edited April 2011

    I will let you all know.  I am hoping it wasn't a fluke.

  • luv_gardening
    luv_gardening Member Posts: 362
    edited April 2011

    Great news.  In researching 5-HTP I realised it wouldn't be legal to sell in Australia as they don't approve most single amino acids.  I found out from a chat site that if I order that or Melatonin, (also not legal here), it will arrive even if customs inspects the parcel.  Iodine is the other thing I can't buy here, though I do know one ND who sells via her website without a consultation.

    Most of my supps come from iHerb online as it works out cheaper and the local healthfood shops either charge too much or don't stock what I want. 

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Member Posts: 244
    edited April 2011

    MBJ,

    my mother was prescribed 5HTP by her endocrinologist -- for her mild depression and also to help her sleep well at night. she was also prescribed melatonin and magnesium.

    however, the endocrinologist instructed her to take 5HTP in the morning (as soon as she wakes up in the morning-- instead of evening-- because it supposed to raise serotonin levels-- so she is wide awake in the morning)

     she was instructed to take melatonin and magnesium 30 minutes before she goes to bed.. which is about 8pm (as she needs about 2 hours to really relax-- do some reading before her 10 pm bedtime).

    all of these supplements were prescribed after a throughough analysis of the results of her adrenal tests and organic acids test..

  • DesignerMom
    DesignerMom Member Posts: 730
    edited April 2011

    I just came across this link on BCO written by a cancer survivor dietician who is actively promoting organic gardening (including urban and container) to stay healthy.  She also has a great blog called "Cancer Victory Garden".  I love that BCO is promoting this.  I just scanned the linked blog, but it looks great!  http://community.breastcancer.org/blog/why-garden-let-me-count-the-ways/

  • MBJ
    MBJ Member Posts: 3,671
    edited April 2011

    Nanay:  Thank you so much for the info!  I take so many things at different times of the day, with or without food, it's difficult to keep track.  I have heard it's also better to take vitamins at a different time then minerals.  I was taking the 5-HTP night and day so I will swich it to just am.  I do take the magnesium and melatonin at night already and have been for some time.

  • lucy88
    lucy88 Member Posts: 100
    edited April 2011

    I tried 100 mg 5-HTP before bed and was very drowsy the next day until the afternoon. I read somewhere that drowsiness can be a side effect. I'm concerned if I take it in the AM it will make me sleepy.

    Anybody have thoughts on this?

  • MBJ
    MBJ Member Posts: 3,671
    edited April 2011

    5-HTP stands for 5-hydroxytryptophan. It's an herbal supplement made from the seeds of a West African plant called griffonia simplicifolia. It has not been evaluated by the FDA, but it is believed to help with depression, sleep disorders and weight problems. It's most commonly found in capsule form.

    Function: When tryptophan is in the body, some of it is converted into hydroxytryptophan, which is then converted into serotonin and melatonin. Taking 5-HTP bypasses the first step of this process, which leads to more production of serotonin and melatonin than taking tryptophan alone. Up to 70 percent of 5-HTP will be absorbed by the blood, and it easily passes the blood-brain barrier.

    Benefits: One of the major causes of depression is low serotonin levels, so boosting production of serotonin in the body by taking 5-HTP can help alleviate depression. It may work well in combination with some types of medical antidepressants, or it may be used on its own in cases of mild depression. Since it works differently from antidepressants, it may work well for those who are resistant to medications.

    Low serotonin levels can bring on cravings for sugar and fats, so 5-HTP may help control appetite and binge eating.

    5-HTP also produces melatonin, which is responsible for the body's sleep cycle, so 5-HTP may help promote regular sleeping patterns.

    Dosage: The recommended starting dose of 5-HTP is 50 mg a day. It should be taken with food, or shortly before eating, with a full glass of water. If you see no benefit at 50 mg, this can be gradually increased. As with all herbal supplements, discuss dosage with your doctor.

    The best time of day to take 5-HTP depends on what benefit you hope to gain from it. As an appetite suppressant, it should be taken about 20 minutes before meals. To regulate sleep, it should be taken about half an hour before bed. If you're taking it for depression, you may see the most benefit by taking smaller doses several times a day.

    Warning: 5-HTP may cause sun sensitivity; protect yourself until you know how it affects you. In some people, 5-HTP may cause a rash. It also may cause an upset stomach or constipation.

    Some medications(like anti-depressants and chemo) may interact adversely with 5-HTP, so as with any herbal supplement, discuss use with your doctor. In particular, SSRI antidepressants shouldn't be combined with 5-HTP. In addition, some medical conditions, such as an ulcer or liver, kidney or blood-platelet disease, may prohibit your use of 5-HTP. Pregnant or lactating women should not take 5-HTP