natural girls
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I don't trust all the "natural" artificial sweeteners. I believe they remove one molecule or something to alter it and make it calorie free. Messing with mother nature never results in good things in my opinion. I worry that down the road they will come out with some news that it is not exactly good for us. However, the Anticancer book says that Agave nectar does not metabolize and feed cancer like sugar does. When I need a sweet fix, I use the dark amber Agave on plain yogurt with almonds and almond extract.
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I eat coconut milk ice cream sweetened with agave...yum!
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This may sound like a stupid question...But what about honey? I can't seem to find anything about it at all!
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I agree with Designer Mom that I do not trust any sweetners. The agaves are often laced with other ingredients to add volume, so I do not trust that either. You can grow stevia and use your own, which is the only way I would use that stuff. Truvia is just another chemical version. I have not given up on honey. If you buy from a local bee keeper, it has a lot of antioxidant value for your area. Here is a chart from Natural News:
Type of Sugar Glycemic Index
Artificial Sweeteners n/a
Stevia 0
Xylitol 7
Agave Nectar 15-30
Fructose 17
Brown Rice Syrup 25
Raw Honey 30
Organic Sugar 47
Turbinado 65
Raw Sugar 65
Cola 70
Corn Syrup 75
Table Sugar 80
High Fructose Corn Syrup 87
Glucose/Dextrose 100
Maltodextrin 150
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/032281_HFCS_sugar.html#ixzz1LZxUhnZXIt is the glycemic index that is what we need to watch. All food is energy. The body uses energy for every cell. It is the high glycemic spike that causes sugar overload. That is why starches and alcohol react the same way as cookies. The goal is to keep the glycemic metabolism in balance. When I get a little sugar craving, I will eat some almond butter with a bit of raw honey. The almonds help to balance out the sugar.
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The anticancer book says one particular honey is best (sorry, can't find it right now). It all has do do with trying to use low glycemic index foods, to keep your blood sugar from going up and down causing inflammation etc... The book says agave, stevia, xylitol, wisteria and dark chocolate (>70%) is better than honey,maple syrups, brown or white sugar, fructrose or dextrose.
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Nice link thank you.
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Tupelo honey has the lowest glycemic index. It's a bit more expensive than other honeys because of its very limited production, but I've found it at a number of farmers' markets.
I'm with vivre on not trusting any artificial sweetners, although some cancer nutrition experts say Stevia is okay. I use a little amber Agave in tea and occasional baking, but I look for 100% pure agave content. Deanna
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While I am going through chemo I am combining fruit with whole grains and sone quick flash frozen vegetables. It's hard finding things that taste good right now.
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kcrowe, as you consider your options, consider the possibility of travelling or relocating for a while. Treatments are but a detour in the bigger picture for survivors. Considering how remote your current location is, I strongly encourage you to consider ALL your treatment options, even if travelling is involved. I travelled to get my surgery, and I'm grateful to this day that I did. Besides, it's going to be way more important for your kids to have you for the long term, so please consider the option of treatments elsewhere if that's your best option for beating this disease. Also, ask for the chemo sensitivity test. This is testing that will reveal how YOUR tumor would respond to chemo. ...not sure if it would measure your allergic reactions though.
re stevia, I use a stevia extract and it's a great sweetener for beverages. I also have some stevia powder. I concur with 'blech' in using this form of stevia to sweeten beverages. Just look for stevia extract in the supplement section. There's government posturing that restricts stevia from being sold in the food section. More food politics at work, 'protecting' us from something unproven to be safe. Well, stevia is an herb, and extracts of that herb with no chemicals added are available. Just a few drops in a glass is enough to sweeten the beverage. Studies in South America demonstrate it to be safe, but FDA hasn't done the studies, so since they haven't looked, they haven't 'proven' it to be safe. same ol same ol stuff
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Well, once the FDA does that, I am sure the manufacturers will do their thing to make it 'better' and more economical.
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Hi Natural Girls,
Haven't been by for a while because I've been crazy busy with work. But just wanted to stop in to say HAPPY MOTHER's DAY! Enjoy the day - hope you get spoiled! We deserve it.
Rachel
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About lowering blood glucose: cinammon helps. The latest I read is to have it twice a day - though no mention of the amount of each serving. I put a little over a tsp in my green tea a couple of times a day. What about anemia? I know how to treat this may not be as simple answer as so many variables come into play. But I continue to be anemic 17 most past chemo. The sources of iron I know of aren't necessarily the healthiest for other reasons - red meat, rice, raisons. Does anyone have suggestions for pumping up red blood cells that's generally safe?
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Natural girls, what do you use for your facial skin care? I have been reading labels a lot and so many "natural" skin care lines have ingredients that I don't want (such as borax, etc).
I like Eminence Organics and Evan Healy, but they are too expensive on my budget.
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Hi Rachel-Ka, re: anemia, as you are ER neg,, fenugreek seeds extract might help you out. I bought some cause I had read it boosts up red cell production, but later found out it was phytoestrogenic, yuk.
I agree one has to be very careful with iron it's a difficult issue
Let me know, if you do find a miracle, thanks !
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Talking about blood levels, any idea how to build white blood cells? Mine has gone down over the last 3 months. It is on the very low side of normal. I haven't had any chemo in 6 months, but am on Femara.
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THERE IS HOPE !!!
Through groundbreaking, transdisciplinary discovery and outreach, the N.C. State University Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI) is pioneering a dramatic shift in the way the American public views and uses plant food crops, not merely as a source of nutrients and calories, but as a powerful resource for components that protect and enhance human health and well-being.
Integrated research in metabolomics, biochemistry, pharmacogenomics, breeding and postharvest attributes will lead to development of mainstream fruits, vegetables and natural products containing bioactives with enhanced health benefits.
http://plantsforhumanhealth.ncsu.edu/research/
This will allow consumers to make proactive, responsible dietary choices that benefit their own, and their family's health
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Kira, found this for you. Also, I believe this site has a hotline http://www.eatright.org
"need to give your immune system a boost by including lots of yogurt that contains live active cultures of Lactobacillus Bulgaricus and Strepococcus thermophilus. Some other specific foods to include are garlic, foods high in zinc such as oysters, pot roast, dark meat turkey and pumpkin and squash seeds (or make sure your multi vitamin contains zinc), and shitake mushrooms. Other immune boosting foods are fruits and vegetables. They may not increase the white cell count, but they will make the white cells stronger. The best choices are the deep green and orange ones like spinach and carrots, melon and oranges.
Too much fat, particularly polyunsaturated vegetables oils, adversely effect immune system strength. On the other hand, fish oil can boost it."
Hope this helps
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Luan, Lots of good info, thanks. I love yogurt which I've been avoiding thinking it was bad for us. I wonder if craving carrots is my bodies way of trying to build up it's white blood cells. I do know I ended up in the hospital during chemo with my electrolites very low, had to have infusions for several days.
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Sorry to hear Kira, hope you're feeling better now. I think they say that probiotics are not recommended during chemo, but after, they can only help rebuilding your immune system
I believe we should always listen to our bodies, if yours is craving carrots with lots of betacarotene, that also will help your immune system.
Good luck
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Thanks, I'm fine now. It took 6 months for me to recover, but feeling well now. As I said for some reason the white count adropped by almost half during the last 3 months. As a teacher it's never good to be so prone to colds. I've only been back to school since January, and have no days to take off for colds.
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Cyborg Check out the "Cancer Fighting Kitchen" by Rebecca Katz. It's a great cookbook for those with cancer (and their caretakers). It combines ingredients that are both nutritious and tasty with the intention of appealing to those who are lacking an appetite due to various cancer treatments.0
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Kira I also have a low normal white blood count. I was told to take astagalus. I have been taking it about a month now and will go back for blood work the end of June so will be curious to see if it has come up
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Sherry, What is astagalus? Your oncotype score is close to mine. Mine was 24 I see you didn't do chemo. I sort of thought the chemo was hurting my count, but maybe not.
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Do any of you ladies have experience with Castor Oil? I bought some based on some running tips I received that it helps to soothe Plantar Fascitis. I have been suffering with PF for awhile, and just had a cortisone shot to alleviate the pain (not really too happy about that, by the way). I heard that you can alleviate swelling and muscle/ joint pain with castor oil packs. After reading about Castor Oil, it seems like it's used for immune boosting while administering chemotherapy as well. It seems like a "forgotten remedy", but I am really have no experience with it. Does anyone have any thoughts to share on it?
Thanks in advance
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From the U of Maryland website:
Astragalus
Overview:
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, often in combination with other herbs, to strengthen the body against disease. Astragaus is an adaptoge, meaning it helps protect the body against various stresses, including physical, mental, or emotional stress. Astragalus may help protect the body from diseases such as cancer and diabetes. It contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, byproducts of cellular energy. Astragalus is used to protect and support the immune system, for preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, to lower blood pressure, to treat diabetes, and to protect the liver.
Astragalus has antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is sometimes used topically for wounds. In addition, studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it is indeed effective at preventing colds.
In the United States, researchers have investigated astragalus as a possible treatment for people whose immune systems have been compromised by chemotherapy or radiation. In these studies, astragalus supplements have been shown to speed recovery and extend life expectancy. Research on using astragalus for people with AIDS has produced inconclusive results.
Recent research in China indicates that astragalus may offer antioxidant benefits to people with severe forms of heart disease, relieving symptoms and improving heart function. At low-to-moderate doses, astragalus has few side effects, although it does interact with a number of other herbs and prescription medications. Astragalus may also have mild diuretic (rids the body of excess fluid) activity.
Plant Description:
Astragalus is a perennial plant, about 16 - 36 inches tall, that is native to the northern and eastern parts of China as well as Mongolia and Korea. It has hairy stems with leaves made up of 12 - 18 pairs of leaflets. The root is the medicinal part, and is usually harvested from 4-year-old plants.
Parts Used:
The dried root is used medicinally.
Medicinal Uses and Indications:
Traditional uses include the treatment of the following:
- Adaptogen - protects the body from stress
- Colds and influenza
- Persistent infection
- Fever
- Multiple allergies
- Asthma
- Chronic fatigue
- Fatigue or lack of appetite associated with chemotherapy
- Anemia
- Wounds
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Hepatitis
- Stomach ulcers
It is also used to treat general digestive disturbances, including diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
Available Forms:
Astragalus root may be available in a variety of forms:
- Tincture (liquid alcohol extract)
- Capsules and tablets (standardized and non-standardized)
- Injectable forms for use in hospital or clinical settings (in Asian countries)
- Topically for the skin
How to Take It:
Pediatric
Astragalus may be given to children to support the immune system. A child with fever, however, should not be given astragalus because, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the herb may make the fever last longer or grow stronger. The dose should be determined by adjusting the recommended adult dose to account for the child's weight. Most herbal dosages for adults are calculated on the basis of a 150 lb (70 kg) adult. Therefore, if the child weighs 50 lb (20 - 25 kg), the appropriate dose of astragalus would be 1/3 of the adult dosage. However, because strengths and concentrations will vary with different preparations, dosages should be determined on an individual basis. Any long-term dosage should be determined by your doctor.
Adult
Doses from 1 - 25 g per day are sometimes used. Higher doses may suppress the immune system. For best results, it is recommended to use a standardized astragalus supplement. Recommended doses are as follows:
- Standardized extract: 250 - 500 mg, three to four times a day standardized to 0.4% 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy isoflavone 7-sug.
- Decoction (strong boiled tea): 3 - 6 g of dried root per 12 oz water, three times per day
- Fluid extract (1:1) in 25% ethanol: 2 - 4 mL, three times a day
- Powdered root: 500 - 1,000 mg, three or four times per day
- Ointment: 10% astragalus applied to surface of wound. Do not apply to open wound without your doctor's supervision.
- Tincture (1:5) in 30% ethanol: 3 - 5 mL, three times a day
Precautions:
At recommended doses, astragalus has no serious side effects and can generally be used safely. It does interact with other herbs and medications (seePossible Interactions section).
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including herbs.
Possible Interactions:
If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use astragalus without first talking to your health care provider:
Drugs that suppress the immune system -- Astragalus may counteract the immune-suppressing effects of cyclophosphamide, a medication used to reduce the chances of rejection in transplant recipients, as well as corticosteroids.
Alternative Names:
Astragalus membranaceus; Astragalus mongholicus; Huang-qi; Milk-vetch root
- Reviewed last on: 8/25/2008
- Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Integrative Health Resources, Asheville, NC.
Supporting Research
Chen KT, Su CH, Hsin LH, et al. Reducing fatigue of athletes following oral administration of huangqi jianzhong tang. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2002;23(8):757-761.
Duan P, Wang ZM. [Clinical study on effect of Astragalus in efficacy enhancing and toxicity reducing of chemotherapy in patients of malignant tumor]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi.2002;22(7):515-517.
Hao Y, Qiu QY, Wu J. [Effect of Astragalus polysaccharides in promoting neutrophil-vascular endothelial cell adhesion and expression of related adhesive molecules]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004;24(5):427-430.
Hei ZQ, Zhang JJ, Lin SQ, et al. [Effects of Astragalus membranaceus injection on nitric oxide and endothelin concentration of intestinal mucosa after hemorrhage shock-reperfusion in rats]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004;29(5):444-447.
Kim SH, Lee SE, Oh H, et al. The radioprotective effects of bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang: a prescription of traditional Chinesemedicine astragalus. J Chin Med. 2002;30(1):127-137.
Mao SP, Cheng KL, Zhou YF. [Modulatory effect of Astragalus membranaceus on Th1/Th2 cytokine in patients with herpes simplex keratitis]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004;24(2):121-123.
Shao BM, Xu W, Dai H, et al. A study on the immune receptors for polysaccharides from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese medicinal herb. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004;320(4):1103-1111.
Shi FS, Yang ZG, Di GP. [Effect of Astragalus saponin on vascular endothelial cell and its function in burn patients]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2001;21(10):750-751.
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lindasa, Thanks for the info. It was very informative. I will see if I can get it at my health food store. I've also decided to start taking iodine as well, and will be seeing if they have that as well. You all are such a wealth of knowledge.
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Hi Kara, i might have missed your previous posts..was wondering whether you had your thyroid tested before you take iodine plus it has to be a combo of iodine/iodide, like Lugoll. Have you found the thread about it ?
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Fearless one, on another thread about Tamox and dry skin, everyone is using coconut oil. Also, have just bought Grape seed oil for regrowth and have recently read it,s also verrry good for skin detox, moisturizer et.
Marianna, castor oil is supposed to be a miracle, i have some but been too lazy to use as one has to make poultices for pain0 -
Fearless one, on another thread about Tamox and dry skin, everyone is using coconut oil. Also, have just bought Grape seed oil for regrowth and have recently read it,s also verrry good for skin detox, moisturizer et.
Marianna, castor oil is supposed to be a miracle, i have some but been too lazy to use as one has to make poultices for pain0 -
Luan, I've been on thyroid meds for about 10 years. Can I get iodine from the natural stores, or do I need to get it over the internet?
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