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Treating estrogen responsive cancer naturally

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Comments

  • Mini1
    Mini1 Member Posts: 1,309
    edited August 2014

    My MO didn't think chemo was worth it either. I thought flaxseed was a no-no. I was taking DIM. I stopped for a quarter when my liver enzymes went up. It may be a coincidence, I don't know. I had so SE's from the DIM. I'm going to resume taking it after my next set of labs. That way I will have a better idea of the DIM's effects.

  • pipers_dream
    pipers_dream Member Posts: 187
    edited August 2014

    Why you want to take flaxseed and/or oil:  

    From Servan-Schreiber:  rich in omega-3 and lignans, allays the harmful effects of hormones that promote cancer growth, lowers cholesterol and keeps blood sugar from spiking (sometimes by as much as 30%), slows growth of tumors and makes them less likely to metastasize, 

    From Christine Horner:  best plant source of omega-3 (makes it esp great for vegetarians), has 100x more lignans than any other known edible plant, lignans are powerful anticancer substances that are able to arrest and detert eh growth of breast cnacer in at least a dozen different ways.  Lignans help fight cancer by:  stops cancer from growing and thus stops mets, changes the structure of the breast and makes them more resistant to toxins, decreases several growth factors such as IGF-1, epidermal GF, and VEGF. reduces production of estrogen by fat cells, lengthens menstrual cycle, blocks aromatase enzyme, blocks estrogen receptors, decreases breast density, high fiber (binds to extra estrogen in your intestines and carries it out), and anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  Whew! She recommends Brevail, a standardized lignan pill, but it hasn't been tested with cancer tx.  

    TWard1908, look up pawpaw and see what you think.  

  • momoschki
    momoschki Member Posts: 218
    edited August 2014

    I had never heard of Brevail before, but it sounds intriguing.  Curious if anyone here has tried it or had it recommended by a naturopath or integrative oncologist.

  • OncoWarrior
    OncoWarrior Member Posts: 3,326
    edited May 2015


    deleted

  • pipers_dream
    pipers_dream Member Posts: 187
    edited August 2014

    I haven't been taking Brevail but I've been chewing on flaxseeds and taking the oil.  Chewing the seeds is great for long car rides.  

  • gardengumby
    gardengumby Member Posts: 4,860
    edited August 2014


    PD - flax is also a VERY strong phyto-estrogen, so if you're ER+ there may be issues.  I don't take it for that reason.

  • OncoWarrior
    OncoWarrior Member Posts: 3,326
    edited May 2015

    deleted

  • gardengumby
    gardengumby Member Posts: 4,860
    edited August 2014

    agreed - same for soy - which I also don't consume.  :)

  • yoga_girl
    yoga_girl Member Posts: 80
    edited August 2014

    BCM-95; Curcumin (high grade turmeric)

    http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/201495.php

    http://bcm95.com/

    Have been on for 20 days, joint and muscle pain have decreased, energy has increased, sleep has improved.  Noticed difference at day 18.

    Dose for me; 750mg to 1500mg per day, split throughout the day; alternate high to regular dose every other day.  Brand used CuraMed; available locally and by special order.  Grown without chemicals.

    Was on regular turmeric for 14 months.

    On line prices are best (price break), in health food stores at about full retail.

     

  • juneping
    juneping Member Posts: 634
    edited August 2014

    I thought it's been established that soy is safe to consume if fermented. Unlike modern western world they use GMO soy as fillers to everything. 

  • rivercaralee
    rivercaralee Member Posts: 6
    edited August 2014

    Oh I am confused about Flax seed. My naturopath recommended it for the omega 3's and the anti inflamatory, I now realize it is a phytoestrogen....does flax mimic the same type of estrogen as soy? I did stop soy completely, as I consumed it greatly before my diagnosis.

    Yoga girl- are you saying that your new curcumin working better than the previous (tumeric)?

  • rgiuff
    rgiuff Member Posts: 339
    edited August 2014

    I have used soy and especially flaxseed extensively since diagnosis 6 years ago and haven't had any issues. I believe in the theory that they are phytoestrogens, which are much weaker than the estrogen we make, and that they can displace some of the stronger estrogens just by crowding them out. And I agree with using the fermented and organic products!

  • juneping
    juneping Member Posts: 634
    edited August 2014

    I read the handout by my integrative doc that flaxseed had good effect on BC but they didn't recommend it bc it's not clinically proven. 

    Not all estrogens are bad, only a few are bad for us. 

  • Ladybird-dancer
    Ladybird-dancer Member Posts: 119
    edited August 2014

    My only comment on this Flax seed controversy is that Gerson was very pro Flaxseed oil - and probably the seeds, but I can't exactly remember about the seeds.  And the other cancer maverick who's name escapes me just at the moment, the German/Austrian woman, name begins with a B, she advocated flaxseed in her diet.  I chose not to go on her diet/regime as it involved cottage cheese and as all dairy is a no-no for us ladies, I avoided it. 

    Personally I eat some seeds with breakfast and in a cake I just made, and I use the oil when making carrot cake.  I think it's a good thing.

    Your choice ladies.  :-) 

  • MusicLover
    MusicLover Member Posts: 777
    edited August 2014

    Budwig - cc/fo

    Geson - Raw veg/fruit, juicing, coffee enemas

    I think...

  • Ladybird-dancer
    Ladybird-dancer Member Posts: 119
    edited August 2014

    Yes Gerson - one can cook food on Gerson, just no fat of any decription.  FO for salads. Juicing and lots of supplements and the darling coffee enemas.

    Budwig, yes,cc and the rest!

    ThumbsUp

  • Mini1
    Mini1 Member Posts: 1,309
    edited August 2014

    Fermented soy, in theory, is supposed to be OK. However, what we have here in the US is genetically modified almost entirely. The soy consumed in Asia is not what we have here. For that reason, I avoid it altogether.

    My BC is 90-100% estrogen positive, so I err on the side of caution when it comes to anything that affects my hormones.

    Blessings

  • gardengumby
    gardengumby Member Posts: 4,860
    edited August 2014

    my cancer is also extremely high estrogen and progesterone, so I try to be very careful in regards to phytoestrogens.

    I took curcumin for two years (thorne brand) then switched to turmeric as the curcumin was so much more expensive. I honestly cannot feel any difference in my pain levels between the two. I note a significant difference if I don't take either, though.

  • yoga_girl
    yoga_girl Member Posts: 80
    edited August 2014

    rivercaralee,

    Yes, Curcumin is working better than the Turmeric.  Don't really notice the intense joint pain now.  Not just for rads re: BC but also for fibro joint issues.  Was on Norflex for years, stopped taking it after rads, started to impact my breathing at night shortly after taking (listed as SE in the fine print).  Needed to find something more kind to the body, Curcumin seems to be replacing Norflex with same/similar/better results.

    Off Norflex for 120 days

    Replaced with Curcumin, BCM-95, 750mg daily, on for 30 days


    http://bcm95.com/Properties-Curcumin.html

     

    Charting and coordinating with Integrative and Allopathic docs who are watching to see long term outcome.  For each of us our immune system may react different.  So far I am doing well on this change.

     

  • yoga_girl
    yoga_girl Member Posts: 80
    edited August 2014

    Melatonin

    Hormonally Speaking, Melatonin is a Major Player

    It truly is a hormone with far-reaching potential to be a major player in resolving a myriad of health issues. If you are someone who thought melatonin was just that sleep hormone, consider this short list of melatonin’s strengths:

    - See more at: http://www.zrtlab.com/zrt-blog/entry/melatonin-s-importance-is-so-much-bigger-than-sleep-1

  • Mini1
    Mini1 Member Posts: 1,309
    edited August 2014

    I've been taking it for sleep, but it's awesome that it's good for other things too. I take 5mg and I will say that I feel better than I have in ages. Maybe the melatonin is why???

  • yoga_girl
    yoga_girl Member Posts: 80
    edited August 2014

    Mini1,

    Thanks for sharing.

    My integrative doc increased my 10mg to 20mg prior to BC surgery.  It has helped me achieve up to 5-6 hours of restful sleep vs. 2 hours of light sleep.  My hormone specialist has now informed me I will be on 20mg for the remainder of my life not just for sleep but for the hormone benefits. 

    Prior to having BC I had no idea the benefit of melatonin for hormone related issues that track back to my sleep patterns.

    I've found the following book to be very informative:

    The Hormone Diet; Natasha Turner, ND

    http://www.amazon.com/The-Hormone-Diet-Program-Strength-ebook/dp/B0046A8SD6

  • OncoWarrior
    OncoWarrior Member Posts: 3,326
    edited May 2015
    deleted


  • Ladybird-dancer
    Ladybird-dancer Member Posts: 119
    edited August 2014

    This is hysterical!  Thank you for a bit of light relief :-)

    Ha!  Ha!  Ha!

  • Mini1
    Mini1 Member Posts: 1,309
    edited August 2014

    I may need to do more  yoga!

  • OncoWarrior
    OncoWarrior Member Posts: 3,326
    edited May 2015
    deleted
  • Ladybird-dancer
    Ladybird-dancer Member Posts: 119
    edited August 2014

    We can all dream.  Ha!

  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 173
    edited November 2014

    does anyone know a good naturopath oncologist in pa.

  • yoga_girl
    yoga_girl Member Posts: 80
    edited November 2014