DR. LINDSEY’S CANCER FIGHTING SUPPLEMENTS
Fighting and or preventing cancer is not a “take one pill in the evening, call me in the morning” philosophy; it must be a multi-pronged approach and must include diet, exercise, proper living, supplementation and aggressive preventative care. Below, I am unveiling my “big guns” of aggressive preventative care. These 9 supplements don’t cure cancer, but they give your body the building blocks it needs to do its own job, which is to prevent cancer, and in some cases they can even help turn the tables in the right direction for someone who is already fighting cancer!
#1 – BLACK RASPBERRY
This is probably one of my top picks this year not only for cancer, but for overall health, this amazing superfood has incredible new research behind it! Not to be confused with the blackberry, Black Raspberries are very concentrated fruits or berries with antioxidant levels that far surpass other berries. The dark, rich color of these berries showcases the extremely high levels of antioxidants, called anthocyanins, which are in the Black Raspberries. Arguably, the Black Raspberry may top the list of berries with the deepest and darkest color and the highest anthocyanin content. What makes this berry exciting in the field of cancer research is that the anthocyanins in this berry may target one of the most deadly and one of the most aggressive forms of cancers: esophageal cancer.
In one study at Ohio State University, a dietary supplement of pure Freeze-Dried Black Rasberries was shown to inhibit cancer that was chemically-induced in the esophagus of rats by up to 60 percent, and of the colon up to 80 percent (1). The effect of the strong inhibition of the tumor cells in esophageal cancer studies are believed to be due to the cellular uptake and retention of the anthocyanins in the Freeze-Dried Black Raspberries (2). Early research has also shown promising results for treating cervical cancer, and I truly believe that the list of those cancers will continue to grow! Black Raspberries are also believed to be beneficial for supporting healthy eyes and cardiovascular system.
Although the current data exists from animal research, clinical trials are underway in patients at high risk for esophagus and colon cancer. Because the Freeze-Dried Black Raspberry supplement may serve as a fantastic source of anthocyanins antioxidants, this fruit may offer hope as a powerful nutritional for many types of cancer.
There are only a handful of freeze-dried capsule and powder supplement products on the market, I definitely recommend www.pureblackraspberry.com. The company named Pure Health offers 100 percent pure freeze dried capsules with no additives encapsulated in vegetable capsules – I take two every day, and I recommend that all of my clients do the same. When purchasing supplements, always look for the least amount of “other ingredients”, Pure Health has NONE – and that’s why I love their products!
#2 – SUPERFOOD GREENS AND DARK LEAFY GREENS!
The most over-looked cancer-fighting agent isn’t in a pill or a box from the vitamin isle, but in the organic produce section of the grocery store. It is widely known that fresh vegetables contain compounds that have been extensively researched for their cancer-fighting abilities, and yet, most Americans struggle with consuming one serving daily, let alone the minimum of 5 servings.
Of all vegetables, I strongly recommend dark, leafy green vegetables because of their high amounts of important healing properties. A flavonoid compound called luteolin that is abundant in several green vegetables, such as broccoli, celery, cabbage, spinach, and green pepper, has been shown to exhibit cancer-fighting effects, but may also support healthy inflammatory processes (3). Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, cabbage, etc., compounds that have been shown to reduce the formation of tumors, and inhibit cancer cell growth in laboratory and animal studies, and shows promise in inhibiting cancer cell growth and invasion (4).
For disease prevention, at least half of your meals should consist of dark green leafy vegetables. Consume a variety of cooked, lightly steamed, raw and juiced greens along with fruits (especially berries) and other vegetables to ensure your body can obtain the variety of antioxidants and therapeutic compounds that these foods offer!
If you can’t get your leafy green vegetables every day, I recommend reaching for a supplement, my favorite isGenEssentials Greens, which you can find online or in health foods stores like Whole Foods. This supplement offers up to 5 servings of leafy green veggies in just one scoop and most of the ingredients are organic! I like to mix it with a little juice and water in the mornings. Not only will it deliver all of the cancer-prevention benefits of green veggies, but you’ll notice an increase in energy. It’s one of my favorite supplements currently on the market.
#3 – IP6
Also known as Inositol Hexaphosphate, IP6 is a fairly new discovery that should be on everyone’s radar screen. It is a type of polyphosphorylated carbohydrate found in cereal grains, beans, brown rice, nuts, and other high-fiber foods. Many researchers believe that some of the health benefits may be due to the antioxidant, immune enhancing, and cardiovascular supporting activities of IP-6. Laboratory and animal research has shown IP-6 to have significant protective and growth regulating effects on various unhealthy cells and tissues including those of the colon and prostate (5).
IP6 is available as a dietary supplement and has been known for its beneficial effects, including strengthening the immune system, preventing kidney stone formation and lowering serum cholesterol levels besides showing promise as a cancer-fighting supplement. Look for it at your favorite health foods store or online.
#4 – MANGOSTEEN FRUIT
An exotic superfruit grown in the Eastern tropics, Mangosteen has been considered the “Queen of Fruits,” and for good reason. This fruit has been used traditionally for centuries as a remedy and natural treatment for a variety of health ailments, from inflammatory conditions and arthritis to infections.
However, much of the research on this fruit has been dedicated to the special antioxidants, called xanthones (found in the outer rind of Mangosteen fruits), and their effects on cancer cells.
Xanthones, such as alpha-Mangostin, have been shown to be toxic to human cancer cells, and contribute to their destruction, while also suppressing tumor development as well as enhancing the sensitivity and effectiveness of chemotherapy (6). The xanthones found in Mangosteen possess an ability to block the conversion of androgens (masculizing hormone) to estrogens (feminizing hormones), which would likely have positive effects of estrogen-sensitive cancers (7).
Although peeled and canned Mangosteen can be found in Asian grocery stores, the whole Mangosteen fruit is rarely found in the U.S. The outer rind of the fruit is the most desired portion of the fruit from a therapeutic perspective since that is where the powerful xanthones are found. The best way to get the benefits of the whole Mangosteen fruit, including the xanthones, is to purchase a 100 percent pure Mangosteen juice from your local health food store, with nothing added, and not diluted with water or sugary fruit juices, to obtain the most therapeutic product. You can find pure Mangosteen juice with nothing else added at Whole Foods. Read the label carefully, and make sure that under “other ingredients” it says the word NONE.
#5 – SELENIUM
Even though it is required in small amounts, this essential trace mineral is a cancer-fighting powerhouse. Selenium is bonded to methionine, an essential sulfur amino acid, and it functions to increase the activity of the glutathione peroxidase antioxidant system, particularly in the liver, heart and kidney tissues (8). Research shows that selenium may play important roles in reducing free radical damage to DNA that increases the risk for cancer, but it also enhances immunity and decreases inflammation. It is believed that selenium may suppress tumor growth, and a lack of the trace mineral may contribute to the development of cancer (9). Many of the clinical and laboratory studies focus on selenium’s role in prostate, colon, and lung cancers (10). This antioxidant appears that it would be a fantastic supplement for the prevention of cancer.
It is abundantly found in organ meats, Brazil nuts, seafood, and wheat germ, and it can be taken as a supplement found in health food stores. For the nutritional prevention of cancer, 200 mcg per day of selenium is likely an adequate daily intake (11). Most multivitamins only contain 50-70 mcgs.
#6 – ACAI BERRY
Honored for their potent antioxidants and essential fatty acids, native Brazilians have relied on Acai berries as an important source of nutrients. Unfortunately the recent Acai craze that hit North America over the past 3 – 4 years has brought both positive and negative attention to this potent and powerful superfood. Most companies exaggerate the benefits of the Acai berry, so it’s very important to only purchase quality products from reputable brands, when in doubt, as someone at your local health foods store.
It is believed that the natural compounds of Acai have contributed to the beautiful appearance, hair, and skin of Brazilians, which has inspired Acai’s nickname of the “beauty berry.” However, research has determined that the benefits of the berry aren’t merely skin deep!
Although Acai hasn’t been researched as extensively as other exotic superfruits, it is believed that it may offer powerful immune-enhancing benefits. In vitro laboratory experiments have shown that when the polyphenols from the Acai berry go to battle with isolated human leukemia cells, the Acai polyphenols win. The Acai polyphenols were found to inhibit the growth of the cancer cells, and destroy them (12), making Acai another interesting, potential candidate for healing.
Acai berries are extremely perishable and can’t make the trip overseas unless flash frozen. The berries have a large pit, or seed, which makes them difficult to eat. Subsequently, consuming the berries in the form of a pure juice can provide all the nutritional goodness the berry has to offer closest to its natural state. Look for a 100% pure Acai supplement at your local health food store, my favorite product is Genesis Today’s Acai100, which you can find at Whole Foods or online. It might be hard to believe, but Wal-Mart has a very good Acai juice in its refrigerated beverage section next to the orange juice. This juice contains a whopping 16,000 milligrams of Acai per serving, and it’s also made by Genesis Today.
#7– NONI FRUIT
Grown in volcanic soil, Noni fruits contain a wealth of minerals and compounds that are revered by island natives throughout the South Pacific. The Noni fruit contains interesting compounds, such as iridoids and anthraquinones, which may play helpful roles in digestion, elimination and detoxification. Furthermore, the Noni may also provide synergistic, or additive beneficial effects when combined with other herbs and medications having similar properties. The enhanced effects may also be true when Noni is combined with certain chemotherapeutic drugs, increasing Noni’s anti-tumor potential (13).
The mechanisms of action behind Noni’s possible powerful cancer-fighting properties may lie in the unique compounds in the polysaccharide-rich juice of the fruit. Damnacanthal, is an anthraquinone that may be able to inhibit enzymes that cause the growth of cancer cells (14), while turning off the signals that lead to cancer cell growth and division (15).
The current research on the clinical applications for polysaccharide-rich Noni juice seems encouraging as a potential supplement in the treatment of cancer, especially lung cancer. Noni is a very bitter fruit with astringent properties that is best taken alone and undiluted. Look for the ingredients list on the label and be sure to obtain a 100% pure Noni with absolutely nothing else added in order to get the most therapeutic value in the supplement. I recommend that you get the supplement here, only because I have actually visited the farms where this product is harvested and I can tell you the purity is unmatched!
#8 – GOJI BERRY
Used for thousands of years in ancient Chinese Medicine, the potential to fight cancer is just one out of dozens of positive effects that may be derived from consuming Goji berries. Known as the “happy” berry, the polysaccharides in Goji have been studied for their supportive effects in vision and eye health, blood sugar and cardiovascular benefits. The mechanism of action in the berries is the polysaccharides, known as Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides (or LBPs). These have been found to inhibit the growth, and contribute to the death of human liver tumor cells, and stop cancer cell growth (16). The LBPs may also play a role in increasing the amount of signaling proteins that are involved in boosting immunity against tumors (17). Because the LBPs in Goji may promote healthy immune responses, researchers believe that Goji may offer therapeutic potential for those with cancer.
Goji berries can be found in the dried form in many health food stores, but for the most therapeutic effect, a juice that is full of effective polysaccharides will make an impact that many can feel with the first or second dose. The ancient Chinese used to slow-cook the juice of fresh Goji berries to extract more of the polysaccharides (much like cooking tomatoes increases the lycopene). A 100 percent pure Goji juice, that is darker in color due to the slow-cooking method, can be found at your local health food store, just as for Goji100, which is the product I recommend.
#9 – VITAMIN D
Besides aiding in the absorption of calcium to protect strong teeth and bones, vitamin D also facilitates the absorption of calcium in the intestines, and stimulates the absorption of minerals, such as phosphate and magnesium. It also behaves much like a hormone, since the active form of vitamin D can affect the function of certain genes. What isn’t commonly known, though, is that a low intake of this fat-soluble vitamin is associated with an increased risk of cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers. Most of the studies have been population-based case control studies looking at the association between vitamin D levels and the incidence of breast cancer (18). Although correlation shouldn’t be confused with causation, the strong association between low vitamin D intake and breast cancer is compelling.
Vitamin D is a vitamin that is normally obtained from the diet (egg yolk, fish oil, or plant sources), or it can be produced by the skin from the ultraviolet energy of the sun. However, as more people avoid sun exposure, the supplementation of vitamin D becomes necessary to ensure that the body receives an adequate supply. The most absorbable form is vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol. Once in the body, vitamin D turns into 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (the form that is measured in the blood to assess vitamin D status), and is converted to calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D3. You can look for vitamin D3 sold as soft-gels in the health food store. Those not exposed to sunshine on a daily basis may need as much as 5,000 IU (international units) daily. Be careful with vitamin D because it is a fat soluble vitamin (instead of water soluble) and may store inside your liver if you take too much.
Overall, perhaps we should consider that cancer is not really a disease but rather a symptom, a symptom of something else. Cancer cells become cancerous not because they are the disease but because they are normal cell reacting to the causative factors of the disease. While there is no “one-size-fits all” approach to cancer prevention, these supplements, especially when combined with diet and exercise, can help your body do what it was designed to do, which is fight off cancer and other illnesses and defend itself. When it comes to achieving optimum health and feeling your best, you’re only as good as the tools in your toolbox, and my toolbox is stocked with these incredibly powerful cancer-preventing supplements and foods!
Resources:
1. (Semin Cancer Biol. 2007 October ; 17(5): 403–410)
2. (Nutr Cancer. 2009 November ; 61(6): 816–826)
3. (Biofactors 12:181-186, 2000)
4. (Biofactors 12:181-186, 2000)
5. (Cancer Res. 2009 February 1; 69(3): 1166–1173)
6. (Bioorg Med Chem. 2007 Aug 15;15(16):5620-8.Epub 2007 May 18; Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo 2006 Mar;54(3):301-5 ; Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2004 Oct-Dec;5(4):433-8; Fitoterapia. 2004 Jun;75(3-4):375-7; J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Jan;90(1):161-6)
7. (J Nat Prod. 2008 July ; 71(7): 1161–1166)
8. (Am J Clin NutrSeptember 1974 vol. 27 no. 9 960-965)
9. (Proc Nutr Soc 64: 527–542)
10. (Dose Response. 2010; 8(3): 285–300; Jama 301: 39–51; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 13: 771–778; Eur J Nutr 47: 47–54)
11. (Nutr Cancer 60: 155–163)
12. (J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Feb 22; 54(4):1222-9)
13. (Phytother Res. 2003 Dec;17(10):1158-64; Phytother Res. 1999 Aug;13(5):380-7)
14. (FEBS Lett. 1999 Feb 12;444(2-3):173-6)
15. (FEBS Lett. 1999 Feb 12;444(2-3):173-6)
16. (Life Sci. 2005 Mar 18; 76 (18):2115-24)
17. (Eur J Pharmacol. 2003 Jun 27;471(3):217-22)
18. (Am J Epidemiol. 2010 July 1; 172(1): 21–35; Am J Epidemiol. 2010 July 1; 172(1): 10–20)
Views: 0