Natural Cures from the Budwig Diet
In 1952, Johanna Budwig, Ph.D first described her Budwig Diet or Budwig Protocol as an effective way to address the nutritional deficiencies she believed led to the growth of cancerous tumors. Over the succeeding decades, her own and followers' findings claimed a better than 80% effectiveness rate in reducing the size and symptoms of tumors with several common forms of cancer.
The Budwig Diet at its core is extremely simple. Flaxseed and cottage cheese are consumed regularly to provide the body with lipoproteins and phosphatides, a healthy supply of which can allow the body to heal itself--reducing tumor size and even curing cancer completely.
Some clinical studies have supported the use of flaxseed against specific cancers, and the diet is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been found to have numerous health benefits.
Natural Cures: The Budwig Diet is recommended for prostate cancer, breast cancer, bone and lung cancers among a long list of other cancerous conditions. Additionally, the protocol is said to improve cardiac health and can fight diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis.
Showing posts with label cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cancer. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Useful Information On Sore Throats
Useful Information On Sore Throats
Frequent and recurrent sore throats are common, especially in children between the ages
of 5 and 10. There is no evidence that removing the tonsils decreases this frequency;
therefore, tonsillectomy surgery is performed less commonly than in the past.
Sore throats can be caused by either viruses or bacteria. The majority of sore throats
are caused by viruses; therefore, treating all sore throats with antibiotics (which can't
cure viruses and can be unnecessarily expensive) would needlessly expose people to the
risks of adverse reaction to the drugs.
The group A streptococcus bacterium is responsible for most cases of streptococcal
illness.
Some of the major syndromes associated with group A strep infection are streptococcal
pharyngitis or "strep throat" and scarlet fever, most often preceded by a sore throat.
The signs and symptoms of strep throat are red, sore throat with white patches on
tonsils, swollen lymph nodes in neck, fever, and headache. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal
pain more common in children.
The illness is spread by direct, close contact with patients via respiratory droplets
(coughing or sneezing). Casual contact rarely results in transmission. Rarely,
contaminated food, especially milk and milk products, can result in outbreaks. Untreated
patients are most infectious for 2 - 3 weeks after onset of infection. Incubation period,
the period after exposure and before symptoms show up, is 2 - 4 days. Patient is no longer
infectious within 24 hrs. after treatment begins.
Antibiotic treatment will reduce symptoms, minimize spread (transmission), and reduce
the likelihood of complications. Treatment consists of penicillin (oral drug for 10 days;
or single intramuscular injection of penicillin G). Erythromycin is recommended for
penicillin-allergic patients. Second-line antibiotics include amoxicillin, clindamycin,
and oral cephalosporins.
Scarlet fever is a streptococcal infection that occurs most often in association with a
sore throat and rarely with impetigo or other streptococcal infections. It is
characterized by sore throat, fever and a rash over the upper body that may spread to
cover almost the entire body.
Persons with scarlet fever have a characteristic rash that is fine, red, rough-textured
and blanches upon pressure. Scarlet fever also produces a bright red tongue with
"strawberry" appearance. The skin often "desquamates," or peels, after recovery, usually
on tips of fingers and toes.
The illness is spread by the same means as strep throat.
Other than the occurrence of the rash, the treatment and course of scarlet fever are no
different from those of any strep throat.
Known popularly as "mono" or "the kissing disease" -- has been recognized for more than
a century. An estimated 90 percent of mononucleosis cases are caused by the Epstein-Barr
virus (EBV), a member of the herpesvirus group. Most of the remaining cases are caused by
certain other herpesviruses, particularly cytomegalovirus.
Symptoms may take between two and seven weeks to develop after exposure to the virus
and can last a few days or as long as several months. In most cases, however, they
disappear in one to three weeks. In fact, mononucleosis symptoms may be nonexistent or so
mild that most people are not even aware of their illness.
Symptoms may include a general complaint of "not feeling well," headache, fatigue,
chilliness, puffy eyelids, and loss of appetite. Later, the familiar triad of symptoms
appears: fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, especially at the side and back of
the neck, but also under the arm and in the groin. A fever of 101F to 105F lasts
for a few days and sometimes continues intermittently for one to three weeks. (High fever
late in the illness suggests bacterial complications.) The swollen lymph glands, varying
in size from that of a bean to a small egg, are tender and firm. Swelling gradually
disappears over a few days or weeks. The spleen is enlarged in 50 percent of mononucleosis
patients, and the liver is enlarged in 20 percent. Tonsillitis, difficulty in swallowing,
and bleeding gums may accompany these symptoms.
Usually, mononucleosis is an acute, self-limited infection for which there is no
specific therapy. For years, standard treatment was bed rest for four to six weeks, with
limited activity for three months after all symptoms had disappeared. Today, doctors
usually only recommend avoiding strenuous exercise. One real hazard of uncomplicated
mononucleosis is the possibility of damaging one's enlarged spleen. Therefore, the patient
should avoid lifting, straining, and competitive sports until recovery is complete. A
person should limit other activity according to symptoms and how he or she feels.
Treatment of the acute phase of the illness is symptomatic and nonspecific because
there is no specific drug treatment for mononucleosis. Rest, plenty of fluids to guard
against dehydration, and a well-balanced diet are recommended. Antibiotics are ineffective
against viruses, and they should not be prescribed for mononucleosis itself. Some patients
with mononucleosis also develop streptococcal (bacterial) throat infections, which should
be treated with penicillin or erythromycin. Ampicillin (a form of penicillin) should not
be used.
Influenza, or flu, is an acute respiratory infection caused by a variety of influenza
viruses. Viruses that cause flu spread primarily from person to person, especially by
coughing and sneezing (via airborne droplets of respiratory fluids). Flu viruses can enter
the body through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth. After a person has been
infected with the virus, symptoms usually appear within 2 to 4 days. The infection is
considered contagious for another 3 to 4 days after symptoms appear.
Flu is usually signaled by headache, chills, and dry cough, which are followed rapidly
by body aches and fever. Typically, the fever starts declining on the second or third day
of the illness. It is then that the upper respiratory symptoms become noticeable - nasal
congestion and sore throat.
Once a person has the flu, treatment usually consists of resting in bed, drinking
plenty of fluids, and taking medication such as aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve fever
and discomfort. Children with flu should not take aspirin. Antibiotics are not effective
against flu viruses.
Sneezing, scratchy throat, runny nose - everyone knows the first signs of a cold,
probably the most common illness known. Although the common cold is usually mild, with
symptoms lasting a week or less, it is a leading cause of doctor visits and of school and
job absenteeism.
Symptoms of the common cold usually begin two to three days after infection and often
include nasal discharge, obstruction of nasal breathing, swelling of the sinus membranes,
sneezing, sore throat, cough, and headache. Fever is usually slight but can climb to 102o
F in infants and young children. Cold symptoms can last from two to 14 days, but
two-thirds of people recover in a week. If symptoms occur often or last much longer than
two weeks, they may be the result of an allergy rather than a cold.
Only symptomatic treatment is available for uncomplicated cases of the common cold: bed
rest, plenty of fluids, gargling with warm salt water, petroleum jelly for a raw nose, and
aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve headache or fever. Many people are convinced that
taking large quantities of vitamin C will prevent colds or relieve symptoms.
Between 90 and 95 percent of all oral cancers arise from the cells that line the mouth.
Most of the sores, lumps and red or white patches seen or felt in the mouth are not
cancer. However, the signs and symptoms of oral cancer are the same as conditions commonly
found in the mouth. These signs are easy to see and feel, and easy to watch. If
irritations do not heal within a couple of weeks, they should be looked at by a dentist or
health care practitioner. Symptoms of persistent sore throats, sores under dentures,
difficulty chewing or swallowing or a lump on the neck also require medical
evaluation.
Cancer cells growing at these sites may spread to the neck's lymph nodes and the jaw
bones if left undetected. Oral cancer is one of the easiest cancers to detect.
Approximately 75% of oral cancer cases are caused by smoking or prolonged use of
smokeless tobacco. The combination of regular alchohol consumption and smoking is also a
factor. Four times as many smokers as opposed to non-smokers die from oral cancer. Pipe
and cigar smokers have an increased risk of cancer of the lip. When tobacco users also use
alchohol regularly, their chance of developing oral cancer is greater.
Participate in your own care! Cancer can be beaten!
The causes of acute pharyngitis is almost always infection. Of course, trauma or injury
due to chemicals (lye) or radiation can also cause inflammation of the pharynx. For
definition sake, the tonsils, which are lymphatic glands, are located within the
anatomical oropharynx. Thus, tonsillitis is a subset of pharyngitis. For example, even if
one has had his tonsils removed, one can still develop pharyngitis.
The most common symptom of pharyngitis or tonsillitis is sore throat. Dysphagia (pain
with swallowing) is also a common symptom of these conditions. Examination of the
oropharynx with a pen light will usually show exudate, erythema (redness), mucosal
congestion and enlargement of the tonsils (if they are present.)
Bacterial causes of sore throat are usually treated with antibiotics. Penicillin
derivatives, cephalosporins, and erythromycin can all be utilized to treat suspected
bacterial pharyngeal infections. A course of antibiotics must be fully completed to help
prevent the development or resistant strains.
Gargle with warm salt water. It help soothe the irritated throat and reduces swelling
in the tissues. This is the safest, least expensive and probably the most effective
treatment of a sore throat. Mix 1/2 tsp. of salt to an 8 oz. cup of warm water. Dissolve
it completely. Gargle every 3 - 4 hours.
Sipping warm liquids like hot tea or hot chicken soup broth
can soothe the throat, and the heat increases the circulation to the
throat to promote healing. The saltiness of the soup also helps to
reduce swelling, much like a salt water gargle.
Hard candy can also soothe and lubricate your throat.
Rest your voice. Avoid using your voice for long periods, and refrain from screaming or yelling.
Stop smoking or at least cut down. Cigarette smoking may cause a sore throat, or may
aggravate your symptoms by causing further throat irritation.
Humidity will keep your throat moist and more comfortable. It can relieve a raw, dry,
scratchy sore throat. Hot, dry air will aggravate it. So, turn down the thermostat, use a
vaporizer if you have one, place a pan of water by the heat vent, or turn on a hot shower
to create steam.
Cherry sore throat lozenges contain Benzocaine which numbs the throat tissues
temporarily and make swallowing easier.
The following Combinations are those recommended for a sore throat:-
Vitamins :- A, C (frequent large doses)
Minerals :- Nat Mur (Dry throat), Zinc Lozenges, Potassium Chloride & Iron Phosphate
Food Supplements :- Acidophilus, Propolis, Rutin + Bioflavonoids, Liquid Chlorophyll
Herbs :- Fenugreek, Horseradish, Slippery Elm Lozenges, Echinacea, Golden Seal, Garlic
Time is the most important healer for sore throat pain. If the sore
throat is caused by a virus, it will clear up on its own. Cold liquids
and over-the-counter pain medications are effective in treating the
pain. Aspirin should be avoided in children under 15 years old (because
of the risk of Reye's syndrome). Home remedies such as gargling salt
water, or drinking honey or lemon tea may help. Analgesic sprays and
lozenges may be administered; however, they may make the pain of strep
throat worse instead of better.
The
nutrients mentioned above reflect the major nutritional supplements
that may help the condition. Please do remember however that
nutritional supplementation is an adjunct to medical treatment and in
no way replaces medical treatment.
Frequent and recurrent sore throats are common, especially in children between the ages
of 5 and 10. There is no evidence that removing the tonsils decreases this frequency;
therefore, tonsillectomy surgery is performed less commonly than in the past.
Sore throats can be caused by either viruses or bacteria. The majority of sore throats
are caused by viruses; therefore, treating all sore throats with antibiotics (which can't
cure viruses and can be unnecessarily expensive) would needlessly expose people to the
risks of adverse reaction to the drugs.
The group A streptococcus bacterium is responsible for most cases of streptococcal
illness.
Some of the major syndromes associated with group A strep infection are streptococcal
pharyngitis or "strep throat" and scarlet fever, most often preceded by a sore throat.
Strep Throat
The signs and symptoms of strep throat are red, sore throat with white patches on
tonsils, swollen lymph nodes in neck, fever, and headache. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal
pain more common in children.
The illness is spread by direct, close contact with patients via respiratory droplets
(coughing or sneezing). Casual contact rarely results in transmission. Rarely,
contaminated food, especially milk and milk products, can result in outbreaks. Untreated
patients are most infectious for 2 - 3 weeks after onset of infection. Incubation period,
the period after exposure and before symptoms show up, is 2 - 4 days. Patient is no longer
infectious within 24 hrs. after treatment begins.
Antibiotic treatment will reduce symptoms, minimize spread (transmission), and reduce
the likelihood of complications. Treatment consists of penicillin (oral drug for 10 days;
or single intramuscular injection of penicillin G). Erythromycin is recommended for
penicillin-allergic patients. Second-line antibiotics include amoxicillin, clindamycin,
and oral cephalosporins.
Scarlet Fever (Scarlatina)
Scarlet fever is a streptococcal infection that occurs most often in association with a
sore throat and rarely with impetigo or other streptococcal infections. It is
characterized by sore throat, fever and a rash over the upper body that may spread to
cover almost the entire body.
Persons with scarlet fever have a characteristic rash that is fine, red, rough-textured
and blanches upon pressure. Scarlet fever also produces a bright red tongue with
"strawberry" appearance. The skin often "desquamates," or peels, after recovery, usually
on tips of fingers and toes.
The illness is spread by the same means as strep throat.
Other than the occurrence of the rash, the treatment and course of scarlet fever are no
different from those of any strep throat.
Infectious Mononucleos
Known popularly as "mono" or "the kissing disease" -- has been recognized for more than
a century. An estimated 90 percent of mononucleosis cases are caused by the Epstein-Barr
virus (EBV), a member of the herpesvirus group. Most of the remaining cases are caused by
certain other herpesviruses, particularly cytomegalovirus.
Symptoms may take between two and seven weeks to develop after exposure to the virus
and can last a few days or as long as several months. In most cases, however, they
disappear in one to three weeks. In fact, mononucleosis symptoms may be nonexistent or so
mild that most people are not even aware of their illness.
Symptoms may include a general complaint of "not feeling well," headache, fatigue,
chilliness, puffy eyelids, and loss of appetite. Later, the familiar triad of symptoms
appears: fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, especially at the side and back of
the neck, but also under the arm and in the groin. A fever of 101F to 105F lasts
for a few days and sometimes continues intermittently for one to three weeks. (High fever
late in the illness suggests bacterial complications.) The swollen lymph glands, varying
in size from that of a bean to a small egg, are tender and firm. Swelling gradually
disappears over a few days or weeks. The spleen is enlarged in 50 percent of mononucleosis
patients, and the liver is enlarged in 20 percent. Tonsillitis, difficulty in swallowing,
and bleeding gums may accompany these symptoms.
Usually, mononucleosis is an acute, self-limited infection for which there is no
specific therapy. For years, standard treatment was bed rest for four to six weeks, with
limited activity for three months after all symptoms had disappeared. Today, doctors
usually only recommend avoiding strenuous exercise. One real hazard of uncomplicated
mononucleosis is the possibility of damaging one's enlarged spleen. Therefore, the patient
should avoid lifting, straining, and competitive sports until recovery is complete. A
person should limit other activity according to symptoms and how he or she feels.
Treatment of the acute phase of the illness is symptomatic and nonspecific because
there is no specific drug treatment for mononucleosis. Rest, plenty of fluids to guard
against dehydration, and a well-balanced diet are recommended. Antibiotics are ineffective
against viruses, and they should not be prescribed for mononucleosis itself. Some patients
with mononucleosis also develop streptococcal (bacterial) throat infections, which should
be treated with penicillin or erythromycin. Ampicillin (a form of penicillin) should not
be used.
Flu
Influenza, or flu, is an acute respiratory infection caused by a variety of influenza
viruses. Viruses that cause flu spread primarily from person to person, especially by
coughing and sneezing (via airborne droplets of respiratory fluids). Flu viruses can enter
the body through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth. After a person has been
infected with the virus, symptoms usually appear within 2 to 4 days. The infection is
considered contagious for another 3 to 4 days after symptoms appear.
Flu is usually signaled by headache, chills, and dry cough, which are followed rapidly
by body aches and fever. Typically, the fever starts declining on the second or third day
of the illness. It is then that the upper respiratory symptoms become noticeable - nasal
congestion and sore throat.
Once a person has the flu, treatment usually consists of resting in bed, drinking
plenty of fluids, and taking medication such as aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve fever
and discomfort. Children with flu should not take aspirin. Antibiotics are not effective
against flu viruses.
The Common Cold
Sneezing, scratchy throat, runny nose - everyone knows the first signs of a cold,
probably the most common illness known. Although the common cold is usually mild, with
symptoms lasting a week or less, it is a leading cause of doctor visits and of school and
job absenteeism.
Symptoms of the common cold usually begin two to three days after infection and often
include nasal discharge, obstruction of nasal breathing, swelling of the sinus membranes,
sneezing, sore throat, cough, and headache. Fever is usually slight but can climb to 102o
F in infants and young children. Cold symptoms can last from two to 14 days, but
two-thirds of people recover in a week. If symptoms occur often or last much longer than
two weeks, they may be the result of an allergy rather than a cold.
Only symptomatic treatment is available for uncomplicated cases of the common cold: bed
rest, plenty of fluids, gargling with warm salt water, petroleum jelly for a raw nose, and
aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve headache or fever. Many people are convinced that
taking large quantities of vitamin C will prevent colds or relieve symptoms.
Cancer
Between 90 and 95 percent of all oral cancers arise from the cells that line the mouth.
Most of the sores, lumps and red or white patches seen or felt in the mouth are not
cancer. However, the signs and symptoms of oral cancer are the same as conditions commonly
found in the mouth. These signs are easy to see and feel, and easy to watch. If
irritations do not heal within a couple of weeks, they should be looked at by a dentist or
health care practitioner. Symptoms of persistent sore throats, sores under dentures,
difficulty chewing or swallowing or a lump on the neck also require medical
evaluation.
Cancer cells growing at these sites may spread to the neck's lymph nodes and the jaw
bones if left undetected. Oral cancer is one of the easiest cancers to detect.
Approximately 75% of oral cancer cases are caused by smoking or prolonged use of
smokeless tobacco. The combination of regular alchohol consumption and smoking is also a
factor. Four times as many smokers as opposed to non-smokers die from oral cancer. Pipe
and cigar smokers have an increased risk of cancer of the lip. When tobacco users also use
alchohol regularly, their chance of developing oral cancer is greater.
Participate in your own care! Cancer can be beaten!
Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis
The causes of acute pharyngitis is almost always infection. Of course, trauma or injury
due to chemicals (lye) or radiation can also cause inflammation of the pharynx. For
definition sake, the tonsils, which are lymphatic glands, are located within the
anatomical oropharynx. Thus, tonsillitis is a subset of pharyngitis. For example, even if
one has had his tonsils removed, one can still develop pharyngitis.
The most common symptom of pharyngitis or tonsillitis is sore throat. Dysphagia (pain
with swallowing) is also a common symptom of these conditions. Examination of the
oropharynx with a pen light will usually show exudate, erythema (redness), mucosal
congestion and enlargement of the tonsils (if they are present.)
Bacterial causes of sore throat are usually treated with antibiotics. Penicillin
derivatives, cephalosporins, and erythromycin can all be utilized to treat suspected
bacterial pharyngeal infections. A course of antibiotics must be fully completed to help
prevent the development or resistant strains.
Naturaral Treatment and Comfort Measures
Gargle with warm salt water. It help soothe the irritated throat and reduces swelling
in the tissues. This is the safest, least expensive and probably the most effective
treatment of a sore throat. Mix 1/2 tsp. of salt to an 8 oz. cup of warm water. Dissolve
it completely. Gargle every 3 - 4 hours.
Sipping warm liquids like hot tea or hot chicken soup broth
can soothe the throat, and the heat increases the circulation to the
throat to promote healing. The saltiness of the soup also helps to
reduce swelling, much like a salt water gargle.
Hard candy can also soothe and lubricate your throat.
Rest your voice. Avoid using your voice for long periods, and refrain from screaming or yelling.
Stop smoking or at least cut down. Cigarette smoking may cause a sore throat, or may
aggravate your symptoms by causing further throat irritation.
Humidity will keep your throat moist and more comfortable. It can relieve a raw, dry,
scratchy sore throat. Hot, dry air will aggravate it. So, turn down the thermostat, use a
vaporizer if you have one, place a pan of water by the heat vent, or turn on a hot shower
to create steam.
Cherry sore throat lozenges contain Benzocaine which numbs the throat tissues
temporarily and make swallowing easier.
The following Combinations are those recommended for a sore throat:-
Vitamins :- A, C (frequent large doses)
Minerals :- Nat Mur (Dry throat), Zinc Lozenges, Potassium Chloride & Iron Phosphate
Food Supplements :- Acidophilus, Propolis, Rutin + Bioflavonoids, Liquid Chlorophyll
Herbs :- Fenugreek, Horseradish, Slippery Elm Lozenges, Echinacea, Golden Seal, Garlic
Time is the most important healer for sore throat pain. If the sore
throat is caused by a virus, it will clear up on its own. Cold liquids
and over-the-counter pain medications are effective in treating the
pain. Aspirin should be avoided in children under 15 years old (because
of the risk of Reye's syndrome). Home remedies such as gargling salt
water, or drinking honey or lemon tea may help. Analgesic sprays and
lozenges may be administered; however, they may make the pain of strep
throat worse instead of better.
The
nutrients mentioned above reflect the major nutritional supplements
that may help the condition. Please do remember however that
nutritional supplementation is an adjunct to medical treatment and in
no way replaces medical treatment.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Vitamins That Can Help Treat Cervical Dysplasia
Vitamins That Can Help Treat Cervical Dysplasia
When abnormal cells are found on the cervix this condition is called
dysplasia. Cervical dysplasia is considered to be a precancerous
condition. Mild dysplasia can disappear on its own or it can be the
first step towards cervical cancer. Having annual Pap smear tests
is crucial for detecting and monitoring cervical dysplasia. Dysplasia
can occur at any age from puberty onward. It's usually found in women
between the ages of 25 and 35.
When a Pap smear test reveals cervical dysplasia, another Pap smear
is usually ordered to confirm the first test result. If abnormal cells
are still present, a procedure called a colposcopy may be performed.
The colposcope magnifies and focuses an intense light on the cervix,
this allows the doctor to observe the cervix in greater detail. The
doctor can then take a biopsy, a piece of the cervix to be analyzed. If
the biopsy shows that abnormal cell growth extends into the cervical
canal, a cone biopsy may be performed. This is when a cone-shaped
tissue sample is removed for analysis. This procedure may be done in a
hospital using general anesthesia or in a doctor's office.
Removal of the dysplastic cells is usually recommended since the
presence of this abnormal tissue seems to increase a woman's risk of
developing cervical cancer. This is done by cauterization, cryosurgery
or laser surgery. Cauterization uses heat, electricity or chemicals to
burn the abnormal tissue off the cervix. Cryosurgery freezes the cells
and laser surgery destroys the cells with a laser. Frequent pap smears
are usually recommended to evaluate if the treatment was successful.
Factors that predispose females to risk are as follows:
Early age of first intercourse or multiple sexual partners.
Herpes simplex II and papilloma virus infections.
Low
serum Beta-carotene levels and Vitamin A levels. These nutrients
improve the integrity and function of epithelial cells - act as an
antioxidant and improves immune functions.
Oral
contraceptive use decreases numerous nutrient levels (Vitamin C, B12,
B6, Folic acid, B2 and Zinc) which are involved in immunity.
Folate deficiency appears to increase the ease with which cervical
cancer can develop. The dosage of folate used for treatment purposes is
often as much as 10 mg daily. Because folate can mask vitamin B12
deficiency, dosages at this level must be prescribed by a physician. It
is known that cervical cytological abnormalities related to folic acid
deficiency precede haematological abnormalities by many weeks. Oral
contraceptive users are usually low in tissue levels of folic acid due
to inhibition of tissue folate uptake, particularly in the cervix, thus
an abnormal cytological smear may reflect folate deficiency rather then
dysplasia.
Studies have found that women with cervical dysplasia tend to show a
high frequency of general nutritional deficiencies. Because of this
they should take a multivitamin and mineral supplement. Particular
vitamins most commonly associated with cervical dysplasia when
deficient include beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and selenium.
Treatment
Fat intake to 25% of calories.
Stop or reduce smoking.
Eliminate oral contraceptive use.
Increase intake of green leafy vegetables.
Increase fiber content in diet.
Nutritional Supplement Options
The
herbs and nutrients mentioned above reflect the major nutritional
supplements that may help the condition. Please do remember however
that nutritional supplementation is an adjunct to medical treatment and
in no way replaces medical treatment.
When abnormal cells are found on the cervix this condition is called
dysplasia. Cervical dysplasia is considered to be a precancerous
condition. Mild dysplasia can disappear on its own or it can be the
first step towards cervical cancer. Having annual Pap smear tests
is crucial for detecting and monitoring cervical dysplasia. Dysplasia
can occur at any age from puberty onward. It's usually found in women
between the ages of 25 and 35.
When a Pap smear test reveals cervical dysplasia, another Pap smear
is usually ordered to confirm the first test result. If abnormal cells
are still present, a procedure called a colposcopy may be performed.
The colposcope magnifies and focuses an intense light on the cervix,
this allows the doctor to observe the cervix in greater detail. The
doctor can then take a biopsy, a piece of the cervix to be analyzed. If
the biopsy shows that abnormal cell growth extends into the cervical
canal, a cone biopsy may be performed. This is when a cone-shaped
tissue sample is removed for analysis. This procedure may be done in a
hospital using general anesthesia or in a doctor's office.
Removal of the dysplastic cells is usually recommended since the
presence of this abnormal tissue seems to increase a woman's risk of
developing cervical cancer. This is done by cauterization, cryosurgery
or laser surgery. Cauterization uses heat, electricity or chemicals to
burn the abnormal tissue off the cervix. Cryosurgery freezes the cells
and laser surgery destroys the cells with a laser. Frequent pap smears
are usually recommended to evaluate if the treatment was successful.
Factors that predispose females to risk are as follows:
serum Beta-carotene levels and Vitamin A levels. These nutrients
improve the integrity and function of epithelial cells - act as an
antioxidant and improves immune functions.
contraceptive use decreases numerous nutrient levels (Vitamin C, B12,
B6, Folic acid, B2 and Zinc) which are involved in immunity.
Folate deficiency appears to increase the ease with which cervical
cancer can develop. The dosage of folate used for treatment purposes is
often as much as 10 mg daily. Because folate can mask vitamin B12
deficiency, dosages at this level must be prescribed by a physician. It
is known that cervical cytological abnormalities related to folic acid
deficiency precede haematological abnormalities by many weeks. Oral
contraceptive users are usually low in tissue levels of folic acid due
to inhibition of tissue folate uptake, particularly in the cervix, thus
an abnormal cytological smear may reflect folate deficiency rather then
dysplasia.
Studies have found that women with cervical dysplasia tend to show a
high frequency of general nutritional deficiencies. Because of this
they should take a multivitamin and mineral supplement. Particular
vitamins most commonly associated with cervical dysplasia when
deficient include beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and selenium.
Treatment
Nutritional Supplement Options
| Heme 100 | 3 - 6/day (Folic acid supplement) |
| BACE | 3/day (Antioxidant/A and Beta carotene supplement) |
| Lymphodran | 3/day (Anti viral) |
| Flavonol C | 3/day (Vitamin C supplement) |
| Zymin | 5 - 15 mls/day (Zinc Supplement) |
| Kelamin | 1 - 3/day (Multi B and mineral complex) |
| GLA/EFA | 3 tsp/day (Anti viral and anti-inflammatory) |
| Betacarotene | 10mg 3/day (Betacarotene supplement) |
The
herbs and nutrients mentioned above reflect the major nutritional
supplements that may help the condition. Please do remember however
that nutritional supplementation is an adjunct to medical treatment and
in no way replaces medical treatment.
Realtionship Between Cancer And Diet
Realtionship Between Cancer And Diet
Cancer, the second leading cause of death in the United States,
is a group of conditions of uncontrolled growth of cells originating
from almost any tissue in the body.
Cancer may arise in any organ in the body, but tumours of the lung,
colon and rectum, breast, skin, and prostate occur most frequently, and
are variably associated with dietary factors.
The relationship between diet and cancer has been a topic of
considerable controversy in research as well as in public policy. It
has been estimated that as many as 35% of all cancer deaths in the
United States are attributable to diet. In 1984, the American Cancer
Society published a set of dietary guidelines that recommended reducing
fat intake to lower the risk of some types of cancer. This
recommendation has been supported by the National Cancer Institute and
the Surgeon General's Report on Nutrition and Health.
The National Cancer Institute initiated a low-fat dietary
intervention program (The Women's Health Trial), to study the effects
of a low-fat diet on the incidence of breast cancer in women at
elevated risk for the disease.
Women in the intervention group reduced their total fat intake to
approximately 20% of total calories over a 12 month period, mainly by
decreasing their fat intake from milk products, red meats, and
fats/oils. In addition the overall quality of the diets improved.
The intervention produced a number of beneficial dietary changes
beyond its primary objective to reduce total fat intake. These dietary
changes are consistent with the dietary guidelines for reducing cancer
risk, developed by the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer
Institute, and included: eating more complex carbohydrates from fruits
and vegetables, eating more foods high in vitamin A and C, weight loss,
drinking less alcohol, and eating less salt-cured, smoked, and
nitrate-cured foods (bacon, baked ham, pork sausages and hot dogs).
Current dietary guidelines recommend that individuals reduce their
fat intake, not only for the prevention of cancer but also to reduce
the risks of other chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease,
hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. In this study the participants
successfully decreased their fat intake to 20% of total calories while
maintaining nutritional adequacy in their diets and without major
changes in the types of foods they were consuming. [Journal of the American Dietetic Association]
It appears that a high vegetable, low-fat, low-calorie diet protects
against rectal cancer. Risk decreases with an increased intake of
carotenoids, vitamin C, and dietary fibre fromvegetables. [Freudenheim, et al]
Records from insurance companies suggested that overweight people were
at higher risk for cancer than normal or underweight people.
Tumours of the upper aerodigestive tract (laryngeal, pharyngeal,
oral, and oesophageal cancers) are alcohol related, and there is
increasing evidence linking alcohol and breast cancer in women. For
oral and oesophageal cancers, one cohort study documented a quadrupled
mortality rate for persons who drink six or more alcoholic beverages a
day, compared with nondrinkers.
Reduce fat intake to 30 percent or less of calories.
Increase fibre intake to 20 to 30 grams per day, with an upper intake of 35 grams.
Include a variety of vegetable and fruits in the daily diet.
Avoid obesity.
Consume alcoholic beverages in moderation, if at all.
Minimize consumption of salt-cured, salt-pickled, and smoked foods.
Several mechanisms have been proposed to account for observed
associations between diet, digestive processes, and cancer. These
include:
Role of Vitamin A and Carotenoids in Cancer
A large body of evidence suggests that foods high in Vitamin A and carotenoids
are protective against a variety of cancers. The strongest evidence for
the role of vitamin A in the prevention of human cancer comes from
epidemiologic studies that correlate consumption of
carotenoid-containing vegetables or foods with a high vitamin A index
to protection against cancer of the lung.
An important issue, related to these studies is whether the
protective effects attributed to vitamin A activity, are truly
attributable to vitamin A, or whether they are due to some other factor
that may be present in the foods. For example, a study of lung cancer
among New Jersey white males showed a protective effect for fruits and
vegetables that was greatest for dark yellow-orange and green
vegetables, but no statistically significant effect for retinol,
carotenoids, or vitamin A activity. [Ziegler et al]
Because retinoids are required for normal cell differentiation,
their deficiency leads to improper differentiation of stem cells in epithelial tissue. In animals, retinoids may inhibit initiation and promotion
stages of carcinogeneses. Retinoids may also have a role in reversing
cancerous changes.
Antioxidant chemicals are thought to protect against certain
promoters of carcinogeneses. Foods containing vitamin A have been shown
to protect against the formation of oxygen radicals and lipid
peroxidation, and beta-carotene is a very efficient neutralizer of
oxygen radicals.
Large amounts of retinoids in the blood or tissues, can be toxic and
may cause birth defects and adverse effects on the skin, liver, and
neurologic tissue. Excessive intake of preformed vitamin A or retinoid
supplements should be avoided, especially by pregnant women. However,
increased intake of carotenoids from food alone is unlikely to have any
adverse effects, other than skin discolouration at very large intakes.
Role of Other Dietary Constituents in Cancer
Foods contain both nutritive and nonnutritive components. Most of
the later are present naturally, but some are added during formulation,
processing, and cooking. Studies have shown that some specific
nonnutritive substances can promote tumour development in animals. For
example, aflatoxin, a potent carcinogen derived from mold on grains,
legumes, or nuts is a naturally occurring toxin in these foods.
Experimental and epidemiological data suggest an association between
alcohol consumption and human cancer that is strongest for certain head
and neck cancers. Alcohol intake and smoking act synergistically to
increase the risk for cancer of the mouth, larynx, and oesophagus.
Although alcohol has an effect independent of smoking in increasing
cancer risk, it remains uncertain whether the responsible agent is
alcohol itself or any of the more than 400 other chemicals identified
in alcoholic beverages. The nutrient deficiencies produced in
alcoholics could be associated with impaired immune function,
permitting increased carcinogenesis. A slightly greater risk for breast
cancer in women has been associated with an average of one drink per
day in a cohort study of 89,538 American women. [Willett et al]
Vitamin C functions as a chemical-reducing agent and antioxidant.
Human studies have shown a protective association between foods that
contain vitamin C and cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, and cervix.
Vitamin C blocks the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines from
nitrates and prevents oxidation of certain other chemicals to active
carcinogenic forms.
An association between protein consumption, especially animal
protein, and the incidence of certain cancers has been observed in
several human epidemiologic studies. Smoked and charred foods acquire
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, some of which are known to be
carcinogenic in animals. These and other potential carcinogenic agents
may be formed within foods during cooking in amounts that may be
related to temperature and duration of cooking at very high
temperatures.
International epidemiologic evidence suggests that populations
consuming diets high in salt-cured, salt-pickled, and smoked foods have
a higher incidence of stomach and oesophageal cancers. oesophageal and
stomach cancers are also associated with poor nutrition. For decades
sodium nitrate has been added to cured meats at levels of about 200
parts per million to prevent botulism. Nitrate can react with secondary
amines to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Bacteria in the mouth or
intestine, however, reduce nitrate to nitrite in appreciable amounts.
Clearly, a nutritious diet providing adequate amounts of all
nutrients and proper calorie content to achieve desirable weight is
important for general health and for vigourous defence mechanisms
against cancer as well as other diseases.
Food Labels:Evidence related to the role of dietary
factors in cancer suggests that food manufacturers should include on
package labelsinformation about nutritional content of the food,
especially for fat and carbohydrate components (including fiber).
Food Services:Evidence related to the role of dietary
factors in cancer suggests that the public might benefit from increased
availability of foods high in fibre and low in fat.
Food Products: Evidence related to the role of dietary
factors in cancer suggests that foods low or reduced in calories and
fat and high in fibre should be made increasingly available by food
manufacturers. [The Surgeon General]
Cancer, the second leading cause of death in the United States,
is a group of conditions of uncontrolled growth of cells originating
from almost any tissue in the body.
Cancer may arise in any organ in the body, but tumours of the lung,
colon and rectum, breast, skin, and prostate occur most frequently, and
are variably associated with dietary factors.
The relationship between diet and cancer has been a topic of
considerable controversy in research as well as in public policy. It
has been estimated that as many as 35% of all cancer deaths in the
United States are attributable to diet. In 1984, the American Cancer
Society published a set of dietary guidelines that recommended reducing
fat intake to lower the risk of some types of cancer. This
recommendation has been supported by the National Cancer Institute and
the Surgeon General's Report on Nutrition and Health.
The National Cancer Institute initiated a low-fat dietary
intervention program (The Women's Health Trial), to study the effects
of a low-fat diet on the incidence of breast cancer in women at
elevated risk for the disease.
Women in the intervention group reduced their total fat intake to
approximately 20% of total calories over a 12 month period, mainly by
decreasing their fat intake from milk products, red meats, and
fats/oils. In addition the overall quality of the diets improved.
The intervention produced a number of beneficial dietary changes
beyond its primary objective to reduce total fat intake. These dietary
changes are consistent with the dietary guidelines for reducing cancer
risk, developed by the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer
Institute, and included: eating more complex carbohydrates from fruits
and vegetables, eating more foods high in vitamin A and C, weight loss,
drinking less alcohol, and eating less salt-cured, smoked, and
nitrate-cured foods (bacon, baked ham, pork sausages and hot dogs).
Current dietary guidelines recommend that individuals reduce their
fat intake, not only for the prevention of cancer but also to reduce
the risks of other chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease,
hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. In this study the participants
successfully decreased their fat intake to 20% of total calories while
maintaining nutritional adequacy in their diets and without major
changes in the types of foods they were consuming. [Journal of the American Dietetic Association]
It appears that a high vegetable, low-fat, low-calorie diet protects
against rectal cancer. Risk decreases with an increased intake of
carotenoids, vitamin C, and dietary fibre fromvegetables. [Freudenheim, et al]
Records from insurance companies suggested that overweight people were
at higher risk for cancer than normal or underweight people.
Tumours of the upper aerodigestive tract (laryngeal, pharyngeal,
oral, and oesophageal cancers) are alcohol related, and there is
increasing evidence linking alcohol and breast cancer in women. For
oral and oesophageal cancers, one cohort study documented a quadrupled
mortality rate for persons who drink six or more alcoholic beverages a
day, compared with nondrinkers.
Table 2.16
National Cancer Institute Dietary Guidelines.
Several mechanisms have been proposed to account for observed
associations between diet, digestive processes, and cancer. These
include:
- Carcinogens in food that are present naturally, that are
inadvertent contaminants, or that form as products of cooking or
preservation. - Diet-induced metabolic activation or deactivation of
carcinogens. For example, formation of oxygen radicals and lipid
perioxidation products can be retarded or blocked by normal enzymatic
processes or by the selenium or beta-carotene present in foods. - Biological formation of carcinogens, as with conversion of bile
acids to tumour-promoting chemicals by normal intestinal bacteria. The
bacteria that accomplish this conversion may be affected by diet. - Enhancement (eg. by fats) or inhibition (eg. by vitamin A) of promotion.
- Nutrient imbalance may impair immunity and thus may influence
early rejection of malignant cells or the ability of cells to repair
damaged DNA.
Role of Vitamin A and Carotenoids in Cancer
A large body of evidence suggests that foods high in Vitamin A and carotenoids
are protective against a variety of cancers. The strongest evidence for
the role of vitamin A in the prevention of human cancer comes from
epidemiologic studies that correlate consumption of
carotenoid-containing vegetables or foods with a high vitamin A index
to protection against cancer of the lung.
An important issue, related to these studies is whether the
protective effects attributed to vitamin A activity, are truly
attributable to vitamin A, or whether they are due to some other factor
that may be present in the foods. For example, a study of lung cancer
among New Jersey white males showed a protective effect for fruits and
vegetables that was greatest for dark yellow-orange and green
vegetables, but no statistically significant effect for retinol,
carotenoids, or vitamin A activity. [Ziegler et al]
Because retinoids are required for normal cell differentiation,
their deficiency leads to improper differentiation of stem cells in epithelial tissue. In animals, retinoids may inhibit initiation and promotion
stages of carcinogeneses. Retinoids may also have a role in reversing
cancerous changes.
Antioxidant chemicals are thought to protect against certain
promoters of carcinogeneses. Foods containing vitamin A have been shown
to protect against the formation of oxygen radicals and lipid
peroxidation, and beta-carotene is a very efficient neutralizer of
oxygen radicals.
Large amounts of retinoids in the blood or tissues, can be toxic and
may cause birth defects and adverse effects on the skin, liver, and
neurologic tissue. Excessive intake of preformed vitamin A or retinoid
supplements should be avoided, especially by pregnant women. However,
increased intake of carotenoids from food alone is unlikely to have any
adverse effects, other than skin discolouration at very large intakes.
Role of Other Dietary Constituents in Cancer
Foods contain both nutritive and nonnutritive components. Most of
the later are present naturally, but some are added during formulation,
processing, and cooking. Studies have shown that some specific
nonnutritive substances can promote tumour development in animals. For
example, aflatoxin, a potent carcinogen derived from mold on grains,
legumes, or nuts is a naturally occurring toxin in these foods.
Experimental and epidemiological data suggest an association between
alcohol consumption and human cancer that is strongest for certain head
and neck cancers. Alcohol intake and smoking act synergistically to
increase the risk for cancer of the mouth, larynx, and oesophagus.
Although alcohol has an effect independent of smoking in increasing
cancer risk, it remains uncertain whether the responsible agent is
alcohol itself or any of the more than 400 other chemicals identified
in alcoholic beverages. The nutrient deficiencies produced in
alcoholics could be associated with impaired immune function,
permitting increased carcinogenesis. A slightly greater risk for breast
cancer in women has been associated with an average of one drink per
day in a cohort study of 89,538 American women. [Willett et al]
Vitamin C functions as a chemical-reducing agent and antioxidant.
Human studies have shown a protective association between foods that
contain vitamin C and cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, and cervix.
Vitamin C blocks the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines from
nitrates and prevents oxidation of certain other chemicals to active
carcinogenic forms.
An association between protein consumption, especially animal
protein, and the incidence of certain cancers has been observed in
several human epidemiologic studies. Smoked and charred foods acquire
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, some of which are known to be
carcinogenic in animals. These and other potential carcinogenic agents
may be formed within foods during cooking in amounts that may be
related to temperature and duration of cooking at very high
temperatures.
International epidemiologic evidence suggests that populations
consuming diets high in salt-cured, salt-pickled, and smoked foods have
a higher incidence of stomach and oesophageal cancers. oesophageal and
stomach cancers are also associated with poor nutrition. For decades
sodium nitrate has been added to cured meats at levels of about 200
parts per million to prevent botulism. Nitrate can react with secondary
amines to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Bacteria in the mouth or
intestine, however, reduce nitrate to nitrite in appreciable amounts.
Clearly, a nutritious diet providing adequate amounts of all
nutrients and proper calorie content to achieve desirable weight is
important for general health and for vigourous defence mechanisms
against cancer as well as other diseases.
Nutrition Programs and Services
Food Labels:Evidence related to the role of dietary
factors in cancer suggests that food manufacturers should include on
package labelsinformation about nutritional content of the food,
especially for fat and carbohydrate components (including fiber).
Food Services:Evidence related to the role of dietary
factors in cancer suggests that the public might benefit from increased
availability of foods high in fibre and low in fat.
Food Products: Evidence related to the role of dietary
factors in cancer suggests that foods low or reduced in calories and
fat and high in fibre should be made increasingly available by food
manufacturers. [The Surgeon General]
- Journal of the American Dietetic Association: Research, Page 802 - 809, June 1990.
- Freudenheim,
J.L., Graham, S., Marshall, J.R., Haughey, B.P., and Wilkinson, G., A
case study of diet and rectal cancer in western New York , American
Journal of Epidemiology, 131:612, 1990. - Ziegler,
R.G., Mason, T.J., Stemhagen, A., Hoover, R., Schoenberg, J.B.,
Gridley, G., Virgo, P.W., & Fraumeni, J.F., Carotenoid intake,
vegetables, and the risk of lung cancer among white men in New Jersey ,
American Journal of Epidemiology 123:1080, 1986. - Willett, W.C., and MacMahon, B., Diet and Cancer; an overview , New England Journal of Medicine 310:697, 1984.
- The Surgeon General's Report on Nutrition & Health, 1988.
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