This month I would like to focus a bit further on the subject of plants and their possible benefits against cancer. As with all previous articles, the objective of this one will also be informational, and not intended or meant to take the place of conventional care.
I have said it over and over, whenever I lecture on the medicinal properties of plants. And that is, that all plants have medicinal properties. The problem arises from our lack of knowledge, information, or data with regard to pharmacological activities in most plant species.
Not all tumors are malignant, but for the most part they are composed of uncontrollable and rapidly multiplying cells with no real hierarchy or order. Benign or malignant, these masses of disorder can obstruct organs or otherwise impose themselves upon vital, healthy tissue. Since the cells within a tumor undergo mitosis (multiply) at a higher rate than most other types of cells in the body, certain chemotherapeutic drugs are used that target primarily fast-dividing cells. Some of the normally fast-dividing cells in our body are found in our hair and in the lining of our stomach. So when a patient undergoes chemotherapy with a drug that targets cells that are rapidly dividing in a tumor, that chemo-agent may also inadvertently affect the hair cells, causing the patients' hair to fall out or affect the cells of the stomach lining and cause nausea. There are well over 200 types of cancer, each with their own mechanisms and metabolic pathways. Research is always ongoing to be able to target specific cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
There are many factors that can damage a cell's DNA and potentially develop into a tumor or some type of cancer. Among the most prevalent in our everyday life are fossil fuels and products derived from these sources, which include fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and a myriad of chemicals used to manufacture many other products that we use or come in contact with everyday. There is virtually no escaping these potentially dangerous molecules. They are in our water, food, and air we breathe. Our bodies are designed to attack these foreign chemical invaders and neutralize or destroy them, but sometimes our defenses are overwhelmed and these chemicals wreak havoc on our otherwise healthy cells.
We can avoid using certain types of chemicals and pesticides around the house, especially around children, who are so susceptible to their effects. We cannot, however, completely control the quality of the air we breathe, the food we eat, or the water we drink and bathe in.
The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends the following diet and health guidelines for cancer prevention:
o Choose a diet that is rich in a variety of plant-based foods.
o Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits.
o Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active.
o Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all.
o Select foods low in fat and salt.
o Prepare and store food safely.
o Do not use tobacco in any form.
Breast cancer is a "hormonally-driven" tumor, and what drives or fuels this type of tumor is the hormone estrogen. On the actual cells are special sites called receptors, where the estrogen molecules actually dock or are admitted into the cell, sort of like a key entering a lock. All estrogens must lock onto a receptor site in order to work. In the breast, however, when too much estrogen reaches the receptor sites, the risk for uncontrolled cell growth or even cancer increases. The drugs raloxifene and tamoxifen both are used to block the estrogen when it arrives at the receptor site.
There are also certain foods that can also help block estrogen. Some of these foods are soy products such as soy nuts, tofu, textured soy, soy milk, and flaxseed. Soy and flaxseed contain "weak" phytoestrogens that actually lock onto the estrogen receptors and displace stronger estrogens. Researchers recognize the potency of flaxseed and actually use it to shrink breast tumors between diagnosis and surgery. Avoid omega-6 fats, which are the polyunsaturated fats found in most vegetable oils and margarines. One study reported that polyunsaturated fat increases a woman's risk of breast cancer by 69 percent. Try to include small amounts of "healthy" fats such as omega-3s found in cold water fish like salmon, and omega-9s found in olive oil and avocados, or aguacates. And speaking of aguacates, they are rich in caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, P-coumaric acid, and lutein, which are all anti-tumor compounds.
Eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. Cruciferous veggies are rich in a compound called indole-3-carbinol, which channels the breakdown products of estrogen into more "good" than "bad" estrogens. Reduce your insulin level by avoiding saturated fats, and eating foods that generate a small rise in blood sugar, such as peas, beans, yogurt, and fruits such as apples and pears. A University of Toronto study found a 283 percent higher risk of breast cancer in women with high insulin levels. Increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Fiber interrupts most steps of the estrogen pathway. Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol elevates total estrogen levels; the more you drink, the higher your risk of breast cancer.
Other beneficial plants include the spice turmeric, which inhibits the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the enzyme involved in the production of PGE2, a tumor promoting prostaglandin. One of my favorite yerbas del monte, our native Gobernadora, contains limolene, which is an anti-breast, pancreas, and prostate tumor compound. The compound trans-Resveratrol (Res) is a phytoalexin found in grapes and grape products, such as red wine, and in peanut skins. Res has been shown to be active against breast, prostate, and skin tumors. Carrots contain 25 different anti-tumor compounds. Fennel seed contains 21; onions contain 19; tomatoes also contain 19; black currant has 19 as well; soybeans have 18; tea, as in green or black, has 17; grapes or raisins also have 17; Cauliflower has 16; garlic has 15; bell pepper, American ginseng, and thyme each have 15; the herb mil-en-rama has 14; hot chiles, sunflower seeds, sage, and whole wheat each have 14 anti-tumor compounds.
I barely scratched the surface of the number of plants that have potential as anti-tumor agents, but the obvious is that the more plant-based foods we consume, the better off we should be. I once heard someone say, "Everything in moderation, including moderation." Makes sense to me! As always, consult with your physician before using any herbal remedies. Until next time, take care. I can be reached via e-mail at gloriso@netscorp.net for questions or comments on this column.