Natural Therapies for Breast Cancer

January 3rd, 2010
When considering natural therapies for breast cancer, it is important to understand what medical or research-based evidence exists that shows which natural therapies are effective and for what circumstances.  While there are many claims made on packages and the internet about herbal formulas, special diets, or new-fangled technologies, the evidence for natural therapies that work to cure breast cancer on their own is paltry, at best.
However, natural medicine truly shines in supporting oncology patients so they have the best results through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.  The options to reduce adverse effects, improve outcomes, and help cancer patients feel well are diverse.  When used in this way, the goal of natural medicine is to support conventional treatment approaches without interfering its effectiveness and to address concerns as they arise; natural treatments are tailored for each individual set of circumstances.  Here are some examples of my favorite approaches.
Glutamine is an amino acid (protein building block) that high doses helps to improve recovery from surgery and helps prevent nausea, ulcerative lesions in the mouth and digestive tract, and neurological toxicity from some chemotherapy drugs.
Ginger is an excellent and safe way for chemotherapy patients to prevent nausea.  Using capsules, liquid herbal extracts or even lollipops made by a compounding pharmacist are options that support easy compliance for the patient.
Doxirubicin is a common chemotherapy drug that is used to treat breast cancer.  However, one of the most serious adverse effects of doxirubicin is toxicity to the heart.  Coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine are nutritional supplements that have been shown in medical research to reduce doxirubicin related heart damage without interfering with the drugs ability to kill breast cancer cells.
Another common concern for oncology patients is maintaining their immune function and white blood cell status.  Some approaches that are promising in this area include maitake mushroom extracts, ginseng (a popular Asian herb), ashwaganda (an herb from India), and vitamin E supplementation.
It is clear that natural therapies have a supportive role in cancer treatment.  But, if not used wisely, natural medicine can have negative effects.  For example, studies show that the herb curcumin (turmeric) can decrease the cell-killing effects of some chemotherapy drugs like cyclophosphamide and doxirubicin (both are used in breast cancer treatment).  Other dietary supplements that may reduce chemotherapy effectiveness include coenzyme Q10, glutathione, and cysteine.  The most effective and safest way of using natural therapies is to consult with your oncologist and work with a qualified professional.

Be Well,
Richard

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Posted in Cancer, Digestive, Menopause, Over 50, Prevention, Treatment, Wellness, Women | 1 Comment »

Warning - Don’t Over-Pay for Whey Protein & Why Proprietary Ingredients Should be Avoided

January 18th, 2009

Whey protein is an excellent source of cysteine, the amino acid that is necessary for glutathione (an important anti-oxidant) production and encourages increased tissue levels of glutathione.

Some supplement manufacturers sell their whey protein supplements at a very high mark-up and claim their product is special in some way and backed by clinical research.  They claim that their whey protein is an effective cysteine delivery system.

So, I took a closer look at one.  After reviewing several research studies they provided, I was not able to see any evidence that their product has benefits beyond other forms of whey protein.  When asked further questions, they were not willing to divulge the amount of cysteine in their whey protein, claiming this information is proprietary.  Maybe they don’t know.  Maybe they just add cysteine to plain old whey protein.  Maybe their product contains more than other whey proteins.  Perhaps it contains less.  Who knows?  We sure don’t.

I also asked about pesticides and hormones.  They do not test to ensure that their whey protein is pesticide and hormone free and it is not obtained from organically raised dairy cows.

Based upon the information provided, here is what we know:

  • their supplement is expensive
  • it works like other whey protein powders and cysteine containing supplements
Here is what we don’t know:
  • How much cysteine it contains
  • If cysteine levels vary substantially from one batch to the next
  • How it compares to other cysteine supplements
  • How it compares to other whey protein supplements
  • If it contains pesticides & antibiotics 
When products contain proprietary ingredients, some consumers think this is sign of quality or specialness.  To me, it is a sign that the company is hiding what its products contain so that comparison is not possible and they cannot be undersold.  Convenient if you are charging a premium.
I always use natural medicines that clearly label their ingredients and active constituents.  This allows me to compare product potency and value - an important service to my patients.
Be Well,
Richard

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Posted in Kids, Men, Over 50, Supplements, Wellness, Women | No Comments »