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Page 9 of 12 Remedies -- Alternative Therapies A growing number of alternative therapies are available that cover a wide range of treatment approaches. However, common themes are present. Unlike conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation, alternative therapies tend to be more holistic in nature, focusing on repairing the immune dysfunctions and imbalances that allow cancers to grow. In other words, alternative therapies (if it is possible to generalize) try to eliminate the underlying problem rather than simply attacking the tumour. Alternative therapies can be broadly listed into the following categories, which often overlap: Biologic therapies use substances derived from natural sources to treat cancer. Immunotherapies work by boosting the immune system -- your body's natural defense against tumour growth. Vaccines, diet, and supplementation are all forms of immunotherapy. Mind-Body therapies focus on the emotional and spiritual enhancements that help people recover from illness. Some of these therapies are designed to help you cope with the healing process while others are aimed to actually change the course of the disease. This category might include prayer, meditation, hypnosis, visualization techniques, spiritual retreats, or something as simple as trying to relax. Nutritional therapies have become increasingly popular as more and more evidence is uncovering the link between poor dietary habits and certain cancers. The noninvasive nature and whole-body approach of some alternative therapies may, in some cases, be more desirable than conventional treatment. You do not have to choose one path or another: many people use alternative therapies in conjunction with more conventional approaches. For example, herbal treatments are often used to compliment chemotherapy. This is done not only to help strengthen your body's defense mechanisms against the disease, but also to help prevent the side-effects associated with chemotherapy. Furthermore, treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy are not always effective for cancer treatment. In fact, chemotherapy and radiation therapy have poor track records in the treatment of certain forms of cancer. Before choosing a therapy, whether conventional or alternative, it is important to do as much background research as possible, to ask for supportive studies and documented cases, and to talk to people who have undergone the treatment in question. This becomes much more important when researching some alternative therapies. Despite their effectiveness, they might be relatively unknown or not well documented; such cases require a great deal more research and skepticism on your behalf. Richard Walters' Opinions: The Alternative Cancer Therapy Book (Avery Publishing Group, 1993) can help you evaluate and compare various alternative therapies.
Amino Acids Some studies suggest that arginine may display anti-tumour activity, due to its role in activating certain components of the immune system. L-arginine is found in brown rice, carob, coconut, dairy products, gelatin, meat, oatmeal, oats, nuts, raisins, sesame seeds, soy, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, whole wheat, and all protein-rich foods. L-arginine is available as part of a multi-amino acid complex and in protein powder supplements. Depending on the country in which you live, arginine may also be available as an isolated supplement in capsule or tablet form. You may require a prescription. NOTE: Supplementation should be avoided in pregnant or lactating women. Glutathione, or GSH, is a powerful antioxidant produced by the liver that protects against free radical damage and detoxifies harmful compounds. GSH is available as part of a multi-amino acid complex and can also be found in isolated form. Supplementation with NAC may reduce toxic side effects of chemotherapy. Doses of up to 10g daily are generally considered safe, although higher doses may cause nausea or vomiting. Topical applications of NAC (as an ointment) may also reduce some of the adverse affects of radiation therapy such as skin reactions, hair loss, and may protect the mucous membranes of the eyes.
Antioxidants Antioxidants are essential to help deal with free radical damage caused by toxins and chemical exposure. Supplementation, therefore, is essential. Antioxidants can be used in combination for greater effect. Alpha-lipoic acid is known as the "antioxidant's antioxidant" or the "universal antioxidant". In addition to being a powerful coenzyme, this antioxidant enhances the effectiveness of several antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10. Alpha-Lipoic acid regenerates and recycles these antioxidants so they continuously neutralize free radical damage in the body. Take 60 to 100mg daily. Grape seed extract is a nutrient primarily derived from the seeds of grapes but is also found in the skin and stems. It has powerful antioxidant properties and has protective compounds known as flavonoids. These include oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), anthocyananins, quercetin, catechin, ellagic acid and reveratrol, which is also found in red wine. If supplementing, take 25 to 100mg daily, in divided doses. The beneficial compounds are also found in red wine, purple grape juice, and red grapes. Green tea can be taken daily to help cleanse toxins from the body. Place 2 teaspoons of green tea leaves in one cup hot (not boiling) water and steep for 3 to 4 minutes. The longer the infusion, the more bitter green tea becomes. Boiling water destroys some of the beneficial elements of green tea. Allow the water to stop boiling before adding the leaves. Use a ceramic, glass, or earthenware mug. Drink 1 to 2 cups daily Pycnogenol is extracted from the bark of French maritime pine trees grown in the south of France. The resulting extract contains approximately forty antioxidants and a number of flavonoid compounds, making pycnogenol one of the most potent antioxidant preparations currently available. One particular flavonoid of note is OPC, which may be as much as fifty times more potent than vitamin E and twenty times more potent than vitamin C in terms of its bioavailable antioxidant ability. OPCs are also found in grape seed extract (see above). Pycnogenol is exceptionally bioavailable and absorbed in the body. Take 25 to 100mg daily, in divided doses. NOTE: Some people may experience allergic reactions to pine bark extract. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner to determine the appropriateness of supplementation with this antioxidant. See also selenium under Minerals and vitamins Co-Q10, C, and E under Vitamins, below. For more information, see the dedicated section on Antioxidants.
Foods Almonds contain laetrile, which has anti-cancer properties. Eat 10 raw and confirmed unpasteurized almonds daily.
Food Supplements Essential fatty acid supplementation has proven useful when dealing with breast tumours. Flaxseed / linseed oil, borage oil, pumpkin seed oil, hemp seed oil, evening primrose oil, fish, eggs, and walnuts are all sources of EFA's. The oils may be the most ideal. Take four tablespoons daily on yogurt, rice and/or bean dishes, salads, and vegetables. Do not cook with these oils. Heat denatures these oils and they lose their nutritional value. Be sure to keep oils refrigerated as they will go rancid if not kept cool. If using flaxseed oil capsules, take 6 to 10 capsules daily, in divided doses, before meals. If using evening primrose oil capsules take 1,000mg 3 times daily, before meals.
Herbs Astragalus is known to boost immunity and fight cancer. An alkaloid extracted from Astragalus oxyphysys called swainsonine has been shown to inhibit the metastasis of melanoma both in vitro and in vivo. It seems to do so by enhancing natural killer cell function. Astragalus can also be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and can act as a protective factor against the side-effects of chemotherapy. To prepare a decoction, add 3 teaspoons to 3 cups water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. Strain and divide into 3 doses for the day. If supplementing, take 6g three times daily. If using in tincture form, take 20 to 30 drops three times daily. Cat's claw is considered the most important botanical in the rainforest and this especially healing plant is becoming quite popular North America and Europe as a treatment for cancer. The Urarina tribesman of Peru tell stories of its use in curing tumours. Studies into this plant suggest that its powerful immune-boosting properties help normalize immunoglobulins (antibodies) by activating the T-lymphocytes and macrophages. Consult with your herbalist, naturopath, or other health practitioner as to the appropriateness of this herb for your needs. Garlic is known to have anti-tumour promoting activity. Several ingredients of garlic are responsible for this action, in addition to allicin. Studies show that garlic and onion consumption is correlated with a decrease in cancer death rate. Garlic can stimulate growth and proliferation of some beneficial cells in the body used to fight cancer. In vitro studies of melanoma cells show that garlic inhibits cancer cell growth by more than 50%. Aged garlic extract has also demonstrated protective action against radiation damage. Eat 2 to 4 cloves daily. If supplementing, take 600 to 1,200mg once or twice daily Ginger can be taken to relieve nausea associated with chemotherapy and nausea in general. To prepare a decoction, add 3 to 4 teaspoons fresh or dried root to 4 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes. Take 3 times daily or whenever needed. If supplementing, take 2 500mg capsules, 30 minutes before travelling. Take an additional 1 or 2 capsules when symptoms occur. To prepare an infusion, add 2 teaspoons grated, fresh, ginger to one cup of hot water. Take as often as needed. If using in tincture form, take 30 to 60 drops, 3 times daily. Ginseng is found to have many anti-cancer properties. A study of panax ginseng demonstrated its ability to promote differentiation of cancer cells -- to return the aberrant cells back to normal function and appearance. Siberian ginseng can boost immunity and improve resistance to negative effects of both radiation and chemotherapy. It also seems to be non-toxic, and thus, can be used long-term through intensive cancer treatment. Avoid if lactating or pregnant. Licorice root is a very good liver botanical and promotes the elimination of toxins from the body. It works as well as milk thistle (see below) in protecting and repairing the liver and both herbs often have improved results when used together. Licorice tea is rather sweet tasting. Gently boil 1/2 tsp. powdered root with 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups daily. Milk thistle promotes liver function and helps cleanse the body of toxins. It is most effective if taken at night and works very well if taken with licorice root (see above). Take 2 tablespoons ground powder daily, sprinkled on food. If using capsules, take 280 to 420mg daily. Look for supplements containing silymarin, considered the active ingredient. Milk thistle takes time to act and, being nontoxic, is safe to use over the long-term. Maitake and shiitake mushrooms are well known to have immunostimulant properties that inhibit tumour growth. Shiitake mushrooms also reverse T cell suppression cause by tumours. To prepare an infusion, bring to a boil 1 ounce/28g mushroom and 1 pint/473mL water. Boil for 20 to 30 minutes or until one third of the water is gone. Cool, strain, and divide into 3 doses for the day. If using in tincture form, take 20 to 40 drops tincture 3 times daily. European mistletoe extract has been used to treat cancer. It has been used in Europe and administered as subcutaneous injections over the course of many months to years. The preparation has been shown to stimulate the immune system, reduce tumour size, and kill cancer cells. It also improves the quality of life and survival. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner regarding this particular treatment. Pau d'arco is beneficial for use against cancer. Bring three teaspoons of herb and four and a half cups water to a boil. Simmer for 45 minutes, cool, strain, and divide into three doses for the day. If using a tincture, take 20 to 30 drops three times daily. The following herbs are also known to fight tumours directly, by either preventing them or by killing tumour cells. Some are reported to prevent the spread of malignancy. These include:
Bayberry | Celandine | Cleavers | Comfrey | Condurango | Dandelion | Echinacea | Mistletoe | Myrrh | Periwinkle | Plantain | Poke Root | Queen's Delight | Red Clover | Thuja | Wild Violet | Yellow Dock | |
Matching the needs of the individual with the right combination of herbs will require the expertise of your herbalist, naturopath, or other health practitioner. As cancer is an attack on the whole body, encompassing many systems, few health practitioners will advise a single herb as part of your cancer treatment. However, there have been many successful uses of herbs in the treatment of cancer. One example is Hoxley's formula, which has helped many people inflicted with cancer. It consists of licorice, poke root, Oregon grape root, cascara, sarsaparilla, prickly ash bark, burdock root, red clover flowers, buckthorn bark, chaparral, and kelp. See your herbalist, naturopath, or other health practitioner for more information.
Lifestyle Avoid all junk foods, processed refined foods, saturated fats, hydrogenated oils, salt, sugar, and refined carbohydrates. These foods cause an unnecessary strain on your body. In addition, avoid peanuts (even organic varieties) as all peanuts carry a mould that produces alphatoxin -- a potent cancer-causing chemical. It is important to maintain a positive attitude. You are not alone. Join a support group and do things that will help keep your spirits up. Numerous studies have shown that a positive outlook can greatly improve the prognosis of many illnesses. Decrease your stress levels. Exercise, take yoga classes or get a massage. Whatever does it for you. High levels of stress have been implicated as a contributing factor to many ailments, including cancer. Reduce the amount of fat in your diet. A high fat diet can increase your risk of developing cancer, particularly if you are post-menopausal. Increase the amount of fibre in your diet. A high fibre diet has been shown to help in the elimination of carcinogens and excess estrogen from the body. Use only glass and ceramic cookware and wooden cooking utensils when preparing foods. Plastics have been found to leech chemicals into food when heated. Avoid iron supplementation, as your body naturally withholds iron from cancer cells to inhibit growth.
Minerals Selenium is a powerful antioxidant. One Brazil nut contains enough selenium to satisfy your daily requirement. However, you may wish to have a few more. If supplementing, take 100 to 200mcg twice daily.
Miscellaneous Reduce pesticide exposure. A number of theories hold that increased toxin exposure leads to increased susceptibility to cancer, due to free radical damage, progressive cell death, and various other degenerative effects. Avoid and eliminate all sources of toxic chemical exposure to prevent additional free radical damage in the body. Common household cleaners containing poison symbols should be eliminated. If you cannot drink it, why would you expose yourself to it? Long term toxic exposure is a silent and potentially deadly threat. And viable alternatives are readily available. Natural alternatives are available in health food stores, while vinegar or baking soda and water clean just about anything. Companies such as Nature Clean, Simply Clean, and Ecover sell viable alternatives that work just as well, if not better, than their toxin equivalents. Do not spray your lawn with toxic chemicals. Lawn spraying is an acutely North American habit whose consequences are far greater than the trivial, aesthetic gains. Think about it. You are poisoning your lawn, pets, children, and yourself to satisfy a social norm. Again, follow the above rule of if you cannot drink, why would you exposure yourself to it? Instead, welcome the diversity of life a natural lawn brings. Your children will be able to enjoy the outdoors while playing on the grass. You could even tear up the lawn and plant a natural garden with native plant species. This is a welcome trend in humanizing our urban areas. Butterflies, birds and beautiful planted bulbs make for a welcome replacement to a toxic expanse of empty space... Headaches are a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation. See the dedicated section on Headache for appropriate remedies.
Therapies, Healing Aids, and More Coffee enemas should be taken daily to help eliminate toxins from the body. Cleansing enemas, such as water, lemon, or garlic, should be used 2 to 3 times per week. A healthy, organic, diet is essential as it will provide your body with the nutrients needed to function properly. Eat ample servings of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and pure water. A vegetarian diet has also been shown to do much of the same, probably because it generally contains lower fat content, is high in fibre, and is high in carotenoids and other nutrients. Exercise regularly to boost mood levels, stave off depression, promote tissue oxygenation, and help relieve stress. Support from family and friends is very important. You may also wish to join a discussion group or other community group to share your experience and strategies. This form of community and connection allows you to share your thoughts and feelings with others, as opposed to internalizing what you experience.
Vitamins Coenzyme Q10 has antioxidant properties, increases tissue oxygenation, and is known to stimulate the immune system. Deficiencies have been associated with the development of cancer. At lower doses, coenzyme Q10 can help patients experience less pain and weight-loss, a decrease in metastasis, and an increase in appetite. At higher doses it may promote tumour remission. Coenzyme Q10 is found in broccoli, meats, peanuts (not a recommended source), salmon sardines, and spinach. If supplementing, take 50 to 300mg daily, in divided doses. Studies point to a link between vitamin A deficiency and cancer. It is unclear whether the deficiency promotes cancer, or if the cancer causes the deficiency. Regardless, vitamin A supplementation is beneficial. It has been shown to inhibit tumour initiation and promotion and is a powerful antioxidant. It also enhances the effect of chemotherapy while protecting from the side-effects of radiation therapy. If using vitamin A for the latter reason, take 50,000 IU per day in divided doses a few days before and during treatment. In general, it is a good idea to increase you intake of beta-carotene- and vitamin A-rich foods. Vitamin E also has antioxidant properties and should also be taken in higher doses. Take 400 to 800 IU daily. Vitamin B Complex is necessary for normal cell division and will help facilitate normal digestion. Take one 50mg capsule once or twice daily. Do not take more than 50mg at one time as your body cannot absorb a larger amount in a single dosage Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and supports the immune system. Take 3,000 to 6,000mg daily, in divided doses. Start at the lower dosage and increase up to bowel tolerance. Folic acid helps increase the production of white blood cells that are necessary to fight against cancer cells. Take 400mcg daily. In vitro studies suggest that vitamin K is effective in inhibiting tumour colony formation of melanoma cells. Vitamin K has also been shown to enhance the effects of some forms of chemotherapy. Ideal sources of vitamin K include asparagus, avocados, beef, broccoli, cabbage, dark green leafy vegetables, egg yolks, green tea, nuts, oatmeal, rye, seeds, soybeans, turnip greens, wheat, and wheat germ oil. Vitamin K is also found in kelp and alfalfa supplements and is available in some multi-vitamin/mineral preparations. If directly supplementing, take 100 to 300mcg daily in divided doses.
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