Healthy oils suppress Breast Cancer

    Women that are on the Breast Cancer journey must be clear about certain dietary restrictions. There is the obvious list of "Foods to Avoid", such as sugar, processed foods, and hormone injected meats. However, there seems to be a lot of confusion about what types of oils are beneficial for Breast Cancer suppression and which ones should be avoided.

Let's start with the term HNE, which stands for the fatty acid derived toxin "4-hydroxy-trans-2 nonenal". It is a byproduct that is produced when polyunsaturated oils are heated at very high temperatures. The oils that are high in linoleic acid are often used in restaurants and in homes for frying or high heat cooking include:
Canola Oil, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Oil and Corn Oil.

For years, these oils were touted as "healthy" plant oils, but research that dates back to the 1990's indicates the pathological effect these oils have on the body.
Aside from the lipid peroxidation and the toxic effect that HNE has on the cell wall, the issue also lies with the imbalance in the increased consumption of these plant based oils.

A study conducted in 2002 at the Center for Genetics in Washington, DC, found that "Excessive amounts of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and a very high omega-6/omega-3 ratio, as is found in today's Western diets, promote the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases."

The healthiest oils for Breast Cancer suppression are Omega 6's and the proper source of Omega 3's. The World Health Organization recommends a healthy ratio of Omega 6 and Omega 3 to be between 5:1 to 10:1. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute published a research paper about the effects of the improper ratio on Breast Cancer. They found that diets that were high in Omega 6 actually stimulated the growth and spread of Breast Cancer cells.

Conversely, they found that diets high in Omega 3, like fish oils, exerted a suppressive effect on Breast Cancer cells.
Healthy sources for Omega 3 oils would be flax seed, chia or hemp oils. The Budwig Protocol, which incorporates ground flax seed and flax seed oil in its healing regime, has had remarkable success for over 50 years in reversing and healing multiple types of cancer.

There have been numerous studies on the effects of the lignans in flax seed and the tumor suppression effect they have on Breast Cancer cells. For women that are choosing to take estrogen suppressing drugs like Tamoxifen, incorporating flax seed oil in their diets improves the inhibitory effect of Tamoxifen.

The best source of Omega 6 is purified and distilled wild caught fish oil. DHA and EPA in the fish oils have shown promising effects on stimulating Breast Cancer cell death resulting in tumor regression.

The choice of dietary oils cannot be over looked, if your ultimate goal is prevention and suppression of Breast Cancer. Be proactive with prevention by making informed dietary decisions based on research and scientific evidence

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Mediterranean diet not only prevents heart disease and diabetes and improves quality of life

Countless studies have conclusively demonstrated that a Mediterranean diet significantly lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and many forms of dementia. Nutrition scientists explain that the diet provides a very well-rounded mix of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals as well as a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats that help reduce levels of harmful inflammation and maintain systemic antioxidant status. In short, the meat-restricted Mediterranean diet lowers risk from chronic disease and slashes all-cause mortality with a healthful mix of fruits, vegetables, legumes and lean protein sources.

Spanish researchers from the University of Las Palmas have published the result of a study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition that shows how the Mediterranean diet with healthy protein sources including fish, olive oil and nuts can improve mental and physical health, as well as overall quality of life. The lead study author, Dr. Patricia Henriquez-Sanchez commented "The progressive aging of the population in developed countries makes it even more interesting to find out those factors that can increase quality of life and the health of the population."

Mediterranean diet improves physical and mental well-being to advance quality of life
Researchers designed their study to examine the effect of the Mediterranean diet on 11,000 university students over a period of four years. Dietary intake of the participants was recorded at the beginning of the study, and self-perceived quality of life was measured after the four year monitoring period. In order to determine whether the Mediterranean diet was followed, consumption of vegetables, pulses, fruit, nuts, cereals and fish was rated positively. Consumption of excess meat, dairy products and alcohol was negatively valued, as they do not adhere to Mediterranean dietary standards.

The study team determined that those who align closely with the Mediterranean diet score higher on the quality of life questionnaire in terms of physical and mental well-being. Dr. Henriquez-Sanchez concluded "the Mediterranean diet is an important factor associated with better quality of life and can be considered as a healthy food model." The Mediterranean diet prescribes three basic elements: lean protein sources (fish, lean meat and eggs, preferably organically raised and harvested), fruit and vegetables and unprocessed monounsaturated fats such as olive oil. Furthermore, it must include a daily intake of 1.5 to 2 liters of fresh water.

A wealth of scientific research over the past several years has shown that the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle provides significant benefits for conditions ranging from arthritis, allergies and asthma to Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and cardiovascular health. Health-minded individuals fully comprehend that vibrant health is realized by avoiding sugar, sweets, cakes, pastries, hydrogenated fats and sweetened beverages. The Mediterranean diet constitutes an important tool to maintain health and attain optimal quality of life

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Licorice root extract proven to decrease liver enzymes

Analysis of a small sample of blood is used for determining the amount of enzyme production of the liver, thus providing a marker for liver health in general. When the liver is distressed, damaged, or diseased, liver cells leak two specific enzymes into the blood stream.

The enzymes counted for liver function are transaminase enzymes, which are important in the production of various amino acids. Transaminase enzyme concentrations are measured in blood serum. The two types of transaminase analyzed for liver function are alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST).

ALT and AST high counts or concentrations alone do not determine the exact liver issue, but it clearly shows the liver is in distress. This could be from a period of heavy drinking or pharmaceutical consumption, or it could lead to further testing for determining hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), cirrhosis, or cancer.

Licorice root for decreasing enzyme counts
Licorice root has been used by traditional medical practices for centuries to treat several diseases, including liver problems. The extracted main active compound of licorice root, glycyrrhizin (glis-i-rye-sen) is getting serious attention from the randomized, double-blind crowd lately.

It's not enough that herbalism, Ayruveda, and Chinese Medicine have used licorice or the extract glycyrrhizin for liver ailments for some time. Modern science must prove it works while keeping lab technicians working. A recent central Iran study in the Gastrointestinal and Liver Clinic of Qazvin set out to do that with 66 clinical test subjects, all suffering from NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).

Thirty-three were given glycyrrhizin capsules while the other 33 were given starch capsules without knowing who was given what. Volunteering for clinical testing is not the best way to get free treatment for whatever is being tested.

The daily dose of two grams of both the glycyrrhizin and starch capsules were given to all 66 for two months. NAFLD is relatively benign and usually treated by modifying lifestyle and diet. Metabolic syndrome or early stage diabetes as well as obesity bring about this condition.

However, NAFLD can progress into a form of fatty liver disease known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH inflammation can lead to cirrhosis (liver scarring) and require liver transplants, with a standard mainstream medical approach. It appears that some fatty livers have been inadvertently used for surgical transplants. Not exactly a good deal for anyone needing a new liver.

Early markers for NAFLD and all other liver diseases are high ALT and AST enzyme counts. Excluding all other liver problems and isolating NAFLD from hepatitis or cirrhosis or cancer was accomplished with sonography and checking for autoimmune and viral hepatitis markers.

The subjects' drug and alcohol histories were checked as well. Of the 66 clinical trial patients, 28 were women and 38 were men. The mean age for all of them was 40. Their weight, body mass index (BMI), and liver transaminase levels, ALT and AST, were measured before and after the study.

After the two month trial period, the treatment group showed a significant decrease in ALT and AST counts, where as the control group consuming starch pills showed a minor decrease. The BMI (body mass index) also decreased among the subject group, while the control group had a slight BMI increase.

The authors of the trial concluded that taking licorice root or glycyrrhizin licorice root extracts is safe and effective for reducing ALT and AST concentrations. They also recommended the usual "further studies" talking points that could give Big Pharma time to develop a synthetic version of glycyrrhizin.

Meanwhile, inexpensive natural licorice root and glycyrrhizin supplements are available online for you to treat your liver.

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Watermelon extract lowers blood pressure to normal range for many suffering from hypertension

Heart disease and stroke continue to be the leading cause of death in the US, as vascular deterioration and dysfunction result in hypertension and ultimately, an early demise. Elevated blood pressure results in micro-cracks to the delicate endothelial lining of the blood vessels that must be patched by plaque (formed largely of circulating oxidized LDL cholesterol and calcium particles), beginning the process of atherosclerosis and greatly increased risk of heart attack.

Natural methods of lowering high blood pressure can allow the body to heal damaged vessels and arteries, dramatically lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke. Researchers from Florida State University have published the result of a study in the American Journal of Hypertension that explains how natural watermelon extract helps reduce moderately elevated blood pressure by providing a rich source of the amino acids, citrulline and arginine, both known to relax vascular pressure.

Watermelon extract lowers blood pressure to normal range for many suffering from hypertension
In prior studies, citrulline and arginine have been shown as effective agents to reduce blood pressure, but further research was necessary to validate the results. The scientists recruited fourteen volunteers with an average age of 58 to receive either a concentrated watermelon extract (providing six grams of a citrulline/arginine mixture daily) or a placebo for a period of six weeks. They then observed a two week washout period with no supplementation before crossing over to the other group.

At the end of the study, researchers found that systolic pressure (upper blood pressure number) in the supplemented group was lowered in the arm and ankle by 15.1 and 11.5mmHg respectively, compared to the placebo participants. Diastolic pressure was lowered by 7.6 and 7.8 mmHg. For many participants, this reduction was enough to lower blood pressure from a pre-hypertension state to a normal reading, significantly lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Of greater importance is the fact that the results observed are similar or better to those found with dangerous prescription ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers so commonly prescribed like candy by allopathic practitioners. The study authors concluded "This study suggests that watermelon extract improves arterial function... cardiovascular events were lower by about two-fold in those with normal ankle systolic blood pressure than in those with high ankle systolic blood pressure during a 15-year follow-up." Researchers found that blood pressure is lowered in a dose-dependent manner with optimal results found with six grams of citrulline/arginine each day.

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