Consider the relationship between vitamin D and breast cancer.  According to the Vitamin D Council, there is strong evidence vitamin D plays a beneficial role in lowering breast cancer risk.  Whether vitamin D is obtained from sun exposure, food, or supplements, vitamin D must undergo chemical reactions to become calcitriol, which may provide the numerous benefits against cancer (2).  Calcitriol encourages cells to either adapt to their organ or go through normal, programmed cell death (3).  Calcitriol also limits blood supply to the tumor and reduces the spread of cancer (4).  To simplify, vitamin D may play a role in controlling normal breast cell growth and may be able to stop breast cancer cells from growing.    

Vitamin D and You

Sun vs. supplements: The primary way Mother Nature intended for you to incorporate vitamin D is through sunlight.  Many studies have found vitamin D produced from solar ultraviolet-B (UVB) is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer (5, 6). Isn’t it interesting that Norwegian women diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer had higher survival rates than those diagnosed in winter?  People typically have higher vitamin D levels in summer than winter, which may explain the findings.  Also, African American women diagnosed with breast cancer generally have lower survival rates than white Americans, which may be due to lower levels of vitamin D, attributed to lower production rates of vitamin D from solar UVB because of darker skin (7, 8).

Winter’s coming:  As we enter the winter months and the strength of the sun’s rays diminish, Vitamin D supplementation is an effective secondary alternative to sun exposure, provided adequate doses are taken.  Vitamin D can also be obtained through your diet, but very few foods naturally contain vitamin D.  Some foods containing vitamin D include vitamin D-fortified milk, yogurt, and orange juice, salmon, tuna fish, cod liver oil, and egg yolks. 

Getting the right dosage?  Vitamin D₃ is the preferred supplement form because it is the form of vitamin D which most effectively treats vitamin D deficiency.  The only way to know if a certain dosage works for you is to have your vitamin D levels tested, and continue monitoring your levels to determine the correct dose.  Individual response to taking supplemental vitamin D₃ varies from person to person so the amount needed to raise and/or maintain blood serum levels for one person may not be enough for another.  This is due to various factors such as age, weight, absorption, overall health, and amount of sun exposure.  Studies found the risk of breast cancer falls as vitamin D blood levels rise to over 40 ng/mL (9, 10).

The Vitamin D Council recommends the following amounts of supplemental vitamin D₃ per day in the absence of proper sun exposure.

• Healthy children under the age of 1 years – 1,000 IU
• Healthy children over the age of 1 years – 1,000 IU per every 25 lbs. of body weight
• Healthy adults and adolescents – at least 5,000 IU
• Pregnant and lactating mothers - at least 6,000 IU+

For more information about vitamin D and breast cancer, please visit the Vitamin D Council's website at:  http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/health-conditions/cancer/breast-cancer/

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RD

Nutritionist for Healthy Goods

References:

1.  Garland CF, Garland FC.  Do sunlight and vitamin D reduce the likelihood of colon cancer.  Int J Epidemiol. 1980 Sept; 9(3):227-31. 

2.  Yingya Ma, Trump D, Johnson CS.  Vitamin D in combination cancer treatment.  J Cancer 2010; 1:101-107.

3.  James SY, Mackay AG, Colston KW.  Effects of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its analogues on induction of apoptosis in breast cancer cells.  J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 1996;58:395-401.

4.  Colston KW, Berger U, Coombes RC.  Possible role for vitamin D in controlling breast cancer cell proliferation. Lancet. 1989 Jan 28; 1 (8631): 188-91.

5.  Oh EY, Ansell C, Nawaz H, Yang CH, Wood PA, Hrushesky WJ.  Global breast cancer seasonality. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2010 Aug; 123 (1): 233-43.

6.  Grant WB.  Update on Evidence that Support a Role of Solar Ultraviolet-B Irradiance in Reducing Cancer Risk.  Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2012 Oct 12.

7.  Grant WB.  Lower vitamin-D production from solar ultraviolet-B irradiance may explain some differences in cancer survival rates. J Natl Med Assoc. 2006 Mar; 98 (3): 357-64.

8.  Grant WB, Peiris AN.  Differences in vitamin D status may account for unexplained disparities in cancer survival rates between African and white Americans.  Dermatoendocrinol. 2012 Apr 1;4(2):85-94.

9.  Grant WB.  Relation between prediagnostic serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and incidence of breast, colorectal, and other cancers. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2010 May 12.

10. Garland CF, Gorham ED, Mohr SB, Garland FC.  Vitamin D for cancer prevention: global perspective. Ann Epidemiol. 2009 Jul; 19 (7): 468-83.

Have you heard the news?  Turmeric is a noteworthy spice you’ll want to include regularly in your diet.  Turmeric is the bright, golden-colored spice prominently used in Indian curry dishes.  While brilliantly colored, it has a very mild flavor.

For centuries, turmeric has been used as an herbal remedy. More recent studies show its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties.  Turmeric’s primary active ingredient responsible for its amazing medicinal properties is curcumin (not to be confused with spicy capsaician).

Ten reasons why you should include this Spice For Life in your diet.  They speak for themselves!

1.  Inflammation fighter:  Curcumin contains more than two dozen anti-inflammatory compounds.

2.  Curbs chronic illnesses:  In various chronic illnesses in which inflammation is known to play a major role, curcumin shows therapeutic potential. These diseases include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, cerebral injury, cardiovascular disease, cancer, allergy, asthma, bronchitis, colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, diabetes, obesity, depression, fatigue, and AIDS.

3.  Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers:  Curcumin is effective for improving joint swelling and morning joint stiffness.

4.  Fighting Alzheimer’s:  Curcumin has been shown to exhibit activity against various neurologic diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.  Scientists have hypothesized the turmeric eaten in India as part of daily curry meals may help explain the low rate of Alzheimer's disease in that country.  Among people aged 70 to 79, the rate is less than one-quarter that of the United States.

5.  Inhibits cancer cell growth:  Preclinical cancer research using curcumin show it inhibits cancer cell production in a number of cancer types, including colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, prostate, hepatic, breast, oral cancers, and leukemia.

6.  Lung cancer:  In the lungs, curcumin can halt cancer cell invasion and metastasis by activating a tumor-suppressor.

7.  Skin cancer:  In lab rats, curcumin inhibits the growth of a skin cancer, melanoma and also slows the spread of breast cancer into the lungs.

8.  Boosts chemotherapy benefits:  Researchers have found pretreatment with curcumin makes cancer cells more vulnerable to chemo and radiotherapy.

9.  Managing diabetes:  In diabetes, curcumin can decrease blood glucose levels.

10. High cholesterol sufferers:  As a potent antioxidant, curcumin has been shown to lower cholesterol, which builds up as plaque that damages blood vessels and can lead to heart attack or stroke.

How can you get more turmeric into your diet?  Of course, you can simply enjoy more curried dishes, either in restaurants or at home.  Both turmeric and curcumin are also available in supplement form.  Whichever method, adding turmeric to your diet is one of the best moves toward optimal health you can make.

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RD

Nutritionist for Healthy Goods

The potential issue with chemo is that it is an oxidative treatment and Lypospheric Vitamin C is an antioxidant.

Now – I am a huge proponent of natural cancer treatments but I also support standard treatments when people believe in them and when the natural approach is not working.

I think it is ok to take Lypo C – it is simply a matter of timing. Best not to take it within a couple days before or after chemo – but likely can take it other times. Again – talk this over with your doctor.  I wish I could provide more information than that.

On another note:

• With Chemo, one needs to take L-Glutamine, Folinic acid
• Also need Pectasol
• Check estrogen levels
• Check heavy metals (after chemo) and get them out

HomocysteX by Seeking Health is useful to take as it provides a high quality form of Folate and other B vitamins that reduce homocysteine levels.

HomocysteX provides nutrients mentioned in this research.

Given that chemo depletes folate, it is very important to restore the levels.

Glutamine protects your intestines against the chemo so you can absorb your nutrients, not get mouth ulcers or digestive pains.

Consider taking 10 grams (2 scoops) three times a day in a large glass of filtered water between meals.

Research conducted about reducing side effects of chemotherapy with l-Glutamine here.

Pectasol Modified Citrus Pectin helps prevent metastases, read more here.

I highly recommend doing a phone consult with Dr David Wood at the Trinity Health Clinic.  He is well versed in cancer and I refer people to him often. He has helped a friend of mine recently with breast cancer. She is doing well.

I hope this informaiton helps you.

Best,
Dr Ben

Jeanne Achterberg, Ph.D. came to my medical school last Friday - a small woman with graying hairs and slightly funky clothing. Her appearance was not strikingly powerful. Yet when she stepped up to the podium and began speaking, all eyes were focused on her. She is an eloquent speaker with much to say.

When asked "why do research on imagery as imagery has been used successfully for centuries?" she stated: "I am a scientist in a scientifically driven society. Yes imagery works and we know it works. Science simply backfills what we already know. If we want to change how medicine operates, we must prove that these other options are effective."

She is with all the big wigs of medicine and those who currently shape it: 'Andy' Weil as she calls him, federal government health committees and world famous healers. Interesting mixture...

She stated that 60% of cancer patients are able to look back 16 months and locate a significant life stressor that may have triggered their cancer. She also stated that within 5 years of retirement, many people become ill and die as life loses focus, direction and meaning. Some women become ill when the kids move out of the house for good (I cannot understand that one as my mother was ecstatic!)

So if one can pinpoint a significant stressor in their life which leads to a worsening of their health, then there must be a way in order to reverse that. If we can cause disease manifesting in our bodies, then why cannot we manifest health????

That is a huge statement and one I find extremely powerful. We experience this every day; We see a policeman in our rearview mirrors and get a sick feeling in our gut. We get stressed at work leading to a migraine headache. Someone yells at us and we lose our appetite.

So why cannot we embrace someone and reduce blood pressure? Why cannot we meditate and lose the migraine headache? Why cannot we imagine our immune systems embracing cancer and remove it?

Well - we can. Our ability to perceive allows us to obtain health...and obtain illness.

Imagine this: Your significant other dies. You retire one year later. Your kids are moved out. Two years down the road, you are diagnosed with cancer of your bone marrow. Kids visit you every now and then and bring you flowers. You sit in a nursing home eating, drinking and conversing with folks believing that their last moments are near.

The cancer moves fast and involves many organs. You have no desires. You have no desire to live. Cancer moves on and the treatments only make you feel more ill.

Along comes Jeanne Achterberg, Ph.D. She spends an afternoon with you. This is what she might say and do to help you use the power of imagery:

What I'd like you to do is dive inside you bone marrow and find the cancer. What does it look like? How did it get there? Go inside yourself and see. Close your eyes and go.

You're afraid but you do it. Moments later you open your eyes widely and say you don't want to do that again.

What did you see?

"I saw angry women."

What were they doing?

"They were yelling at me."  So this patient wanted to go to counseling and find out more. The counselor asks:

What do you think will quiet the angry yelling women inside your bone marrow?

"A man."

What type of man?

"Well, there is this brute guy who really knows how to handle angry women. He is a fine orator and women respect him."

Ok. So what does this brute do? How will he go inside your bone marrow and talk with the angry women?

"He won't talk with them. He will embrace them until they stop yelling."

That sounds great. Now go inside your bone marrow and have Brute embrace the angry women.

Now isn't that powerful? Another powerful imagery tool is to draw. For example, the patient might be instructed to draw the cancer, draw the body's immune system fighting the cancer, draw the treatment fighting the cancer.

Those three images together speak volumes of how motivated the patient is to live. This simple tool shows with 100% accuracy patients who will die within 2 months. This has been researched.

For example, a patient drew a mountain range for the cancer. Then they drew fish for the immune system. Those two don't flow well together. The patient was told this and desired some assistance. It is then the counselor may step in and help strengthen the patient's imagery.

Cool.

I need to learn these tools and apply them to my patients. Finding the cause of the cancer and treating the cause is the treatment. Pouring chemicals down a throat or in a vein will not treat the cause. If harmful emotions played a part in causing the cancer, they must be addressed. Chemicals don't remove harmful emotions. We do.

In health,

Dr Ben

October 2006 I had uterine cancer and had a Laparoscopic hysterectomy. I did not have radiation or chemo. Prior to my surgery, I was told I was making too much estrogen. Is Myomin safe for me to take? Thank you.

Hello -

I am glad to hear your uterine cancer was removed successfully.

You're absolutely right that you need to address the elevated estrogen as increased estrogen levels are a major risk of uterine cancer and other common female-related cancers such as breast cancer.

Before any product, lifestyle or dietary change is done, I recommend measuring your estrogen levels and the different types of estrogens prior to starting any changes so you have a baseline to compare how you estrogen levels are responding. There are harmful estrogens and beneficial estrogens. It is very important to know which estrogens we are dealing with so we can act accordingly.

Myomin is safe to take if your estrogen levels are elevated. Myomin is useful for those with mild to moderate elevation of estrogen. Begin with the recommended dosage on the product label which is 2 to 3 capsules 2 to 3 times a day. Take Myomin with right after meals.

For those with higher levels of estrogen, a more potent product may be needed to break down circulating estrogens. Diindolemethane (DIM) and Indole-3-Carbinol (I-3-C) are known to metabolize estrogen effectively. I formulated a product called DIM+I3C which has both DIM and I-3-C in it as I found women with more severely raised estrogen levels were not getting the results they needed with Myomin alone. Consider taking 1 capsule in the AM and one capsule in the PM. Take with food.

It is important to monitor your estrogen levels. Getting the estrogen hormone level opimized is what we want and that entails a few things.

1. Ensuring your liver is functioning well. If your liver is lethargic, you will not be able to process hormones, toxins or fats well. This leads to a build up of toxins, some of which are estrogen mimics. Estrogen mimics are at times many times more potent than your own natural estrogen. These estrogen mimics are a huge risk for estrogen based cancers. Thus, optimizing your liver function and encouraging elimination of toxins is paramount in optimizing your overall estrogen balance.
• I recommend n-acetyl-cysteine as it is a major nutrient used by the liver in removing toxins. Consider taking 2 capsules of n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) twice a day with a small amount of food. There is a side benefits of NAC. NAC not only helps metabolize toxins from your liver, but it is also excellent immune and lung support.
• Each morning make a mixture of 1 teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with the juice from 1/2 a lemon. Dilute with 1 cup of filtered water. Sip slowly before meals. Do daily. This mix helps fight oxidation, stimulates digestion and bowel movements. Ensuring that the bowels are moving stool through well is key in eliminating toxins and estrogen. Constipation leads to toxins being reabsorbed through the intestines and back into your blood stream.
2. Maintaining an optimum weight is key. Adipose tissue makes estrogen and also secretes inflammatory signals which increase the production of estrogen even further. Being overweight is a risk factor for estrogen-based cancers.
• Optimizing weight is obtained by eating whole food meals
• Avoiding fast food
• Avoiding processed foods
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals which stabilize blood sugar and reduce cravings and binging
• Eating protein with each meal to stabilize blood sugar
• Detox to remove toxins which are known to increase weight.
• Exercise by walking or some form of aerobic exercise a minimum of 30 minutes a day.
• Do not eat large meals at night but rather for breakfast and lunch. This is because calories are not burned much in the evening. Eat the most food during the hours you are most active.
• Have a simple fast weight loss smoothie in the morning to get your going quickly and with optimum nutrients.
3. Limit your exposure to estrogen-mimicing toxins called xenoestrogens
• Common estrogen-mimicing toxins are: bisphenol-a, pthalates, many pesticides, herbicides to name a few. These estrogen-mimicing toxins are called xenoestrogens.
• Do not eat canned food except if it is from Eden Foods. Eden Foods does not use BPA in their canned foods.
• Do not eat drink or otherwise cook with plastic containers. I highly recommend glass or stainless steel storage containers, stainless steel water bottles, stainless steel straws and other stainless steel or glass products.
• Get into a sauna at least a few times a week at low temperature - around 120 F - for as long as you can comfortably tolerate. Saunas are the most effective method to remove numerous toxins effectively through your bodies largest detoxification organ: your skin. At the first sign of fatigue, headache, nausea, get out of the sauna. I highly recommend the Far Infrared Sauna by High Tech Health. Mention Dr Benjamin Lynch or HealthE Goods to receive $500 off your sauna purchase. (disclosure: I receive a small commission for this recommendation) I personally own and use the 3 person sauna often.
4. Take additional nutrients
• Myomin or DIM+I3C will not reduce the risk of cancer. NAC helps reduce the risk even more but additional nutrients are needed.
• Given that you are a women, I recommend Women's Nutrients by Pure Encapsulations as your multivitamin. It contains breast protection nutrients, eye support, cardiovascular support and daily nutrients in their bioactive forms.
• Fish oil that is lab tested for purity and contains potent amounts of DHA and EPA is beneficial at reducing inflammation and supporting the formation of healthy cell membranes. I recommend Finest Pure Fish Oil by Pharmax.
• Sprinkle Chia Seeds on your salads along with excellent tasting Nutritional Yeast for extra vitamin B's and healthy oils.
• Research shows that taking 2,000 IU of Vitamin D3 reduces the risk of getting many types of cancer: breast, lung, colon are a few.
• Take a look at a few studies related to cancer and vitamin D.
5. Drink Pure Water
• Water is one of the fastest ways to introduce toxins into your body, besides breathing, touching and eating.
• Ensure you drink, cook, shower and bathe with filtered water.

These recommendations should help reduce your elevated estrogen levels which reduces your risk of other estrogen-related cancers.

Should you have any questions, you may post a comment below or schedule a free 15 minute phone consult with me.

In health,

Dr Ben
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