Cancer Insights

Nutrients Work Together

The importance of the full complement of nutrients in their natural forms is no secret for those who are familiar with GNLD. The company has based itself upon supplying the entire "Chain of Life" from its inception in 1958. These nutrients are derived from foods one would normally eat which provides both safety and also a full complement of accessory nutritional factors or "contingent" nutrients. Many nutrients are valuable in certain circumstances, but are not generally regarded as being essential. This is what is meant by a "contingent" nutrient. An example is citrus flavonoids which have accompanied GNLD vitamin C products since their introduction. I clearly remember medical doctors downplaying the importance of these nutrients in the 1970's. Today flavonoids, and particularly citrus flavonoids, are at the forefront of nutritional research. I recently heard one researcher state that if one were to add a single food to the diet to decrease the risk of cancer it should be citrus fruits and their flavonoids.

Cancer Research

My recent attendance at a clinical nutrition meeting in Orlando, Florida brought home the importance of obtaining the entire spectrum of nutrients rather than just a few. This principle is best illustrated by a study. Female rats were given a known carcinogen (DMBA). All of the animals developed cancer. Cancer incidence was cut by about half when one nutrient was added to the diet. When two nutrients were added, cancer incidence was reduced by 70%. When three nutrients were added to the diet, cancer incidence was reduced by 80%. When four nutrients were given, cancer incidence was reduced by 88%. It is surprising to this writer that many physicians tell their patients that they should not supplement when they have cancer and are undergoing treatment. A large body of scientific evidence suggests that patients with most types of cancer have much better outcomes when nutritional support is added to traditional medical treatments for cancer. For example, Finnish oncologists treated lung cancer patients with anticipated survival of 1% at 30 months. When these patients were nutritionally supported, 44% were still alive 6 years later and half of those surviving were in remission. Which group would you rather be in? Abram Hoffer tracked cancer patients for 11 years. He found that the average survival time for those relying on medical intervention alone was 6 months. Those who combined medical intervention with nutritional therapies survived an average of 6 years.

Reference:

Quillin, Patrick, Beating Cancer with Nutrition, Carlsbad, CA: Nutrition Times Press, 2001, p. 124-125.

What Nutrients?

If nutrients are helpful in preventing and fighting cancer, what nutrients are most helpful. Patrick Quillin suggests 10 major classes of nutrients. Below is a combination of his thoughts and mine on cancer preventing nutrients.

1) Carotenoids: Carotenoids are the fat soluble coloring pigments in fruits and vegetables. These nutrients have been shown to prevent and in some instances actually help fight cancer. The carotenoids in tomato have been shown to cut risk of prostate cancer in half. They also help the body fight cancer once it exists. Science News published an article several years ago showing that alpha-carotene found in carrots could shut down oncogenes actually killing some types of cancer cells when given in adequate quantity. Quillin writes, "...there is preliminary evidence that carotenoids may be directly toxic to tumor cells."USDA research showed that GNLD Carotenoid Complex improved natural killer cell function (the body's tumor surveillance) by 20% in 20 days. Oxidative damage to the cells was also reduced by 44%. This is quite significance because cancer often starts with oxidative damage to the cells. GNLD has increased the potency of the Carotenoid Complex by eight times since these studies were done!

2) Flavonoids: Research by the Southern Research Institute showed that GNLD Flavonoid Complex could slow very malignant breast cancer cell growth by a remarkable 92%. Berries including cranberries are especially rich in flavonoids and ellagic acid. Ellagic acid has been shown to cause "cancer cells to self-destruct (apoptosis)." Green tea is also a treasure trove of anti-cancer compounds. It is found not only in the Flavonoid complex, but also the Thermogenic Enhancer which is part of the Glycemic Response Control program.

3) Cruciferous vegetables: The Southern Research Institute found that GNLD Cruciferous Plus slowed breast cancer cell growth by 37%. Lee Wattenberg of the University of Minnesota found in the 1970's that "animals fed cruciferous vegetables had markedly lower cancer rates than matched controls."

4) Allium family: Onions and garlic contain powerful substances which "can actually revert a cancer cell back to a healthy cell."

5) Cold water fish: Cold water fish like salmon, mackerel and sardine are loaded with anticancer fats such as EPA and DHA which "slow down the spreading of cancer and stimulate immune functions" which help the body fight cancer.

6) Legumes: Soybeans and other legumes contain protease inhibitors which fight cancer. The also contain IP-6 and genistein which shuts "down the making of blood vessels from tumors (anti-angiogenesis)." Soybean components as found in GNLD protein products and in the Cruciferous Plus may be of particular value. Dr. Ann Kennedy has spent 20 years researching a substance in soybeans that prevents cancer in animals when they are exposed to carcinogens. This substance also lowers the toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation and can revert a cancer cell back to a normal healthy cell.

7) Whole grains: Fiber forms butyric acid when it is broken down by bacteria in the gut. This is a powerful anti-cancer substance. The oils in wheat, rice, and soy (Tre-en-en) support normal immune function, cellular health, and hormone balance. I have heard several stories in which tumor masses have been totally encapsulated by healthy tissue from people who have been supplementing with Formula IV. This has made surgical removal of the tumors very easy.

8) Kelp: Kelp is the best source of minerals found in the sea. It is also rich in anti-microbial agents which help keep pathogens out of the gut.

9) Mushrooms: Mushrooms are potent anti-cancer foods. Reishi mushroom is found in the Optimal Life Formula.

10) Acidophilus: 80% of the immune system lines the gut. Acidophilus supplementation can tune up the immune system. Beneficial flora help the body properly handle food and also produce healthy byproducts which nourish and cleanse the digestive tract. GNLD Acidophilus Complex has a special potato starch nutrient supply for the bacteria in the product as well as an exclusive "gelguard" technology for effective delivery of acidophilus and other beneficial organisms to the colon where they belong. The product is a million times more effective than many commonly used products due to the effective delivery technology GNLD uses for this product.

11) Other Factors: Pure water is absolutely essential for fighting cancer. It supports the movement of nutrients into the cells and the movement of toxins out. Inability to effectively remove toxins from the tissues can be a death sentence for anyone who is ill. Healthy seasonings can also be beneficial. Many common spices such as ginger, sage, rosemary, cinnamon, thyme, garlic and onion are powerful sources of immune enhancement. Most of these foods are rich in antioxidants.

Reference:

Quillin, Patrick, Beating Cancer with Nutrition, Carlsbad, CA: Nutrition Times Press, 2001, p. 130-134.

How Fiber Prevents Colon Cancer

It is well known that fiber decreases the risk of cancer of the colon. The precise mechanisms involved have not always been clear. Fiber removes bile from the colon before it is broken down into powerful carcinogens. Dr. David Frank of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School has been able to demonstrate that butyrate causes cancer cells to undergo a self destructive process called apoptosis. The body breaks down dietary fiber into butyrate in the colon. Butyrate serves both as the main nutrient for the cells that line the colon and also blocks the ability of a chemical messenger called Il-6 to prevent cancer cells from undergoing cell death or apoptosis. This helps explain why fiber is so effective in reducing the risk of colon cancer. GNLD fiber products are unsurpassed in both palatability and effectiveness.

Reference:

Reuters, April 9, 2003.

(from Image Awareness Healthletter, Nov 2003