October 20, 2016 general

It is seems apparent that our immune system is affected directly or indirectly (for good or bad) by virtually everything we eat, drink, breathe, put on our skin and certainly by what we think. When I suggest supplements to support immune protection against breast cancer or any other disease, please know that they are no substitute for a healthful diet and lifestyle. That said, the science on supplements for powerful immune support continues to build.

1. Curcumin – This substance is the main constituent of the spice turmeric. Enter the words “curcumin cancer” into PubMed.com (the government science database) and today it returns 3,580 citations! Narrow the search to just breast cancer and still get 441. Curcumin seems to work in a number of ways to protect against cancer including improving how our genes operate (epigenetics). It even makes chemotherapy more effective. LINK. I chose that link in particular because prolific researcher, Ajay Goel, PhD of Baylor University Medical Center (Dallas), is an author. Some curcumin extracts are made to be much more easily absorbed and utilized. This one by Doctor’s Best is a good example.
2. Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) – Although garlic in food does help immune function, aging the garlic increases its potency and creates new beneficial substances. Among other benefits, AGE seems to suppress the unwanted multiplication of cells. LINK. Our sponsor, Kyolic, has conducted over 750 studies on its product and, as far as I can tell, Kyolic is the only commercial source of AGE. The company also smartly combines AGE with other nutrients to address particular health issues.
3. Aloe vera – Consuming properly made Aloe vera juice (or gel) supports immune function by providing antioxidant protection; decreasing blood levels of certain toxins; improving nutrient uptake; and by increasing the numbers of immune white cells. I thought that this linked study was interesting because it shows that aloe can cause pancreatic cancer cells to die and that it increases the effectiveness of radiation therapy. In my book on Aloe vera, I discuss that the richness in concentration and higher molecular weights of polysaccharides are key to effectiveness. My choice (based on an independent university analysis) is Lily of the Desert
4. Flaxseed –In natural medicine, flax has long been considered beneficial for cancer prevention and even treatment. The Dr Johanna Budwig anti-cancer food plan is a notable example. Flax seems to help in part because of its omega-3 content. Fish oil contains more omega-3 in a more useable form. But, flax’s effect is also due to its content of lignans. Lignans have a weak estrogenic effect that concerned some people in regard to estrogen-dependent breast cancer. As it turns out, flax appears to be quite beneficial and even seems to help Tamoxifen therapy work better. LINK. I prefer sprouted flax because it is less likely to become rancid than the fragile ground seeds and its nutrients are more readily available. That product is not easy to find, but here is one source. (Blueberry and Cranberry flavors are also available.)
5. Resveratrol. You may know resveratrol as the anti-aging, macular degeneration relieving molecule from grapes. It is an antioxidant, but so much more. It seems to selectively encourage cancer cells to die and reduces the growth of their blood supply. The molecule also seems to reduce metastasis by stopping the tumors from breaking down tissue. It has been studied in connection with multiple myeloma, and cancers of the skin, breasts, prostate, and stomach. I grabbed this LINK because it is a review of studies dealing with lung cancer. In this linked article I discuss the diverse benefits of resveratrol and explain why I choose the Longevinex brand.
6. Colostrum – Colostrum is the original breast fluid mammals (including humans) make for infants before breast milk starts flowing. It is full of immune-strengthening compounds that give the baby a good start in the world. Although it has long been known as a supplement for helping to prevent / resolve colds and flu (and for helping body builders), new research into benefits for cancer is encouraging. LINK. According to my research PerCoBa is a superior product. That company sells a liquid. PerCoBa lozenges (which kids love) and powder are available from a sponsor with an online store.

We are learning that one way these substances are beneficial is that they support our intestinal bacteria. As I mentioned in last week’s blog probiotics in our systems have a crucial role in immune function (and it appears, every other function). Supplements hold great promise, but I think it is unlikely that they can make up for a collection of these: a diet high in sugar, smoking, being obese, eating out of BPA-lined cans, being sedentary, drinking too much, overdoing hormone replacement, being sleep deprived and deficient in vitamin D.