Cancer Prevention

Almost every cell in the body is replaced regularly, and within each cell is a code that tells it how and when to multiply and when to die. Cancer occurs when something goes wrong with this process, allowing cells to develop abnormally and grow uncontrollably. As these cells proliferate and spread, they damage healthy tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. Fortunately, in many cases the body is able to identify these changes and destroy the abnormal cells before they become a threat to health.

Tobacco smoke, excessive exposure to radiation (from X rays or the ultra-violet light of the sun), some industrial chemicals, certain viruses, and some hormones all increase your risk of cancer. Heredity and dietary choices also play a major role in cancer risk: Excessive amounts of fat, alcohol, and pickled and smoked foods may contribute to cancer, just as fiber, certain nutrients, and fruits and vegetables help protect against it.

Not everyone exposed to cancer-causing agents, however, will be affected by the disease. A major factor in the development of cancer appears to be the immune system's ability to detect and destroy free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules that cause cell damage. Antioxidants, compounds produced by the body or derived from food and supplements, can inactivate free radicals and aid the immune system in eradicating early cancer cells.

Supplements and herbs

Though not a substitute for poor lifestyle choices, supplements may help protect against a variety of cancers. Taking several antioxidants daily is the first line of defense. Vitamin C with flavonoids play a role in preventing many cancers, such as those of the lung, esophagus, stomach, bladder, cervix, and colon. Vitamin E may reduce the risk of breast, colon, prostate, and possibly other cancers. The mineral selenium shows promise as a weapon against a number of cancers as well. Everyone who is concerned about cancer prevention should take  these four supplements together.

For additional protection, the nutritional supplements green tea extract and grape seed extract may help prevent a host of cancers, including lung, breast, stomach, colon, prostate, and skin. Though it's not an antioxidant, flaxseed oil is important because it contains compounds called lignans, which may protect against breast, colon, and prostate cancers.

If you wish, you can add the nutrient coenzyme Q10 and some specially prepared whey protein, which the body uses to manufacture the amino acid glutathione, an immune system booster. Take carotenoids only if you don't eat many fruits and vegetables. These substances which -  represent the yellow, orange, and red pigments in fruits and vegetables - help prevent a number of cancers. For example, the carotenoid lycopene (which gives tomatoes their red color) is particularly beneficial in warding off lung and prostate cancers.

What else you can do

• Don't smoke or chew tobacco. Drink alcohol only in moderation.
• Eat a diet low in saturated fat and high in fiber. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains. and beans. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.
• Shield yourself from the sun and wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).

Usual dosage

Vitamin C / Flavonoids

1,000 mg vitamin C and 500 mg flavonoids 3 times a day.
Reduce vitamin C dose if diarrhea develops.

Vitamin E

400 IU a day.
Check with your doctor if taking anticoagulant medications.

Selenium

200 mcg a day.
Don't exceed 400 mcg daily; higher doses may be toxic.

Green tea extract

250 mg twice a day.
Standardized to contain at least 50% polyphenols.

Grape seed extract

100 mg each morning.
Standardized to contain 92% - 95% proanthocyanidins.

Flaxseed oil

1 tbsp (14 grams) a day.
Can be mixed with food; take in the morning.

Coenzyme Q 10

50 mg each morning.
For best absorption, take with food.

Glutathione

20 g per day of specially prepared whey protein.
Stir into a glass of milk and drink.

Carotenoids

1 pill mixed carotenoids a day with food.
Each pill should supply 25,000 IU vitamin A activity.

More useful herbs

• Red Clover

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