As a plastic surgeon, I witnessed the horrors of breast cancer almost every day while taking care of my breast reconstruction patients. I became even more alarmed as I watched my patients become younger and younger until finally, women in their twenties with breast cancer began walking through my door. Then this disease became too personal—it claimed the life of my own mother in 1994. I knew there had to be a good explanation for why breast cancer had become an epidemic in this country and ways that women could prevent it. So, I turned to the medical literature to look for answers. There I discovered thousands of studies that point out exactly why we have a breast cancer epidemic—what we are doing and not doing that contributes to this devastating and deadly disease.

Here are 12 research-proven tips to lower your risk:

Tip #1: Eat fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables—every day.

Organically grown plants—particularly those in the cruciferous family, for example, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale are filled with a variety nutrients, vitamins, and plant chemicals that act as powerful natural medicines against breast cancer.

Tip #2: Nix red meat

Woman who eat the most red meat—especially when cooked at high temperatures or grilled—have up to a 400 percent higher risk of breast cancer.

Tip #3: Avoid all health-destroying fats. Consume health-promoting fats every day.

Saturated animal fats, trans fats, partially hydrogenated fats, and hydrogenated fats fuel breast cancer, whereas healthy fats— especially omega-3 fatty acids—offer protection. Supplemental flaxseed oil or purified fish oils are crucial for good health.

Tip #4: Eat 2–3 tablespoons of ground organic flaxseeds every day.

Flaxseeds are the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, are high fiber, and contain one hundred times more cancer-fighting lignans than any other known edible plant. Supplements containing lignans are also available, such as Brevail made by Barlean’s Organic Oils.

Tip #5: Drink green tea every day or take it as a supplement.

Women who drink green tea have a much lower risk of breast cancer—and if they get breast cancer, their chances of surviving are much greater.

Tip #6: Consume turmeric every day.

Almost 7,000 studies have documented turmeric’s potent anticancer properties, which include powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Inhibiting the growth of over 17 different kinds of cancer, turmeric is considered the “#1 Anticancer Spice.”

Tip #7: Take an immune-boosting medicinal mushroom supplement called AHCC.

Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) has been the subject of hundreds of studies showing that it supports every cell type in the immune system and lowers the risk of numerous types of cancer, including breast cancer. AHCC is prescribed in hospitals in Japan because it significantly improves survival and takes away many of the side effects of chemotherapy.

Tip #8: Avoid refined sugar—use a natural sweetener such as Stevia instead.

Sugar is cancer’s favorite food. The more of it you eat, the faster cancer will grow.

Tip #9: Take a week or two, once or twice a year, to purify your body.

Detoxing works! Just one five-day series of the Ayurvedic purification procedures known as panchakarma has been shown to cut your load of toxins in half. There are also home detox programs that are effective. Eat a diet of pure organic fresh vegetables and fruits, drink plenty of purified water, and add a few detoxifying herbs such as milk thistle, turmeric, cilantro, and spirulina. Infra-red saunas help boost the release of toxins.

Tip #10: Go to bed by 10:00 p.m. and get up before 6:00 a.m.

Melatonin, the sleep hormone, is a powerful antioxidant that arrests and deters breast cancer in many ways. Staying up past 10 p.m. significantly decreases melatonin and increases your risk of numerous diseases including breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Tip #11: Embrace at least thirty minutes of aerobic activity every day.

Just thirty minutes of aerobic activity three to five times a week can lower your risk of breast cancer by 30 to 50 percent. Regular rigorous exercise can lower your risk by as much as 80 percent!

Tip #12: Practice a stress-reducing technique every day.

Stress has been found to contribute to about 90 percent of all illnesses, including breast cancer. Research shows that the daily practice of a type of meditation, called Transcendental Meditation (TM), can lower your risk of most diseases by as much as 50 percent. Tai chi, qi gong, and yoga are great stress-busters too. The regular practice of special breathing exercises called pranayama improves stress-hormone balance, blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol.

Each of these tips can have a big impact on your risk. I recommend starting with one—the easiest for you to do—and then add another every week. The more you do, the lower your risk will be and the healthier you will become and feel. Finding a partner or buddy to help support you to incorporate these tips into your daily life will add greatly to your success. Remember, breast cancer is a largely preventable disease, as are most other chronic diseases. You have tremendous influence over your health. By following many of these simple tips, you can easily tip the odds in your favor of living a long, radiantly healthy life.

May Cover & Article Photo Credit: Laurie Turner, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

First, I believe in women making choices regarding their own health care (for that matter, I believe EVERYONE should decide the best course of therapy for an illness). While our doctors serve as a primary source of information, they should NEVER have the final say about OUR health care choices and decisions.

As a doctor, I readily admit I don’t know everything! I don’t have time to know everything, so I’m always thankful when my own patients provide me with research they have found that might positively influence the outcome of their diseases. I’ve done the hard research for you on the topic of breast cancer, and it is my hope that when properly used, the information in Breast Choices for the Best Chances: Your Breasts, Your Life, and How You Can Win the Battle! will save lives.

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, has been used as a botanical medicine for hundreds, and perhaps even thousands, of years. Research over the past 50 years has begun to shed more light on how this plant works in our bodies to produce some of the health and medical benefits researchers have identified thus far. Even the Surgeon General of the United States of America has declared, "We have some preliminary data showing that for certain medical conditions and symptoms, marijuana can be helpful."¹

The most compelling evidence has shown that marijuana, or more specifically its medical constituents, cannabinol and THC, have properties that are beneficial in the following areas:²

• The reduction of nerve related pain
• Control of seizures
• Improvement in sleep
• Control of anxiety
• Reduction of inflammation
• Antioxidant protection
• The treatment of specific cancers
• Slowing the progression of Alzheimer's

How it Works
There are cannabinoid receptors on many cells throughout the body, including the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys and various part of our immune system. These receptors are activated when they are exposed to cannabinol and THC, causing the following observed reactions:

• Higher levels of THC are responsible for the euphoric feelings associated with the smoking of marijuana.
• When equal levels of cannabinol (CBN) and THC are present (1 to 1 ratio) there is a very significant impact on breast cancer cells, as well as other aggressive cancer cells. Scientists have observed cancer cells shrinking, dying and even reverting back to normal cell function.³
• High levels of only CBN have been shown to provide symptomatic relief of neuropathic pain in adults with multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, Health Canada has approved a new drug, Sativex, otherwise known as Cannabis sativa, for the treatment of the aforementioned conditions.⁴
• Cannabinol has also exhibited anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, anti-convulsant, neuroprotective effects, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It is this powerful combination of brain related benefits, which is thought to have the ability to slow the progression of Alzheimer's and possibly other brain related conditions.⁵

The interesting, and significant, finding in all of the research is that these health benefits are all possible without producing any of the euphoric reactions associated with marijuana. This is extremely important, since it is the recreational drug component that has been one of the barriers to the acceptance of cannabis being used for medical purposes. The two components need to be separated and treated completely differently in order to allow medical conditions to be treated objectively based on the emerging science.

The Deeper Cellular Understanding
More than 15,000 peer reviewed scientific articles have been published on the chemical and pharmacologic uses of cannabis and cannabinoids (CBD). There have also been 33 published controlled clinical trials, in the U.S., documenting the measurable benefits of treatments utilizing one of the cannabinoid components.⁶

It is important to explain more exactly how this botanical causes these beneficial reactions in the body.

• Mediators are biochemicals, such as enzymes, that cause the up regulation (increase) or down regulation (decrease) of certain other biochemicals that control inflammation, pain messages, the genetic on and off switches for cancer and other important metabolic reactions. CBD is a mediator that up regulates the good chemicals and down regulates the bad or negative chemicals in the body leading to the prevention and/or the reversal of various health challenges.
• Cannabinolic acid (CBDA) inhibits MDA-MB231, which stops breast cancer cells from spreading. And, CBD stops these same cells from multiplying. If breast cancer cells cannot multiply or spread, then the disease can be controlled to allow diet and other proven natural or pharmaceutical agents to kill the cancer cells or cause them to return to normal cellular activity.
• Many cancers are enabled by a genetic on and off switch, known as the 1D-1 gene. CBD, in the form of cannabis oil extract was able to turn off the over expression of this 1D-1 gene, thus stopping cancer cells from moving to other tissues and, in some cases, causing these cancer cells to return to normal cellular function. This off switch by the cannabis oil extract proved effective for breast cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, ovarian cancer and brain cancer, all of which have normally occurring high levels of the 1D-1 gene.⁷

Detoxification - Systematically removing accumulated toxins from the body can significantly reduce the burden placed on the immune system and other important metabolic functions. This will allow more energy and immune protective activity to be directed at the primary health challenge. Proven detoxification methods include exercise, sauna, steam bathes, diet, specific supplements and intravenous treatments such as EDTA chelation therapy or hydrogen peroxide therapy. The existing level of toxicity can be measured via blood, hair and urine tests, as well as symptoms analysis. Then these same tests can be used to measure the success of various detoxification efforts. These detoxification efforts can then create a better environment for the use of various treatments, which can include cannabis.

Nutrition - The human body needs very high levels of essential oils, vitamins, minerals and enzymes in order for each of our 60 trillion cells to function properly. When cells are not properly nourished, this puts a strain on our organs and our operating systems, including the immune system. A diet of whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, healthy oils, omega fish and organic poultry will help to optimize cellular function, thus making treatment protocols more likely to achieve their desired results. This type of diet also helps to ensure a proper pH balance in the body (7.0 - 7.4), which is the ideal environment for optimal healing.

Stress Management - Stress is involved, or influences, about 80% of all health challenges and drains the body of vital nutrients, such as B vitamins. Using stress management techniques, such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing and hypnotherapy can help to reduce the impact of stress on treatment protocols for chronic disease. Reducing stress also helps to reduce acid levels in the body, thus insuring the maintenance of a healthy and healing pH level in the body.

Sleep Function - When we sleep, our bodies experience the most significant levels of balancing (homeostasis), detoxification and re-energizing. Therefore, it is very important to ensure sound sleep of at least 7 to 9 hours every night. Eating very little after dinner, avoiding caffeine and other stimulants and clearing the mind of troubling or perplexing topics best accomplish this. Some people may need to use calming audiotapes, meditation or supplements, such as 5HTP or melatonin to help achieve this state of sound sleep.

Cannabis for cancer treatment, the science

There have been many impressive scientific studies over the past several years on the effectiveness of hemp extracts in the treatment of various forms of cancer. Here is a partial list of these studies, which clearly illustrates the potential benefit for the medical application of hemp extracts against the most serious disease we know.

1. A study published in the British Journal of Cancer, conducted by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Complutense University in Madrid, determined that Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other cannabinoids inhibit tumor growth. They were responsible for the first clinical study aimed at assessing cannabinoid antitumoral action. Cannabinoid delivery was safe and was achieved with zero psychoactive effects. THC was found to decrease tumor cells in two out of the nine patients.⁹

2. A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience examined the biochemical events in both acute neuronal damage and in slowly progressive, neurodegenerative diseases. They conducted a magnetic resonance imaging study that looked at THC (the main active compound in marijuana) and found that it reduced neuronal injury in rats. The results of this study provide evidence that the cannabinoid system can serve to protect the brain against neurodegeneration.¹⁰

3. A study published in The Journal of Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics already acknowledged the fact that cannabinoids have been shown to possess antitumor properties. This study examined the effect of cannabidiol (CBD, non-psychoactive cannabinoid compound) on human glioma cell lines. The addition of cannabidiol led to a dramatic drop in the viability of glioma cells. Glioma is the word used to describe brain tumor. The study concluded that cannabidiol was able to produce a significant antitumor activity.¹¹

4. A study published in the Journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics outlines how brain tumors are highly resistant to current anticancer treatments, which makes it crucial to find new therapeutic strategies aimed at improving the poor prognosis of patients suffering from this disease. This study also demonstrated the reversal of tumor activity in Glioblastoma multiforme.¹²

5. A study published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, conducted by the California Pacific Medical Centre, determined that cannabidiol (CBD) inhibits human breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion. They also demonstrated that CBD significantly reduces tumor mass.¹³

6. A study published in The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics determined that THC as well as cannabidiol dramatically reduced breast cancer cell growth. They confirmed the potency and effectiveness of these compounds.¹⁴

7. A study published in the Journal Molecular Cancer showed that THC reduced tumor growth and tumor numbers. They determined that cannabinoids inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce cancer cell apoptosis, and impair tumor angiogenesis (all good things). This study provides strong evidence for the use of cannabinoid-based therapies for the management of breast cancer.¹⁵

8. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS) determined that cannabinoids inhibit human breast cancer cell proliferation.¹⁶

9. A study published in the Journal Oncogene, by Harvard Medical Schools Experimental Medicine Department, determined that THC inhibits epithelial growth factor induced lung cancer cell migration and more. They go on to state that THC should be explored as novel therapeutic molecules in controlling the growth and metastasis of certain lung cancers.¹⁷

10. A study published in The FASEB Journal by the Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology, from the Department of General Surgery in Germany, determined that cannabinoids inhibit cancer cell invasion. Effects were confirmed in primary tumor cells from a lung cancer patient. Overall, data indicated that cannabinoids decrease cancer cell invasiveness.¹⁸

11. A study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, conducted by Harvard Medical School, investigated the role of cannabinoid receptors in lung cancer cells. They determined its effectiveness and suggested that it should be used for treatment against lung cancer cells.¹⁹

12. A study published in the journal Prostate illustrates a decrease in prostatic cancer cells by acting through cannabinoid receptors.²⁰

13. A study published in the Indian Journal of Urology outlined multiple studies proving the effectiveness of cannabis on prostate cancer.²¹

14. Another study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology determined that clinical testing of CBD against prostate carcinoma is a must. That cannabinoid receptor activation induces prostate carcinoma cell apoptosis. They determined that cannabidiol significantly inhibited cell viability.²²

15. A study published in the Journal Molecular Pharmacology recently showed that cannabinoids induce growth inhibition and apoptosis in mantle cell lymphoma. The study was supported by grants from the Swedish Cancer Society, The Swedish Research Council, and the Cancer Society in Stockholm.²³

16. A study published in the International Journal of Cancer also determined and illustrated that cannabinoids exert antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in various types of cancer and in mantle cell lymphoma.²⁴

17. A study published in the journal Molecular Cancer Research conducted by the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology by Virginia Commonwealth University determined that cannabinoids induce apoptosis in leukemia cells.²⁵

18. A study published in the journal Molecular Cancer Research shows that cannabinoids are potent inhibitors of cellular respiration and are toxic to highly malignant oral tumors.²⁶

19. A study published in Cell Death & Differentiation determined that THC reduces the viability of human HCC cell lines (Human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line) and reduced their growth.²⁷

20. A study published in Cancer Research determined that cannabinoid receptors are expressed in human pancreatic tumor cell lines and tumor biopsies at much higher levels than in normal pancreatic tissue. Results showed that cannabinoid administration induced apoptosis. They also reduced the growth of tumor cells, and inhibited the spreading of pancreatic tumor cells.²⁸

Who is against the medicinal use of marijuana?
There has been steady resistance to the legalization of marijuana. One of the biggest reasons is the confusion between recreational marijuana, medical marijuana and CBD. Medical marijuana is under the jurisdiction of individual states and allows Medical Doctors to utilize this product for pain relief, some eye disorders and other health challenges. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-medical hemp product approved in all fifty states as a health improvement nutritional supplement. This general resistance usually comes from older and/or more conservative people who view marijuana from only one perspective; it's use as a recreational drug. Many younger people see this as hypocrisy since alcohol and tobacco are legal and cause more problems in terms of ill health, lost productivity and death than marijuana could possibly cause. In addition to this general, albeit confused, resistance, there are other specific groups who are opposed to the legalization of marijuana, and remember, most of their reasons also do not properly distinguish between recreational use and medical use.

Cigarette Makers and Sellers - Unless the existing cigarette industry can control the marijuana industry, they will always lobby against it because they fear the loss of some of their huge profits from the sale of cigarettes.

Alcohol Makers and Users - This group will resist for the same reasons as the cigarette industry. If people switch from alcohol to marijuana use, there is a potential loss of millions, or even billions, of dollars in profits.

Prisons - Prisons are an economic growth industry for many communities and thousands of workers. Marijuana accounts for more than half of all drug arrests in the country. If recreational marijuana were legalized, all of these arrests and imprisonments would disappear. Private prisons would lose money, jobs would be lost and communities dependent on these jobs would suffer economically.

It also stands to reason that prison employee unions would also lobby against the legalization of marijuana.

Police Unions - Police also benefit from the illegal status of marijuana. About 1 million arrests each year involve the possession of marijuana. If marijuana were legalized, then there could be a reduced need for police officers and federal drug enforcement officers to search for marijuana growers, importers and users. Farmers would be licensed and prices would be stabilized, making this illegal industry far less viable.

Pharmaceutical Companies - If medical marijuana is proven to be as effective, inexpensive and safe as existing science is indicating, then many prescription and over-the-counter medications will no longer be necessary. This could cost big pharma billions, if not trillions, of dollars in profits.

Doctors, Hospitals and Insurance Companies - If some diseases were able to be treated more safely, effectively, and at less cost, the entire medical industry would have fewer high cost tests and treatments, leading to a dramatic loss of patients and profit.²⁹

Final Thoughts
As usual, a proven health advancement is being resisted by special interests and a lack of clarity about its many benefits. It took years to gain the acceptance of prenatal vitamins, causing many babies to be born with birth defects and many mothers and babies to die unnecessarily. Co-enzyme Q10 can help prevent heart disease, reverse kidney disease and slow the advance of Parkinson's Disease. And vitamin D3 can help prevent breast cancer. All of these scientifically proven natural health benefits have been facing stiff resistance from special interests for years. Many millions of people will suffer and die prematurely due to the resistance to these and other similar health and medical breakthroughs.

Medical marijuana, cannabis, CBD and CBN have joined this list of evidence-based health solutions that are being resisted due to ignorance or greed or both. Patient advocates, scientists, progressive doctors and courageous media people are now working fairly independently to help advance the use of medical cannabis. If they could combine and better coordinate their efforts, perhaps medical marijuana, in all of its proven forms, could move forward much faster and spare the unnecessary suffering, pain and expense that is caused by the pursuit of profit over the health and welfare of our population.

References

1. Mercola, Joseph, 2015. Top US Doctor Says Medical Marijuana May Help Some Conditions. Dr. Joseph Mercola's web site online, Feb. 17, 2015.
2. Ibid
3. Ibid.
4. Costa, Barbara, et al.2007. The non-psychoactive cannabis constituent cannabidiol is an orally therapeutic agent in rat chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Science Direct online. Originally from European Journal of Pharmacology 556 (2007) 75-83.
5. Ibid.
6. Mercola, Joseph, 2015. Top US Doctor Says Medical Marijuana May Help Some Conditions. Dr. Joseph Mercola web site online, Feb. 17, 2015.
7. Ditchfield, Jeff and Thomas Mel, 2014. The Medical Cannabis Guidebook: The Definitive Guide To Using and Growing Medicinal Marijuana. Green Candy Press, San Francisco, CA.
8. Schwartz, Carly, 2014, Marijuana Drastically Shrinks Aggressive Form Of Brain Cancer, New Study Finds. Huffington Post online.
9. M Guzmán, M J Duarte, C Blázquez, J Ravina, M C Rosa, I Galve-Roperh, C Sánchez, G Velasco and L González-Feria. A pilot clinical study of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. British Journal of Cancer (2006) 95, 197–203. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6603236
10. M. van der Stelt, W. B. Veldhuis, P. R. Bär, G. A. Veldink, J. F. G. Vliegenthart, and K. Nicolay. Neuroprotection by Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, the Main Active Compound in Marijuana, against Ouabain-Induced In Vivo Excitotoxicity. The Journal of Neuroscience, 1 September 2001, 21(17): 6475-6479;
11. Paola Massi, Angelo Vaccani, Stefania Ceruti, Arianna Colombo, Maria P. Abbracchio and Daniela Parolaro. Antitumor Effects of Cannabidiol, a Nonpsychoactive Cannabinoid, on Human Glioma Cell Lines. JPET March 2004 vol. 308 no. 3 838-845
12. Sofía Torres, Mar Lorente, Fátima Rodríguez-Fornés, Sonia Hernández-Tiedra, María Salazar, Elena García-Taboada, Juan Barcia, Manuel Guzmán and Guillermo Velasco. A Combined Preclinical Therapy of Cannabinoids and Temozolomide against Glioma. Mol Cancer Ther January 2011 10; 90
13. McAllister SD, Murase R, Christian RT, Lau D, Zielinski AJ, Allison J, Almanza C, Pakdel A, Lee J, Limbad C, Liu Y, Debs RJ, Moore DH, Desprez PY. Pathways mediating the effects of cannabidiol on the reduction of breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2012 May;133(1):401-4.
14. Alessia Ligresti, Aniello Schiano Moriello, Katarzyna Starowicz, Isabel Matias, Simona Pisanti, Luciano De Petrocellis, Chiara Laezza, Giuseppe Portella, Maurizio Bifulco and Vincenzo Di Marzo. Anti-tumor activity of plant cannabinoids with emphasis on the effect of cannabidiol on human breast carcinoma. JPET May 25, 2006 106.105247
15. María M Caffarel, Clara Andradas, Emilia Mira, Eduardo Pérez-Gómez, Camilla Cerutti, Gema Moreno-Bueno, Juana M Flores, Isabel García-Real, José Palacios, Santos Mañes, Manuel Guzmán and Cristina Sánchez. Cannabinoids reduce ErbB2-driven breast cancer progression through Akt inhibition. Molecular Cancer 2010, 9:196
16. Luciano De Petrocellis, Dominique Melck, Antonella Palmisano, Tiziana Bisogno, Chiara Laezza, Maurizio Bifulco, Vincenzo Di Marzo. The endogenous cannabinoid anandamide inhibits human breast cancer cell proliferation. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA Vol. 95, pp. 8375–8380, July 1998
17. Preet A, R K Ganju, J E Groopman. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol inhibits epithelial growth factor-induced lung cancer cell migration in vitro as well as its growth and metastasis in vivo. Oncogene (2008) 27, 339–346; doi:10.1038
18. Ramer R, Bublitz K, Freimuth N, Merkord J, Rohde H, Haustein M, Borchert P, Schmuhl E, Linnebacher M, Hinz B. Cannabidiol inhibits lung cancer cell invasion and metastasis via intercellular adhesion molecule-1. The FASEB J. 2012 Apr;26(4):1535-48. doi: 10.1096/fj.11-198184. Epub 2011 Dec 23.
19. Preet A, Qamri Z, Nasser MW, Prasad A, Shilo K, Zou X, Groopman JE, Ganju RK. Cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, as novel targets for inhibition of non-small cell lung cancer growth and metastasis. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2011 Jan;4(1):65-75. doi: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-10-0181. Epub 2010 Nov 19.
20. Mimeault M, Pommery N, Wattez N, Bailly C, Hénichart JP. Anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of anandamide in human prostatic cancer cell lines: implication of epidermal growth factor receptor down-regulation and ceramide production. Prostate. 2003 Jun 15;56(1):1-12.
21. Juan A. Ramos, Fernando J. Bianco. The role of cannabinoids in prostate cancer: Basic science perspective and potential clinical applications. Indian J Urol. 2012 Jan-Mar; 28(1): 9–14.
22. De Petrocellis L, Ligresti A, Schiano Moriello A, Iappelli M, Verde R, Stott CG, Cristino L, Orlando P, Di Marzo V. Non-THC cannabinoids inhibit prostate carcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo: pro-apoptotic effects and underlying mechanisms. British Journal of Pharmacology 2013 Jan;168(1):79-102. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02027.x.
23. Gustafsson Kristin, Christensso Birger, Sander Birgitta, Flygare Jenny. Cannabinoid Receptor-Mediated Apoptosis Induced by R(+)-Methanandamide and Win55,212-2 Is Associated with Ceramide Accumulation and p38 Activation in Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Molecular Pharmacology November 2006 vol. 70 no. 5 1612-1620
24. Gustafsson Kristin, Wang Xiao, Severa Denise, Eriksson Maeve, Kimby Eva, Merup Mats, Christensson Birger, Flygare Jenny, Sander Birgitta. Expression of cannabinoid receptors type 1 and type 2 in non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Growth inhibition by receptor activation. International Journal of Cancer 1 September 2008, Volume 123, Issue 5, pages 1025–1033
25. Jia W, Hegde VL, Singh NP, Sisco D, Grant S, Nagarkatti M, Nagarkatti PS. Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-induced apoptosis in Jurkat leukemia T cells is regulated by translocation of Bad to mitochondria. Mol Cancer Res. 2006 Aug;4(8):549-62.
26. Whyte DA, Al-Hammadi S, Balhaj G, Brown OM, Penefsky HS, Souid AK. Cannabinoids inhibit cellular respiration of human oral cancer cells. Pharmacology. 2010;85(6):328-35. doi: 10.1159/000312686. Epub 2010 Jun 2.
27. Vara D, Salazar M, Olea-Herrero N, Guzmán M, Velasco G, Díaz-Laviada I. Anti-tumoral action of cannabinoids on hepatocellular carcinoma: role of AMPK-dependent activation of autophagy. Cell Death Differ. 2011 Jul;18(7):1099-111. doi: 10.1038/cdd.2011.32. Epub 2011 Apr 8.
28. Arkaitz Carracedo, Meritxell Gironella, Mar Lorente, Stephane Garcia, Manuel Guzmán, Guillermo Velasco, and Juan L. Iovanna. Cannabinoids Induce Apoptosis of Pancreatic Tumor Cells via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress–Related Genes. Cancer Res July 1, 2006 66; 6748
29. Mercola, Joseph, 2015. Top US Doctor Says Medical Marijuana May Help Some Conditions. Dr. Joseph Mercola's web site online, Feb. 17, 2015.

Hormones are powerful substances. They pack a big wallop considering the tiny amounts that are produced by the endocrine glands. Most hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, insulin and melatonin are made in parts per billion or parts per trillion. Even small hormonal fluctuations can create major physiological changes.

As profound orchestrators of all of life’s processes, maintaining hormonal balance is imperative for optimum health. When delicate hormonal balance and rhythms are altered, the body’s ability to regulate fundamental systems goes haywire.

Our modern lifestyle poses many threats to optimal endocrine function. Stress, toxicity, poor quality food, lack of sleep, pharmaceutical medications are all known hormone disruptors. However, there is one particular kind of hormone disruptor that is often the most overlooked — electromagnetic energy fields generated from cell phones, cell phone towers, computers, routers, Wi-Fi and Smart Meters.

Electromagnetic Fields —The 21st Century Smog
Modern physics has confirmed what eastern philosophy has been based upon for thousands of years — the human body is fundamentally a coherent, highly sensitive electrical system— emanating its own electromagnetic field, known as a biofield.

All physical matter, including the earth itself, radiates electromagnetic energy. The electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) found within the natural world are harmonious with and supportive of life.

On the other hand, artificially created EMFs are 100–200 million times greater than what existed just two generations ago. Every minute of every day, whether we are awake or asleep, we are exposed to a constant barrage of man-made electromagnetic frequencies.

Constant interference with our natural energy fields from external sources of EMFs can eventually damage our own fields resulting in many physiological imbalances. The most recent research has identified that exposure to EMFs causes significant oxidative stress resulting in free radical damage. Unrelenting oxidative stress alters the DNA resulting in cell mutation. Such serious imbalances will also adversely impact hormone production, neurological processes and risk of cancers, including breast cancer.

Irrefutable evidence implicates oxidative stress to more rapid aging, elevated blood glucose levels, elevated lipid levels, high blood pressure, infertility, increased neuro-regulatory disturbances, and compromises the central nervous, cardiovascular and immune systems.

Scientist Robert O. Becker, M.D. author of, Cross Currents, The Perils of Electropollution, explains that our human bodies and immune systems are being adversely affected by manmade electromagnetic fields from sources, including, power lines, cell phones, radar, microwaves, satellites, ham radios, computers, video display terminals, electric appliances and Wi-Fi hot spots. He believes that radiation, once considered safe, is now correlated with increases in cancer, birth defects, depression, learning disabilities, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease and much more.

Melatonin, Breast Cancer and EMFs
Perhaps, one of the most serious consequences of EMF exposure is its effects on our hormonal systems.

The pineal gland is a light sensitive gland about the size of a pea located deep within the center of the brain. Once dismissed as a useless gland, it is now considered to be, perhaps, the most important gland in the body. The pineal gland produces the hormone, melatonin.

Researchers are surprised at the extent of the physiological processes that are either controlled or influenced by melatonin: it regulates circadian rhythms that govern our waking/sleep cycle and it is a powerful destroyer of free radicals, thereby allowing DNA synthesis and cell division to occur.

Melatonin not only inhibits the release of estrogen but also actually suppresses the development of breast cancer. It also has the ability to increase the cytotoxicity of the immune system’s killer lymphocytes and counteract stress-induced immunosuppression.

Japan’s National Institute for Environmental Studies showed that breast cancer cells treated with melatonin would resume growing when exposed EMFs. They disrupt the cell’s signaling system and their internal communications network, which determines how cells respond to their environment.

This mechanism has helped to explain why reduced melatonin levels from EMFs contribute to a number of cancers including breast cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma and ovarian malignancies.

Melatonin suppression occurs at frequencies not far above those of the common household ranges of 5–60 hertz. If we sleep next to a cell phone, cordless phone and/or digital clock enough continuous EMF exposures suppress nighttime melatonin production.

The connection between breast cancer and EMFs continues to strengthen. Boston University School of Public Health reported a 43 percent increased risk in women with a high likelihood of occupational exposure to magnetic fields such as those given off by mainframe computers.

Young women who keep their phones tucked into their bras are at increased risk from breast cancer. A recent study focused on four women between the ages of 21–39 with invasive multi-focal breast cancer, who kept their phones in their bras for up to 10 hours a day for four years. Imaging of the girls’ breasts revealed a clustering of multiple tumor foci in the part of the breast directly under where their cell phones touched their body.

More Female and Male Hormone Disruption
Experimental physiologist, Charles Graham’s research found that magnetic fields had an effect on two other hormones. They increased estrogen levels and reduced testosterone, a risk factor for testicular and prostate cancer.

He also found that EMFs may actually fit the definition of an endocrine disrupter better than many hormone mimicking environmental pollutants. Magnetic fields appear to elicit their effects by acting on and through hormones, rather than as hormones.

When exposed to EMFs, tamoxifen, the most popular drug given to prevent recurrence of breast cancer, lost its ability to halt the proliferation of cancer cells.

Neurotransmitters, a special class of hormones, include serotonin and dopamine. Neurotransmitters play a major role in moods especially depression. Evidence has now shown a connection with altered serotonin and dopamine levels with EMF exposure.

EMFs also increase the levels of adrenaline, the flight or fight hormone, released from the adrenals glands.

Chronic stress is detrimental to every anatomical system, including the reproductive one. Stress effects fertility and elevates blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and strokes, as well as suppress immune function. Even short EMF exposures could cause spikes in such hormone levels.

What About Cell Phones?
EMFs from our Smart phones penetrate directly into our brain, breaking down the protective blood brain barrier, causing DNA damage, free radical production and even brain tumors. Since the master glands, of the body are located in our brain, massive disturbances to the hormonal signaling capacities may be generated from continual cell phone use.

It is now acknowledged that headsets, far from being protective, can actually increase radiation exposure into the brain by as much as 300 percent. Bluetooth technology is especially dangerous.

Solutions
Reducing exposure to EMFs as much as possible is essential. Turn off routers at night. Remove electrical devices, chargers and phones from near your head while sleeping.

Since we now live in a world that has created and unprecedented problem where we are all exposed to electro-pollution, it is imperative to use proven technology that can actually prevent the DNA damage to our cells.

Love them or hate them cell phones and the ever expanding and intrusive Wi-Fi world is here to stay. The responsibility lies with each one of us to take the proactive steps that will protect us, our family and future generations.

In Part 1 of this series, we reviewed the discovery of coenzyme Q10 and the initial studies that established CoQ10 as a very effective natural therapy for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, early studies also revealed that CoQ10 is an essential for the generation of cellular energy (ATP) within the mitochondria of every cell in the body with the exception of red blood cells.

Coenzyme Q10's dual functions (antioxidant and energy production) make it essential for the health of virtually all human tissues and organs. As a fat-soluble antioxidant, it protects proteins (like LDL-cholesterol), enzymes, fats (all cell walls/ membranes) and especially DNA from free radical damage. In terms of energy production, areas of the body with high rates of metabolic activity (high energy demands) such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain and immune system are especially sensitive to low levels of CoQ10.¹

Coenzyme Q10 and Cancer/History

Early CoQ10-cell culture studies revealed that coenzyme Q10 resulted in an 80 percent reduction in the growth of cancer cells within 90 days.² Animal studies published in the late 1990s reported that treatment with coenzyme Q10 resulted in suppression of tumor growth, reduced size and/or shrinkage of tumors and increased survival time.^3,4,5

In the late 1980s, Dr. K. Folkers began analyzing coenzyme Q10 levels in cancer patients. His testing revealed that virtually all cancer patients have CoQ10 levels that are extremely low. In 1994, Drs. K. Lockwood and K. Folkers reported treating 32 "high-risk" breast cancer patients with antioxidants, fatty acids, and 90 mg. of CoQ10.

Six of the 32 women showed partial tumor regression. In one woman, the dosage of CoQ10 was increased to 390 mg. In one month, her tumor was no longer palpable and in another month, mammography confirmed the absence of tumor. Encouraged, another case having a verified breast tumor, after non-radical surgery and with verified residual tumor in the tumor bed was then treated with 300 mg. CoQ10. After three months, the patient was in excellent clinical condition and there was no residual tumor tissue.⁶

In 1996, William Judy and Dr. Folkers reported the results of a CoQ10-prostate cancer study. Their results revealed that men with prostate cancer who were treated with 600 mg of CoQ10 daily achieved dramatic reductions in both PSA and tumor size.⁷ An interesting aspect of this study is that the men did not begin to show any signs of response until about 90 days into the trial.

Several clinical trials have also reported that coenzyme Q10 substantially protects against and/or reduces side effects in patients undergoing various forms of chemotherapy.

A New Understanding of Cancer: In healthy cells, mitochondria utilize oxygen to produce energy. In cancer cells, energy production switches from away from oxygen and instead begins to utilize glucose/sugar for energy production. This was first discovered and explained by Otto Warburg, MD. Warburg was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1931 for discovering that cancer cells are low in oxygen because cellular respiration has switched from using oxygen to the fermentation of sugar. To summarize, healthy cells utilize oxygen to produce energy whereas cancer cells begin to utilize sugar for energy production. It is damage to mitochondria that causes this change in energy production.⁹

"Cancer as a Metabolic Disease: On the Origin, Management and Prevention of Cancer" is the title of a very important book written by Thomas N. Seyfried, MD. Dr. Seyfried advances Otto Warburg's theory of cancer in a way that revolutionizes our understanding of cancer. Up until now, most scientists have assumed that cancer is a genetic disease resulting from DNA mutations/damage.

Instead, Seyfried teaches us that cancer is a metabolic disease due to mitochondrial damage, which hinders the ability of cells to produce adequate energy. This causes the metabolic shift from oxygen to glucose for energy production, which is the hallmark of cancer cell metabolism.

Coenzyme Q10/Cancer Answer: Drs. Warburg and Seyfried did not explain coenzyme Q10's role in protecting mitochondria from free radical damage and in mitochondrial energy production. In this article, we will explain how CoQ10 deficiency results in mitochondrial damage that progresses to metabolic changes in energy production, which results in the origin and progression of cancer.

The Miracle Nutrient: Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 plays two critical roles in this scenario. First, CoQ10 is required in several steps for energy production within mitochondria. Thus, coenzyme Q10 deficiency impairs mitochondria's ability to use oxygen for energy production. This causes a shift to using sugar, which characterizes cancer cell metabolism.

Secondly, CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. This is especially important in mitochondria, because more free radicals are generated in mitochondria during the process of energy production than anywhere else in the body. Thus, coenzyme Q10 deficiency is a "double whammy" in that it weakens mitochondria's ability to produce energy (like an engine running out of gas) while also accelerating free radical damage to mitochondrial DNA (causing damage to the engine so it cannot function).

Causes of Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency: The synthesis of coenzyme Q10 in the body is a complex process that requires multiple nutrients as cofactors. Over the past 80 years there has been a dramatic and continual decline in the nutritional content of our commercial/agricultural food supply. Reasons for this decline include:

a) Rising levels of atmospheric CO2 is causing reductions in the mineral content of plants.¹⁰

b) Massive use of pesticides and herbicides on agricultural crops, which kills the microbiome (bacteria) in the soil. Bacteria in the soil are necessary for the breakdown of organic matter and the delivery of nutrients into the plant.¹¹

c) A high percentage of the food that Americans consume are highly processes. Food processing results in substantial losses of nutritional content of the foods.¹²

d) In "The Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook," Ross Pelton lists multiple reports following classes of commonly prescribed drugs that cause depletion of coenzyme Q10: statin cholesterol-lowering drugs, oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), drugs for diabetes, tricyclic antidepressants, major tranquilizers, beta-blockers, thiazide diuretics and vasodilators.¹³ Many more drugs probably deplete CoQ10, but just haven't been tested yet for their effect on CoQ10 biosynthesis.

e) Increasing age, after 20 years of age, reduces CoQ10 synthesis in man (International CoQ10 Association).

Other Therapeutic Applications: In addition to cardiovascular disease and cancer, studies have also been published showing that CoQ10 can provide therapeutic benefits in the following conditions: diabetes, radiation injury, periodontal disease, gastric ulcers, mitochondrial disorders, migraine headaches, obesity, kidney failure, acquired immune deficiency (AIDS), Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

CoQ10 and Life Extension: In addition to the many ways CoQ10 can help prevent and treat many disease conditions, it is also one of the most important nutrients for life extension and healthy longevity.

When you understand CoQ10's critical roles in protecting mitochondria and producing energy, it seems obvious that it would slow down the onset of chronic degenerative diseases and increase longevity with healthy additional years. Imagine a growing number of vibrant, energetic centenarians.

Coenzyme Q10 Doubles Lifespan in Mice: Emile Bliznakov, MD, who wrote "The Miracle Nutrient: Coenzyme Q10," conducted the following experiment. Dr. Bliznakov started his experiment with 100 "old" female white mice that were 16 to 18 months of age. One week for mice is roughly equivalent to one year of human life. Thus, the mice were in their 60s to 70s in human terms and already beginning to show some signs of decreased immunity and aging bodily functions.¹⁴

These old mice were divided into two groups of 50 and maintained on optimally nutritious diets. One group were controls while the second group were regularly given doses of CoQ10.

• At 28 weeks after the beginning of the study, 70 percent of the control mice had died compared to only 40 percent of the CoQ10-treated mice.
• At 36 weeks, 100 percent of the control mice were dead while about 40 percent of the CoQ10-treated mice were still alive and active with most not showing the normal signs of physical deterioration that are commonly associated with advanced age.
• At week 56, 10 percent of the CoQ10-treated mice were still thriving (2X longer than these mice would normally be expected to survive beyond the beginning of the experiment).
• At the 80th week (remember the last control mouse died at week 36), four mice were still alive; at the 82nd week, the last mouse died. In human terms, this is a life span of roughly 130 years of age!

Dr. Bliznakov explained the following remarkable visual differences between the two groups of mice towards the end when some of the control mice were still alive. The fur on the control mice that had not received CoQ10 had lost its sheen, became dull, coarse, matted and on some mice, clumps of hair had fallen out, leaving bald patchy spots and they were also very listless and spent most of their time lying around and not socializing. On the other hand, the fur in the coats of the CoQ10-treated mice remained smooth and soft, and they maintained a much greater level of activity and socialization. Another interesting feature was the fact that the CoQ10-treated mice still engaged in sexual activity whereas sexual activity had stopped among the control mice months earlier.

Human clinical life extension trials will be conducted in our lifetime. Several studies have reported CoQ10's therapeutic benefits in a wide range of disease states. This certainly suggests that CoQ10 enhances and extends life and improves quality of life. Three rather large clinical studies support the influence of CoQ10 on longevity. The first was a 30-year study that was completed by Dr. Folkers and Judy. In this study 500 congestive heart failure patients were divided into two groups. One group was treated with 200 mg CoQ10 daily and conventional therapy. The other group was treated with conventional therapy only. The conventional therapy group were all deceased in seven years. In the CoQ10 group 42 percent were still living at seven years. At 15 years, 24 percent were still living. At 30 years two individuals were still living. Both were in their late 90's and in good health. Both had been on CoQ10 for over 35 years and were only on a diuretic and CoQ10.

Other long-term studies have been conducted by Dr. Alihanen and his group in Sweden. In this study thousands of elderly patients were supplemented with CoQ10 for 10 years. The 10- year survival rate was 45 percent. In another study in Class III and IV congestive heart failure conducted by Dr. Sven Mortensen and his group showed a two-year survival compared to the control group of 48 percent. The morbidity was reduced by 52 percent and the classification of heart failure was reduced to Class II or I. The acute hospitalizations were reduced by 52 percent (Q-Symbio multicenter clinical trial 2014. A.J. Clinical Cardiology, 2014.

Ubiquinone/Ubiquinol: After the discovery of coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) in 1956, clinical trials began in the mid-1960s. In the ensuing half-century, the vast majority of clinical trials have been conducted with the ubiquinone, which is the oxidized form of CoQ10.

In 2006, the Kaneka Corporation in Japan began producing and marketing the ubiquinol (reduced) form of CoQ10 after learning how to stabilize the compound and keep it from oxidizing back to ubiquinone. Kaneka claims that the ubiquinol/ reduced form of CoQ10 is more active and better absorbed than ubiquinone. This has been a very successful marketing strategy for Kaneka, but actually, the claims are not scientifically correct.

There are several issues to discuss when confronting Kaneka's claims that ubiquinol is superior to ubiquinone. Many companies are private labeling Kaneka's ubiquinol CoQ10, which are substantially more expensive. However, studies reveal that when Kaneka's reduced CoQ10 is taken orally, it rapidly gets converted into ubiquinone in the stomach. Hence, people are paying more for ubiquinol, which actually gets converted back into ubiquinone when taken orally.

For a full explanation of the issues and controversies between ubiquinone and ubiquinol, read a report titled Coenzyme Q10 Facts or Fabrications by William Judy, Ph.D. Dr. Judy has been educating people around the world about the importance and benefits of coenzyme Q10 for over 40 years. He has also conducted CoQ10 clinical trials and served as a consultant for many companies on CoQ10 product formulations. Hence, he is well qualified to address both the scientific and the marketing issues related to the ubiquinone/ubiquinol controversy.

The Recrystallization Problem: Many CoQ10 products on the market have abysmally low rates of absorption. Here's the problem. The melting point of CoQ10 is about ten degrees higher than human body temperature, which is 98.60F. Hence, most coenzyme Q10 products crystallize in the softgel capsule after cooling to room temperature. Even CoQ10 products that are dissolved in oil by heating to 50 degrees centigrade recrystallize in the softgel capsule when cooled to room temperature. Crystals consist of many millions of single CoQ10 molecules. Humans can't absorb crystals. We can only absorb single molecules of any substance. This explains why CoQ10 products on the market do not achieve significant increases in plasma CoQ10 levels compared to that of the pure crystal free CoQ10 products.

^{Crystal Free Coenzyme Q10:}
Crystal free CoQ10 is the new era in the CoQ10 industry. The dry powder CoQ10 entered the marketplace in 1974 as a comp softgel product. These were crystalline CoQ10 in an oil and water base. When CoQ10 was deregulated from a drug to a natural product in Japan the consumer market in Japan increased so significantly that the CoQ10 producers in Japan could not meet the world demand. The price of CoQ10 increased from $800 to $4500 a kilogram. In the USA almost no one could afford the CoQ10. Thus, the need for a more highly absorbable CoQ10 that could offset the poorly absorbed CoQ10 and its high price.

Three companies in the USA took the challenge and started developing a crystal free CoQ10 product between 2002 and 2006. All three products had different solvents and were crystal free at an encapsulation temperature of 50 degrees centigrade. Their single dose absorption was between six and eight percent of a 100 mg dose. However, when the capsules cooled to room temperature, two of these products recrystallized and the absorption and steady state bioavailability was no better than a crystalline CoQ10 in a lipid based softgel.

The higher absorbable CoQ10 and steady state bioavailable allows the consumer to attain the health benefits for the clinical conditions describes in Part I of this series. Two of the developed products were unstable and recrystallized in the softgel capsule. One remained viable as a pure crystal free product.

A crystal free product at body temperature manufactured in Scandinavia was used in a major long-term clinical trial in Sweden. This trial has continued for over 10 years in thousands of patients (Ailhagen Sweden). In this study, the 10-year survival was 50 percent. In a multi-center study in 500 class III and IV congestive heart failure patients the 250 in patients on CoQ10 and conventional therapy has a heart failure mortality rate 56 percent less than the control group on conventional therapy only. In this study, the morbidity was 48 percent less and the degree of failure was 58 percent less than the control group. The CoQ10 treated patients admitted to the hospital was 43 percent less than the conventionally treated patients (Q-symbio trial, Mortensen. Am J Clinical Cardiology. 2014). The new era of crystal free CoQ10 has proven that it has the potential to be effective in the management of congestive heart failure, age related degenerative diseases such as cancers, chronic fatigue, Parkinson's disease and high blood pressure.

The newest and most stable of the crystal free products, and the new therapeutic era for CoQ10 in the USA is marketed by the Cyto Health Company. It will soon be in the USA marketplace. For more information please call 941-920-2824.

1. Saini R. Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2011 Jul-Sep;3(3):466-467.
2. Bliznakov E. (1986) "The Miracle Nutrient: Coenzyme Q10." New York. Bantam Books.
3. 1995 Merck
4. 1996 Duke Univ.
5. 1997 North Carolina Univ
6. Lockwood K, et al. Partial and complete regression of breast cancer in patients in relation to dosage of coenzyme Q10. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1994 Mar 30;199(3):1504–8.
7. 1996 Judy and Folkers
8. 1984 Judy and Toth
9. John AP. Dysfunctional mitochondria, not oxygen insufficiency, cause cancer cells to produce inordinate amounts of lactic acid: the impact of this on the treatment of cancer. Med Hypotheses. 2001;57:429–31
10. Weigel, H. Plant quality declines as CO2 levels rise. eLife 2014;3:e03233.
11. Aktar, W, et al. Impact of pesticides use in agriculture: their benefits and hazards. Interdiscip Toxicol. 2009 Mar;2(1):1–12.
12. Karmas E, Harris RS. (Dec. 2012) Nutritional Evaluation of Food Processing. Springer Science & Business Media
13. Pelton R, et al. (2001) "The Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook." Macedonia, Ohio. Lexi-Comp.
14. Bliznakov E. (1986) "The Miracle Nutrient: Coenzyme Q10." New York. Bantam Books.

Breast cancer is the second most deadly cancer for women after lung cancer, but now there is scientifically proven ways to both prevent and reverse this terrible disease.

• Eat a vegetarian diet filled with greens such as kale, broccoli, spinach and Brussels sprouts.
• Keep your hormones balanced with plant-based hormone replacement therapy.
• Use foods, supplements and sunshine to keep your vitamin D3 levels between 50–90 ng/ml.
• Breast Thermography can find problematic breast cells 8–10 years before mammography. This infrared camera can see 200 unhappy cells. Mammograms need four billion cells in one tumor to be visible.
• Detoxify at least once each year to remove harmful toxins from your body.
• Avoid tobacco, alcohol, saturated fats, sugar and prescription medications, if possible.
• Take quality nutritional supplements in addition to vitamin D3. Some of the more important ones include Omega 3, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B, beta-carotene, curcumin and resveratrol. Please see an article in Life Extension Magazine (November 2012) “Epigenetics for Breast Cancer,” for the science behind these supplements and several more.

If you do get the unfortunate diagnosis of breast cancer you have some good options. If the cancer is Stage I or II conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery have improved significantly over the past few years. However if the cancer is more advanced, or you prefer not to use conventional treatments, there are emerging options with good science behind them. One of the most promising is a treatment known as Photodynamic Therapy or Sono Photodynamic Therapy.

PDIT introduces a photosensitizing agent into the body, such as chlorophyll, and several hours later the body is exposed to light or sound waves, which causes the chlorophyll to release oxygen in the cancer cells. Cancer cells do not like oxygen and begin to shrink, die or revert back to normal cells as their cell walls, RNA and blood vessels become damaged. This chemical reaction also causes the release of antigens that signal the body’s immune system to respond and attack any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery do not activate the immune system in the same way and often cause any remaining cancer cells to become stronger. In fact, cancer stem cells often survive these conventional treatments because they are slow replicating cells and have time to build a defense to the treatment. This is why so many women experience a return of the their cancer.

A study reported in Life Extension Magazine (Sept. 2015) reported a 73 percent survival rate for Stage IV breast cancer patients using the PDIT treatment, which compares very well to the 25 percent survival rate for women using conventional treatment. This is a five-year survival rate in both cases, and does not take into account quality of life factors, which are also much better in the PDIT group. Most of the clinics that offer PDIT are located in Europe, Mexico or the Caribbean.

However, there is one cancer center in the United States, in Indiana, offering this treatment. My Cancer Centers is offering a number of natural treatment options including Sono Photodynamic Therapy. Although this treatment is not yet covered by insurance it may be worth considering for women who have the financial resources and a strong desire to avoid conventional treatments.

Mary works full time while raising three young children and has been suffering with insomnia and night sweats even though she is far from menopause; Joanne, a busy stockbroker, has such heavy periods that she is locked in her house for seven days every month; and Melinda, newly married with an exciting job, is losing her hair, gaining weight around the middle, and feeling exhausted. All three women are suffering from estrogen dominance, a common condition in women.

Hormones Out of Balance
We are bombarded by environmental estrogens, also called xenoestrogens or estrogen mimickers. These man-made chemicals act exactly like estrogen in the body. Estrogen-mimickers are found in everything from plastics, cosmetics and pesticides to dry cleaning chemicals, dairy products and more. Too much estrogen upsets the body’s delicate balance of hormones. Some of the most common female estrogen-dominant conditions are PMS, endometriosis, abnormal PAP tests, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, cystic breasts, heavy periods, low thyroid, hormonal acne, severe menopausal symptoms, breast cancer and the list goes on. Too much estrogen can block the uptake of thyroid hormone, promoting low thyroid. Over 23 percent of Canadians take thyroid medication for low thyroid and an estimated 30 percent have undiagnosed low thyroid with symptoms that include hair loss, weight gain, feeling cold, constipation, night sweats, recurring miscarriage, heavy periods, high cholesterol and so much more.

Women need estrogen but not the toxic type found in the environment. Women are supplied with estrogen from their ovaries, adrenal glands and fat cells. When the ovaries take a much-needed rest at menopause, or if the ovaries are surgically removed during a hysterectomy, the adrenal glands become the main source of estrogen. The adrenal glands sit atop the kidneys and they also help us deal with stress and control water balance in the body. When our adrenal glands become exhausted from too much stress, hormone havoc ensues. Classic symptoms include insomnia where you fall asleep fine but wake up several hours later and can’t fall back to sleep, caffeine and salt cravings, no energy, difficulty handling stress, and weight gain around the middle. We must love our adrenals in order to have balanced hormones.

The liver is the key organ for detoxifying excess hormones, breaks down and distributes estrogen and other hormones. Your liver decides if your estrogen is going to stay in the healthy form or be converted into cancer-causing estrogens. Our liver becomes sluggish due to a diet of too many bad fats (from lard, margarine and refined oils), sugars and artificial sweeteners, fried foods, and not enough vegetables and good protein. Regular alcohol consumption also negatively affects the liver’s ability to maintain hormone balance.

Hormone Harmony
The liver, thyroid and the adrenal glands must operate at peak performance to ensure hormone harmony. The basis of a healthy hormone program is a diet full of cruciferous vegetables and lean protein from wild, free-range sources. There are also key herbs and nutrients that been researched to support the adrenals, liver and thyroid.

Adrenal Support
Eight hours of deep restful sleep will reverse adrenal exhaustion quickly. At bedtime, take a natural sleep aid containing melatonin, chamomile, hops, valerian and passionflower to help with sleep. The following herbs should be taken in combination to nourish the adrenals and help reduce the effects of stress:

Rhodiola increases the body’s resistance to all types of stress; enhances mental and physical performance; and regulates the heart by increasing oxygen utilization. Suma is called “para todo” which means “for everything.” It is considered a regenerative tonic for the nervous, reproductive and digestive systems and is used to treat hormonal disorders, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, and stress.

Siberian ginseng, not a true ginseng, normalizes reactions to physical and mental stress, and increases the body’s ability to withstand adverse conditions such as heat, noise, increases in workload and physical endurance. It regulates blood sugar, protects the liver and supports optimal adrenal function.

Schizandra berry is a general tonic that promotes liver health and counters the effects of stress and fatigue. It is also used for insomnia associated with changing hormones.

Ashwagandha increases energy to improve overall health and longevity. Studies have proven powerful anti-stress effects as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and immune-modulating properties. Ashwagandha not only supports the adrenals but has also been found to improve thyroid function too.

Support a Low Thyroid The adrenal glands and the thyroid are directly linked so once the adrenals become exhausted, the thyroid goes low. The following nutrients have been found to help support the thyroid. These nutrients can be safely taken along with thyroid medicines. Never stop your thyroid hormone drug without your doctor’s recommendation.

Tyrosine is an amino acid necessary for the manufacture of thyroid hormones. Tyrosine assists a sluggish thyroid and can aid the loss of those unwanted pounds.

Ashwagandha supports the thyroid gland. Studies show that it enhances thyroid function and produces a significant increase in T4 thyroid hormone.

Guggal extract supports complete thyroid health while enhancing the conversion of T4 hormone to the more potent T3 hormone. Guggal extract and ashwagandha should be used together to support thyroid health.

Potassium iodide is essential for the manufacture of thyroid hormones, and was initially added to salt to combat the epidemic of low thyroid in Canadians. Since many people now avoid salt for fear of high blood pressure, low thyroid and goitres are on the rise in Canada.

Environmental Estrogen Protection
We must avoid products containing environmental estrogens such as cosmetics containing parabens, plastics with BPA, synthetic hormones in dairy and meat, to name a few. Detoxification of these estrogens using saunas and dry brushing the skin will help to eliminate excess estrogens, as does eating organic broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage and kale. Supplementing with the following nutrients can help protect you from the dangerous effects of environmental estrogens and balance hormones. If you have any of the estrogen-dominant conditions mentioned earlier, you need the following food-based nutrients every day. They can be purchased separately or in combo.

Indole-3-carbinol (I-3-C) is a powerful plant nutrient from cruciferous vegetables. I-3-C prevents the conversion of good estrogens to cancer-causing estrogens. I-3-C maintains a healthy cervix, protects against HPV cervical lesions and controls abnormal cell growth found in those with uterine fibroids, breast lumps and endometriosis. It is very effective for heavy periods caused by a thickened uterine lining.

D-glucarate is a powerful detoxifier of excess estrogens via the liver. It helps to maintain healthy hormone balance.

Green tea extract contains polyphenols, catechins and flavonoids shown to be protective against estrogen-related cancers and it stops abnormal cell growth. (Note: Although uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis and breast lumps may not develop into cancers, they are cells growing out of control.)

Curcuminis the yellow pigment of turmeric. This powerful anti-inflammatory agent works to inhibit all steps of cancer formation: initiation, promotion and progression. Curcumin also supports the liver.

Rosemary extract, a potent antioxidant, protects cells from cancer-causing agents, inhibits the growth of cancer cells and helps to detoxify toxic estrogens.

Sulforaphane, from Broccophane™ broccoli sprout extract, has been shown to stimulate the body’s production of detoxification enzymes that eliminate environmental estrogens. Sulforaphane is a powerful antioxidant and anticancer agent.

Happy Conclusions
Mary found relief from her insomnia and night sweats within a few days by using the adrenal support nutrients and a natural sleep aid. Joanne is relieved that, after only two months of taking indole-3-carbinol along with the other estrogen-balancing nutrients, her periods are now four days in length with normal flow. Since Melinda started taking the recommended thyroid nutrients, her hair stopped falling out and the added weight is now coming off effortlessly.

Dear Pharmacist,

My older sister had a mastectomy earlier this year. I understand that breast cancer runs in families, so now I’m scared to death so I’m getting tests done myself. Can you offer advice from your natural perspective?

Answer: Let me say upfront that an anti-cancer lifestyle -and there is such a thing- is also an anti-breast cancer lifestyle. It includes eating fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, less meat, less processed food (way less!), no smoking, losing weight and exercising. There are many things one can do to erect a powerful protective barrier. At or near the top of my supplement list is flax seed.

Besides serving as a great source of detoxifying fiber and essential fatty acids, flax seeds contain a whopping portion of “lignans”--a plant chemical that your body converts to a hormone-like compound that resembles estrogen (termed phytoestrogens). Many studies show that people who eat a lignan-rich diet have a lower incidence of breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Phytoestrogens fit nicely into your cells’ estrogen-receptor sites, thereby preventing dangerous estrogens from causing problems like breast cancer. This is a much simplified explanation, but you get the idea. Ground up flax seeds provide hundreds of times more lignans than any other plant.

Flax seeds pack such an anti-cancer punch that they may benefit women with active breast cancer. One randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study (that’s the most rigorous kind of scientific study) found positive results in post-menopausal women who had breast cancer. Participants had to eat muffins that were baked either with flax seeds or without (placebo). The cancer cells stopped growing aggressively in the group of women who ate muffins containing flax seed, and some of the cancer cells even died (apoptosis). Of course, I’m not advocating flax seeds as the cure for breast cancer, but it’s clear that flax can zap cancer cells to some extent.

You can buy the fresh seeds at health food stores and even some grocery stores. Grind up one tablespoon daily and sprinkle it on salads or greens, or into your fruit smoothie. Do bother to grind them up. Don’t try to save time by swallowing a mouthful of seeds because you’ll chew for an hour! I use both the seeds and flax seed oil several times a week, but I prefer the ground seeds because of the higher lignan content and fiber.

If you have breast cancer in your family, I completely understand your urgency to do anything you can to keep this dreaded disease at bay. Flax seeds are just one of more than a dozen superfoods and supplements that I recommend to prevent breast cancer (and prostate cancer). For a full account of other helpful supplements, please see my eBook Breast Cancer Protection, which is available through my website.

Did You Know?

Mirena is a new intrauterine device that can prevent pregnancy for up to five years.

How the Medicinal Discoveries of The Hemp Plant Are Transforming Women's Health

There's no doubt about it. Women are much more challenged when it comes to their hormonal and overall health than men. In fact, women are four times more likely to have migraines, anxiety, Irritable Bowel Disease and Fibromyalgia.

There is a new understanding of why women are more vulnerable. It all has to do with the endocannabinoid system and the fact that women are three times more vulnerable to an endocannabinoid deficiency than men.

If you are asking exactly what is the endocannabinoid system, you are not alone. But it will soon be more widely known as one of the most important systems in our body.

A major discovery occurred in the 1990's that would change not only the understanding of our own physiology, but also reveal one of nature's most powerful healing plants, agricultural hemp.

It began with the research into the cannabis plant which then led to discovery of an entirely new system in the body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the revelation of the immense healing potential of the non-psychoactive component of the hemp plant.

We have Dr. Raphael Muchoulam to thank for this groundbreaking discovery. Dr. Muchoulam, an Israeli organic chemist, professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and pioneer in the field of cannabis research is considered one of the giants of cannabis research. For the past 50 years, he and his team have succeeded in discovering the major plant cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol,) and Hemp Extract (cannabidiol).

According to Dr. Mechoulam,"By using a plant that has been around for thousands of years, we discovered a new physiological system of immense importance. We wouldn't have been able to get there if we had not looked at the plant."

Why is there such excitement amongst scientists and health practitioners? It turns out that the ECS is a primordial language that nerves and brain cells use to communicate. From womb to tomb, across countless generations, the endocannabinoid system guides and protects all vital physiological processes.

What's The Big Deal About The Endocannabinoid System? The ECS is possibly the single most important system within our entire body. It is responsible for maintaining a process called homeostasis. Basically, if our ECS is out-of-whack, the health of our entire body could be at risk.

There is one biological principle that is essential for maintaining a healthy functioning body. That principle is called homeostasis.

Homeostasis means that biological systems are actively regulated to maintain conditions within a narrow, healthy range. The intelligence of the body insures that critical functions are always in proper balance. For instance, our body doesn't want its temperature to be too hot or too cold, or blood sugar levels too high or too low. Conditions need to be just right for our cells to be functioning optimally. Without this perfect, rather narrow range of regulation, we would die.

As it turns out, that is exactly the job of the ECS. It is a vital molecular system for helping to maintain homeostasis—it insures that cells stay in their "Goldilocks" zone of just right at all times.

The ECS insures that the communication between all the biological systems is working perfectly. Some of processes the ECS controls include: pain perception, gastrointestinal motility, memory, sleep, response to stress, anxiety, depression, bone repair, growth of new brain cells, reduction of excessive inflammation, regulation of hormonal systems, fertility, protection from strokes and other neurodegenerative problems.

The ECS regulates the homeostasis of the following functions:

• Appetite
• Metabolism
• Pain
• Sleep
• Mood
• Movement
• Temperature
• Memory and learning
• Immune function
• Inflammation
• Neural development
• Neuroprotection
• Cardiovascular function
• Digestion
• Reproduction

This is why the ECS is such a big deal!
Every important physiological function of our body is regulated and kept in balance by a properly functioning ECS.

Hemp Extract, the Non-Psychoactive Molecule in the Cannabis Plant

Cannabinoids are the chemical molecules that communicate with the ECS. There are two types of cannabinoid molecules. One type is made by the body the other kind comes from plants, such as the cannabis plant.

Hemp Extract is the non-psychoactive part of the cannabis plant that is totally legal in all 50 states. It works its healing effect by indirectly increasing the activity of ECS receptors. Hemp Extract will activate receptors in the body's systems that have to do with pain, perception and inflammation.

This is really good news when it comes to women's health challenges.

Hemp Extract and Women's Health

Hemp Extract is a valuable natural support for the many health and hormonal issues that particularly affect women. So many of the conditions that affects hormonal balance are related to chronic inflammation and pain, stress, dysregulated hormonal cycles, insulin resistance, and trauma. Hemp Extract is a panacea for so many of the issues that cause women distress.

The following are some of the ways Hemp Extract can help to support women to address many health issues as well as regain their health.

1. Eases Premenstrual Symptoms
   Hemp Extract is able to lessen or alleviate all the major PMS symptoms including reducing inflammation that contributes to headaches/migraines, menstrual cramps, upset stomachs, and physical sensitivities. Hemp Extract naturally elevates mood, balancing mood swings and reducing depression and anxiety. It also enhances deep sleep.
2. Enhances Fertility
   The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating a broad range of physiological processes including reproductive fertility.
3. Eases Perimenopausal and Menopausal Symptoms
   The ECS regulates the endocrine system. Symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause are related to an endocannabinoid deficiency. Estrogen levels are linked to endocannabinoid levels. Since the ECS also regulates body temperature, it helps with hot flashes and night sweats. It also supports other symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, such as moods, sleep, pain, cognitive impairment and low energy.
   
   Hemp Extract can help to balance hormonal levels, including estrogen, by restoring proper ECS tone. The endocannabinoid system also helps to regulate bone loss seen after menopause. The CB2 cannabinoid receptor is found in bone cells and when there are fewer coded CB2 receptors after menopause, it leads to osteoporosis.
4. Helps Prevent Osteoporosis and Builds Bone
   Hemp Extract activates cannabinoid receptor that balances the bone remodeling process. It can help prevent bone loss. The endocannabinoid system heals fractures and promotes the development of new bone tissues.
5. Helps to Prevent Breast Cancer and Reduce Treatment Symptoms
   Research has shown evidence that CBD effectively kills breast-cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. Studies show that Hemp Extract may support apoptosis (programmed cell death that rids the body of old and damaged cells. Hemp Extract has been proven to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. It increases appetite, decreases nausea, and promotes restful sleep, all of which supports healing.
6. Reduces Autoimmune Diseases
   Women comprise 75 percent of patients diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. Fortunately, new research suggests that Hemp Extract may be an effective treatment for the symptoms of autoimmune disorders. It also helps to calm an over-active immune system, limiting the production of the pro-inflammatory molecules.
7. Provides Relief for Anxiety and Depression
   Women are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety disorders. One recent study showed that Hemp Extract lessened anxiety and distress when taken just before an anxiety-provoking public speaking performance. While Hemp Extract has been proven to combat social anxiety disorder, it can also help to quickly alleviate general anxiety symptoms. Hemp Extract has now also been found to be able to successfully and effectively treat depression.
8. Helps with Chronic Pelvic Pain
   Hemp Extract reduces chronic pain by lowering inflammation. Conditions such as endometriosis are also considered to be an autoimmune condition, which is helped with Hemp Extract. The understanding that women are vulnerable to an endocannabinoid deficiency opens up an entirely new possibility for a healing by using Hemp Extract. Due to stress, excessive stimulation of the nervous system from WIFI devices, nutritional deficiencies and toxicity, our ECS is under duress.

Thanks to research that has once again revealed what the ancient cultures have known for millennia, the Hemp Extract from the cannabis plant is transforming health.

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the July 2017 issue of TotalHealth Online.

We begin with "The Pill Problem," by Ross Pelton, RPh, PhD, CCN. "Several years ago when I wrote a book titled The Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook, I was amazed to find that oral contraceptives deplete a wide range of nutrients from a woman's body. In fact, oral contraceptives deplete more nutrients than any other class of commonly prescribed drugs." Pelton discusses health problems that can develop from using oral contraceptives and suggests an new, natural, non-hormonal alternative with no spermicides. Pelton is the scientific director at Essential Formulas and a long time advertiser with TotalHealth magazine.

Sherrill Sellman, ND, in "Finally—A Safe, Natural, Non-Hormonal Contraceptive With No Side Effects." Sellman introduces readers to Dr. Françoise Farron, a fiercely determined woman and biochemist, who is passionate about her mission to save the lives of women worldwide. After years of research, she has succeeded in bringing her vision of a truly safe and effective, non-hormonal contraceptive solution, called Smart Women's Choice, to market.

Dallas Clouatre's, PhD, article, "Bone Broths are Good For What Ails You," provides us history on broths and observations, not from the scientific literature on the benefits of making your own bone broths. Clouatre includes a listing of the a few of the nutrients found in bone broths. And how it reacts with the bodies healing in response to illness.

In "Organic Apple Cider The Versatile Superfood Staple" Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS gives us the health benefits of apple cider vinegar from her new book, The NEW Fat Flush Plan.

Don't be insulted reading "Fibromyalgia—Orthostatic Intolerance (NMH & POTS) Made Easy by Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, when he refers to us as "bags of water." He explains how the body's autonomic nervous system directs the blood vessels in our legs to contract and send the blood back up to our brain and muscles where it's needed. Orthostatic intolerance is a major and treatable part of what causes disability in CFS and fibromyalgia. And research has shown that many people diagnosed with NMH and POTS actually have CFS or fibromyalgia. Read on, Dr. Teitelbaum is our contributing expert on CFS and fibromyalgia.

Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG), describes symptoms and conventional treatments and also dietary supplements: primary and secondary recommendations in "Angina Pectoris" (chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease). Important information for all of us.

Gloria Gilbère, CDP, DAHom, PhD, presents "Crunchy Nutrition Chips," a healthy alternative to the usual chips available. You replace the potatoes with healthy veggies like, carrots or beets and lets you control the amount of salt on your chips.

Elson Haas, MD, "Seasonal Health and Summertime Fun." Haas takes us on a journey through the seasons and specifically the summer season and its influence on us, eating, sleeping and exercise habits. Individually we are in charge of those habits. He gives us insight on keeping ourselves healthy through the summer season.

Shawn Messonnier, DVM includes our look at pet health with his article on "Distemper in Pets."

Best in health,

TWIP The Wellness Imperative People

Click here to read the full July issue.

• The Pill Problem
  Ross Pelton, RPh, PhD, CCN
• Finally—A Safe, Natural, Non-Hormonal Contraceptive With No Side Effects
  Sherrill Sellman, ND
• Bone Broths are Good For What Ails You
  Dallas Clouatre, PhD
• Organic Apple Cider The Versatile Superfood Staple
  Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS
• Fibromyalgia—Orthostatic Intolerance (NMH & POTS) Made Easy
  Jacob Teitelbaum, MD
• Angina Pectoris
  Gene Bruno, MS, MHS
• Crunchy Nutrition Chips
  Gloria Gilbère, CDP, DAHom, PhD
• Seasonal Health and Summertime Fun
  Elson Haas, MD
• Distemper in Pets
  Shawn Messonnier, DVM

Click here to read the full July issue.

Women everywhere are talking about menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Is it safe or isn't it? Well, that depends on whom you ask, what studies you read and what media reports you're exposed to.

Earlier this year, women—and even doctors—became more confused about HRT when the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) issued a press release saying HRT is safe and effective if women start taking it early in menopause and for less than five years.

Moducare® is a patented blend of plant sterols and sterolins, and the only sterol/sterolin product clinically proven to be effective in immune modulation. Moducare can be considered an adjunct to help shift immune responses to a more balanced state. It enhances the activity of various immune cells and increases the killing ability of specialized cells, called Natural Killer cells, responsible for immune surveillance. Moducare also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce the effects of stress on the immune system by managing the release of cortisol, a stress hormone. Moducare is well-tolerated, with no known interactions with either prescribed medications or natural supplements. Plus, long-term studies have found that it has no significant negative side effects.

Human Research Proves Plant Sterols Action
We call sterols the forgotten nutrient because although thousands of research studies have been preformed on this nutrient, it has not been given the recognition it deserves.

Over 4,000 published studies to date have examined phytosterols and 140 of these studies are double-blind, placebo-controlled human trials. Rheumatoid arthritis, cervical cancer, diabetes, immune function, prostate problems, HI V, herpes, hepatitis C, allergies, stress-induced immune suppression, chronic fatigue, tuberculosis, breast cancer, and high cholesterol are only some of the diseases where sterols and sterolins have been shown to be extremely effective.

Plant sterols and sterolins are essential for modulating (balancing) the immune system, enhancing it if it is under active, and reducing it when it is over stimulated. They perform the balancing act very effectively. Patrick J.D. Bouic, Ph.D., has shown in his research that plant sterols and sterolins are effective in enhancing an under active immune system and/or decreasing an overactive one. This happens without the side effects associated with pharmaceutical substances such as interferon, prednisone or methotrexate. Sterols and sterolins have been evaluated in a 25,000-person safety study and found to have no side effects, no drug interactions, and no toxicity. It is safe for children, as well as pregnant and nursing mothers. Only those who have had an organ transplant cannot take plant sterols because they may stimulate rejection.

Plant sterols and sterolins also increase the number and action of natural killer cells (our cancer fighters) and increase our DHE A levels naturally. They are also able to reduce the stress hormone cortisol and the proinflammatory immune factor, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TN F-a). Interleukin-6 and (TN F-a) are increased in autoimmune disorders, osteoporosis, over exercising, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis. Reduction of this inflammatory agent is the key to halting symptoms and pain. This is exactly what plant sterols and sterolins do.

Sterols—Great Stress Busters
Chronic stress is so negative that it can promote and exacerbate most disease. Numerous studies have linked our ability to deal with stress to our susceptibility to the common cold as well as more serious diseases such as cancer. Adults who have recently lost a loved one or have been divorced or separated tend to have the highest cancer rates. Unrelieved stress gradually weakens and suppresses our immune system, causing disease. Stressful situations promote the release of cortisol, the stress hormone which in turn causes the secretion of a negative immune factor interleukin-6. Abnormal levels of IL-6 are associated with osteoporosis, autoimmune disease, asthma, inflammatory diseases including arthritis, and more. We know that phytosterols are effective in reducing IL-6, cortisol and other negative immune factors. They also improve DHEA, a hormone known to help fight the effects of stress.

An overview follows of a few of the outstanding studies published.

Sterols Lower Cholesterol
The rapid cholesterol-lowering effects of phytosterols have been reported in over 400 studies. Beta-sitosterol is very similar in structure to cholesterol except that it has an extra ethyl group on the side chain. Due to this similarity, it interferes with the absorption of the cholesterol found in our foods as well as the cholesterol produced by the body. By including phytosterol-rich foods or supplements containing sterols, we can normalize cholesterol much faster than with the common cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Sterols Halt Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is now occurring in epidemic proportions. Over four million North Americans are infected with hepatitis C. Liver specialists are overwhelmed as they struggle to deal with the increase in the incidence of this disease. Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplants in North America. Physicians using sterols and sterolins to treat hepatitis C have already shown that with 90 days of the sterols and sterolins treatment liver enzymes and viral load normalize.

Sterols, Heart Disease and DHEA
A team of Canadian researchers discovered that an error in the regulation of certain immune cells that fight bacterial infections may be implicated in heart attacks and strokes. In a study published in the International Journal of Immunopharmacology, plant sterols and sterolins are shown to improve the ability of the immune system to fight bacterial infections. Sterols and sterolins, not antibiotics, may be the way to treat bacterial-induced heart disease.

Prostate Problems Eliminated
Urologists in Germany have been using plant sterols and sterolins for over two decades for the treatment of enlarged prostate. In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 200 patients with an average age of 65 and with BPH, subjects were given sterols and sterolins for six months. The treatment group showed a rapid reduction of the symptoms mentioned above and an increase in peak urinary flow and a decrease in inflammation. When does a health food product become mainstream? Do 4,000 medical studies constitute good scientific evidence of a nutrient’s effectiveness? We believe plant sterols and sterolins will change the way we treat disease in the future. Instead of treating symptoms, we will get directly to the source of the symptoms and repair the cause of the disease.

The importance of eating healthily for general well-being and warding off disease can never be underestimated, no more so it seems than with cancer. Today, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer amongst women, and in fact is the most prevalent cause of death in female cancer patients. Scientists however estimate that over 40 percent of all breast cancer cases could be prevented by a number of means such as changing one’s diet, drinking less alcohol, being more physically active and maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI).¹ The main reason why these methods are proven to work is that they reduce and even negate the effect of what are known as ‘carcinogens’ in our bodies.

Carcinogens are the substances found either in our environment, cosmetics, household items or food that cause, promote or aggravate the growth of cancerous cells. Though treatments for all types of cancer including breast cancer have come a long way in recent years and death rates in Western nations have been greatly reduced, it is prevention of the disease in the first place, primarily via nutrition, where emphasis ought to be placed.

Time for a cleaning
The world today is full of all kinds of nasty chemicals and toxins, many of which are carcinogenic in nature. If you have cancer in your body, there is also a good chance that your body will contain a high level of these unwanted toxins too. There are two main detoxification centers of the body: 1) the liver and 2) the epithelial cells of the intestinal tract.

Liver cells are capable of detoxifying a vast number of end products of metabolism, drugs, hormones and potentially carcinogenic agents. The detoxification process itself can be broken down into two stages (Phase I and Phase II) that both form essential aspects of preventing the accumulation of toxins in the body and eliminating cancer causing compounds. Simply put, Phase I enzymes detoxify and neutralize dangerous chemicals you have ingested but first must convert these compounds into intermediate products which Phase II enzymes act upon.

When looking at nutrition to lower your breast cancer risk, it is important to recognize there is no single food alone that can protect against breast cancer itself, but rather a combination of predominantly plant-based foods that are certainly of great use. Not only can a diet rich in key fruits and vegetables prevent cancer from occurring by assisting detoxification, it can even help in impeding the development and progression of the disease too. There is now a large body of scientific evidence that clearly highlights that the myriad nutrients (minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals) found in certain plant foods can work in synergy to block the effect of carcinogens, thus greatly reducing your risk of getting the disease.

Cruciferous Vegetables For Breast Cancer
One of the most prominent food groups on the anti-breast cancer list are those belonging to the Brassica genus of plants, otherwise known as cruciferous vegetables. These include but are not limited to: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, turnips and watercress. Nutritionally speaking, Brassica vegetables are extremely valuable, as they possess high levels of vitamin C and soluble fiber required for health bodily functioning. More relevantly they contain a chemical known as Indole-3-glucosinolate (I3G) which when cooked is converted to Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a compound that has extremely potent anti-cancer effects.²

As of today, there have been well over 100 peer-reviewed studies on Indole-3-carbinol that have demonstrated its ability to combat breast, endometrial, and cervical cancers as well as prostate and even respiratory tract cancers.³ Studies have gone on to highlight that women being treated with cancer drugs such as Tamoxifen needed less of the drug if they were supplementing with I3C.⁴ Not only this, but I3C delivered the same benefits as Tamoxifen whilst reducing negative side effects.⁵ There is also promise for those undergoing conventional therapies like chemotherapy from cancer, which is almost always too toxic for the body to handle and not nearly as effective as cancer patients have been led to believe. On top of this, many patients build up a resistance to the actual drugs that are being used, making them ineffective and even more potentially damaging to the body. The good news is that researchers in India have shown that I3C is able to actually reverse the resistance to chemotherapy drugs.⁶

Speeding up the process I3C is one of the few phytonutrients that has demonstrated its ability in speeding up both Phase I and Phase II detoxification in the liver, as well as improving the efficacy of the detoxification process itself. In fact, I3C works in a number of different ways. Its primary mechanism of action is by altering your hormonal ratios so your body produces more of the ‘good’ estrogen and less of the ‘bad’ kind.” It does this through the action of a detoxifying enzyme in the liver called cytochrome P450 1A1.⁷

Unlike Tamoxifen, I3C is also able to denature estradiol (an aggressive form of estrogen) into a much safer and weaker version further reinforcing its anti-carcinogenic activity. I3C also works by preventing estradiol from binding to estrogen receptor sites, thus precluding its ability to cause damage within breast-tissue cells. Additionally it is very effective at preventing dangerous toxins known as dioxins from causing damage to our DNA and is also capable of directly killing cancer cells and even reversing tumor growth.⁸ A study conducted at UCLA Berkeley clearly highlighted the phytonutrients astonishing efficacy, as I3C inhibited up to 90 percent of MCF7 breast cancer cells compared to Tamoxifen, which only achieved a 60 percent inhibition rate.⁹ The antioxidant properties of I3C are also so prominent that many researchers consider it a viable treatment for numerous other conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Another useful compound found in the Brassica family of plants is sulforaphane. Sulforaphane was first identified many years ago as one of the more important chemicals in cruciferous vegetables that provide many of their health benefits. Today it is known to assist in fighting breast cancer by targeting the stem cells that fuel a tumor’s growth. In addition it utilizes a mechanism involving HDACs (histone deacetylases) that are a family of enzymes that are able to interfere with the normal suppression of tumors. In this way, these two mechanisms work synergistically to create the overall anti-cancer effect of the compound. Studies too have corroborated this, and sulforaphane has been proven to inhibit breast cancer stem cells in vitro as well as in vivo.¹⁰ Found in highest concentrations in broccoli, this chemical is also a strong antioxidant and antiinflammatory.

Prevention as treatment for breats cancer
It is estimated that in 2013, out of roughly 300,000 new cases, 40,000 women will die from breast cancer in the United States alone.¹¹ Such high figures make harsh a reality that exists for women today and yet at the same time underlines the sheer importance of putting into place key lifestyle changes in order to prevent succumbing to the disease. You are now well aware that a good place to start is by eating a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables. Failing this, women can also supplement the key phytochemicals found in these vegetables such as indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane* in order to lower their breast-cancer risk.

Supplementing however is by no means a fully certified guarantee of health, but rather should be viewed as one of many ways to avoid disease. Other ways of improving your overall health include regular exercise, obtaining sufficient sleep as well as stress management techniques. These methods in addition to helping you stay cancer-free for the rest of your days will also assist in improving your well-being and the overall quality of your life and who wouldn’t want that?

References

1. Ferlay, J., et al. “GLOBOCAN 2008, cancer incidence and mortality worldwide: IARC CancerBase No. 10.” Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer 2010 (2010): 29.
2. Broadbent, T.A., Broadbent, H.S. The chemistry and pharmacology of indole-3-carbinol (indole-3-methanol) and 3-(methoxymethyl) Indole. [Part I]. Curr Med Chem 1998; 5: 337–52.
3. Rose P, et al. 7-Methylsulfinylheptyl and 8-methylsulfinyloctyl isothiocyanates from watercress are potent inducers of phase II enzymes. Carcinogenesis. 2000 Nov;21(11):1983 – 8.
4. Carolyn M, et al. Indole-3-Carbinol and Tamoxifen Cooperate to Arrest the Cell Cycle of MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells Cancer Res March 15, 1999 59; 1244.
5. Cover, Carolyn M., et al. “Indole-3-carbinol and tamoxifen cooperate to arrest the cell cycle of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.” Cancer Research 59.6 (1999): 1244 –51.
6. Arora A, et al. Modulation of vinca-alkaloid-induced P-glycoprotein expression by indole-3-carbinol. Cancer Lett 2003 189:167–73.
7. Yoshida M, et al. Dietary indole-3-carbinol promotes endometrial adenocarcinoma development in rats initiated with N-ethyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, with induction of cytochrome P450s in the liver and consequent modulation of estrogen metabolism. Carcinogenesis. 2004 Nov;25(11):2257– 64. Epub 2004 Jul 7.
8. Telang, Nitin T., et al. “Inhibition of proliferation and modulation of estradiol metabolism: novel mechanisms for breast cancer prevention by the phytochemical indole-3-carbinol.” Experimental Biology and Medicine 216.2 (1997): 246 –252.
9. Cover CM, et al. Indole-3-carbinol inhibits the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase-6 and induces a G1 cell cycle arrest of human breast cancer cells independent of estrogen receptor signaling. J Biol Chem. 1998 Feb 13;273(7):3838 – 47.
10. Li, Yanyan, et al. “Sulforaphane, a dietary component of broccoli/broccoli sprouts, inhibits breast cancer stem cells.” Clinical Cancer Research 16.9 (2010): 2580 – 90.
11. Siegel, Rebecca, et al. “Cancer statistics, 2013.” CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians 63.1 (2013): 11–30. Brad King, MS, MFS *Both are found in my Ultimate Her Energy

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the Octobe 2018 issue of TotalHealth Magazine.

We would like to dedicate this issue to one of our long-time contributors, Dallas Clouatre. We are saddened to tell you of the passing of this brilliant man. Jarrow Rogovin, Founder of Jarrow Formulas one of the companies Dallas worked with has generously given us an obituary honoring him, it can be found on page 5. Dallas is greatly missed.

Charles K. Bens, PhD, "Eradicating Breast Cancer." Bens shares with us how we can focus on prevention and reversing this terrible disease. Breast cancer is the second most deadly cancer after lung cancer for women.

"Thermography for Breast Health" by Hillary Smith, DC, DHM, CCT explains "Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (or DITI) uses a special very sensitive infrared camera to capture images related to the heat coming off the body. It is completely safe, as it is not putting anything into the person." Read on.

Ken Redcross, MD gives us a head's up on "Your Survival Guide to Flu Season." In addition to excellent recommendations for preventing the flu, and preparing yourself and your family for flu season, Dr. Redcross explains how you can reduce flu symptoms and shorten the experience. Now is the time to arm yourself and your medicine cabinet...don't wait until flu season is in full swing.

"Radical Metabolism—Eating Healthy While Saving" by Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS. Long-time weight loss, detox, and anti-aging expert, Ann Louise has been changing the nutritional landscape for decades. In this excerpt from her new book Radical Metabolism, Ann Louise shares with readers her Top 10 Tips to keep this plan within your budget and save on time.

Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, "The 3 Dietary Supplements Everyone Should Be Taking." This includes a multivitamin, vitamin D and omega fatty acids. At length, Bruno explains the benefits of all three of these supplements for the body. It is a well-documented article on your body's needs and uses of these supplements.

Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, "Getting Rid of Nighttime Acid Reflux" is the final part of the four-part series on night sweats. Teitelbaum's focus is on acid reflux. If you have never suffered with it perhaps you know someone who has and you can share this article with. There are suggestions on dealing with it by raising the head of your bed. Also a recipe you can make to help acid reflux.

Sherrill Sellman, ND reports "according to the American Heart Association's Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics–2018 Update published in the journal Circulation, nearly half of American adults are in this risk category." Sellman includes information on 120/Life^TM a new drink that is formulated with natural ingredients to effectively lower blood pressure.

Gloria Gilbère, CDP, DAHom, PhD, presents "Roasted Parmesan Cabbage Recipe," includes another healthy recipe accompanied by detailed information on the health benefits of cabbage. It may surprise you.

Shawn Messonnier, DVM, this month focus is on "Arthritis In Pets." Dogs are more susceptible than cats and large dogs more so than smaller breeds.

Thanks to all the authors who make TotalHealth possible.

Best in health,

TWIP—The Wellness Imperative People

Click here to read the full October 2018 issue.

• In Memoriam: Dallas L. Clouatre
  Jarrow Rogovin, Founder Jarrow Formulas
• Eradicating Breast Cancer
  Charles Bens, PhD
• Thermography for Breast Health
  Hillary Smith, DC, DHM, CCT
• Importance of Preparing For The Flu
  Ken Redcross, MD
• Radical Metabolism—Eating Healthy While Saving
  Anne Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS
• The 3 Dietary Supplements Everyone Should Be Taking
  Gene Bruno, MS, MHS
• Getting Rid of Nighttime Acid Reflux
  Jacob Teitelbaum, MD
• Nature To The Rescue For High Blood Pressure with 120/Life
  Sherrill Sellman, ND
• Roasted Parmesan Cabbage Recipe
  Gloria Gilbère, CDP, DAHom, PhD
• Arthritis In Pets
  Shawn Messonnier, DVM

Click here to read the full October 2018 issue.

The venerated father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, has had many of his wise sayings immortalized over the past two millennia. Most of us know a version of the following: “As to diseases, make a habit of two things—to help, or at least, to do no harm.” However, there is one quote attributed to Hippocrates that has all but disappeared from a list of his most quotable quotes. Hippocrates poised the rhetorical question, “What is Woman?” to which he supplied the answer: “Disease!”

When it comes to women’s health, the knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine embodies may pearls of wisdom. One of the most well-known sayings is that a Chinese doctor would rather treat ten men rather than one woman! It is no surprise that women are the more complex gender. A woman’s unique physiology gives her extraordinary advantages, such as a longer life span. However, altering the very delicate and finely balanced female hormonal system can also predispose women to a long list of health problems that can compromise her physiological, emotional and mental well-being.

Current blood tests are very inadequate and usually detect chronic disease five to ten years after it has already begun. Good examples are kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, breast cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease and diabetes.

• Kidneys can be diseased by 90 percent before tests ever indicate a problem.
• Liver disease is often detected after the liver is 70 percent diseased.
• Heart disease has often been developing 20 years before traditional tests reveal a problem.
• Breast cancer is usually detected with a mammogram, which is eight to ten years before cancer begins to develop.
• Diabetes tests include the AIC test, which often detects a problem five to ten years after it could have been detected.
• Alzheimer’s cannot be detected, by conventional medicine, until there is a beginning of loss in cognitive function.
• Parkinson’s Disease is only detected when a slight trembling occurs in one finger of one hand. By then about 80 percent of all dopamine receptors in the brain have died or been seriously damaged.

1. Stressed cells happen when there is poor nutrition,high toxin levels, high stress levels and genetic or biochemical deficiencies.
2. Weakened cells occur when cells have been stressed too long, and cells lose their energy level.
3. Dysfunctional cells are the third stage of deterioration when cells begin to experienced functional challenges. This is when most traditional tests detect a problem, such as high blood pressure, high glucose or chest pain known as angina.
4. Mutated cells occur when the nucleus of the cell becomes damaged and can no longer produce a healthy replacement cell.
5. Diseased cells happen when the cell cannot function and begins to damage other neighboring cells.

After the "pill" was approved in 1960, it quickly became one of the most important social and cultural revolutions in the history of the world. Since that time it is estimated that over 80 percent of women born in the U.S. after 1945 have used oral contraceptives at some time in their lives. Currently an estimated 12-million women in the United States, and over 100-million women worldwide are using oral contraceptives.

Several years ago when I wrote a book titled The Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook, I was amazed to find that oral contraceptives deplete a wide range of nutrients from a woman's body. In fact, oral contraceptives deplete more nutrients than any other class of commonly prescribed drugs.

The health problems that can develop from these nutrient depletions include depression; sleep disorders; anemia; low energy; migraine headaches; heart attacks; strokes; blood clots; diabetes; a weakened immune system; birth defects; cancers of the uterus, colon and breast; and accelerated aging. Actually, studies report that about 50 percent of women who begin using oral contraceptives will discontinue use within the first six to 12 months due to side effects.

The Dangers of Nutrient Depletions Caused by Oral Contraceptives

Generally, side effects from a drug occur relatively quickly. For example, a skin rash or nausea and vomiting generally occur within the first day or two. In such cases, you notify your doctor and stop taking the drug. However, the health problems from drug-induced nutrient depletions are more gradual in their onset and much more difficult to recognize.

Consider the following scenario. A woman has been taking oral contraceptives for the past eight years, seemingly without any problems. However, during the past six months, she has been increasingly complaining to her husband/partner, saying things like, "Honey, I'm so tired I feel like I don't have enough energy to even get out of bed in the morning," or "Honey, by mid-day I'm so exhausted, I'm dragging and can hardly get through the rest of the day."

Oral contraceptives deplete vitamin B12, folic acid, magnesium and coenzyme Q10. Each of these nutrients plays a critical role in energy production and a deficiency of any one of them will cause tiredness, lethargy and overall low energy. However, the woman is not likely to realize that her oral contraceptives are causing nutrient depletions that are resulting in her low energy and exhaustion.

It is also important to realize that many women are taking other drugs that can deplete the same nutrients that are being depleted by her oral contraceptives. For example, NSAIDs, acid-blocking drugs and anticonvulsant medications all deplete folic acid. So, a woman may be taking a PPI medication for her reflux, ibuprofen for headaches and if she has a seizure disorder, she will also be taking an anticonvulsant medication. This can create a serious risk of giving birth to an infant with a birth defect as well as other folic acid deficiency health problems.

Oral contraceptive nutrient depletions also increase risks for future cardiovascular problems. For example, women taking oral contraceptives have lower levels of vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid. This can cause elevated blood levels of homocysteine, which accelerates plaque buildup in the arteries. Years later, this can cause a heart attack, stroke or necessitate cardiac bypass surgery.

Oral contraceptive-induced depletion of vitamin B6 and the amino acid tyrosine greatly increase a woman's risk of depression. These nutrients are required for the production of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which control moods and emotions. A review of nine clinical trials reported the incidence of depression in women taking oral contraceptives ranged from 16 to 56 percent. In addition to depression, low levels of serotonin also increase the likelihood of developing sleep problems because serotonin is the precursor for melatonin, which is the chemical in the brain that triggers sleep.

Several of the nutrients depleted by oral contraceptives are important antioxidants, which include vitamin C, selenium, zinc and co-enzyme Q10. When these antioxidants are depleted, a woman's immune system is significantly compromised.

Oral contraceptives also increase a woman's risk of giving birth to an infant with birth defects. Folic acid deficiency is known to be the number one cause of neural tube birth defects and women taking OCs have lower levels of folic acid compared to non-users.

Sexual side effects are one of the most common reasons that women discontinue taking oral contraceptives. To put it bluntly, the "pill" lowers sex drive. This is because women taking OCs have lower levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone. These two hormones regulate sex drive in both men and women.

Common sexual side effects associated with oral contraceptives include decreased desire for sex, greater difficulty becoming aroused, vaginal dryness resulting in painful sex, and difficulty or inability to achieve orgasms.

Nutritional Supplement Recommendations For Hormone Based Birth Control

If you still insist on hormone based birth control recommended by your doctor keep this in mind; most health problems caused by oral contraceptives can be prevented or corrected by taking adequate nutritional supplementation. However, this is not accomplished by taking a one-a-day supplement.

In most cases, nutrient intakes substantially greater than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDAs) are required to compensate for the nutrient depletions caused by oral contraceptives. Here are a couple of examples. The RDAs for vitamins B1, B2 and B6 are about 1.5 mg to 2 mg daily. I suggest that women take from 10 mg to 25 mg twice daily. The RDA for vitamin C for adult women is 75 mg daily. I recommend at least 500 mg twice daily. Numerous companies offer higher potency nutritional supplements that provide the nutrient intake levels that I am suggesting.

Nutrients like tyrosine and co-enzyme Q10 are not included in most multivitamin/mineral formulations so they have to be purchased individually. I suggest that women take 500 mg of tyrosine twice daily and 50 mg to 100 mg of co-enzyme Q10 daily.

The Pill Problem is a health manual that devotes 15 short information-packed chapters to the side effects of oral contraceptives. Each chapter discusses the nutrient depletions that can result in a particular health problem. The Pill Problem also contains dosage recommendations for each of the nutrients that are depleted by oral contraceptives.

Hormone Free Alternative To Birth Control Pills And Devices

Two years ago I was introduced to a product called Smart Women's Choice (SWC), which is a safe, hormone-free form of contraception for women. Smart Women's Choice is a vaginal gel that is made with all-natural ingredients. It works by causing the entire ejaculate to coagulate. This prevents the sperm from traveling up the Fallopian tubes, which inhibits fertilization from taking place.

Smart Women's Choice was invented by Dr. Francoise Farron who is a biochemist by profession. Françoise started her studies at the University of California at Berkeley, got her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from New York University Medical School, and went on to work at Harvard Medical School studying control mechanisms of cell growth in cancer.

In one scientific study on her Smart Women's Choice formula, SWC caused a 100 percent clumping or immobilization of sperm at all concentrations tested. SWC has been on the market now for over three years and there has not been a single reported pregnancy.

All hormone-containing methods of contraception for women produce significant side effects. Thus, I was quite happy to learn about Smart Women's Choice and in October 2105, I wrote a supportive article about SWC that I posted on my Natural Pharmacist blog.

SWC comes in a compact 1 oz. tube that you can conveniently carry. It is recommended to store it in your refrigerator to make it easier to apply. It does not have an expiration date.

Instructions: Squeeze approximately one inch of the product onto your middle finger and insert into the vagina immediately before each sexual intercourse: afterwards, rinse thoroughly with tap water.

Each tube has approximately 50 applications.

You can purchase Smart Women's Choice directly from their website: http://smartwomenschoice.com.

October has become synonymous with Breast Cancer Awareness and the pink ribbon. This little symbol is placed on products of many kinds and incorporated into "cute" marketing programs. In our offices we celebrate Breast Health Month. We are all too aware of breast cancer. What we need is more money and education toward prevention. Many of the items showcasing the pink ribbon contain known carcinogens, especially in foods and personal care products. This hypocrisy doesn't make up for small percentages of donated funds. Also, women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer, do not find it "cute". Yes, it is wonderful to acknowledge what they have been through, their strength and determination. Men wearing pink tights doesn't make a difference to women's health. I would like to see the focus change from recognizing them to helping their daughters have a brighter health future. Breast thermography is a part of a comprehensive and personalized breast health program.

Breast and Full Body Thermography has become a better-known screening tool among the health community in the last few years. The technology has been featured in many health webinars and natural medicine newsletters.

Many people, who are aware of thermography, equate it with cancer detection and "hot spots". This is not the truth or the value of the screening. Here's the truth about thermography. Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (or DITI) uses a special very sensitive infrared camera to capture images related to the heat coming off the body. It is completely safe, as it is not putting anything into the person.

There is no radiation, compression, touching or pain.

The temperature differentials in the images can be interpreted by well-trained professionals and valuable health screening information can be ascertained.

Some findings are specific and can be followed up immediately with other tests. Looking at change over time is the best way to look at thermal imaging, and it is good to get a baseline before there is an issue. A baseline is established by having initial scans and then repeating the breast scans in a three-month time frame. This has been found to be the effective way to develop the thermal fingerprint in the breasts, and the process is elaborated on later in this article.

The images are not diagnostic, but rather a health assessment tool to help the person follow up on abnormal patterns. Because thermography is a test of physiology not anatomy, some things may be seen in the early developing stages before it becomes evident to the person as a problem.

What is the difference between anatomy and physiology?

Anatomy is structure, like your lungs. Physiology is a function, like your lungs expanding and contracting when you breathe.

Chronic diseases do not come on overnight. That would be an acute condition like an infection or injury. Chronic diseases like degenerative arthritis may start years before the symptoms are felt or diagnosed. It is helpful to know something may be developing, instead of waiting for it to happen. The individual can make corrective lifestyle changes and have additional testing specific to the findings. This is truly pro-active, preventative medicine.

One of our long-time patients had a shift in her normal "thermal fingerprint" on an annual breast scan. She followed up with changes in her diet and exercise. We were able to see improvement in her normal patterns, but there were still concerns. She had additional screening with a test of anatomy and there was no current diagnosis. Her health status was of particular concern because her twin sister had been diagnosed with breast cancer years before. We monitored her breast health as she balanced her hormones and continued with a healthy lifestyle. She returned to her baseline temperatures and has been doing well for several years since. While we can't know for sure what would have happened if she didn't get the information that her breast health was not stable, things might have had a different outcome. It was very satisfying to help this lovely lady stay well.

This is one of the many times we were able to use breast thermography as a wellness tool. Our goals are not just detection, but prevention.

Some women choose to do integrative or all-natural treatments for low-grade breast cancer. Although we do not offer an opinion, we are here to help them make the best-informed decisions. We can monitor their treatment with thermography as an objective tool. We have seen some treatments stabilize with the thermal findings, and this has been corroborated with breast MRI and other conventional testing means. We have also seen patients who believe their holistic treatments are effective, but the thermal images show a different story. This enables the patient to make different choices, even within the natural medicine arena.

When should you begin have breast thermography?

Breast thermography is safe at any age, but in young women it's best to wait until there is more hormonal stability. We would like to start scanning young women with significant concerns by 30. Because young women are being diagnosed with breast cancer in increasing numbers, other screenings may not be appropriate, beginning thermography before 40 is recommended.

In the first year, we develop what is called a thermographic breast baseline or "thermal fingerprint". This is accomplished by having one set of breast scans done and repeating the breast scans three months later. After the first year, if everything remains stable with the established baseline, we screen every year. Because thermography is looking at change over time, we do want to scan annually. Some activity can become invisible to thermography during a long absence from screening and so it is recommended we keep up annually. It's not like a mammogram that is looking at the anatomy on that day. This is why we encourage you to keep up with annual scans, to follow the physiology and possible changes.

Is Breast Thermography a Better Test?

Comparing thermography, a physiological screening to a test of anatomy is like comparing apples to oranges. Each screening has its own strengths and weaknesses. No test is 100%, so an individualized breast health program makes sense.

Breast lumps—thermography can monitor a breast lump for activity. However, every lump needs to be checked out anatomically at least once. That could be done by ultrasound, a clinical exam by a Doctor, MRI or mammogram. Once it has been established to be a cyst or other benign tissue, thermography can be utilized to monitor changes. Even if a breast lump shows up as normal on thermal imaging, if there hasn't been a test of anatomy, it must be done.

Non-specific finds on tests of anatomy can be followed for activity or changes with thermography. If something that is considered benign on anatomical testing shows temperature pattern changes, the findings may have changed. Time to monitor it and make some changes. Additional testing may be recommended. Of course, every decision should be made with the participation of a trusted and knowledgeable healthcare practitioner.

As we have discussed previously, as a health assessment tool, thermography is excellent and safe.

Full body thermography has become very popular in recent years as well. Looking at skin temperature with our sensitive infrared camera and sophisticated interpretation software, many areas of the body can be scanned.

What do we typically look for on body thermography?
Images are taken of different areas of the body for skin temperature patterns. The camera is looking at the surface not deep within the body. Interpretation is based on "Thermatomes" and is not like a CT scan or MRI, where you see a picture of the tissue.

In the head and neck, we are looking for areas of increased temperature in the sinus and dental areas, which can be related to infection. Inflammation related to the muscles of the head, jaw, and neck can be helpful in determining the right treatment for various pain issues.

Many biological dentists are referring for thermal imaging to find problem areas in old root canals, under crowns and fillings. General gum issues can be identified and followed up on as well. Lymphatic activity may be seen and can be associated with the dental or sinus issues.

A change in neutral temperature patterns in the thyroid and "thermatomes" related to different organs can prompt someone to do more testing, especially with related symptoms. At the least, they can monitor these changes over time.

Pain can be correlated with areas of inflammation, which is heat.
Even Hippocrates, The Father of Medicine, put mud on his patient to see where it dried first. This is the inflamed area. Technology has improved on his theory. These patterns can help pinpoint the body parts to be addressed with treatment modalities. Very helpful, especially because x-rays can't show pain. Inflammation in the visible blood vessels can also be an early warning sign, and further testing along with lifestyle modifications can make a big difference.

All the way to the bottom of the feet, where more heat on one foot can show a disturbance in the gait or postural balance. Animals are even benefiting from the growing applications of thermal imaging in veterinary sciences. Since they can't explain what hurts, like when they a limping, the camera can speak for them. Equestrians are using thermal imaging of horses backs to fit saddles properly, with less pain for the animal.

How to choose a Thermographer?
Thermography has yet to become a well-regulated field, which some consumers are not aware of. You want to make sure you are using a qualified practitioner. Is their camera specific for medical imaging, and not a lesser industrial camera. Is the technician certified by a reputable thermography organization? Do they have the expertise and licensure to review the information with you? Are the interpretations done by a qualified medical professional with certification and peer review? How are the images saved so that you will always have access and not be dependent on one technician? These are just a few of the things to keep in mind.

New innovations including lie detection and advanced medical screenings are being investigated worldwide. It is an exciting time for infrared and all its applications. Affordable and non-toxic health solutions are the way of the future with thermography.

The American College of Pathology states that four out of five women who die of cervical cancer had not had a PAP smear in the previous five years. According to U.S. statistics, the highest incidence of cervical cancer and the highest death rates occur in women over the age of 55, a group that often stops having annual PAP tests. PAP smears save lives by discovering abnormal cells, called cervical dysplasia, early enough to prevent loss of life from cervical cancer. All adult women from the age of 18 should have an annual PAP test to ensure that their cervix is healthy. But what can be done when the test comes back abnormal?

Tomatoes and natural tomato complex may be the ultimate women’s health food

Heart disease, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, skin cancer, endometrial cancer and osteoporosis— what do they have in common? They are all caused by oxidative stress, they attack women and they can all be prevented by tomatoes. The tomato may very well be one of nature’s most perfect foods, containing phytonutrients that help prevent oxidative damage which serves to protect against the leading health problems of women.