Dr Shari Answers your Questions C...

Dr Shari Answers your Questions

Cancer studies and natural products

Q From from Madison, N.J.: Why are to such a degree few studies using natural productions done on cancer patients?

A The issue is the two political and financial. The fact is, FDA-approved trials expense millions of dollars and most numerous dietary supplement companies simply cannot afford to do this model of research. For a mass-market pharmaceutical company that has annual returns in the billions, such trials are feasible. Also, many dietary counterparts -- such as vitamin E and selenium -- which have shown great promise in the war against cancer, cannot be patented and, therefore, there is little financial incentive for a company to sponsor research in succession them. The even bigger issue is the fact that many natural effects have shown great promise in animal research -- the same research original used for drugs. These animal studies are used to determine whether or not a substance -- be it natural or synthetic -- is worthy of a human trial. Studies done in succession natural products showing as earnestly as 70-90 percent remission, prevention or eradication of cancer in animals not at all go on to studies with early-stage cancer patients. Instead, natural consequences are simply relegated to late- or end-stage cancer patient research. We sometimes extremity up using drugs that are alone 15-20 percent effective in animal trials and ignore natural treatment that is oftentimes 70-90 percent effective in the same trials. What can we do to change this? Consumer must become more politically active and demand that more trials in succession natural products be sponsored from the U.S. government.

High-fat diets increase cancer risk

Q From M Shaftsbury, VT: Do high-fat diets really contribute to cancer? with what intent would fat be a problem?

A The vast majority of human and animal studies reveal that diets high in saturated fats and partially hydrogenated/trans fats (such as traditional stick margarine and deep-fried foods) increase the risk of cancer. There are several reasons why: (1) high-fat diets are usually lower in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, (2) high-fat cheers such as meats, form carcinogenic intermixs when exposed to high on a levels of heat, flame or charcoal, (3) polyunsaturated fats are same susceptible to oxidative stress which is implicated in cancer and (4) polyunsaturated fats in large quantities have been shown to increase the spread of existing cancer (metastasis). Extra virgin olive oil, unheated, appears to be more neutral than other forms of oil. Based in succession the available research, lowering one's fat intake to approximately 20 percent of total calories appears to be protective and therapeutic in the war against cancer.

Antioxidants and chemotherapy

Q From NB Scott Valley, CA: Can antioxidants be taken with chemotherapy or do they interfere with treatment?

A More than 264 studies (human and animal) have shown that antioxidant supplementation improves the issue of chemotherapy. The best flows were achieved when several antioxidants were used together, rather than just a high dose of the same antioxidant. Working synergistically, they appear to shape many of the side validitys of chemotherapy, help preserve immune function, and cover against fatal damage to organs as it is as the heart and kidneys. Human studies have overwhelmingly shown a beneficial result on overall survival when an antioxidant supplementation program is combined with chemotherapy.

RELATED ARTICLE: Vitamin E and breast cancer

Q From A.V., Park City, UT: Which form of vitamin E has been used in research upon breast cancer?

A While several forms of vitamin E exist, with esteem to breast cancer the form of vitamin E used in in the greatest degree studies was the "dry" form, known as d-alpha tocopheryl succinate. in succession the other hand, the oil-based form, lay the foundation of in the gel caps, pretends to be more effective for protecting the heart and cardiovascular arrangement I generally recommend taking both

Many Better Nutrition readers write to Dr Lieberman in search of the latest information upon natural cancer-fighting strategies. This month "By Reader Demand," we are featuring exclusively cancer-related Q & A's in Nutrition Hotline.

Shari Lieberman occupys a Ph.D. in a clinical nutrition and exercise physiology. She is a certified nutrition specialist (CNS) a peer of the American College of Nutrition (F.A.C.N.) and be of use tos on the board of the American Preventive Medical Association. Write her in care of Better Nutrition. She cannot answer questions by the agency of direct mail or telephone. Nutrition Hotline is intended for educational views only. If you have a medical question consult your physician.

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