14) Cancer Fighting Supplements - CoQ10

CoQ10 has shown interesting promise in the process to release Prostate Cancer. As an integral part of cells throughout the body, its’ purpose is to transform food into the energy our cells use to grow and stay healthy. First identified in 1957, it is known under many names including CoQ10, Q10, Vitamin Q10, Ubiquinone and Ubidecarenone. CoQ10 is also used as an antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals and helps the immune system work well by stimulating the production of antibody, macrophage and T cell levels. Of special note, without supplementation the older we get the less CoQ10 we have.

Though preliminary studies using CoQ10 have successfully treated Prostate Cancer, there have been no long-term extensive studies to date. In 1993, during its’ first clinical trial, Dr. Folkers found treating breast cancer with a dosage of 390mg per day that the cancer tumor disappeared. Another woman in the same study increased her dosage to 300mg per day and her tumor also disappeared with no evidence of metastases. Follow-up studies to this work were done by Dr. William Judy in Florida on patients with Prostate Cancer. Of the thirty (30) patients who were treated with 500mg CoQ10 daily, all fifteen (15) with no metastases had their PSA level return to normal, and eight (8) of fifteen (15) with metastases saw their PSA scores return to normal. In another CoQ10 study six (6) patients were treated with 500mg CoQ10 for 120 days and all six had their PSA scores return to normal. Dr Judy’s results from these and other studies indicated to her that within four (4) months of treatment with CoQ10, Prostate Cancer PSA’s began to lower and that in a year of treatment PSA scores generally dropped 75% while prostate mass was decrease by around 64%.

These results have since found additional support. A preliminary study at the University of Granada confirmed that CoQ10 significantly lowered prostate cancer cell growth without harming non-cancerous cells. In 2006 Researchers from the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine found that CoQ10 was inducing cancer cell death. They discovered that CoQ10 was counteracting the Bcl-2 in cells, which acted to take away the natural ability of a cancer cell to kill itself. They determined that supplementing with CoQ10 reversed the effects of the Bcl-2 thereby making cancer cells more susceptible to chemo and radiation treatments, and the body’s own natural cell death process. A further study showed that CoQ10 significantly reduced cancer cell growth without affecting normal cells.

I know of no serious side effects reported with taking CoQ10, though those at risk for cardiovascular disease should consult their doctor before using. Minor side effects include: insomnia, rashes, headache, feeling irritable or tired, higher than normal levels of liver enzymes, or general allergic reactions. Should these occur stop using CoQ10 and seek professional help.

Suggested dosage for supplemental treatment of Prostate Cancer should be a minimum of 300mg up to 500mg per day taken with a teaspoon of oil for better absorption as it dissolves in fat. I often take mine with hot green tea with some coconut oil melted in the tea. You may also take CoQ10 with food. Lower dosages of CoQ10 have shown poor or sporadic results, and you must work up to the effective dosage gradually. Finally this is not a quick fix as it generally takes CoQ10 at least four (4) months to start showing results. So if you have a more aggressive Prostate Cancer be sure to take the time frame into consideration and consider using CoQ10 only as part of a much larger healing process. CoQ10 is readily available through most health supplement stores, and there are some sources where the price is more attractive.

Next Installment: Cancer Fighting Supplements – Maitake MD-fraction, Maitake Gold 404

13) Cancer Fighting Supplements - IP6

Over time, abundant research has shown that IP6 can be very effective against cancer, including Prostate Cancer. The good news is that most of us eat it every day. Every time we enjoy dried beans, whole grains, nut, seeds, rice, wheat germ, corn, or sesame we are consuming some small amount of IP6. An interest study between the Danes and the Finns provides an example of the natural benefits of IP6. The Danes eat nearly twice as much fiber as the Finns, but their form of fiber does not include IP6. The Finns eat a lot of porridge with abundant IP6. The Danes experience nearly two times more cancer than the Finns.

Also know as inositol hexophosphate or phytic acid, IP6 is a sugar molecule with six phosphate groups. When normally consumed in food, IP6 is protein-bound and not as effectively absorbed or used as well by our body as when taken directly in the form of a supplement. It is also more effective when taken with Inositol. The two together form IP3 that more easily enters cancer cells.

IP6 was first discovered in 1855 and in addition to cancer treatment; it has been used for treating diabetes, depression, osteoporosis, heart disease, kidney stones, and boosting the immune system. In relation to cancer treatment it has been shown to slow or normalize the rate at which cancer cells divide; facilitate the repair of DNA; increase p53 gene activity by up to 17 times thereby preventing cancer cells from growing; reduce inflammation thereby reducing the cytokines that assist in cancer cell growth; enhance the normal death of cancer cells; inhibit the process wherein tumors setup their own blood supply resulting in the starvation of cancer cells; and reduce the adhesion of cancer cells to proteins thereby reducing cancer cell migration.

Though there have been several human studies showing that IP6 stops the growth of Prostate Cancer cells, much of the work with IP6 comes from Lab Studies with Mice using human Prostate Cancer cells. During the time of these studies the mice that were fed IP6 had their prostate cancer tumors reduced by 44% to 62% over the control groups along with around a 3.5 fold increase in the death of their cancer cells. Another study found that IP6 activated the p21 and p27 genes that played an important role in cancer cell death.  Additional work has been done with IP6 and iron chelation from cancer cells, thus limiting tumor growth. It is believed that tumor cells utilize iron as a necessary growth factor. Drugs such as desferrioxamine, doxorubicin, and deferiprone are thought to treat cancer by removing iron from cancer cells, but also have a poor ability to get inside the cancer cells or are toxic to normal cells including the heart. IP6 on the other hand is found in every cell in the body. It does not remove iron from red blood cells, and healthy cells are not affected by IP6 with its low to no toxicity. Because it so effectively penetrates cancer cells removing their iron, and is non-toxic, it is an obvious choice to treat cancer.

Purchased in powder form on-line or at any supplement store, suggested dosage for cancer prevention is around 1g to 2g daily. When treating Prostate Cancer suggested dosage for IP6 is 4g to 8g per day combined with 1.5g to 2g of Inositol. This should be taken on an empty stomach and mixes very well in warm water. I combine IP6, Inositol, and Pectasol-C with very warm water first thing in the morning about 30-45 minutes before breakfast. Though IP6 and Inositol have low toxicity, have shown no side effects, and are felt safe by most, there is some evidence that they slow blood clotting so be sure to mention their use to your doctor before surgery. Also since IP6 removes iron from the body, check on this if you are being treated for anemia. Finally as with many supplements, it is generally a good rule to take a few day break from consuming IP6 once a month for a few days to let the body rest.

My research has shown that the IP6/Inositol combination is an effective part of my process to release my Prostate Cancer. My hope is that more human studies will occur in the future with this inexpensive, readily available, effective supplement to fight cancer. Certainly there have been enough scientists and medical professionals who would agree that IP6 should be considered as a clinically effective part of the process to Release Prostate Cancer. 

Next Installment: Cancer Fighting Supplements - CoQ10

12) Cancer Fighting Supplements - Quercetin

Quercetin, a member of the Flavonoid family, is one of the subjects of ongoing exploration in the fight against Prostate Cancer. A supplement, it is available at any health food/vitamin store or online. As a potent antioxidant, it inhibits the replication of cancer cells according to an American Medical Association study. Though Flavonoids have many functions in plants, simply put they can be considered as plant pigments found in fruits, flowers, and vegetables that give the plants their color. There are thousands of different Flavonoids in nature.

Quercetin comes primarily from citrus fruits, apples, onions, parsley, tea, and red wine. It has been shown to have healthful antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and antiviral effects. It can improve the health of capillaries; reduce the risk of atherosclerosis; inhibit an enzyme that plays a part in the formation of diabetic cataract, neuropathy, and retinopathy; enhance the action of vitamin C; promote bone density; and much more. 

Prostate studies have shown exciting results from the use of Quercetin. In one study it was seen to reduce the symptoms of Prostatitis. Another study indicates Quercetin may be more effective than resveratrol in terms of inhibiting cancer cell growth. The effects of Quercetin combating Prostate Cancer have been shown to be especially true on Highly and Moderately Aggressive Prostate Cancer Cells. Another study showed that Quercetin inhibited the expression and function of the androgen receptor involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer thereby halting its growth. Several studies through the University of Pittsburgh have also shown Quercetin to promote and enhance the death of prostate cancer cells. These results, And More, support the valuable roles of Quercetin, and other Flavonoids as cancer chemopreventive and treatment agents.

Think about it. Quercetin comes naturally from fruits and vegetables that in our western diet are so poorly eaten. When considering the value of Quercetin, there is little wonder in my mind why those who consume fresh juices, smoothies, and lightly cooked soups, made from Organic fruits and vegetables are on the road to health. Whether you consider Quercetin as keeping cancer cells from dividing, slowing their growth, or as killing the cancer cells as some studies suggest, it is a formidable power in the fight against Prostate Cancer and should be part of your regimen.

Side effects when taking Quercetin are few, and it is generally well tolerated. In limited cases such things as mouth sores, headaches, and digestive upset including heartburn, or acid reflux have been reported. It also may reduce the effectiveness of other forms of estrogen, and enhance the effect of such medications as Warfarin (Coumadin), Clopidogrel (Plavix), and Aspirin thereby increasing the risk for bleeding. In some cases taking too much Quercetin can manifest itself in joint discomfort. As always you should check with a trusted medical professional for drug interaction or if you experience any of these symptoms.

Suggested dosage is between 200mg and 500mg per day. Larger doses can be taken daily but should be spread out. Though single doses up to 4 gram have been taken with no side effects, an upper limit of 1,500mg spread 3 times per day should probably be considered. As it does not digest well, for proper absorption it is important to take Quercetin with proteolytic enzymes, especially Bromelain. I am currently taking 500mg per day first thing in the morning along with proteolytic enzymes. 

Next installment: Cancer Fighting Supplements - IP6

11) Cancer Fighting Supplements - Proteolytic Enzymes

There are multitudes of Cancer Fighting Supplements that may help with Prostate Cancer. Though it may be ‘illegal’ to say they Cure Cancer, there is significant evidence that they do play an important part in the release of this deadly disease. Some have said these Natural Supplements have not been fully studied simply because there is no money to be made. They can’t be patented. Others imply the medical field, in an effort to keep revenues up, want to keep the public addicted to, and dependent on, expensive drugs that under-perform and cause further damage. Personally I believe there is way too little research on Natural Supplements; and that most Physicians have tunnel vision when it comes to their medical specialties. In an ideal world, I would like to see a true team approach to Curing Cancer. Until this is presented it is up to each one of us to create our own team acting as the voice of reason between the various components.

The first area of Natural Supplements I want to explore falls into the category of Proteolytic Enzymes. The value of these for fighting Cancer was first proposed and researched by Dr John Beard between 1906 and 1911. So they have been around for a long time. There are today a number of clinics primarily using Proteolytic Enzymes for Cancer treatment, and there are even more medical professionals that recommend their use as an adjunct therapy along side standard orthodox cancer treatments. What are Proteolytic Enzymes? For our purposes, they are Digestive Enzymes called Bromelain, Papain, and Pancreatin that come from pineapple, papaya and hog pancreas. Another, and possibly the most powerful Proteolytic Enzyme we will discuss is Serratia Peptidase from the silkworm.

It is believed these Proteolytic Enzymes assist in increasing Cancer fighting antiproteases that block the invasiveness of tumor cells. They inhibit metastasis by clearing proteins around Cancer Cells allowing killer T-cells and the Natural Killer cells to identify and attack them easier, and they block the growth of new blood vessels to developing Cancer thereby depriving the Cancer of necessary nourishment needed to support Cancer cell growth. They also work to dissolve fibrin.  Fibrin tends to cloak Cancer cells and make them sticky creating a greater likelihood of metastases. When the fibrin is dissolved the Cancer cells are easier to detect and destroy by the body’s own defenses. Because of this process it has been shown that Proteolytic Enzymes increase the effectiveness of both the macrophages and the natural killer cells by up to 12 times. In addition they may also assist in the fight against viral infections as a result of chemo-induced immune suppression. Since all this can’t be said on the label at your local vitamin store, they are most commonly promoted as a product that relieves digestive problems, relieves aches and pains, supports the immune system, increases flexibility, improve circulation, eases sore throat pain, aids in weight loss, and supports joint and tendon health.

Proteolytic Enzymes are best taken with a full glass of water on an empty stomach at least 45 minutes before any meal and up to two hours after a meal. They should be Enteric-Coated to pass through the stomach where in the small intestine they dissolve because of PH change. There they become digestive enzymes to help us digest our food and convert proteins into free amino acids, which are easily absorbed by the cells of the intestinal wall. Important note: It is believed if too much processed and overcooked foods/meats are eaten too fast, the pancreas which naturally secretes our enzymes can become overburdened with the digestive enzyme demands. This then creates a situation allowing toxins into the body thereby stressing the immune system and providing an opportunity for Cancer. As the Supplemental Proteolytic Enzymes then enter the circulatory system they are called systemic enzymes. There are important precautions before taking Proteolytic Enzymes to consider. They are a known blood thinner. Individuals taking prescription blood thinners, having surgery in less than a few weeks, experiencing problems with ulcers or reflux disease, taking antibiotics, pregnant or lactating women, or those with a food allergy to pineapples or papayas should either not take or consult a physician before taking Proteolytic Enzymes.

The Proteolytic Enzymes I currently take are in a broad-spectrum formula called Wobenzym N. This company has been around for a very long time and is trusted in their quality. Suggested use on the label for Adults is 3 tablets twice daily. The label goes further to say dosage may be increased up to 12 tablets total per day spread over 4 doses. Those professionally treating Cancer with this product say because the amount of Proteolytic Enzymes in any over the counter product is low, they recommend taking from 40 tablets to as high as 90 tablets per day dosage. When taking high doses it is recommended doing so in stretches of around 25 days, then allowing some time off, 4-5 days, for the body to eliminate the waste product created. I am still in the experimental stage with my small dosage. As I do have a slight food allergy to pineapple, I am being careful and watching how my body responds to the Bromelain in the Wobenzym N. No doubt I will increase the dose as over time, and I may also look to other alternative products that drop or reduce the Bromelain.

There are many ways to increase Proteolytic Enzyme intake. Just eating red fruit Papaya, rich in Papain, and Lycopene has been shown to have dramatic positive affects on Cancer. In addition to the benefit from the Proteolytic Enzyme, the highly bio-available Lycopene in papaya accumulates in prostate tissue, and is localized in the nucleus of prostate epithelial cells. There it is believed to induce cancer cell death, anti-metastatic activity, and the up-regulation of protective enzymes. In one Prostate Cancer study in Australia is was found that men who consumed the most Lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables such as papaya were 82% less likely to have prostate cancer, and that when Lycopene-rich foods were consumed with green tea, the combination was even more effective. Organo-sulfur compounds called isothiocyanates are also found in papaya that have shown themselves capable of inhibiting both the formation and development of cancer cells.

Serratia Peptidase (Serratiopeptidase, Serrapeptase) is a Proteolytic Enzyme originally derived from the silkworm. In addition to its’ Cancer and Tumor preventative qualities, it breaks down "non living" matter in the human body, including cysts, arterial plaque, blood clots and scar tissue. It can reduce the levels of dead tissue in the circulatory system and dissolve fibrin build up in the cardiovascular system, organs and muscle tissue, promoting healthier blood flow and making Cancer cells readily detectable. In Japan and Europe it is commonly used as an anti-inflammatory for conditions including sinusitis, laryngitis, sore throat, ear infections, back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, carpel tunnel syndrome, migraine and tension headaches. It has also been used to reduce plaque buildup in the arteries. Studies show its anti-inflammatory effects are superior to other Proteolytic Enzymes. One of its’ greatest benefits is reduction of pain. Some physicians in Europe and Asia are even using it as a replacement for ibuprofen and other NSAIDs.

One additional note, I am still researching Proteolytic Enzymes and expect to have more information soon on a New Study that appears to question their use.

Recently a Scripps Team at Scripps Research Institute has completed some new research that indicates the cleavage of protein surrounding a Cancer Cell by Proteolytic Enzymes may actually protect cancer cells because the cleavage triggers a signaling cascade in the tumor cell that blocks apoptosis. They went further to say that the cleavage of CDCP1 by a serine protease enzyme is the key event that promotes tumor cell survival. Since the Serine Proteases, chymotrypsin and trypsin from the Pancreas and Supplements, are enzymes that cleave protein chains, I wonder if taking these in the form of Wobenzym N, or other Supplements, ‘may’ be creating further problems or if the particular enzyme they are discussing is different. My first thought is that Proteolytic Enzymes work to clear proteins around cancer cells making it easier for T-cells and the Natural Killer cells to identify and attack. Now I am concerned that taking Proteolytic Enzymes may cause Cancer Cells to be more virulent and more easily spread. This new Study appears in contradiction to the abundant good results documented by those treating Prostate Cancer with Proteolytic Enzyme Therapy. As it presents a new question, I am looking for a further clarification on the matter.

More on this to follow…

Next installment: Cancer Fighting Supplements - Quercetin