Good for you for the anti-inflammatory diet. :) Very healthy. Don't know why about the turmeric. He explains it in The Anti-Cancer Book. I've read it in a few other places also. Same with the pasta. Sorry that I don't know why ... but I do remember it made sense when I read both a few years ago. Just didn't have time to type it all out then. Sorry. I think that you'll still benefit from turmeric & cayenne. Sara, I feel offended by the tone of your post and accusation of quackery. The person here who PM'd me did not ask about oncology or chemo, etc. She specifically asked about nutrition. She didn't ask for proof or studies. For all you know, she/the person in her life may be seeking chemo. The purpose of this thread is nutrition. That's it. Nothing else. :) You are free to read and do your own research. Having an open mind helps. I strongly disagree about the body's pH and diet. What most of us eat certainly does affect our pH. I know this first-hand and not just based on what I have read. I often test my pH and can tell a difference from week-to-week based on my diet, stress levels, etc. I know of two people (friends of friends) who have fought cancer successfully (breast and ovarian) with pH, so no, in my book it's not quackery. They did other things, but they attribute most of their success to pH. Call it quackery, but for them, it worked. Of course, everyone's going to jump down my throat and say, "but that's only two people". I don't care. I've read about pH. I believe it. I also believe in many other approaches, as well as chemo when needed. I prefer to take an integrative approach at all times. I'm all for physicians and oncology, etc. depending on the stage and prognosis. However, I'm also a big believer in nutrition, positive thinking and having an open mind and a growth mindset (as opposed to a fixed mindset). It helps to have an open mind and to do your own research. I'm not telling others what to do. Someone asked (about nutrition ONLY, may I add!). I decided to share. I'm never one to say to not have chemo or to avoid an oncologist. (But I must say that if any oncologist has a fixed mindset and laughs this off, I would run and seek better care elsewhere). :)

Just saw this.

Thank you all for your very kind words. Moderators, I wish you could please change the spelling mistake in the subject heading. :001_huh: Thank you. :iagree: Particularly about the supplement part. Hence why I didn't post about supplements. The books I listed are superb. The Anti-Cancer Book was written by a doctor and he knows his stuff - a very good balance of science and alternative. I personally favor an integrated approach. Most physicians know very little about nutrition. Added it to my wish list. Didn't know there was a movie. Thank you :). I love this sort of stuff. I love opening my mind, reading, and constantly learning. I don't know about the latter. About osteoporosis, magnesium is essential. Are you taking magnesium? Magnesium is often found to be even more beneficial than calcium. Also, calcium. There are different kinds. Some kinds are not as well-absorbed. I can share info on that if you're interested. I have lots and lots of info on osteoporosis. Good reminder for me also, since it runs in my family. Have to go. Will reply to more posts later. I love reading and learning from all of you. :grouphug:

You should not for one moment feel like a failure. :grouphug:

Have you seen the A&E/BBC version with Colin Firth? I thought it was done very true to the book. Love, love, love that version. I saw it the day after I finished the book and loved it. I have come to a point where I refuse to see Hollywood re-makes if the BBC, etc. have already done it. ;) Pride and Prejudice is one of my all-time favorites.

I think you should be fine with the natural progesterone and the Vitex. If you're concerned, you could add in the Vitex gradually. 1 capsule a few times a week, then daily, and so on. Most of the herbs in these things are very minimal anyway. It's hard to overdose on them or to get negative reactions. The magnesium should help with your BP. Glad to hear that your dr. said it's okay. Magnesium should help with all the conditions you describe. If you need more specific tips for each one, start new threads if you want. I'll be glad to share tips. Hope you feel much better very soon. :grouphug: I think of you so often.

Last at age 31. Very happy with that. Never wanted more after 35. Love having one of each - one girl and one boy - close in age. Perfect for us. I've always felt that kids need many things, but just the basic 4 are: Time Energy $$ Patience I don't have enough of all of the above. We're delighted to focus on the two we have. I get easily overwhelmed and know my limits.

BOOKS The Anti-Cancer Book is the best, by far The Cancer Survivor’s Nutrition and Health Guide by Gene Spiller Alkalize or Die The Inflammation Syndrome by Jack Challem Stopping Inflammation by Nancy Appleton You Can Conquer Cancer by Ian Gawler – amazing story recommended by Dr. David Servan Schreiber The pH Miracle D-Glucarage: A Nutrient Against Cancer by Dr. Thomas Slaga The Grape Cure by Johanna Brandt Questioning Chemotherapy by Ralph Moss – an excellent book that serves as an excellent companion to your doctor’s suggestions Herbs against Cancer by Ralph Moss is a wonderful book to read instead of running off and trying every herbal therapy you hear about Again, I have lots more info, but hesitate to make this thread longer than it already is. I also have info on most specific types of cancer.

I have lists of supplements that may help, but since the person who PM'd me asked specifically about nutrition, that's my focus on this thread. If anyone wants info on supplements, I can share them here also. I have info also on exercise, stress, lifestyle, etc. IF YOU HAVE CANCER Don’t make snap decisions. Take your time to look at your situation and talk it over with your doctor who will be your primary physician. Don’t rush into any treatment, as tempting as it may be. There’s usually enough time to evaluate one’s condition and start making some decisions. It’s not a time to panic or rush into the first, second, or third therapy that sounds good. Occasionally, a cancer is aggressive. In this case, decisions need to be made quickly and treatment should begin immediately. That’s rare. Usually, there’s time to step back, take some deep breaths, and begin to do some research and better understand your specific condition. Ralph Moss, one of the most highly regarded cancer treatment researchers, writes the Moss Reports and numerous books on alternative cancer therapies. He’s constantly following up on new research and updating his data base and reports For about $300, he sends you a lengthy report on treatment for your specific diagnosis. He includes scientific studies that back up his reports. The fee includes follow-up sessions and you can use the service indefinitely. I don't know much about him ... CANHELP can also help you get a different view of your condition and options. This report is more expensive than the Moss one above. Opt for the less expensive option if you do go with this. The fee includes one year’s worth of personalized phone consultations. You get a lot of personal attention and info for your money. You’re paying for expert recommendations and evaluation – your report is tailored to your diagnosis, age, history, stage of cancer, and any complicating factors. It also will give you info on fad cures and scams. Cancer needs sugar to thrive. Also, a lack of oxygen and deep breathing can lead to cancer. Cancer flourishes in the absence of oxygen. If you introduce plenty of oxygen into your cells, you will reverse the growth of cancer by suffocating the tumor. Oxygen therapy is a good alternative method worth looking into. It’s a standard practice in many of the alternative clinics that specialize in cancer treatment. When you withhold sugar and flood the tissues with oxygen, you will starve or suffocate the cancer. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is one way of flooding your tissues with oxygen. Good HBOT chambers are expensive. Make sure any doctor you see for this therapy is well versed in its application for cancer. It’s important to always take good quantities of any antioxidants if you’re using any oxygen therapies. Acupuncture has demonstrated benefit to cancer patients in the following areas: Pain Management: Acupuncture is very effective for managing pain related to tumors, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and inflammation. Immune System Modulation: Acupuncture increases blood cell production and enhances Natural Killer Cells and Lymphocytes which leads to increased immune response and decreased risk of infection. Inflammation: Acupuncture reduces the pain and swelling related to inflammation. Nausea and Vomiting: Acupuncture has been shown to reduce the intensity and frequency of nausea and vomiting in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Dry, Painful Mouth and Throat: Acupuncture has been shown to decrease these side effects allowing the patient to be able to swallow, eat and drink normally, protect the health of the teeth and gums and reduce the incidence of infections, pain and swelling in the mouth and throat during radiation therapy. Sleep: Cancer patients suffer sleep disruption and insomnia due to post-surgical discomfort, anxiety and depression and physical pain. By relieving these symptoms the cancer patient is able to get the deep sleep and rest required for recovery and healing. Quality of Life: Eugene Mak, MD, a board certified oncologist states that acupuncture " can also add to the patients' sense of well being and decrease the malaise associated with any chronic disease, especially cancer....and imparts a sense of well being and accelerates patients' recovery." Acupuncture is recommended to cancer patients at the Mayo Clinic and at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Today, many oncologists refer their patients for acupuncture treatment to manage cancer symptoms and cancer treatment related symptoms. Many cancer treatment centers now have Licensed Acupuncturists on staff to help patients manage the many challenges of the cancer journey. To find a qualified acupuncturist http://www.acufinder.com Reach out to at least two friends for support (logistical and emotional) during times of stress, even if it's through the internet. But if they're within arms reach, go ahead and hug them, often! Find out how you can best give something back to your local community, then give it. Make sure you do one thing you love for yourself on most days (it doesn't have to take long!). Evidence now shows that many small tumors of cancer cells are perfectly well contained by our body’s natural defenses and often even disappear on their own. Cancer is not a one-way street. Small tumors may appear, grow a bit, and go away. What this means is that life-style factors that weaken or strengthen such natural defenses may play a major role in whether early tumors develop – or not – into a dangerous disease. EPSOM SALTS BATH Increasing the amount of magnesium may decrease your risk of the disease. Magnesium helps DNA repair itself, which is crucial for preventing cells from mutating and becoming cancerous Taking a hot bath with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) is a good way to absorb and get much needed magnesium.

EAT LESS Some foods are cancer promoters and need to be limited as much as possible. Sugar feeds cancer growth and leads to chronic inflammation – which cancer cells use to grow and multiply Refined sugar is abundant in desserts, soft drinks (one can of Coke contains 12 coffee-size packs of sugar), sauces (Ketchup, ready-made salad dressing, etc.) Remember this: cancer cells need sugar to thrive! When you withhold sugar, you will starve or suffocate the cancer Sugar forms cancer cells and helps form tumors Avoid fruit juices and skip dessert Read the labels carefully, and steer clear of products that list any type of sugar (including brown sugar, corn syrup, etc.) in the first three ingredients. Avoid sugar – white and brown – honey, maple syrup, fructose, dextrose It’s particularly important – essential – to avoid candies and snacks between meals. When cookies or other sugar are consumed between meals, there’s nothing to block the rise in insulin. Only their combination with other foods – especially vegetable, fruit fibers, or good fats, such as olive oil or organic butter – slows the assimilation of sugar and reduces insulin peaks. In the same way, some foods, such as onions, garlic, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, or spices like cinnamon, reduce the rise in blood sugar. White flour is equivalent to sugar as far as the body is concerned (white bread, bagels, muffins, etc.) – avoid these whenever possible, and eat white pasta only al dente. White/bleached flours White bread White Rice Overcooked white pasta Muffins Bagels Croissants Puffed Rice Cakes Potatoes – especially mashed potatoes (except for the rare Nicola variety) Potatoes raise blood sugar, which can feed inflammation and cancer growth. They also contain high levels of pesticide residue (to the point that many potato farmers don't eat their own grown potatoes). Cornflakes, Rice Krispies, and most bleached or sweetened breakfast cereals Jams and jellies, fruit cooked in sugar, fruit in syrup Sweetened drinks, industrial fruit juices, sodas Foods are high in Omega-6s (which cause inflammation) • Red meat - especially if it is produced by industrial farming techniques and if it does not carry an “omega-3†label • Dairy products • Eggs not marked “omega-3†- Choose only omega-3 eggs, or don't eat the yolks. Hens are now fed on mostly corn and soybeans, and their eggs contain 20 times more pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids than cell-growth regulating omega-3s. • Sunflower oil • Corn oil • Safflower oil • Soybean oil • Trans fats - margarine and other solid man-made shortenings – these have been linked to breast cancer. No amount is safe - trans fats are in lots of cookies and crackers Red food dyes have been linked to cancer – you’ll find them in candies and processed foods Deep-fried foods – donuts and French Fries Do not re-heat oils at home Pan frying damages all oils – although olive oil, macadamia nut oil, and coconut oil are stable at higher temperatures Use any of these oils with a medium flame – not a high one – to sauté your vegetables Damaged oils are filled with harmful free radicals Avoid bacon, hot dogs, ham, and all processed luncheon meats Try to avoid barbecued and charred meat. The way you cook meat will affect the risk of cancer. Barbecued and charred meats produce carcinogenic compounds (amino heterocyclic). The longer cooked, the more the compound is formed. Amino heterocyclic is most numerous in the outer layer of grilled meat (skin) charred and black. Remember: make room for exceptions. What matters is what you do on a daily basis, not the occasional treat.

Black cumin seeds - Has an anti-inflammatory that seems to inhibit the development of pancreatic cancer in lab studies. Black cumin seeds and oil are used in traditional medicine by many Middle Eastern and Asian healers for a broad array of diseases, including some immune and inflammatory disorders Try sauteing fresh spinach with ginger, hot chili, and a teaspoon of black cumin seeds, sprinkle it on fish before baking or broiling, or add a spoonful to lentils as you're cooking them. Sprinkle liberally on broiled salmon filets Also make a tasty addition to breadcrumb toppings for sauteed chicken breasts or fish Foods Rich in Omega-3s • Walnuts • Chia Seeds • Flax seeds – 4 tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily • Fatty Fish like salmon, tuna, sardines Eat fish two or three times a week - sardines, mackerel, and anchovies have less mercury and PCBs than bigger fish like tuna. Avoid swordfish and shark, which the FDA says pregnant women should not eat because they contain a high concentration of contaminants. Resveratrol found in dark-colored fruits – berries and red grapes – is a powerful antioxidant Anti-cancer properties - Can inhibit all 3 stages of chemical carcinogenesis – tumor initiation, promotion, and progression Some of your best choices for a cancer prevention diet: Dried Beans and Peas (rich in lignans and fiber) – try to eat half or one cup of cooked beans every day. All beans including kidney beans, lima beans, black-eyed peas, and lentils are good - The more variety, the better - beans are rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants, plus they contain fiber that binds to toxins in the digestive tract, forcing them out of your body before they can be absorbed. Tomatoes Deep Yellow-Orange Veggies and Fruits – Sweet Potatoes, Yams, Carrots, Squash, Apricots Citrus Fruits Blueberries and Cherries Berries contain ellagic acid and a large number of polyphenols which stimulate the mechanisms of elimination of carcinogenic substances and inhibit angiogenesis At breakfast, mix fruit with almond milk and multigrain cereals (which do not raise the level of blood sugar, insulin, and IGF) – the best cereals are muesli or a combination of oats, bran, flaxseed, rye, barley, spelt, etc. In fruit salads or between meals, berries provide a fresh, sweet flavor that does not set off a glycemic peak in the blood Freezing does not damage the anti-cancer molecules Consuming foods high in vitamin C has a preventive effect against several cancers. These include cancers of the stomach, bladder, breast, cervix, colon, and rectum, salivary gland, esophagus, larynx, pancreas, prostate, and lung, as well as leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Include fresh fruits and vegetables Consumption of vitamin-E rich foods is associated with a lower risk for cancers of the colon, stomach, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and breast. Avocados, olive oil, almonds, nuts, and sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E. Selenium is an antioxidant enzyme • Helps protect cell membranes from free radical damage • May protect against some forms of cancer - In supplement form it has been associated with a lower risk of cancers of the breast, prostate, colon, rectal, and lung, as well as a substantial reduction in cancer deaths. As little as 200 mcg daily lowers risk of breast cancer – and most other types of cancer by 50 per cent. • Boosts liver function Dietary sources of selenium are associated with a lower risk for cancers of the esophagus and stomach. Dietary sources of selenium are associated with a lower risk for cancers of the esophagus and stomach. Plant foods are the major dietary sources of selenium in most countries throughout the world. The content of selenium in food depends on the selenium content of the soil where plants are grown or animals are raised. Selenium also can be found in some meats and seafood. Animals that eat grains or plants that were grown in selenium-rich soil have higher levels of selenium in their muscle. Some nuts are also sources of selenium. Selenium content of foods can vary. For example, Brazil nuts may contain as much as 544 micrograms of selenium per ounce. Brazil nuts, dried, unblanched, 1 ounce 544 mcg Chicken Breast, meat only, roasted, 3½ ounces 20 mcg Egg, whole, 1 medium 14 mcg Rice, brown, long-grained, cooked, 1/2 cup 10 mcg Fish Lamb Oatmeal Pumpkinseeds Mushrooms – Oyster Mushrooms can stop cancer growth in cell cultures almost completely Salmon Shrimp Snapper Sunflower Seeds Tuna Turkey D-glucarate is a nutrient shown over at least 20 years of studies to remove carcinogenic substances by increasing detoxification. D-glucarate is a natural substance found in many fruits and vegetables. High levels are found in apples, grapefruit, bean sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Eat your grains whole and mixed (wheat with oats, barley, spelt, flax, etc.) and favor organic whole grains when possible since pesticides tend to accumulate on whole grains. Brown rice and basmati rice have a lower glycemic index than white rice Quinoa Fruit is fine as a dessert If you have a sweet tooth, try a few squares of dark chocolate containing more than 70% cocoa. Berries contain anthocyanidins that directly help kill cancer cells and reduce the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Tangerines and their special flavonoids also act against cancer cells. All brightly colored fruits contain flavonoids that contribute to slowing down cancer growth. Agave syrup (which does not raise blood sugar or insulin) is a wonderful way to replace sugar for those who can't do without the sweet taste. Extra Virgin Olive Oil as well as olives contain antioxidants that limit the initial development of cancer and slows its progression They have a particularly protective effect against breast, prostate, colon, and uterine cancers Black olives seem to be richer in antioxidants than green, especially when they have been subjected to the Spanish method of brining Olive oil should be cold-pressed and extra virgin Seaweed contains molecules that slow cancer growth, especially that of breast, prostate, skin, and colon Brown seaweed lengthens the menstrual cycle, thanks to an anti-estrogen effect Fucoidan, found in kombu and wakame seaweed, helps provoke cell death by apoptosis and stimulates immune cells The principal edible seaweeds are: nori, kombu, wakame, arame, and dulse Seaweed can be used in soups or salads and can be added to beans and lentils Citrus Fruits contain anti-inflammatory flavonoids They also stimulate the detoxification of carcinogenics by the liver Magnesium Increasing the amount of magnesium may decrease your risk of the disease. Magnesium helps DNA repair itself, which is crucial for preventing cells from mutating and becoming cancerous Sea vegetables (seaweed) Greens Beans Kelp Wheat bran Wheat germ Almonds Buckwheat Brazil nuts Millet Pecans Walnuts Rye Tofu Brown rice Figs Dates Collard greens Shrimp Avocado Parsley Barley Dandelion greens Garlic Kelp Whole Grains Molasses Almonds have laetrile which has anticancer properties

ANTI-CANCER HERBS AND SPICES Green tea Stimulates cleansing of the cells Anti-cancer properties – particularly breast (at least 3 cups) and prostate (at least 5 cups) – as well as leukemia, kidney, skin, mouth, lung, esophageal, stomach, and colon Green tea also acts as a detoxifier for the body. It activates mechanisms in the liver that can eliminate cancerous toxins from the body more rapidly. Regular consumption of green tea has been linked to a significant reduction in the risk for developing cancer. Try to buy organic green tea when you can, and store your tea in a dark, dry place. Don’t store it in the refrigerator as that can introduce moisture and food odor to the tea. And here’s a trick to determine the freshness of a box of tea bags. Remove the tea from one of the bags and steep the tea-less bag in boiling water for three minutes. If the water tastes like tea, that’s a sign that the flavor has transferred to the bag indicating that it is not fresh. If the water tastes like water—you have a box of nice fresh tea bags, just waiting to help boost your health! Turmeric needs to be mixed with black pepper and olive oil in order to be effective All of us should regularly consume a soupspoon of turmeric every day, with a pinch of pepper and olive oil. You can use it in your cooking In supplement form, take 4 grams of turmeric daily. Because powdered turmeric is a powerful blood-cleansing herb, don’t overdo it. CAUTION: Some brands of turmeric powder and supplements have been found to be contaminated with heavy metals themselves. If you decide to add turmeric to your diet (which I would encourage you to do by all means), make sure to obtain a high quality brand. Turmeric is the #1 anti-cancer spice Turmeric and piperine (black pepper) can limit the growth of stem cells for breast cancer -- the cells that conventional treatment have the hardest time eliminating. Has been shown to inhibit growth in a large number of cancers – colon, prostate, lung, liver, stomach, breast, ovarian, brain, and leukemia It inhibits angiogenesis and forces cancer cells to die (through the process of cell suicide known as apoptosis) Indians have much lower cancers overall – despite their exposure to numerous carcinogens in their environment, often on a worse scale than in the West Studies have shown that it can kill off cancer cells, even within 24 hours! CAUTION: Note that it is often safest to avoid turmeric during chemotherapy as well as a three days before and after the treatment. This is because it can – rarely, but it can – interfere with some chemotherapy treatments and reduce their benefits. Ginger, thyme, rosemary, mint, basil, parsley, marjoram, oregano, and sage all contain molecules that can slow the progress of cancer cells. They have been shown to act on a wide variety of tumors by reducing the spread of cancer cells or by provoking their death Eat them raw or cooked - most methods of cooking do preserve the benefits – at least, the antioxidant properties – of the molecules contained in these substances. Infusions, soups and consommés are the most effective cooking processes; grilling and frying do reduce the benefits slightly, but do not cancel them out completely. Freezing also preserves their antioxidant properties. Ginger root acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant and has protective effects It acts against certain cancer cells and helps reduce the creation of new blood vessels Helps slow tumor growth Ginger is also great for the liver Add grated ginger to a vegetable mix while it’s cooking in a wok or frying pan Or marinate fruits in lime juice and grated ginger There is no problem combining ginger with green tea as a hot infusion. On the contrary -- it’s a very good idea. An inch or so of ginger is a sufficient quantity for a day, taken as ginger tea; the traditional length of time that the ginger should be infused is 10-15 minutes. 1-2 tablespoons rosemary Rosemary affects the capacity of cancer cells to invade neighboring tissues When it is incapable of spreading, cancer loses its virulence Rosemary extracts help chemotherapy penetrate cancer cells In tissue cultures, they lower the resistance of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy Rosemary minimizes or eliminates carcinogens formed when cooking some foods. Seasoning beef with rosemary before grilling can reduce cancer-causing substances by 30-100%. Rosemary is also effective when added to dough. Acrylamide, a potentially carcinogenic compound, forms in carbohydrate-rich foods when heated above 250 degrees. By incorporating 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary for each pound of flour, you will reduce acrylamide by more than 50%. The antioxidants in rosemary scavenge the harmful compounds. Add 1-2 tablespoons per 2 pounds of pork loin, steak, or lam, or spread a paste of chopped rosemary, Dijon mustard, garlic, and coarse sea salt on meat before cooking. Stuff chicken or turkey with citrus fruit and rosemary sprigs, then roast Parsley and celery contain apigenin, an anti-inflammatory that promotes apoptosis and blocks angiogenesis Piperine, a compound in black pepper, may help interrupt the self-renewing process of cancer-initiating stem cells. By limiting the number of stem cells, you’re limiting the number of cells with potential to form tumors. Sprinkle black pepper on all your favorites and mix into plain yogurt Cumin prevents cancer. 6 teaspoons of seeds or ½ teaspoon of powder a day. Toss a bowl of root veggies, such as sweet potatoes or cauliflower, with olive oil and 1 tsp cumin powder. Bake at 300 degrees for 25 minutes or until tender. Add salt, pepper and chopped cilantro before serving.

Some foods are anti-cancer promoters and block the mechanisms necessary for cancer growth or force cancer cells to die Food acts every day, three times a day – it thus has a considerable influence on the biological mechanisms that speed up or slow down cancer growth Add anti-cancer foods in your diet every day, three times a day: Omega-3 rich foods (salmon, sardines, mackerel, walnuts, green vegetables) Lots of vegetables – but particularly cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, bok choy – all a source of Indole-3 carbinol or I3C) - broccoli is an effective anticancer food, and is even more effective when combined with tomato sauce, onions or garlic - Just chewing a floret of broccoli or cauliflower helps activate the phytochemical indole-3-carbinol, which studies show fights cancers, particularly of hormone-dependent breast tumors. It’s better to cook (at least briefly) most cruciferous veggies, though, since when eaten raw, these veggies may interfere with thyroid function. Cruciferous veggies also contain sulforaphane – both I3C and sulforaphane are capable of detoxifying certain carcinogenic substances. They prevent precancerous cells from turning into malignant tumors. They also promote the suicide of cancer cells. Avoid boiling cabbage and broccoli. Boiling risks destroying sulforaphane and I3C Instead, cover and steam briefly or stir-fry rapidly in a wok with a little olive oil. The sulfur compounds of the garlic, onion, leek, shallot, and chive family (alliaceous family) have anti-cancer properties – particularly colon, breast, kidney, lung, prostate, and leukemia Also, the alliaceous family helps regulate blood sugar levels – which reduces insulin secretion and thus the growth of cancer cells If you’re already taking any blood thinner, don’t use more than 1 clove of garlic a day Garlic is a powerful anticoagulant, and high amounts could thin your blood too much - other than this, garlic is very safe For the same reason, stop taking garlic one to two weeks before surgery Garlic can both increase bleeding and accelerate bleeding time in people on medications. Eating a clove of garlic a day, or adding it to your food, should not be a problem. Active molecules of garlic are released when a garlic clove is crushed and are much more easily assimilated if they are dissolved in a little oil Chopped garlic and onions can be gently fried in a little olive oil, mixed with steamed or stir-fried vegetables, and combined with turmeric They can also be consumed raw, mixed in salads, or eaten in a sandwich of multigrain bread and organic butter (or olive oil). Red berries, plums, blueberries for dessert, dark chocolate (more than 70 percent cocoa) A recent study of more than 100,000 American health professions did not establish that total consumption of fruit and vegetables was linked to a reduction in the risk of cancer. Total consumption of fruit and vegetables is not associated with a significant reduction in the total risk of cancer. This is very important, because in the United States fully half the fruit and vegetables consumed are relatively poor in protective impact (potatoes, iceberg lettuce, canned tomatoes), while the per capita consumption of plants rich in anticancer molecules -- such as cruciferous vegetables -- is barely 1 %. Increased consumption of foods that contain high amounts of anticancer molecules (cabbage family, garlic family, green tea, small fruit, citrus fruit, tomatoes and carrots), and which are thus able to target several distinct processes essential to the growth of cancer cells, is absolutely essential in order to reduce significantly the risk of certain cancers. All fruits and vegetables are excellent for overall health. They protect, for example, against cardio-vascular disease. But in the case of cancer, we continue to emphasize that their protective effects are specific to certain fruits and vegetables. Vegetables and fruits rich in carotenoids – carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, persimmons, apricots, beets, and all the bright-colored fruits and veggies – these are all rich in vitamin A and lypocene – which have the proven capacity to inhibit the growth of cells of several cancer lines, including brain gliomas. They contain compounds such as lutein, lypocene, phytoene – which all stimulate the growth of immune cells and increase their capacity to attack tumor cells. A study that tracked breast cancer patients for 6 years showed that those who consumed the most foods rich in carotenoids lived longer than those who lived less. Eat multigrain bread (made from wheat mixed with at least 3 other cereals – oatmeal, rye, flaxseeds, etc.) – this is essential to help slow down assimilation of sugars coming from wheat. You can also choose bread made from traditional leaven (sourdough) instead of the more common chemical baker’s yeast, which raises the glycemic index of bread. Basmati or Thai rice Preferably multigrain pasta and noodles – cooked al dente Quinoa, Oats, Millet, Buckwheat Lentils, peas, sweet potatoes, yams Oatmeal, muesli Fruit in its natural state

FACTORS THAT SLOW DOWN THE GROWTH OF CANCER: • Several phytochemicals contained in some fruits and some vegetables, some herbs and spices • Omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, organic canola and flaxseed oil, flaxseeds, walnuts, some green vegetables) • Physical activity (at least 30 minutes of walking six times a week) • The ability to manage stress so as to avoid helplessness (emotional management through meditation or yoga or good psychotherapy) or benefiting from the support of intimate relationships, or both – seeking emotional balance – Also, bear in mind: to be fully human, people ought to have as authentic a relationship as possible with others. CANCER GENERALLY DEVELOPS OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, DIVIDED INTO 3 STAGES Initiation occurs when chemicals or other agents attack the genes of normal cells to produce genetically modified cells capable of eventually causing cancer. The body generally repairs most such damage but if the cell reproduces itself before it is repaired, its new (daughter) cell retains this genetic damage. This process may occur within minutes and, to some extent, is thought to be occurring most of the time in most of our tissues. The initiated cells are not considered to be reversible. Promotion occurs when the initiated cells continue to replicate themselves and grow into cell masses that eventually will be diagnosed. This is a long growth phase occurring over months or years and is known to be reversible. The cells growing through the promotion stage are usually considered to be reversible, a very exciting concept. This is the stage that especially responds to nutritional factors. For example, the nutrients from animal-based foods, especially the protein, promote the development of the cancer whereas the nutrients from plant-based foods, especially the antioxidants, reverse the promotion stage. This is a very promising observation because cancer proceeds forward or backward as a function of the balance of promoting and anti-promoting factors found in the diet, thus consuming anti-promoting plant-based foods tend to keep the cancer from going forward, perhaps even reversing the promotion. The difference between individuals is almost entirely related to their diet and lifestyle practices. Progression occurs when the growing cancer masses invade neighboring tissues and/or break away from the tissue of origin (metastasis) and travel to distant tissues when they are capable of growing independently at which point they are considered to be malignant. Although all cancer and other diseases begin with genes, this is not the reason whether or not the disease actually appears. If people do the right thing during the promotion stage, perhaps even during the progression stage, cancer will not appear and if it does, might even be resolved. Consuming plant based foods offers the best hope of avoiding cancer, perhaps even reversing cancer once it is diagnosed. The most important point to consider is that we cannot do much about preventing initiation but we can do a lot about preventing promotion. The initiating idea is fatalistic and outside of our control but the promotion idea is hopeful because we can change our exposure to promoting agents and reverse the cancer process, thus is within our control. If one changes their diet from animal based protein to plant-based protein, the disease process of cancer can be halted and reversed. A good diet, when coupled with other health promoting activities like exercise, adequate fresh air and sunlight, good water and sleep, will be more beneficial. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Someone here just sent me a PM. Since my info is far too long for a gazillion Private Messages, sharing what I have here. Maybe others have stuff to add also. Cancer really and truly sucks. :glare: ---- She wrote: A lot of recipes call for kale because it is so high in calcium, but a weird thing with cancer is it makes your calcium levels go sky high, which gives you hallucinations. Very interesting stuff if it is happening to someone in a book, but I don't want to be feeding the guy too much calcium. I don't know much about this. But I would think that a plant-based source of calcium should be fine. It's the supplements and dairy source that one would want to limit and avoid, if possible. ---- Okay, here goes. What Inhibits Immune Cells Traditional Western diet – pro-inflammatory Persistent anger or despair Social isolation Denial of one’s true identity Sedentary lifestyle What Activates Immune Cells Mediterranean diet, Indian and Asian cuisines – anti-inflammatory Serenity and joy Support from family and friends Acceptance of self with one’s values and past history Regular physical activity Inflammation, a system that is overly acidic, and a congested lymphatic system are all factors to consider and have been shown to prevent and slow down the growth of cancer. INFLAMMATION The Mediterranean diet consists primarily of fish, fruit, vegetables, cereals, and beans and contains less red meat and dairy products than do Western diets. In every country there is a direct connection between the cancer rate and the consumption of meat, cold cuts, and milk products. Conversely, the richer a country’s diet in vegetables and legumes (peas, beans, lentils), the lower the cancer rate. PH BALANCE THE single most important measurement of your health is your pH. When our systems are acidic for too long, serious illness, including cancer, can result Cancer (as well as most diseases) thrive in acid environments and cannot live in an environment that’s alkaline. pH is so important, and there’s an easy way to check your pH, and if needed, an easy way to correct it. Basically, in a nutshell, too much sugar, fat, and protein can make you overly acidic. You can counter excess acidity by eating greens – nothing is more effective at neutralizing the excess acid and restoring your body’s slightly alkaline pH. I have a friend whose mother has been in remission from this disease for more than 20 years. She has fought her cancer mainly by balancing her body’s pH. Because of her condition, she tests her pH every single day – sometimes a few times a day. This is how she gets to gauge how she’s doing and knows if she’s off-track. If I had cancer or was considered to be high-risk, this is what I would try to do. For others, my friend recommends, testing your pH once a week or so. LYMPHASIZE The lymphatic system is the metabolic garbage can of the body. It rids you of toxins such as dead and cancerous cells. Since the lymphatic system has no “heart†(as does the blood system), regular movement is necessary for it to properly circulate its lymph and to clear in the waste products from around the cells. When the lymphatic system is not stimulated through exercise and other methods listed below, this leads to a sluggish lymphatic system response and a markedly decreased ability to purify the body. Many people have badly congested lymphatics and don’t even know it. The lymphatic system is often the most over-looked system of the human body. Cancer is a symptom of a congested lymphatic system The methods of lymphasizing include: Dry Body brushing Deep breathing – Cancer cells hate oxygen Rebounding/Bouncing Massage Swinging - as in sitting on a swing

20 minutes of Pilates from 10-Minute Solution Pilates DVD

You're most welcome. :) Magnesium - we take KAL (you can get it from amazon or vitacost) Magnesium Glycinate. Bear in mind, they're huge horse pills, which dh does not like. KAL is a very good brand. There are many others that are good. I just got Solaray and I like their stuff a lot also. I think that for most magnesium, if you take the right type (as I mentioned in the previous post), Glycinate, Citrate, etc. and avoid the cheaper, not-so-good ones, you should be okay. Vitex - I take Nature's Way, which I like a lot also. Good prices and it was the only one available here. As to deciding which brands are good, this list is by no means complete. This is all based on my reading and my own experience. WHAT I PREFER Bio-available when possible – these are best absorbed. Many bio-available forms are patented and identified on the label. Magnesium or Vitex may not fall under this category, just know that any time you see the word "bio-available" it's a good thing. Anything with a short ingredient list – no soybean oil, no sugar, starches, colorings, soy, etc. – the less things in it, the better! With vitacost, you can click on side bar buttons to say that you're looking for something without soy, etc. MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE – IF I COULD If I lived in the U.S., I would try my utmost to get as much as I could from Standard Process - which you have to buy from an alternatiave health care practitioner. Standard Process is wonderful. But they don't have every single supplement. They're very specialized. ALKALIZING MULTI VITAMINS AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS Most of us have systems that are overly acidic. Working towards a system that is balanced or more alkaline is the key to overall health. These supplements are said to be very good for alkalizing the body. • http://www.auntiegs.com/index.php 12 Systems Synergistic Multiple – one tablet per meal • Vita Lea (Shaklee) – one tablet with each meal • Bio Strath – One teaspoon with each meal or tablet as indicated – I saw it on vitacost AFTER THAT I prefer searching for good brands on vitacost or amazon – reading reviews, and looking at brands. The following are brands that I like and trust: Carlson’s Nature’s Way Twin Labs KAL Enzymatic Therapy Green Magma – for green, alkalizing drink Solgar Source Naturals Rainbow Light Solaray NOW Swanson UniKey (do a google search) New Chapter Organics Brands I've heard good things about, but have not yet tried, and don’t yet know enough about: Aerobic Life Products Blue-Green Algae Country Life Darwin’s Gaia Herbs Health from the Sun Jarrow Kyo-Green Member’s Mark Metagenics Nature’s Plus Nature’s Sunshine Nordic Naturals Planetary Formulas Pure Encapsulations Puritan’s Pride Shaklee Trace Minerals Research Vitamin World Zone Perfect HTH. :)

Devil in the White City is on my wish list. I keep going back and forth on In the Garden of Beasts. I guess I'll pass on it for now. Thank you. :)

NATURAL SOURCES Almonds Avocado Barley Beans Brazil nuts Brown rice Buckwheat Dark Chocolate Dates Figs Garlic Greens (including Collard Greens and Dandelion Greens) Kelp Molasses Millet Parsley Pecans Rye Sea vegetables (seaweed and kelp – but make sure they come from non-polluted waters and are high-quality) Shrimp Walnuts Whole Grains Wheat bran Wheat germ EPSOM SALTS BATH Taking a bath or a foot soak with Epsom salts is one of the best ways to increase the body’s absorption of magnesium. Epsom Salts are Magnesium Sulfate and are easily absorbed by the body. Take a hot bath with up to 2 cups of Epsom salts and 1 cup baking soda (optional) to help draw toxins out of the body. Try to do this once a week, but for no more than 20 minutes. A foot soak can also be very beneficial. Epsom salts are so helpful in bringing relief to: • Arthritis pain, stiffness, soreness, and tightness of joints • Muscle aches, pains and tenderness • Painful bruises, sprains and strains • Pain from over exertion as a result of exercise • Insomnia and Sleep Problems • Stress • Insect Bites and Splinters REASONS FOR MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY Diets that are highly-processed and refined – mostly white flour, red meat, and dairy – none of these have magnesium. Food processing removes much of the magnesium (as well as other minerals) that’s naturally found in certain foods. Antacids and other indigestion medicines disrupt magnesium absorption. Modern farming practices deplete magnesium and other minerals in the soil. Medications including diuretics, birth control pills, insulin, tetracycline and other antibiotics, and cortisone lead to magnesium deficiencies. Too much calcium often leads to an imbalance . These two minerals need to be in balance.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE For most people on a healthy diet, 400 mg of Magnesium daily should be sufficient. But for those who have symptoms of deficiency (and most of us are deficient), I would recommend more, but probably no more than 1200 mg. Add in more magnesium gradually. Your body knows how much it can handle according to how much your bowels can tolerate. The stools should feel soft, but not excessively loose. Take in divided doses and with meals to ensure optimal absorption – preferably more at night I have read that it’s preferable to not take magnesium at the same time as calcium. Others say that it’s fine. This is where I am confused. I think the former makes more sense. The most absorbable forms are: Magnesium Citrate Magnesium Glycinate Magnesium Taurate Magnesium Aspartate Magnesium Malate Magnesium Succinate Magnesium Fumirate Avoid: Magnesium Oxide Magnesium Carbonate Magnesium Gluconate Magnesium Sulfate These are not absorbed well and are the cheapest forms Side effects from too much magnesium include diarrhea, which can be avoided if you switch to Magnesium Glycinate. People with kidney disease or severe heart disease should take magnesium only under a doctor's supervision.

BENEFITS OF MAGNESIUM INCLUDING ABOVE BONE HEALTH Bone density and overall bone health Magnesium is key to good bone health, balancing calcium and converting vitamin D for better calcium absorption. Without enough magnesium, the calcium you take will not be absorbed. Unabsorbed calcium that is not excreted (and most isn’t) gets into your joints where it becomes arthritis or in your arteries where it becomes atherosclerosis. Taking more magnesium can prevent your blood vessels from calcifying and developing into atherosclerosis. IMPROVES SLEEP Think of magnesium as the relaxation mineral. Helps maintain healthy melatonin levels Marvelous for just about everything including periodic nocturnal awakenings when it can coax you gently back to sleep HEART HEALTH Magnesium deficiency is common in those with heart disease. Helps muscles, including the heart, relax Lowers total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while raising HDL (good) cholesterol Appears to reduce high blood pressure, cutting the risk of heart attack and stroke Lessens the risk of heart arrhythmia and limits the complications of congestive heart failure Magnesium, a natural calcium channel blocker, is an effective treatment for heart attacks and cardiac arrhythmias. An astounding number of studies have documented the effectiveness of IV magnesium in helping prevent cardiac damage and even death following a heart attack. The reason for this is that 40 to 60 percent of sudden deaths from heart attack are the result of spasm in the arteries, not blockage from clots or arrhythmias! Without adequate magnesium, blood vessels constrict and blood pressure increases. Magnesium keeps excessive sodium out of your heart. Sodium attracts water, so a magnesium deficiency can contribute to edema (swelling) in your heart or lungs. KIDNEY STONES Helps prevent formation of those painful kidney stones (calcium oxalate crystals) DETOXIFICATION Helps the liver do its all-important job of detoxification by acting as an escort to toxins—including estrogens—as they leave the body CONSTIPATION Magnesium helps keep bowels regular by maintaining normal bowel muscle function. Milk of magnesia has been used for decades to help constipation. Magnesium helps restore good bowel tone and normal peristalsis – that alternating muscle relaxation and contraction in the intestines. HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES Helps occasional headaches that can come with caffeine withdrawal Magnesium helps eliminate peripheral nerve disturbances that can lead to migraines There’s a strong correlation between migraines and hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen hormones (right before, during, or immediately after your period) can block the body’s absorption of magnesium, leading to low blood levels of this mineral. A number of scientific studies found low levels of magnesium in people with migraines. Many women with monthly migraines have low blood levels of magnesium. Remember that the more calcium you take, the more magnesium you need. Try cutting back on calcium while you increase your magnesium and see how this change affects your migraines. RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME Is a natural muscle and nerve relaxant that calms the involuntary spasms and creepy-crawly sensations of RLS (restless legs syndrome) SKIN HEALTH Keeps skin fresh and moist ANXIETY, PANIC ATTACKS, AND DEPRESSION Magnesium helps keep adrenal stress hormones under control and also helps maintain normal brain function. Crucial for the synthesis of serotonin and other neurotransmitters Magnesium is usually lacking in those with depression. In fact, one study reported “rapid recovery from major depression†after treatment with magnesium, and found that magnesium helped relieve the anxiety and insomnia often associated with depression. Many women have an undiagnosed magnesium deficiency, which can contribute to anxiety ASTHMA Magnesium helps relax the muscles of the bronchioles in the lungs. INFERTILITY Magnesium can relax spasms in fallopian tubes that prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. NERVE PROBLEMS AND MUSCLE SPASMS Magnesium helps eliminate peripheral nerve disturbances that can lead to migraines, leg and foot cramps, gastrointestinal cramps, and other muscle aches and pains. PMS RELIEF AND MENSTRUAL PAIN RELIEF RELIEVES CHRONIC FATIGUE AND FIBROMYALGIA Some people with chronic fatigue have diets that are very high in calcium and low in magnesium. Once they increase their magnesium (beans, whole grains, green vegetables) and eliminate dairy products (worth trying for at least 2 weeks), their symptoms are greatly lessened. You may very well need more magnesium. Magnesium is one of the best nutrients – if not, the best – both for energy production and pain control. Everyone who has CFIDS or fibromyalgia – or even general fatigue – should try increasing their magnesium before turning to more expensive remedies. While magnesium won’t eliminate fibromyalgia completely, it often plays a major role in improving energy, reducing pain, and lessening other symptoms. Malic acid is an acid found in apples and other fruits. It reduces fibromyalgia pain. When you add malic acid to magnesium, you have a powerful supplement that can reduce fatigue in a few weeks, and reduce your pain in a few days. CHOCOLATE CRAVINGS Craving chocolate can be a sign of a calcium/magnesium imbalance. It could mean that you’re getting too much calcium and not enough magnesium. Most women need 500-600 mg a day each of supplemental calcium and magnesium. The rest we get from a healthy diet. But we’re being told to take 1500 mg calcium and half as much magnesium. This isn’t enough magnesium and our chocolate craving tells us so. Magnesium is excreted in higher-than-usual quantities when you’re under stress. This is why so many women crave chocolate before menstruation, a time when magnesium levels are lower from physiological stress. When magnesium is increased, chocolate cravings decrease. HELPS INSULIN RESISTANCE AND DIABETES Low magnesium leads to increased insulin resistance. When this happens, blood sugar levels rise and remain high. This can contribute to diabetes. Magnesium’s role in insulin resistance translates into low energy. Too much or too little glucose in your blood causes fatigue. If low blood sugar is contributing to your fatigue, be sure to eat a diet low in refined sugars and starches. And get plenty of magnesium. CANCER Increasing the amount of magnesium may decrease your risk of cancer. Magnesium helps DNA repair itself, which is crucial for preventing cells from mutating and becoming cancerous

I'll share all the info I have on magnesium. I vary my dosages according to time of the month. I take more right before and in the week of my period. I take a week's break from it a week or two after. I have a schedule set up. That's because I'm that sort of personality - a bit of a nut-job when it comes to organization and structure. My body does better when I give it a bit of a challenge and don't take every single supplement every single day. I don't think beta blockers should be a problem. Then again, I'm not sure. I would google it or ask a good pharmacist or someone who knows. I take magnesium with Vitex & Natural Progesterone (Emerita, in my case). I have had no problems with it. Then again, my body is not that sensitive. You could build it up gradually and see how your body handles it. I love magnesium. My favorite mineral. :D Magnesium is a key mineral that many are deficient in. Anything that is tight, irritable, crampy, and stiff -- whether it is a body part or an even a mood -- is a sign of magnesium deficiency. Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency: Anal spasms Angina Anxiety Arthritis Asthma Autism ADD Blood Clots Bowel Disease Cardiac Arrhytmias (rapid heartbeat) Chronic fatigue Constipation Craving for Chocolate (interestingly, chocolate is highest in magnesium of all foods) Cystitis Depression Diabetes Fatigue Fibromyalgia GERD - Magnesium deficiency is one of the causes of reflux because magnesium helps the sphincter at the bottom of the stomach relax, allowing the food to go down. Headaches - anything that feels tight or cramp-like Heart Attacks High Blood Pressure Hypoglycemia Inflammation in the body and higher CRP levels Insomnia Irregular, Rapid Heartbeat Irritable bladder Irritable bowel syndrome Irritability Joint Pain Kidney Disease Kidney stones Leg Cramps Menstrual cramps Menopausal Disorders Migraines Muscle cramps or twitching or spasms Nervousness Obesity Osteoporosis Palpitations PMS Raynaud’s Syndrome Reflux - Magnesium deficiency is one of the causes of reflux because magnesium helps the sphincter at the bottom of the stomach relax, allowing the food to go down. Restless Legs Sensitivity to loud noises Sleep Disorders Spasms Stress Tooth Decay Tremors Trouble swallowing Unexpected Cardiac Death

Sorry ... I specifically think of you each time I change it, but then dd's begging me takes over. :tongue_smilie: Love John Cleese. :)

Thank you, both. Faithe, thank you for your very sweet words. :grouphug: I don't know how nice I am sometimes. :tongue_smilie: I can have very strong opinions (as my dh often remarks, "You don't say!" :lol:) and often worry about offending others or possibly getting banned. Tried to look for the rules - a sticky or something - maybe I'm not fully awake yet. Couldn't find them. I agree that the moderators' job is a very difficult one. I'm so grateful to them and to these boards. They are my favorite ever and allow for such diversity of opinion, unlike some others that I have visited. :)

Moderators, please delete this if necessary. I'm sorry if this has been asked before. What leads to someone being banned? A few days ago/a week ago, someone started posting quite a bit and looked suspicious/weird to me. This person has been banned. Now, someone else who's quite a regular here has been banned. I guess I'm hoping I don't get banned. As an isolated homeschooler, I would be very, very distraught if such a thing were to happen to me ... :001_huh: