Hope Never Dies

by Rick Shapiro

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  • Many Paths to Wellness – 2023 CAM for Cancer Conference
  • Finding Your Best Anti-Cancer Nutrition Plan
  • Fasting to Mitigate Chemo Side-Effects
  • Curcumin: A Powerful Anti-Cancer Agent
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Finding Your Best Anti-Cancer Nutrition Plan

April 8, 2021 by Rick Shapiro Leave a Comment

Finding Your Best Anti-Cancer Nutrition Plan Hope Never Dies BlogAnti-Cancer Nutrition

Dr. Jeanne Wallace, Ph.D., C.N.C. is widely regarded as a prominent international expert in nutritional oncology. She is the founder and director of Nutritional Solutions, which provides cancer patients across the U.S. and abroad evidence-based dietary, nutritional and botanical support and cancer consulting services, to complement conventional care.

“Cancer cells do not exist in isolation; they are influenced by the environment within the body.”

– Dr. Jeanne Wallace, Ph.D, C.N.C.

Dr. Wallace is deeply involved in cutting-edge translational research, providing innovative cancer nutrition guidance to people with cancer, their families, oncologists, naturopaths and others. She, and her colleague, Michelle Gerencser, M.S., have served thousands of clients around the world, consulting by phone and Skype.

The deeply-focused efforts of Dr. Wallace and Michelle Gerencser are grounded in the evolving understanding of the interrelationship between nutritional and metabolic factors, and the hallmark characteristics of cancer cells.

Harness the Oncometabolic Advantage

Dr. Wallace states, “Cancer cells do not exist in isolation; they are influenced by the environment within the body. Our goal is to teach our clients dietary and lifestyle strategies to modulate this environment, so that it is a less favorable host for tumor growth and progression. This approach is particularly well suited as a complement to conventional medical treatments for cancer, and allows our clients to optimize their care by integrating the best of both worlds.”

I am pleased to share a five-minute video that explains Dr. Wallace’s approach to finding the best anti-cancer diet and nutrition plan for you. Take the time to review this very informative presentation.

Read my in-depth interview with Jeanne Wallace in my book, Hope Never Dies.

But the book

Filed Under: Blog, Botanicals, Cancer Free, Nutrition Tagged With: anticancer, diet, lifestyle

Curcumin: A Powerful Anti-Cancer Agent

February 25, 2021 by Rick Shapiro Leave a Comment

Curcumin Anti-Cancer Agent Hope Never Dies BlogCurcumin is a component of the spice turmeric, which can be found in many people’s spice cabinets. Commonly consumed in many Asian countries as a culinary ingredient, it gives curry and mustard their yellow color. Turmeric has also been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.

Curcumin is the biologically active agent in turmeric. Approximately 2% to 5% of turmeric is composed of Curcumin. Many studies and clinical evidence confirm that curcumin delivers myriad benefits to cancer patients. One of its primary proven benefits is its anti-inflammatory effect.

Inflammation fighter

An abundance of evidence from numerous studies (preclinical, animal and clinical) strongly suggest curcumin exerts potent anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities.

It is well-known that chronic inflammation is an underlying problem and driver of many diseases, including cancer. And, cancer further drives and spreads internal-chronic inflammation. The NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa beta) protein, a proinflammatory signaling pathway (aka – transcription factor), is essentially the “master-switch” for inflammation. It is one of the most important molecules linking chronic inflammation to cancer problems, including cell proliferation, angiogenesis, tumor promotion and metastasis.

Inhibiting and suppressing NF-kB signaling is a therapeutic objective when fighting cancer, and the natural agent curcumin has been shown to be effective in achieving this goal. An abundance of evidence from numerous studies (preclinical, animal and clinical) strongly suggest curcumin exerts potent anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition to its role in fighting cancer, curcumin plays a multifaceted role in cancer prevention. Due to its many anti-inflammatory benefits, it also delivers a cascade of other benefits for other inflammatory conditions, including arthritis.

Personally (and not for cancer reasons), I have found curcumin to be very effective, and I incorporate it into my daily supplementation regimen to alleviate sundry aches and pains, by mitigating that gnarly instigator: inflammation. For me, it works wonders!

Curcumin dosage and interactions

Dosage always matters, whether a patient is using pharmaceutical drugs or evidence-based supplements. Thus, an individual patient’s issues will dictate appropriate dosing. Curcumin has been used, up to 12 grams per day, for up to three months without any significant side-effects, although most cancer patients take a lesser amount of approximately 3.0 to 8.0 grams per day, for longer time periods.

Also, drug interactions need to be assessed with any supplement or pharmaceutical agent. It has been suggested that curcumin may have an anticoagulant effect, thus if a patient is already taking anticoagulant agents (such as blood thinners), caution would be advised.

Absorption

One challenge with curcumin is the notion that it is not bioavailable — in other words, it doesn’t absorb well into one’s system. Thus, it is advisable to take curcumin (if a capsule or tablet) with bioperine or piperine (derived from black pepper) which, purportedly, helps enhance absorption. Many curcumin supplements include this component in their ingredients.

Of course, effective cancer protocols require a sophisticated multifaceted approach. I strongly recommend you explore curcumin as a strong anti-inflammatory agent, to be included in the toolbox of comprehensive and effective interventions.

Finally, prior to embarking on any medical or healthcare protocol, intervention or regimen, always seek the counsel of a qualified doctor or healthcare professional.

Learn more about curcumin, and the power of other integrative therapies, in my book, Hope Never Dies.

Buy the Book

Filed Under: Blog, Botanicals, Inflammation, Nutrition Tagged With: anti-inflammatory, curcumin, diet, food, medicine, metastatic

Broccoli Sprouts – Cancer Fighters

January 14, 2021 by Rick Shapiro Leave a Comment

broccoli sprouts anti-cancer properties hope never dies blogWhen mom said, “Eat your broccoli” you should’ve listened. The good news is, it’s never too late to start. Why should you? Because there’s an abundance of evidence and studies (cellular, animal, clinical) that prove broccoli and broccoli sprouts are comprised of potent cancer-fighting properties.

Jed W. Fahey, ScD., MS, is a professor and researcher at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Director of the Cullman Chemoprotection Center. He has an extensive background in plant physiology, human nutrition, phytochemistry and nutritional biochemistry. Since the 1990’s he has been involved in researching the potent anti-cancer effect of an activated phytonutrient known as sulforaphane, which is derived from cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli. Fahey strongly asserts that sulforaphane is a potent inducer of key cytoprotective enzymes that promote detoxification of carcinogens and other anti-cancer effects in humans.

There’s an abundance of evidence and studies that prove broccoli and broccoli sprouts are comprised of potent cancer-fighting properties.

A study published by the late Paul Talalay (MD and professor of pharmacology at Johns Hopkins University) found that 3-day-old broccoli sprouts consistently contain 20-50 times the amount of the chemo-protective compound glucorophanin, the precursor of sulforaphane, that is found in mature broccoli heads. His discoveries helped reveal that these anti-cancer compounds actually reduce cancer risk, in addition providing greater protective properties and cancer-fighting efficacy than mature broccoli.

Studies reveal sulforaphane antioxidant and anti-tumor properties

  1. In a study of brain cancer cells (glioblastoma) cells, sulforaphane demonstrated apoptotic effects and cellular invasion inhibition, thus helping regulate cancer cell death and mitigating cancer cell migration and invasion into other tissues.
  2. A recent mouse model study published in the peer-reviewed Cancer Prevention Research Journal also engendered preventative effects, inhibiting breast cancer development. The results suggest exposure to epigenetic modulating dietary agents, such as cruciferous vegetables with sulforaphane (including broccoli sprouts), could be a key factor for maximizing chemo-preventive effects. In other words, the study supports the use of drugs or natural agents to try to reduce the risk of, or delay the development or recurrence of, human breast cancer.
  3. In the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, another study exhibited the impact of sulforaphane from broccoli on the interaction between immune and colon cancer cells, thus underscoring its capacity for cancer prevention and cancer development.

A plethora of other studies confirm that sulforaphane, which is heavily concentrated in broccoli sprouts, can play a significant role in helping prevent and fight cancer.

Remember what Momma said: “Eat your broccoli” … and today we know it’s advisable to eat your broccoli sprouts, several times per week.

Of course, effective cancer protocols require a sophisticated multifaceted approach. However, I strongly recommend you include broccoli sprouts as a strong preventative and anti-cancer agent, in your toolbox of comprehensive and effective interventions.

Finally, prior to embarking on any medical or healthcare protocol, intervention or regimen, I recommend you seek the counsel of a qualified doctor or healthcare professional.

Read more nutrition-related posts

Or, learn more in my book, Hope Never Dies.

Hope Never Dies overview

Filed Under: Botanicals, Nutrition Tagged With: anticancer, antioxidant, diet, food, sulforaphane

Can Food Choices Influence the Prevention and Progression of Cancer

June 29, 2017 by Rick Shapiro Leave a Comment

To decrease cancer risk, select fruit like blueberries that have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Can food choices influence the prevention and progression of cancer? 

SHORT ANSWER: ABSOLUTELY YES. This is a deep and exhaustive cancer subject and has been a topic of debate for centuries. The so-called “Father of Modern Medicine” Hippocrates, born approximately 2,500 years ago, is well known for his famous quote:

Let Food Be Thy Medicine and Let Medicine Be Thy Food

His prescient understanding of how food impacts our health was remarkable, given the lack of analytical testing mechanisms (blood work and other medical-diagnostic tools) at his disposal. He was at the forefront of in-depth clinical observation and documentation. Today, an abundance of evidence strongly suggests that the inclusion of certain foods and the exclusion of other foods can have a major effect upon cancer. I will keep this article brief and expand upon it in future articles, but provide you, herein, with some “food for thought.”

Jeanne Wallace, Ph.D. 

Jeanne wrote a compelling chapter in Hope Never Dies. She is a world-renowned specialist in the dietary and nutritional cancer world.

In speaking with Jeanne, I pointed out that there are many so-called anti-cancer diets, including the gluten-free, macrobiotic, Gerson, Ludwig, ketogenic, paleo, raw, vegan, vegetarian, and other diets. She takes a non-dogmatic approach:

“There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these diet approaches. While some of our clients might thrive on a vegetarian diet, others will be healthier eating some humanely raised, pasture-fed/finished meat. While a Gerson-type diet (organic plant-based) will provide ample phytonutrients for modifying gene expression, it can be disastrous to one’s blood sugar control.

Ditto macrobiotic approaches, which can be very healing for individuals whose genetic predisposition suits them to such an eating plan, but will worsen insulin resistance in others. A raw foods diet often works well as a short-term intervention to increase one’s connectedness to food vibrancy, but carotenoids and other flavonoids have low bioavailability in their raw state and are optimized when cooked and eaten with healthy fats.”

Jeanne and her staff engage in global translational research. They educate and counsel clients (and doctors) about evidence-based nutrition, which is tailored to patients based upon numerous factors. These factors comprise an individual’s biochemical criteria, including a client’s specific cancer type, stage and other related issues.

Jeanne also asserts:

A diet that fosters systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, excess blood viscosity, nutrient imbalances and immune suppression will have a permissive effect with malignant cells. So, contrarily, our primary goal is to lessen these factors and create an internal environment that is not conducive to cancer growth and progression. Most exciting is the discovery that our diet has direct effects on cancer genes.

We’ve learned that genes are more plastic than originally thought. Gene expression is not written in stone; we’re not stuck with the genetic luck-of-the-draw with which we’re born. While we can’t change the actual gene, we do have significant influence over which genes are expressed and which are kept dormant. Research in nutritional epigenetics is revealing how—at the molecular and genetic level—various anti-cancer foods repress the expression of oncogenes (genes that foster the growth and promotion of cancer) and up-regulate the expression of tumor suppressor genes.

Keith Block, M.D. 

Dr. Keith Block is a world-renowned integrative cancer doctor. He has also written a compelling chapter in Hope Never Dies.
He states:

Regarding the impact of diet, it is clear that the typical Western diet can drive the onset of malignancy. For example, according to several studies, red meat can increase the risk of colorectal cancer by 25 to 75 percent. Also, high milk and calcium consumption are associated with a 15 to 200 percent increase in prostate cancer. And one randomized controlled trial showed that when breast cancer patients reduced their fat intake to 20 percent or lower, they reduced their risk of recurrence by an average of 24 percent! This is on par with Tamoxifen, which has shown a 25 percent reduction in recurrence rates after taking it for five years.

Another example: 25 grams of flax per day will cut your Ki67, a proliferation marker for cancer, by 34 percent. There is also evidence to suggest that 25 grams of flaxseed per day can induce apoptosis (the normal, genetically-regulated process of cell death) by 30 percent.

Yet, we don’t talk about nutrition specificity as medical culture. There is also impressive data showing that if you shift to a whole grain, legume-based, vegetable and fruit diet, you cut back cancer risks dramatically, yet there is less than a three percent chance that your cancer specialist will bring up a discussion about diet with you!

Keith treats his patients with a multi-interventional, systemic and comprehensive integrative regimen, based upon objective diagnostic criteria tailored to the individual, and not based upon the strict “standard of care,” alone.

What are the best foods to eat to avoid cancer?

I’m often asked for lists of what to eat and avoid. There is no perfect list of anti-cancer foods because everyone is an individual with different needs, but there are some common sense choices, based upon numerous research studies that certain foods and food categories should be avoided and, on the contrary, others included.

Anti-cancer food suggestions from Jeanne Wallace, Ph.D.

  • Cruciferous vegetables (including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, collards, brussel sprouts, radishes, and mustard)
  • Carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables (known for their deep orange, red and yellow hues)
  • Leafy greens
  • Berries
  • Spices
  • Green tea

Foods generally deemed deleterious to cancer prevention

  • Refined, processed and packaged foods with excessive sugar
  • GMOs and artificial ingredients
  • Pesticide or hormone-laden factory-farm-raised meats/poultry/dairy/eggs
  • Preserved meats and fish with nitrates
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Refined vegetable oils
  • Hydrogenated and trans fats

Intelligent food choices that are adhered to and implemented every day can play a major role in preventing cancer and impacting its progression.

Be aware of what you eat at every meal and understand that food or food products can have a direct effect on your body, especially if you have been diagnosed with cancer and are attempting to thwart its progression or keep it in remission.

Have a Wonderful Healthy Day and Keep the Hope!

Rick Shapiro, Author 

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Filed Under: Blog, Nutrition Tagged With: anticancer, berries, cancer, cancercure, cancersurvivor, curecancer, diet, food, HopeNeverDies, medicine, NewBook, NewBooks, RickShapiroAuthor

Dangerous Words – “You Are Cancer Free”

March 27, 2017 by Rick Shapiro Leave a Comment

Dangerous Words – “You Are Cancer Free” Hope Never Dies

“You Are in Remission.” “You are Cancer Free.” Let’s explore.

“You Are in Remission.” “You are Cancer Free.” 

These seem to be wonderful, comforting words, spoken by our trusted cancer doctors. They tell us that their diagnostic tools cannot see or detect the presence of any cancer cells or tumor(s). Sometimes they will utter these words after a patient is 5 years into remission, hoping the cancer will not recur again.

This provides patients with some form of “peace of mind” regarding the stress, high anxiety, and fears they may harbor about a cancer recurrence. The doctor may say words like: Go home and enjoy your life; do whatever you want … 

BUT – COMPLACENCY allows or permits old habits to become part of our daily routine, once again. Patients may erroneously perceive they are now healthy and out of the danger zone. Is it a good decision to go back to old habits and routines?  Is it possible that the old habits were part of the reason why cancer reared its ugly head in the first place?   

Cancer Causes

In general, it is surmised that hereditary factors cause only 5% to 15% of cancer. Conversely, 85% to 95% of cancer is caused by other factors. It is assumed that these factors emanate from various carcinogens and sources, including, but not limited to: exposure to environmental toxins (and chemicals in the food supply and environment) which number in the thousands, smoking, exposure to the sun, alcohol, the ingestion of harmful, factory processed food products (i.e., poor dietary choices and poor nutrition), a sedentary lifestyle, high stress toxic relationships, a deficiency in important nutrients, and other related reasons. Lifestyle factors, many of our old habits developed over time can create a “permissive” (versus an inhospitable) environment for cancer.

After your body has become compromised due to a cancer issue, it is critical that you attempt to correct the imbalances and remove the “root causes” that may have engendered the cancer in the first place. Moderation, in general, is recognized as a sensible concept, but once you have been afflicted with a cancer issue, a compromised immune system, a disease whereby there may be undetectable but life-threatening micro-metastases in your body, moderation is no longer a wise option. It is time to make SERIOUS TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGES to enhance the probability that you will not experience a dangerous cancer recurrence, which may cause more severe health problems in the future. In other words, change the old habits.

I have heard of concepts and food products that advertise as – sugar-free, gluten free, caffeine free, dairy free, even Pepsi free, where I assume the manufacturers of these products can remove certain ingredients or produce products without the inclusion of these ingredients. They can assure us that the product is actually “free” of certain substances, BUT, can the doctor really say YOU ARE CANCER FREE??

Perhaps your doctor has said your status is NED, also known as “no evidence of disease”, however, NED is not tantamount to “cancer free”. Think about it – If we are truly free from cancer, why does the oncologist tell you to come back for scans and tests every 3 or 6 months? Does he (or she) think cancer may be lurking in hidden places within your body? Does he think it might come back?

As we all know, there is much recurrent disease regarding all tumor types that come back even after the magical 5-year mark. Honestly, there is no magical line in the sand, no prohibitive time frame, when cancer cannot rear its ugly head once again. My point? Make intelligent, health-enhancing, transformational changes in your life.

I urge you to implement (or seek expert advice to help you implement) focused cancer strategies to change your health regarding: dietary/nutrition strategies, exercise regimens, mind-body therapies, evidence-based supplementation, social support, and other on-going treatments and strategies, to enhance, strengthen and build your immune system and health, every day. Essentially, formulate (or seek expert advice regarding) a remission maintenance program.

I strongly encourage you to become proactive with daily healthy routines that are progressive and not regressive, to revitalize your health, so that this insidious unwelcome intruder does not come back for a return visit.

Have a Wonderful Healthy Day and Keep the Hope!

Rick Shapiro, Author 

 

 

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