Holistic Treatments in Cancer Care | Ayur
Vol.9 of the Ayur Newsletter
In this Issue
Exploring Holistic Treatments in Cancer Care
We’re excited to expand on the last Newsletter (Volume 8) covering cancer-protective nutrients. In this issue, we explore the intricate connections between glucose levels, dairy consumption, and cancer risk.
Additionally, due to popular demand, we are happy to announce the return of our webinar on Holistic Strategies for Cancer Prevention. Please sign-up below or forward to those who can benefit from it.
Cancer Prevention Webinar
🌿 Holistic Approaches to Cancer Prevention -Integrating the Mind, Body and Spirit Webinar 🎗️
📅 Join us on Thursday, Oct 12, 2023, at 6:00 PM PDT to dive into science-backed cancer prevention strategies focusing on the mind, body, and spirit.
🌱 We’ll offer actionable tips on:
- Nutrition 🍎
- Physical Activity 🏃♀️
- Stress Management 🧘♂️
- Emotional Well-being 🌈
🌟 This webinar is designed for EVERYONE – whether you’re a curious individual, a health enthusiast, or a professional in the medical field. The class is FREE, but you have to register!
Other Nutrients from Plants That Protect Us
Continuing our discussion from the previous newsletter, let’s explore more plant-based nutrients that offer protective effects against cancer. Green tea contains a powerful antioxidant called Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Studies indicate that EGCG can protect against breast cancer and its recurrence. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which has demonstrated promise in offering protection against prostate and stomach cancers. The bioavailability of lycopene increases when tomatoes are cooked. Dark-colored berries and grapes contain resveratrol, another antioxidant with cancer-protective properties.
Dairy and Cancer: A Complex Relationship
The relationship between dairy consumption and cancer is shrouded in confusion and controversy. The term “dairy” encompasses a diverse array of foods—milk (from cows, sheep, or goats), fermented products like cheese, yogurt, buttermilk, and kefir, as well as special categories like A2 milk and lactose-free milk. Additionally, some dairy items are primarily fat-based, such as cream and cream cheese. This variety makes it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about dairy’s role in cancer risk.
Cow’s milk is known for its rich content of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. However, it is also considered an allergen with the potential to trigger inflammation. Concerns also arise from the potential contamination of milk with hormones and antibiotics. While organic products can minimize this risk, some experts still caution that hormones in milk can contribute to inflammation.
When evaluating the relationship between dairy and cancer, studies have been inconclusive, largely due to the heterogeneous nature of dairy products. Nevertheless, there is evidence to suggest that dairy consumption is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Consequently, it may be prudent for individuals with a family history of, or who are diagnosed with, prostate cancer to avoid dairy.
In the context of breast cancer, dairy consumption has been found to elevate levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), which in turn is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Thus, dairy might contribute to a heightened risk of developing this type of cancer.
Interestingly, not all dairy products carry the same level of risk. Fermented dairy products like yogurt, buttermilk, and kefir have anti-inflammatory properties, are beneficial to gut health, and may even offer some protection against cancer. Additionally, full-fat dairy items appear to pose a greater cancer risk compared to their low-fat counterparts.
Another point to consider is the nutritional composition of various dairy products. For instance, milk and cheese, which are protein-rich, are often regarded as nutritionally superior to items like butter, cream, and cream cheese, which are predominantly fat-based and are viewed as more inflammatory.
Glucose, Insulin Resistance, and Cancer: Understanding the Interconnected Risks
The relationship between glucose, insulin resistance, and cancer is complex and significant. A plethora of studies indicate that high consumption of carbohydrates or refined sugars elevates the risk of certain cancers, particularly breast cancer. Moreover, among those already diagnosed with breast cancer, a high-sugar diet is associated with increased risks of recurrence and mortality.
When we consume carbohydrates, our body converts them into simpler units called sugars, or glucose. Although glucose is meant to fuel cells, its mere presence in the bloodstream is not beneficial and can, in fact, be detrimental. To become useful, glucose must enter the cells, a process facilitated by insulin.
To elucidate this relationship, consider the following analogy: Think of a cell as a house, insulin as the key, and the protein that enables glucose entry as the door. In this scenario, glucose waits outside the ‘house,’ requiring insulin (the ‘key’) to open the protein ‘door’ so it can enter and supply energy to the cell.
When excessive glucose is consumed, the pancreas responds by secreting more insulin. While this may seem like a helpful response, the abundance of insulin—akin to an oversupply of keys—exhausts the protein ‘door,’ causing it to shut down. This phenomenon is known as insulin resistance.
As a result, both glucose and insulin begin to accumulate in the bloodstream. Elevated levels of insulin prompt the liver to produce Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF1), both of which act as growth stimulants. While these factors are not inherently harmful in moderate amounts, their overabundance can lead to uncontrolled cellular growth and multiplication, thereby increasing cancer susceptibility. Essentially, the surplus of growth factors creates an environment conducive to cancer development.
Due to this interconnected relationship between glucose, insulin resistance, and cancer, it is advised to opt for complex carbohydrates over simple carbohydrates. This dietary choice helps maintain stable glucose and insulin levels, thus minimizing the risk of insulin resistance and its associated cancer risks.
Holistic Treatments in Breast Cancer: An Evidence-Based Approach
Breast cancer ranks as one of the most prevalent cancers among women in the United States, affecting 1 in 8 women over their lifetime. For survivors, complementary and alternative treatments are often explored alongside conventional therapies. This article focuses on scientifically-supported, holistic treatments that are not only beneficial but also safe.
Dietary Interventions: The Cornerstone of Prevention
Arguably, nothing is as impactful as dietary choices when it comes to preventing breast cancer recurrence and reducing mortality rates. A diet low in fats and abundant in a diverse range of fruits and vegetables is strongly recommended. Staying within an ideal body weight range and avoiding weight gain post-diagnosis are also critical factors that have been proven to minimize recurrence and mortality.
Implementing such dietary changes can be simple yet powerful, and they lie well within our individual control. It’s crucial to also steer clear of refined sugars. Emerging research further suggests that having an early dinner and maintaining a fasting window of at least 13 hours overnight can yield better outcomes in breast cancer management.
Acupuncture: A Multifaceted Aid
Acupuncture has demonstrated significant utility in a variety of contexts. It is especially effective for managing chemotherapy -induced nausea and vomiting. Pain management is another area where acupuncture excels, particularly in alleviating joint pain from aromatase inhibitors or nerve pain from chemotherapy -induced peripheral neuropathy. Additionally, acupuncture has been found to relieve fatigue and hot flashes.
Mind-Body Practices: Emotional Well-Being and Beyond
Yoga stands out as a beneficial mind-body treatment, helping to enhance emotional well-being and overall quality of life for breast cancer survivors. Beyond the mat, the value of group support and social connections should not be underestimated. These social aspects have been shown to provide tangible benefits for those navigating the complexities of breast cancer survival.
Ayurveda and Yoga: Complementary Holistic Approaches in Cancer Care
When integrated with conventional cancer treatment, Ayurveda and Yoga can offer effective supplementary care. Originating in India as one of the world’s oldest medical systems, Ayurveda—translating to ‘wisdom of life’ (Ayur meaning ‘life’ and Veda meaning ‘wisdom’)—is now practiced globally. The philosophy centers on achieving harmony with nature through balancing the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—which correspond to combinations of the five elements: space, air, water, fire, and earth.
Upon birth, each individual has a unique constitutional balance of these doshas. However, various factors such as diet, physical activity, and lifestyle can disrupt this natural equilibrium, leading to toxin accumulation and illness. The core aim of Ayurvedic treatment is to identify one’s foundational constitution, assess its current state of balance, and implement targeted interventions to restore equilibrium.
Central to Ayurveda is the concept of “Agni,” or metabolic fire, which is pivotal for effective digestion, nutrient absorption, and toxin elimination. An imbalanced Agni can result in poor digestion, suboptimal nutrient absorption, and accumulation of toxins—conditions often seen in cancer patients. By employing tailored diets, physical activities, and other lifestyle adjustments, one can rebalance both their doshas and Agni, thereby aiding in the cancer treatment process.
Yoga, an intrinsic part of Ayurveda, has been scientifically proven to significantly enhance emotional well-being and overall quality of life for cancer survivors. By focusing on the symbiotic relationship between mind and body, Yoga provides a holistic pathway for managing the emotional and physical challenges that often accompany a cancer diagnosis.
In summary, Ayurveda and Yoga offer a comprehensive approach to managing cancer, focusing on balancing bodily systems and improving emotional health when used in conjunction with conventional treatments..
Check out The Previous Newsletters
Some Earlier Topics:
- Recovering from Illness
- Nature’s Tools for Holistic Health
- Incredible Power of Plants
- Our Environmental Commitment
- Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
- What is Integrative Medicine
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Information contained in this document is for educational and informational purposes only. The information is not intended to constitute the practice of medicine. The document’s educational content is not intended to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses. Please consult with your own healthcare professional for health care services, or formally subscribe in writing to the practice’s subscription programs. In case of any emergency, please call 9-1-1 and/or utilize ER services.
Ayur Integrative Medicine
Pleasanton, California
Menlo Park, California
Portola Valley, California