Sheldon Saul Hendler
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 I do not recommend supplementation with orotic acid.
EIGHT
Lipids and Derivatives
The 1980s can be called the decade of fat (lipid) consciousness. Several prestigious medical and scientific organizations decided that there is ample evidence that a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet is not healthy and that it is time that people lowered fat and cholesterol intakes. In 1988 the Surgeon General joined this battle, making it a top health priority.
Actually, not all lipids are our enemies; as you'll soon learn, some are looking downright friendly. |
Committee on Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer, Assembly of Life Sciences National Research Council
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 In areas of China at high risk for esophageal cancer, supplementation of the soil with ammonium molybdate has been observed to increase the molybdenum and ascorbic acid content of locally produced grains and vegetables and to decrease their nitrate and nitrite concentration (Luo et al., 1981). The investigators have proposed that high ascorbic acid and decreased nitrate and nitrite content of vegetables and grains could decrease the high incidence of esophageal cancer in these areas.
Experimental Evidence
Luo e_t al. |
| Diets containing 20% polyunsaturated fat enhance tumorigenesis more effectively than saturated fat, provided that it serves as an adequate source of essential fatty acids. supplementation of a high saturated fat diet with 3% polyunsaturated fat provides the same tumor-enhancing effects as a 20% polyunsaturated fat diet. Thus, the possible promoting effects of high-lipid diets on breast carcinogenesis depend upon the total quantity of fat in the diet (with the maximum effect achieved at 20%) and sufficient polyunsaturated fat to serve as an adequate source of essential fatty acids. |
| In a few studies, investigators have found an inverse correlation between molybdenum levels in the soil and water and the risk of esophageal cancer, especially in China. supplementation of molybdenum-deficient soil in high risk areas of China has been observed to increase the ascorbic acid content and lower the nitrate content of locally grown plants and grains, and is therefore being considered as a means of reducing the risk of esophageal cancer.
Experimental Evidence. |
| Since the early 1950's, dietary supplementation with iron and vitamins has markedly reduced the incidence of Plummer-Vinson syndrome as well as esophageal cancer (Larsson et al., 1975). Esophageal cancer in Iran (Kmet^and Mahboubi, 1972), Sweden (Jacobsson, 1961), and Puerto Rico (Martinez, 1970) is more frequent among the malnourished. Experimentally induced deficiency of lipotropes, riboflavin, vitamin A, or zinc have been shown to enhance carcinogen-induced tumors in laboratory animals (Newberne and McConnell, 1980). |
| Such supplementation should be considered an experimental procedure requiring strict medical supervision and is not recommended for use by the public.
Iron. Iron deficiency has been related to an increase in the risk of Plummer-Vinson syndrome, which is associated with cancer of the upper alimentary tract. Some evidence suggests that iron deficiency may be related to gastric cancer, also through an indirect mechanism. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
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| The current evidence suggests that magnesium supplementation is effective in preventing calcium oxalate stones in people who have this recurrent problem. (It is presently estimated that about one million Americans now living will die from causes related to kidney stones, the causes of which remain obscure.) Gallstones, in contrast to kidney stones, only rarely contain calcium; there is no evidence that magnesium either prevents or is useful in the treatment of gallstones.
4) Useful in the treatment of prostate problems—There is no evidence to support this claim. |
| Increasing potassium intake, either through diet or supplementation, is also helpful in treating hypertension that has already developed.
II. CLAIMS
Positive:
1) Useful in the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure;
2) protective against stroke-related death; 3) improves athletic performance; 4) beneficial in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Negative: 1) Toxic.
III. EVIDENCE
Related to Positive Claims:
1) Useful in the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure— The most common type of high blood pressure is called essential hypertension. |
| The results with potassium supplementation were similar—lower blood pressures in some, higher blood pressures in others. Apparently there are considerable variations in individual sensitivity and response to salt and potassium, especially with respect to blood pressure. Also, there are indications that the chloride in salt and in some potassium supplements may actually be the factor responsible for some of these confusing results.
So where does this leave us? As I said right at the beginning of this section, we don't understand very much about essential hypertension. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Increased incidence of thyrotoxicosis after iodine supplementation in an iodine sufficient area. J Endocrinol Invest 1994; 17: 23-27
13. Ghosh N, Bhattacharya S. Thyrotoxicosis of the chlorides of cadmium and mercury in rabbit. Biomed Environ Sci 1992; 5: 236-240
14. Karpathios T, Zervoudakis A, Theodoridis C et al. Mercury vapor poisoning associated with hyperthyroidism in a child. Acta Ped Scand 1991; 80: 550-552
15. Trivalle C, Doucet J, Chassagne P et al. Differences in the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism in older and younger patients. J Am Geriatr Soc 1996; 44: 50-53
16. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
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| Those who may, in particular, benefit from such supplementation include the elderly, those on low-calorie diets, diabetics, people taking diuretics and digitalis preparations (though the latter should consult their physicians before taking any supplements), consumers of alcohol, pregnant women, and those who indulge in regular and strenuous exercise.
B) Source/Form: Foods rich in magnesium include meats, seafoods, green vegetables and dairy products. |
John Heinerman
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 Although not specifically recommended here for cancer per se, yet in an overall program of sound nutrition and good herbal supplementation, suma appears to have certain preventative value to it in regard to cancer. An average of 3 capsules daily is suggested.
T
TAMARIND {Tamarindus indica)
Brief Description
This is an evergreen tree which grows in tropical climates, reaching up to 80 feet or more with a shaggy, brownish-gray trunk that often is 25 feet in diameter. |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
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 People who advocate micronutrient supplementation often recommend vitamin Bg for infertility. The best sources of this nutrient, in descending order of potency, are cauliflower, watercress, spinach, garden cress, bananas, okra, onions, broccoli, squash, kale, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, peas and radishes.
VV Ginger (Zingiber officinale). According to reports of research with animals in Saudi Arabia, ginger significantly increased sperm count and motility. |
| Naturopaths often recommend supplementation with the amino acid arginine for men with low sperm counts. They call for getting four grams of arginine a day. That's the amount found in about two ounces of sunflower seeds.
Sunflower seeds are the highest entry for arginine in my database at 8.2 percent on a dry-weight basis. Other herbs rich in this vital nutrient include carob, butternuts, white lupines, peanuts, sesame seeds, soybeans, watercress, fenugreek, mustard, almonds, velvet beans, Brazil nuts, chives, broad beans and lentils.
V Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera). |
| For treatment of male infertility caused by sperm abnormalities or clumping, vitamin C supplementation has been shown to be as effective as several fertility-enhancing drugs. Melvyn Werbach, M.D., assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine and author of Nutritional Influences on Illness, suggests taking 1,000 milligrams a day. (Although the Daily Value for vitamin C is only 60 milligrams, taking this much is considered safe. |
| Selenium levels in the eye lenses of people with cataracts are a mere 15 percent of normal, suggesting that selenium supplementation or the selenium from Brazil nuts might help prevent cataracts. At least, it might slow their progression. The average Brazil nut contains the Daily Value for selenium.
Carrot (Daucus carota). There's a fair amount of folklore that carrots are good for vision. As it turns out, it's more than folklore. |
| A vegetarian diet also helps because it's high in magnesium, and magnesium supplementation has been shown to reduce the likelihood of recurrent kidney stones.
To prevent gallstones, eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet, meaning one that's vegetarian or close to it.
If you have the bad luck to get either gallstones or kidney stones, I would urge you to follow your physician's advice. I would also suggest that some herbs can help.
Beggar-lice (Desmodium styracifoliuni). This vine got its name from its small, loose fruits, which cling to clothing. |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
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 Some women find that it takes care of monthly breast tenderness and pain—but it may take four months or more of supplementation before evening primrose oil begins to be really effective.
British doctors use evening primrose oil as a first choice treatment for cyclical breast pain and fibrocystic breast syndrome. For these conditions, I recommend a combination of evening primrose oil, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and the herb vitex.
Exercise
"I'm a mess," said Cheryl, a 31-year-old mother of three. "I've gained a lot of weight, I'm tired all the time, and I'm depressed. |
National Women's Health Network
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 The article accompanying this flow chart reminds physicians, "The decision to use hormone supplementation is ultimately the patient's," but then immediately offers guidance for the practitioner about factors that influence patient decisions "to understand the reasons behind the initiation, cessation, or refusal of HRT use."
STEP 1—Agenda
¦
Establish the reason for this visit
¦
Assess the patient's menopausal status
¦
CONSIDER: Is this an appropriate time to initiate or continue a discussion about perimenopause or menopause?
• Symptoms
• Age
• History
If yes, continue ... |
| Instead of taking hormones and thinking of herself as someone with a "disease," Elizabeth decided to start calcium supplementation, take up weighdifting, and continue with her travels.
Risk F actors for Fractures
Fractures are a major problem for older women in the United States and northern Europe. This condition is less a problem in women in other parts of the world, including Japan.10
What explains this discrepancy? |
| Nevertheless, these associations raise questions about DHEA supplementation in women. Could taking DHEA as a supplement increase risk for cardiovascular disease and cancer? We urge caution until more research has been done.
Vaginal Thinning
DHEA may help reduce the vaginal thinning that occurs after menopause. In one study, fourteen postmenopausal women tested DHEA in a 10 percent cream for twelve months. The hormone appeared to have marked estrogenic effects on the vaginal cells of almost all the women in the study and did not cause increased growth of the endometrium. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
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| In most cases, potassium chloride is the form used for potassium supplementation and, as mentioned earlier, some hypertensives may be sensitive to the chloride in the supplement. The chloride may be the reason why these supplements sometimes either have no anti-hypertensive effect or may even raise blood pressure in certain cases. For those, a trial with another type of potassium salt (e.g., potassium citrate or potassium aspartate), under a physician's supervision, might be worth a try. Restricting salt is certainly prudent, since there are many people whose hypertension is salt sensitive. |
Robyn Landis
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 However, sometimes supplementation in one—B6 or B12, for example—is indicated for a particular condition. A health practitioner can test B-vitamin levels to detect deficiencies.
B complex has been a popular part of nutritional treatment for the emotional symptoms of PMS for many years. Vitamin B6 in particular has been effective for this purpose and is probably the most effective principle in the B complex for depression. Vitamin B6 (also called pyridoxine) is key to the synthesis of all major neurotransmitters. |
Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine
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 Steady supplementation with selenium-enriched yeast may have allowed for a more rapid increase in maintenance of higher selenium levels. I conclude that these are encouraging results demonstrating the effect of selenium therapy in the treatment of precancerous dysplastic lesions of the oral cavity.52
Ovarian cancer. A study published in the January 1996 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute stated that serum selenium was associated with a decreased risk of ovarian cancer and that selenium may have a protective role against the development of ovarian cancer.53
Skin cancer. |
| Magnesium supplementation (magnesium orotate is preferred), with or without potassium, is important when taking these drugs and for some time afterward as well. Magnesium also works as a natural laxative. Low magnesium levels are also clearly related with increased risk of heart disease mortality.
Cisplatin and Hypomagnesemia
Cisplatin therapy may cause hypomagnesemia through renal tubular magnesium wasting, which may in turn cause neuromuscular irritability, weakness, confusion, seizures, and ventricular arrhythmias. |
| One of my key goals in supplementation is the enhancement of glutathione by adding nutrients such as lipoic acid and cysteine, and flavonoids, such as milk thistle, schizandra, turmeric, and whey protein to individual protocols.
Glutathione and the Detoxification of Cisplatin
The toxicity of cisplatin, an effective drug in the treatment of solid tumors, is a major obstacle to its use. GSH, a safe compound that prevents cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity without affecting its antitumor activity, is a promising antidote. |
| Glutamine supplementation prevents immunosuppression and muscle atrophy during periods of stress and heals gastric and peptic ulcers.80
Glutamine is best taken sublingually (under the tongue) for maximum absorption, or as part of a good low-temperature whey protein supplement such as Country Life, available in most health food stores.
There are several reasons why I might suggest glutamine to cancer patients. Human studies have shown that L-glutamine is an essential nutrient for the cells of the small intestine and is the primary metabolic fuel for en-terocytes. |
| An important part of my protocols for inhibiting cancer involves the combination of either Wobenzym supplementation or bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapple, with turmeric extract tablets containing 95 percent curcumin, quercetin, and sometimes one or more medical mushroom extract capsules (reishi, maitake, shiitake). Besides turmeric's anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic, and liver-protective properties, I believe it has a synergistic effect with enzyme therapy, particularly bromelain. |
| If I believe that melatonin supplementation may be beneficial as a sleep aid, an immune enhancer, and a possible cancer inhibitor, I start the patient with a low dosage (1 mg before bed, sublingually). Sublingual melatonin is absorbed by the body more efficiently. If this does not help bring on sleep, the dose may be slowly increased to 5 mg (or occasionally as high as 10 mg). If the sleep patterns do no improve, the melatonin should be discontinued. I do not recommend melatonin as a supplement unless there is a sleep problem. |
Robyn Landis
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| Desensitizing slowly and gently through dietary changes and herbal supplementation is the only long-term allergy cure we have ever seen. It gives your immune system the time and the nourishment to heal and balance its response.
ALLERGIES TO HERBS?
Looking at herbs to treat allergies raises a question we get asked from time to time: "Is it possible to be allergic to an herb?" The answer is that while it is technically possible, it is extremely rare. For example, Dr. |
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