18 June 2012
Ian Gawler Blog: Let your food be your medicine
Nutrition reduces the risk of developing cancer, along with its progression and recurrence for those who already have it - the top 10 recent research articles - including an answer to the soy question.
But first, how can we go past:
Thought for the Day
Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food
Hippocrates – commonly referred to as the founder of western medicine
I have had the good fortune to attend and speak at two major international nutrition conferences in the last month. The first was a combined effort from the CSIRO, the Australian Dieticians and ACNEM, a peak body for doctors interested in nutritional and environmental medicine. The second was convened by Metagenics and focused on the therapeutic application of nutrition in cancer medicine. One of the world-class speakers summed up and said that this conference was like drinking intellectually and emotionally from a fire hose!
The take home message? The volume of research in this field is staggering – even for me who attempts to keep up with it. Anyone who suggests nutrition is unimportant for people dealing with cancer is both ill-informed and dangerous. Ill-informed because the evidence base is comprehensive. Dangerous because they may cause vulnerable people to ignore or disregard a source of significant help – for their quality of life and their survival.
While there was a lot of talk regarding the importance and clinical application of epigenetics (and I will report on this later), for the next two weeks I will share some of the nutritional research that impressed.
THE TOP TEN – PART 1:
1. One quarter of all cancers could be prevented by a healthy diet and exercise.
ESTIMATE FOR 2025: About 170,000 Australians diagnosed with cancer -
an increase of 60% on 2007. 43,000 of these cancers are preventable through improvements to diet and physical activity levels. It is likely that this is an underestimation of the true figure.
While the theoretical impact of primary prevention is substantial, motivating populations is difficult. Therefore, unless a concerted and significant effort is made to invest in and implement powerful preventive measures, the reduction of cancer incidence over the coming decades will probably be relatively small.
Baade P D et al, Med J Aust 2012; 196 (5): 337-340. refer to Blog: 26 March 2012
2. Nutrition and lifestyle prevents breast cancer
Be as lean as possible
Be physically active - at least 30mins/day
Limit alcohol to one drink/day
Mothers breastfeed exclusively for up to 6 mths
-- this will reduce the mother’s risk and reduce the child’s risk of becoming overweight
Expect a 40% reduction in breast cancer.
Based upon 954 studies, AICR & WCRF 2009
3. Anti-inflammatory diet contributes to longevity.
Meta-inflammation is low-level, systemic inflammation. It is a major factor in most chronic degenerative diseases including cancer.
Modern nutrition is a significant “inducer” of meta-inflammation.
Egger, G, ACNEM Journal, Mar 2012, Vol 3 No 1 P12-14
It is well known that inflammation potentiates active cancers, therefore, when we adopt an anti-inflammatory diet (like the one in YCCC), we reduce inflammation and assist recovery.
4. Turmeric and pepper target breast cancer stem cells
Cancer stems cells are associated with cancer’s capacity to lay dormant and then reappear as a metastasis or secondaries. As far as I know, there are no drugs in current use that can impact significantly upon these cells, short of stem cell transplants. However, nature offers hope.
Turmeric (curcumin) and black pepper (piperine) separately, and in combination, have been found to inhibit breast stem cell self-renewal but are non-toxic to differentiated cells. This is another good reason to use these two regularly.
Kakarala, M et al, 2010, Br Ca Research & Treatment, Vol 122, No 3, 777-785
5. Research claims soy is safe for breast cancer
The soy question has to be one of the most contentious and relevant nutritional issues for women with breast cancer (especially if HER +ve) for some time. Here is a summary quoted in part from what is a very comprehensive analysis of available research:
Currently there is little evidence to suggest that any potential weak estrogenic effects of dietary isoflavones (as found in soy) have a clinically relevant impact on breast tissue in healthy women. Limited data suggest this is also the case for breast cancer survivors.
Findings from one rodent study showed that genistein may interfere with concurrent tamoxifen treatment, suggesting that breast cancer patients taking a tamoxifen-like drug may need to limit soyfood intake and avoid isoflavone supplements.
Currently there is no data to support the idea that soyfoods or isoflavone supplements improve the prognosis of breast cancer patients.
Available data on breast cancer recurrence and mortality provide some assurance for breast cancer patients that soyfoods and isoflavone supplements, when taken at dietary levels, do not contribute to recurrence rates; although more data are clearly needed to better address this issue.
Messina, MJ and Wood CE, Nutrition Journal 2008, 7:17
NEWS
1. IAN’s NEXT WEBINAR IS ON MINDFULNESS: Tuesday 19th June at 8pm EST
All welcome to tune in – you just need to register via the Mindbody Mastery website via the link : www.anymeeting.com/mindbodymastery
2. Chocolate trialed as antihypertensive for kids
Not sure whether to laugh or cry about this one, what do you think?
In a study of the effects of daily consumption of dark chocolate on blood pressure (BP), Melbourne school children had a 97% ‘adherence’ rate – no problem getting them to eat it!
However, the seven-week pilot study, conducted by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, did not show any benefit of dark chocolate on either systolic or diastolic BP, according to results published in the Archives of Diseases in Childhood.
The researchers say a larger and longer trial – perhaps with a higher daily ‘dose’ of chocolate - will be needed to show any real effects.
And we cannot get funding for a lifestyle based cancer intervention study. Maybe we need to emphasis the program’s chocolate component!
RELATED BLOGS
Eating for recovery
Big Mac or a salad?
CDs
Eating well, being well
Eating for recovery
11 June 2012
Ian Gawler Blog: Over-medicalisation, mammography and PSA screening
This week, big questions posed by new research concern the over-medicalisation of our health and wellbeing. Key examples cast big doubts over the merits of mammography for 50 yo women and PSA blood tests for prostate cancer in healthy men.
Next come telling comments from the MJA re why they did not publish the controversial article on me, The Age has another go at the Foundation, while another massive review of evidence comes out connecting nutrition with breast cancer.
But first, please do not believe what I say, just because I said it!
Thought for the day: Arrive at your own truth.
Next come telling comments from the MJA re why they did not publish the controversial article on me, The Age has another go at the Foundation, while another massive review of evidence comes out connecting nutrition with breast cancer.
But first, please do not believe what I say, just because I said it!
Thought for the day: Arrive at your own truth.
At the end of my early workshops I would
often say “Everything you may have heard today could be untrue”. Some people
were understandably unsettled and required an explanation. Why did I say it?
Because I see the truth in the quote that follows, and have always
been guided by it.
"Don't blindly believe what I say. Don't
believe me because others convince you of my words. Don't believe anything you
see, read, or hear from others, whether of authority, religious teachers or
texts. Don't rely on logic alone, nor speculation. Don't infer or be deceived
by appearances.
"Do not give up your authority and
follow blindly the will of others. This way will only lead to delusion.
"Find out for yourself what is truth,
what is real. Discover that there are virtuous things and there are
non-virtuous things. Once you have discovered for yourself, give up the bad and
embrace the good."
- The Buddha
If someone leaves a program I have presented
and says something like “I am eating this way now because Ian said so”, they
have really missed the point and I would be very disappointed.
If they say “I heard what Ian said, have
considered it, and have chosen to eat this way”, then I am happy.
Research claims over half breast cancers would amount to nothing if left untreated, and raises questions about breast screening
Research claims over half breast cancers would amount to nothing if left untreated, and raises questions about breast screening
Writing in the prestigious British Medical Journal, academics from Australia and Canada, claim up to 54% of breast cancers detected in women in their 50s by breast cancer screening would never have manifested clinically.
The article goes on to identify the phenomenon of over-medicalisation, saying healthy people are increasingly harmed by a barrage of unnecessary tests, procedures and drugs. The tendency to over-screen, over-diagnose and over-treat has become rampant in modern medicine, and poses a “significant threat to human health”.
“Screening programs are detecting early cancers that will never cause symptoms or death, sensitive diagnostic technologies identify ‘abnormalities’ so tiny they will remain benign, while widening disease definitions mean people at ever-lower risks receive permanent medical labels and lifelong treatments that will fail to benefit many of them.”
ADHD, chronic kidney disease, gestational diabetes and prostate cancer were also key areas for concern, they said. Even asthma is over-diagnosed in up to 30% of cases, the authors said.
The article was timed to promote a new international conference called Preventing Overdiagnosis, that will aim to better assess the problem and begin working on solutions.
Controversy has raged for some years about men being routinely screened for prostate cancer using blood PSA tests. I remember cringing while being a part of an SBS TV Insight program where Prof Alan Coates suffered the most vitriolic and personal attack from a prominent and highly emotional politician really suffering from prostate cancer and abusing Coates mercilessly for suggesting the scientific evidence did not support routine PSA testing. Coates was CEO of the Cancer Council of Australia at the time and he endured ongoing professional and personal criticism for his stance.
However, recently the prestigious US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has added to this debate, claiming that PSA-based screening could not be widely recommended, due to the “inevitable” risk of over-diagnosis and harms of treatment.
However, recently the prestigious US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has added to this debate, claiming that PSA-based screening could not be widely recommended, due to the “inevitable” risk of over-diagnosis and harms of treatment.
It acknowledged that some men would continue to demand PSA tests, and that some doctors would continue to offer them, but said this should only occur through fully informed, shared decision making. The USPSTF said community and employer-based screening should be stopped altogether. It based its recommendations on an extensive literature review.
“The mortality benefits of PSA-based prostate cancer screening through 11 years are, at best, small and potentially none, and the harms are moderate to substantial,” said the final statement, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia branded the recommendations “unhelpful”, and not directly applicable to Australia.
NEWS
1. The Medical Journal of Australia explains why it did not publish
- with direct quotes
First: I did not give my permission and they value patient rightsSecond: The article "presented supposition, nothing new in the way of facts".
Finally: The Editor, Annette Katelaris summarised, and again I quote "patient consent, accountable editorial processes and an articles validity, significance and potential to advance medical practice are primary considerations in the MJA's editorial decisions... These principles were applied in the MJA's final decision not to publish the article".
Conclusion: The Journal of Internal Medicine Journal obviously has different standards that allowed them to publish.
The letter that provoked the response, along with the editorial, will be linked to on my website soon.
2. Good nutrition may reduce the progression or recurrence of breast cancer.
Following on from last week’s blog on nutrition and cancer, comes news of a major work citing 353 references put together by Natalie Ledesma from the University of California, San Francisco.
Link here for the full work which makes for compelling reading:
Here is Natalie’s summary:
Good nutrition may reduce the incidence of breast cancer and the risk of breast cancer progression or recurrence. There are many studies in progress to help further understand how diet and cancer are related. We do know, however, that improved nutrition reduces risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension and heart disease, and also enhances overall quality of life. It is estimated that one third of cancer deaths in the U.S. can be attributed to diet in adulthood.
3. The Age is at it again!
A personal account has been published in the Medical Journal of Australia by a Melbourne psychiatrist who attended the Gawler Foundation’s 12 week non-residential cancer program. Writing under the strident headline “Doctor denounces Gawler program's 'harsh' healing”, health editor Julia Medew quotes and comments on the patient’s concerns regarding the rigours of the dietary approach, perceived guilt around the cancer prone personality, and the suggestion her group leader said there was no evidence chemotherapy works.
Join the link, read and decide for yourself.
I wish the psychiatrist good health and a long and happy life. Discussion, feedback and constructive criticism is always welcome, even when it turns up for the first time in a medical journal.
Comments from the Foundation’s CEO, Karin Knoester and the oncologist from Peter Mac seem worth quoting directly.
“Ms Knoester said although no independent evaluations had shown the Gawler programs were an effective cancer treatment, there was evidence that nutrition, exercise, meditation and positive thinking could all on their own help people overcome illness.
Deputy Head of Oncology at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Associate Professor Michael Jefford, said he got the impression from patients that the Gawler Foundation's staff were ''overvaluing'' their therapies while telling people conventional treatments were less effective and more toxic than they really are.
''There is very good evidence for the efficacy of chemotherapy … so to say it doesn't work is blatantly wrong,'' he said. “There is also good evidence that chemotherapy improves quality of life … so to say it's toxic is incorrect.''
My comment.
2. There is good evidence that chemotherapy impacts adversely on some people’s quality of life and that most chemotherapy is given with palliation in mind, not cure. Therefore the equation of pluses and minuses has to be considered carefully when making decisions regarding this form of treatment. No doubt good oncologists inform their patients of the risks and benefits, encourage open dialogue and assist in the making of good clinical choices.
3. If chemotherapy is not toxic, why is it called cytotoxic therapy? I wonder if Professor Jefford was quoted accurately.
People who do choose to have chemotherapy will benefit from a healthy, therapeutic lifestyle that is highly likely to reduce the risk of side-effects, improve survival and improve quality of life. The two, chemotherapy and a therapeutic lifestyle, work well together. This should be a co-operative venture.
RELATED BLOGS:
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition
TB or not TB - The Age gives me a voice
04 June 2012
Ian Gawler Blog: Research to live for
People sometimes say ”I have been dying to meet you”. Bit weird really.
This blog presents new research relevant to living. A major review of the literature pointing to the extension of life benefits gained through diet and exercise for people diagnosed with cancer. Then we discuss a new syndrome to watch out for called Faecal Encephalitis that leads to a raft of distressing, disgraceful symptoms.
But first:
Thought for the day
How brief this life
So
little time to prepare for eternity
Paul Gauguin
Paul Gauguin
Diet and exercise extend life
It is disturbing how often I still hear from people diagnosed with cancer whose highly educated specialists have told them that what they eat will not matter. While one would imagine simple common sense would dictate that was flawed advice, there is often the follow up "There is no evidence at all to support changing your diet after a cancer diagnosis".
Clearly wrong. And clearly ignorance that is dangerous. A recent, major review of the scientific literature has examined the role of diet and physical activity in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer survivorship and confirmed the benefits. While it is both astounding and disappointing that the amount of research investigating how much therapeutic nutrition can add to cancer survival is quite small, the indications are steadily growing.
The evidence for exercise increasing survival is stronger, and you may wonder why that is. The benefits of exercise were stumbled upon some years ago and have attracted a good deal of recent research, support and uptake in the mainstream. I cannot help but wonder if exercise offends few and so people research it happily, whereas the vested interests involved with nutrition are vast, complex and obstructive. Whether it be the food lobby groups like the meat and dairy industries, the processed food and fast food conglomerates, or just the general malaise amongst the population who seem reluctant to really grapple with the connection between lifestyle, healing, health and wellbeing; food is far more challenging as a research topic than exercise.
Be that as it may, here is a summary of what was said in this extensive review of current research, along with the quote to cite if anyone in the future is so stupid as to say what you eat when diagnosed with cancer does not matter, or there is no evidence:
Link here to the article in the British Journal of Cancer
QUOTE: Davies, N J, Br J Cancer. 2011 November 8; 105(S1): S52–S73.
Published online 2011 November 3. doi: 10.1038/bjc.2011.423
Evidence that poor diet and low physical activity relate directly to the incidence of cancer is well documented, but owing to increased cancer survivorship, an understanding of these lifestyle factors after a cancer diagnosis is of crucial importance.
Method:
Evidence was initially gathered from pre-defined searches of the Cochrane Library Database and PubMed from March 2006 to February 2010. Another search of 2011 literature was conducted to update the evidence.
Results:
Evidence from observational studies suggests that a low-fat, high-fibre diet might be protective against cancer recurrence and progression. There is more support for physical activity, with a dose response for better outcomes.
Implications:
Cancer survivors would like to have a more active role in their health care and to know how to look after themselves after diagnosis, including what diet and lifestyle changes they should make. The challenge is in integrating lifestyle support into standardised models of aftercare.
Faecal Encephalitis
This is a dangerous new condition that is particularly harsh on those in the ambit of the sufferers.
Faecel Encephalitis occurs when faecal material builds up to critical levels in a person’s system, leading to a toxic overload of their brain and mind. This leads to inflammation of the brain and disgraceful behavior. Symptoms can be severe and include chronic resentment, irrational behavior, poor judgment, loss of values and distortion of the truth.
Apparently the condition can result from chronic constipation causing a back log and auto-intoxication, although a more common problem is having the head stuck so far up someone else’s backside there is a direct faecal overload. Usually the “other person” is someone perceived to be in authority or power.
The condition needs to be differentiated from the more common and more recognized problem of being “full of sh*t”, which is a far more benign problem and while regrettable, is of little concern in daily life.
Treatment of Faecal Encephalitis is quite difficult as it seems those afflicted by the condition loose the capacity for self awareness and do not recognize they have a problem. It may be more useful to focus on helping family, friends and colleagues of those affected as they often suffer unduly.
NEWS
1. Brisbane workshops June 14 – 16
Where: The Relaxation Centre, 15 South Pine Rd, Alderley, Brisbane, 4051Bookings & Info: Click here for the link and go to the 14th -17th on the calendar
or call The Relaxation Centre on (07) 3856 3733.
2. Israel workshops etc July 18 - 28
It will be a great pleasure to be back in Israel once more where I have been invited to make a variety of presentations. If you know anyone in Israel who may be interested, please forward the details.
i) Wednesday July 18th, 19:30-22:00, Evening Talk
The Art of Living and Dying: contemplation, meditation and healing
Seminar Hakibutzim, Tel-Aviv
Sponsored by Tovana, Israel Insight Meditation Association
ii) Friday July 20th, 09:00-14:00, Master Class Workshop for Health Professionals
An Integrative Approach for Major Illness - Applications of Meditation and Mind-Body Principles
Rabin Medical Center
Sponsored by the Integrative Medicine Department, Davidoff Cancer Center, Beilinson Hospital
iii) Friday July 27th, 09:00-16:00, One Day Workshop for the General Public
Health, Healing and Well-being: the Healing Power of the Mind
Beit Rishonim, Bitan Aharon
Sponsored by Taatzumot Association
iv) By Invitation Only:
• Wednesday July 18th, 16:00-18:30: A meeting with leading Dharma teachers,
• Saturday July 28, 19:00-22:00: An evening with leading integrative therapists and physicians.
For more information or registration:
Dr. Nimrod Sheinman, In Israel: 0544-797466, nimush@zahav.net.il
14 May 2012
Fasting and curry – good for you, bad for cancer!
Thought for the day
Prayer is asking
Meditation is listening
It has been really tiresome defending the cancer diet I recommend against claims of it causing weight lose and being dangerous. New research suggests that the real problem may be we have not been going far enough. Full on fasting may be the way to go!
In around 2008, research emerged that suggested starvation or fasting in animals for two or three days was a useful part of treatment against cancer. There have been anecdotal stories of people emerging from concentration camps, emaciated but with the cancers they went in with completely resolved. Doubters suggested fasting assisted the cancer.
However, recent experiments reported on The ABC's Science Show have suggested fasting makes things worse for the cancer, especially when assisted by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy and fasting appear to be synergistic.
Valter Longo at the University of Southern California investigated 18 different types of cancers in animals, showing that if you starve the cancer for a few days before and after you hit it with chemo, the results are twice as good. Also in some cases, for example breast cancer, cycles of fasting were working as well as chemotherapy.
In neuroblastoma, a very aggressive childhood cancer, the fasting alone did a little bit, not very much, the chemo alone did a little bit, not very much, but when combined the results showed 20% to 40% long-term cancer-free survival.
The great majority of the cancers tested showed that either fasting alone or fasting plus chemo was consistently better than the chemo alone.
Clinical trials in humans started two years ago, and in the next couple of months the researchers will know whether it is safe or not. And the good news is that if it is safe and it is free, then it is up to the oncologist, together with the patient, to decide if this is something that might be worth trying right now, even before the clinical trial is finished.
So why does it work? The researchers contend that normal cells are very well adapted to starvation conditions, they know exactly what to do and they can manage for a long time. Cancer cells have no idea.
The researchers go on to point out that much of modern cancer research and treatment was aimed at developing a magic bullet; something that specifically kills the cancer cell. This magic bullet has not been found, so now mainstream attention has shifted to personalized, specific treatments.
However, what these researchers are looking at is different again. They are working with basic confusion. Cancer cells are a little bit less able to adapt to different environments, and starvation is one of the most extreme environments that you can encounter. The researchers think the cancer cells are dying because they are confused, they do not understand the starvation environment. They try to respond by activating all kinds of pathways, for example they try to make more proteins, even though they are starving. And so in this process they commit suicide.
Valter Longo said on the Science Show that the researchers think “it would be good for a patient to go to their oncologist and say, you know, maybe I'm running out of options, things are not working, or I'm extremely concerned about the side-effects. So that patient should be able to go to an oncologist and say what about this. And our hope is that the oncologist picks up some papers and does some reading and then determines whether this is premature based on the condition of the patient, or is something that they could do”.
Asked by Robin Williams “Is there a bounce-back effect, in other words where you've got slightly starvation reduced cancers and they've been knocked on the head by chemotherapy as well, but there's a lingering few cells, can they then bounce back if the treatment is reduced?”
Valter Longo replied “That's what usually happens with the chemotherapy alone. What we're seeing is that when you add the fasting, that is much less likely to happen, probably because you give that extra push. So now you have a population of cells, each one of them...the chemotherapy itself actually creates variation. So it generates in some sense...it can generate the one cell that then can escape and become resistant, and then you're in trouble if you get the resistant cell. What we're showing is that the fasting increases the chance that that one resistant sale is never generated, and if it is generated, it dies.”
Robyn Williams ended with: “It's exciting stuff, isn't it”.
Ian’s comments
What I like so much about this interesting research is the similarity in approach to the Healing Diet I have recommended for many years where one of the main principles has been to create a “cancer unfriendly” environment in the body by manipulating the body’s metabolism nutritionally.
However, thinking fasting may have been too severe for people affected with cancer, we have recommended the monodiet, a partial fast where some nutritional input is maintained. Results reported over years have been good, but has anyone been fasting and have their experiences to share?
If you are interested in the monodiet etc, listen to the material on the CD “Eating for Recovery”, and I have added quite a deal to the new edition of “You Can Conquer Cancer” which should be released in about 6 mths..
Well not curry in general, but maybe turmeric gives it a good shake! Curcumin, which is found in the spice turmeric, has been linked to a range of health benefits. Studies have already shown that it can beat cancer cells grown in a laboratory and benefits have been suggested in stroke and dementia patients as well.
Now a trial at hospitals in Leicester will be investigating giving curcumin alongside chemotherapy drugs. The trial will compare the effects of giving curcumin pills seven days before starting standard chemotherapy treatment.
Prof William Steward, from Leicester University, who is leading the study, said animal tests combining the two were "100 times better" than either on their own and that had been the "major justification for cracking on" with the trial.
"The prospect that curcumin might increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy is exciting because it could mean giving lower doses, so patients have fewer side effects and can keep having treatment for longer.
"This research is at a very early stage, but investigating the potential of plant chemicals to treat cancer is an intriguing area that we hope could provide clues to developing new drugs in the future."
Ian’s comment
This research builds on what has been suggested for a good while, turmeric has specific anti-cancer properties. It is one of the top ten anti-cancer foods we have recommended for years. The best way to take it from what we know so far is to use the fresh herb (use the dried powder if you cannot obtain this) and add it to meals. Around 5gms per day seems to be the recommended amount, and happily, you can easily eat this in a normal meal. Adding black pepper at the same time is reported to enhance the effect considerably. Tumeric can also be added to juices.
RELATED BLOGS
Body weight and cancer Where the question of weight loss and gain and how it relates to cancer is discussed in detail
Eating for recovery Where the importance of nutrition to cancer recovery is discussed, along with recommendations
There are many other blogs on cancer and nutrition, including some recipes - check the nutrition tag.
NEWS
1. WEBINAR with IAN
Tuesday 15th July at 8.00pm EST.
The topic is Mindfulness, it is free but you need to register via the Mindbody Mastery website
I will be talking about the two types of mindfulness and why are both important to learn and practice, we will do some practice together, and you can ask questions online that I will answer. You need to register via the above link, it starts at 8pm EST and goes for one hour.
Sat & Sun July 26 & 27, Hawthorn
The Mind that Changes Everything is a weekend where we delve into the workings of the mind, check out recent research and new techniques and share in the theory and practice of affirmations, imagery , contemplation and the deeper experiences of meditation.
Based on my book of the same name, The Mind that Changes Everything is ideal for beginners, lapsed meditators and the experienced, the weekend is highly experiential with good time for questions and discussions.
Join Ruth, like minded people and myself for a weekend enhancing the power and potential of your mind.
For the link to the Gawler Foundation to book, click here, or for enquiries, ring 03 59671730
Prayer is asking
Meditation is listening
Fasting may help chemo, kill cancer
It has been really tiresome defending the cancer diet I recommend against claims of it causing weight lose and being dangerous. New research suggests that the real problem may be we have not been going far enough. Full on fasting may be the way to go!
In around 2008, research emerged that suggested starvation or fasting in animals for two or three days was a useful part of treatment against cancer. There have been anecdotal stories of people emerging from concentration camps, emaciated but with the cancers they went in with completely resolved. Doubters suggested fasting assisted the cancer.
However, recent experiments reported on The ABC's Science Show have suggested fasting makes things worse for the cancer, especially when assisted by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy and fasting appear to be synergistic.
Valter Longo at the University of Southern California investigated 18 different types of cancers in animals, showing that if you starve the cancer for a few days before and after you hit it with chemo, the results are twice as good. Also in some cases, for example breast cancer, cycles of fasting were working as well as chemotherapy.
In neuroblastoma, a very aggressive childhood cancer, the fasting alone did a little bit, not very much, the chemo alone did a little bit, not very much, but when combined the results showed 20% to 40% long-term cancer-free survival.
The great majority of the cancers tested showed that either fasting alone or fasting plus chemo was consistently better than the chemo alone.
Clinical trials in humans started two years ago, and in the next couple of months the researchers will know whether it is safe or not. And the good news is that if it is safe and it is free, then it is up to the oncologist, together with the patient, to decide if this is something that might be worth trying right now, even before the clinical trial is finished.
So why does it work? The researchers contend that normal cells are very well adapted to starvation conditions, they know exactly what to do and they can manage for a long time. Cancer cells have no idea.
The researchers go on to point out that much of modern cancer research and treatment was aimed at developing a magic bullet; something that specifically kills the cancer cell. This magic bullet has not been found, so now mainstream attention has shifted to personalized, specific treatments.
However, what these researchers are looking at is different again. They are working with basic confusion. Cancer cells are a little bit less able to adapt to different environments, and starvation is one of the most extreme environments that you can encounter. The researchers think the cancer cells are dying because they are confused, they do not understand the starvation environment. They try to respond by activating all kinds of pathways, for example they try to make more proteins, even though they are starving. And so in this process they commit suicide.
Valter Longo said on the Science Show that the researchers think “it would be good for a patient to go to their oncologist and say, you know, maybe I'm running out of options, things are not working, or I'm extremely concerned about the side-effects. So that patient should be able to go to an oncologist and say what about this. And our hope is that the oncologist picks up some papers and does some reading and then determines whether this is premature based on the condition of the patient, or is something that they could do”.
Asked by Robin Williams “Is there a bounce-back effect, in other words where you've got slightly starvation reduced cancers and they've been knocked on the head by chemotherapy as well, but there's a lingering few cells, can they then bounce back if the treatment is reduced?”
Valter Longo replied “That's what usually happens with the chemotherapy alone. What we're seeing is that when you add the fasting, that is much less likely to happen, probably because you give that extra push. So now you have a population of cells, each one of them...the chemotherapy itself actually creates variation. So it generates in some sense...it can generate the one cell that then can escape and become resistant, and then you're in trouble if you get the resistant cell. What we're showing is that the fasting increases the chance that that one resistant sale is never generated, and if it is generated, it dies.”
Robyn Williams ended with: “It's exciting stuff, isn't it”.
Ian’s comments
What I like so much about this interesting research is the similarity in approach to the Healing Diet I have recommended for many years where one of the main principles has been to create a “cancer unfriendly” environment in the body by manipulating the body’s metabolism nutritionally.
However, thinking fasting may have been too severe for people affected with cancer, we have recommended the monodiet, a partial fast where some nutritional input is maintained. Results reported over years have been good, but has anyone been fasting and have their experiences to share?
If you are interested in the monodiet etc, listen to the material on the CD “Eating for Recovery”, and I have added quite a deal to the new edition of “You Can Conquer Cancer” which should be released in about 6 mths..
Does curry kill cancer?
Well not curry in general, but maybe turmeric gives it a good shake! Curcumin, which is found in the spice turmeric, has been linked to a range of health benefits. Studies have already shown that it can beat cancer cells grown in a laboratory and benefits have been suggested in stroke and dementia patients as well.
Now a trial at hospitals in Leicester will be investigating giving curcumin alongside chemotherapy drugs. The trial will compare the effects of giving curcumin pills seven days before starting standard chemotherapy treatment.
Prof William Steward, from Leicester University, who is leading the study, said animal tests combining the two were "100 times better" than either on their own and that had been the "major justification for cracking on" with the trial.
"The prospect that curcumin might increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy is exciting because it could mean giving lower doses, so patients have fewer side effects and can keep having treatment for longer.
"This research is at a very early stage, but investigating the potential of plant chemicals to treat cancer is an intriguing area that we hope could provide clues to developing new drugs in the future."
Ian’s comment
This research builds on what has been suggested for a good while, turmeric has specific anti-cancer properties. It is one of the top ten anti-cancer foods we have recommended for years. The best way to take it from what we know so far is to use the fresh herb (use the dried powder if you cannot obtain this) and add it to meals. Around 5gms per day seems to be the recommended amount, and happily, you can easily eat this in a normal meal. Adding black pepper at the same time is reported to enhance the effect considerably. Tumeric can also be added to juices.
RELATED BLOGS
Body weight and cancer Where the question of weight loss and gain and how it relates to cancer is discussed in detail
Eating for recovery Where the importance of nutrition to cancer recovery is discussed, along with recommendations
There are many other blogs on cancer and nutrition, including some recipes - check the nutrition tag.
NEWS
1. WEBINAR with IAN
Tuesday 15th July at 8.00pm EST.
The topic is Mindfulness, it is free but you need to register via the Mindbody Mastery website
I will be talking about the two types of mindfulness and why are both important to learn and practice, we will do some practice together, and you can ask questions online that I will answer. You need to register via the above link, it starts at 8pm EST and goes for one hour.
2. Workshops in Melbourne only 2 weeks away:
Sat & Sun July 26 & 27, Hawthorn
The Mind that Changes Everything is a weekend where we delve into the workings of the mind, check out recent research and new techniques and share in the theory and practice of affirmations, imagery , contemplation and the deeper experiences of meditation.
Based on my book of the same name, The Mind that Changes Everything is ideal for beginners, lapsed meditators and the experienced, the weekend is highly experiential with good time for questions and discussions.
Join Ruth, like minded people and myself for a weekend enhancing the power and potential of your mind.
For the link to the Gawler Foundation to book, click here, or for enquiries, ring 03 59671730
30 April 2012
Ian Gawler Blog: Sustainable and healthy fish – Fishing for answers.
Thought for the Day
Our children need to be taught how to think
Not what to think
If you do choose to eat fish, which ones are the best – for you and the environment?
For non-vegetarians, fish have health benefits courtesy mostly of their Omega 3 fatty acids, and are one of the best protein options. However, most of us are alert to the vexed issue of contamination of our fish and other seafoods by pollution, as well as the sustainability and environmental problems of overfishing and damaging fishing practices.
It is claimed that currently 70% of the world’s fish species are fully exploited, overexploited, depleted or recovering from depletion. It is a scary thought to know the best estimates are that if current trends of overfishing continue, stocks of all fish currently being commercially fished will collapse by 2048. The question then, is what fish are best to eat?
Can you help? I have been researching what follows for the revision of You Can Conquer Cancer, which is nearly complete. To my knowledge the information is accurate. Does anyone know anything else that warrants inclusion? How easy is it to understand? One issue to be clear on, is that if you do choose to eat healthy, sustainable seafood, there are a number of issues to think through. However, once you do make the time to do this, you can eat with a clearer conscience.
Please feel free to share this with family or friends who are interested in the question, and add comments as usual at the end of the post.
Seafood -what to do?
1. Say no to farmed fish
The trend towards increasing aquaculture, the farming of fish, makes sense in theory, but does not seem to have the right answers as yet in practice. Most people are unaware that commercially farmed salmon are genetically modified to become what are called tetraploids; that is, they have a double set of genes so they grow faster. Then they are fed on other fish; a practice that is very inefficient and damaging to other fish stocks. It takes 2 to 4 Kgm wild fish to produce 1 kgm of farmed salmon. While increasingly vegetable proteins are being used for feed, these result in lower levels of the valuable omega 3 fatty acids in the salmon. Seaweed may be a more viable food source for fish farming, but that remains to be seen. Also, disease is emerging as a major issue amongst intensively reared fish. Increasingly, significant amounts of antibiotics are being used to manage infections (as happens continually in the intensive rearing of chicken).
So wild caught fish are preferable, but which ones?
2. Know where your fish came from – the further out to sea and the less polluted the waters the better.
Fish that are caught in more remote areas away from built up areas and heightened pollution are obviously preferable. So choose fish that live further out to sea, that are the deeper sea varieties, and come from less polluted areas and countries.
3. Choose the smaller species rather than the big predator fish.
Pollutants accumulate as you go up the food chain. For example, it is well known sharks accumulate heavy metals and the mercury levels in big fish can be very toxic.
4. Check out what the sustainable fish are in your area.
This is a regional as well as international issue and the need is to check your local conditions. In Australia, a good guide is found on the Australian Marine Conservation Society’s website: marineconservation.org.com.
The Marine Stewardship Council has developed a certification system that mostly shows up on packaged seafood and features a distinctive blue MSC label. See their website: msc.org.
Goodfishbadfish.com.au has a very user-friendly list of sustainable seafoods, with reasons for the various listings and practical preparation tips.
5. Avoid the unsustainable fish and those that may also have health issues.
Again, say no to farmed fish
Say no to wild caught
Barramundi, Blue Grenadier, Cods, Garfish, Gemfish (Hake), Gropers, Murray Cod, Orange Roughy (deep sea perch), Shark, Snapper, Marlin, Swordfish, Toothfish and Tuna (unless troll, pole or line caught).
6. Fish that are probably better avoided, but not so bad:
Blue Eye Trevalla, Coral Trout, Flathead, Gunard, John Dory, Kingfish, Ling, Mulloway, Red Emperor, Red Mullet, Red Snapper (Redfish) and Silver Trevally.
7. Fish that are OK to consider:
Wild caught Bonito, Bream, Eel, King George Whiting, Leatherjacket, Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Mullet, Tailor, Trevally and Whiting.
Imported canned salmon and sardines are usually OK.
8. Avoid scallops from the wild.
9. Seafood that is best to avoid, but not so bad:
Lobster and Prawns (farmed prawns are likely to be better environmentally).
10. Seafood that is OK to consider:
Farmed: Abalone, Oysters, scallops and Blue mussels.
Wild: Blue swimmer crabs, mud crabs, squid, calamari and octopus.
All this information may seem a little imposing at first, but it is like many things. Take your time to think it through. If you are planning to eat fish, find out what is available locally, where you can get healthy, sustainable seafood, develop a good relationship with your supplier, and then it is easy and satisfying.
CONCLUSIONS
If you are well and you do choose to eat fish, avoid farmed fish in the main and eat the smaller, sustainable wild fish varieties that come from non-polluted areas. Only eat seafood occasionally. For those dealing with major illness and on the Healing Diet, fish and other seafood is probably preferably avoided until you are in remission.
NEWS
1. Melbourne workshops now open for bookings through the Gawler Foundation
Saturday and Sunday May 26th and 27th at Hawthorn
The Mind that Changes Everything
A highly experiential day based on the latest research as well as ancient wisdom. Understand more about how the mind functions and how we can use more of its extraordinary potential. A gentle blend of theory and practice, with many led sessions of meditation and imagery, along with ample time for questions and discussion.
Click here for more details and bookings.
2. Gratitude -and a balanced comment on the “diagnosis” controversy.
I wish to express my gratitude for all of you who have offered support to me personally and my work generally during these turbulent last few months. If you have not been reading the comment sections on this blog, they are worth a look as many people have spoken of the benefits received through the work and it is very inspiring - particularly the many comments on the "Nobody Expects the Spanish Inquisition" and last week's "Too good to be true?"
Here is another great letter:
“I am an allied Health professional who has survived a serious cancer. For three years following initial medical diagnosis and two recurrences of cancer, I resisted looking into the Gawler approach.
I had not shifted from the medical model paradigm that I had been professionally trained in and based my life around. The medical model generated my income, my status, and gave me a highly regarded community to belong to. My ego was inextricably intertwined with all the positive things I personally gained from staying aligned with the medical paradigm. Can this happen with Oncologists as well?
When I was still strictly aligned with the medical paradigm, I really believed it was right to not foster "false hope,” in medically defined ‘incurable’ or ‘low prognosis’ situations. If clients questioned such medical predictions, I could easily label and dismiss this as their denial. I didn't have to think too much about it.
It took a very personal and big experience to challenge this thinking.
This was cancer. Once I did look into the lifestyle approach, I found it strongly life affirming and health giving. Since making changes as per the Gawler lifestyle program, I have survived for a further three years without recurrence. It has given me control over my wellbeing, and made an enormous positive difference to my outlook. I see that this positive change is linked closely with physical health.
I wish to offer my support to Ian and others with cancer experiences, as we face this assault to the lifestyle approach. I am also deeply grateful for the considered and courageous responses to these unhelpful assaults, from Ian and others.
I will meditate and hope that those feeding this assault will reflect and realign with more ethical action. Is there a way that those attacking can change their strategy and save face?”
From a deeply grateful survivor."
RESOURCES
Books You Can Conquer Cancer
CDs Eating Well, Being Well: The plant-based, whole food way of eating that is ideal for those who are well and that forms the starting point for those dealing with major illness, including cancer.
Eating for Recovery: The anti-cancer diet that includes how to get at cancer metabolically.
Programs: The Gawler Foundation where at the residentials the food is legendary - putting these principles into really tasty meals.
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