Nutrition Month

Showing posts with label fibrocystic breasts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fibrocystic breasts. Show all posts

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Block The Aromatase Enzyme Naturally

Block The Aromatase Enzyme Naturally

 The Aromatase Enzyme Makes A Dangerous Form Of Estrogen (Estrone), which is associated with: Breast Cancer
Endometrial Cancer
Prostate Cancer

Estrone is made in:
Fat Cells – the larger the fat cells the greater the synthesis (overweight women after menopause have a 3x greater incidence of breast cancer and similar risk for endometrial cancer)
Breast Cells
Breast Cancer Cells

 Aromatase inhibitors and cervical cancer 
Prescription aromatase inhibitors have been studied to test their effect in the regression of abnormal hpv induced cervical lesions. Epidemiologic studies have implicated estrogenic exposure as well as human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in cervical carcinogenesis, and some studies have suggested that estrogen and HPV may play synergistic roles in cervical tumorigenesis.

Aromatase inhibitors and fibroids 
Aromatase Inhibitors [“AI’s”]* were originally developed to treat breast cancer. They block the conversion of estrogen-precursor molecules to estrogen in many types of cells. By blocking conversion of precursor molecules to estrogen, AI’s stop hormone-dependent tumors such as breast cancer and fibroids. AI’s offer exciting potential to treat any hormone-dependent condition with laser-like precision and minimal side effects, including: breast cancer fibroids endometriosis

 Aromatase inhibitors include: isoflavones, flavones (quercetin) indole-3 carbinol

 You don't have to take drugs to inhibit aromatase. Nature has provided plants that will get the job done without harmful side effects. In April, Natural News ran an article about the powerful aromatase inhibiting ability of chrysin ([url=http://www.naturalnews.com/026086.html]

Chrysin is a flavonoid from the passion flower plant. Research showed that chrysin worked as well to inhibit the aromatase enzyme as a drug designed for that purpose. Chrysin is normally taken as a supplement along with piperine which greatly enhances its bioavailability. For those who would rather get their aromatase inhibiting flavonoids from whole foods, there are several good tasting choices. Beneficial compounds from food have the added benefits of the perfect synergy found in a whole food as well as the other nutrients and compounds it contains. Quercetin, naringenin, resveratrol, apigenin, genistein, and oleuropein are all powerful flavonoids from whole foods that inhibit aromatase while at the same time offering a treasure chest of other health benefits.

 Quercetin is the main reason an apple a day keeps the doctor away. It is a major antioxidant with important anti-aging benefits. It fights inflammation and reduces the cellular damage inflammation causes. By fighting inflammation, it also helps decrease swelling and pain, and keeps the circulatory system healthy. Quercetin helps prevent fatigue by helping to decrease damage from heavy exercise, and increase endurance. It is an anti-viral, and an immune system supporter and liver protector. Research has suggested that quercetin has other anti-cancer benefits aside from inhibiting aromatase in breasts and prostates. Cabbage, onions and garlic are other good sources of this powerful flavonoid. 

Apigenin is a non-mutigenic flavonoid that has significant chemoprotective action against UV radiation. Research has shown apigenin reduces oxidative damage of DNA, inhibits the growth and induces differentiation in human leukemia cells, inhibits cancer cell transduction, and induces appropriate cell death. Like quercetin, apigenin acts as an anti-inflammatory and as an antispasmodic. Apigenin is found in good supply in celery, parsley, artichokes, basil, and chamomile.

 Resveratrol is a flavonoid gaining wide respect for its multitude of health benefits. Several recent research studies have revealed that resveratrol is highly effective against breast cancer by inhibiting ER positive and negative cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and primary breast tumor growth. Resveratrol is protective of the liver even against alcohol. It also keeps the central nervous system strong by protecting neurons from oxidative stress. Resveratrol is found to some degree in the skin and seeds of red grapes. Muscadine grapes have the largest content and are often used to make red wine. Although supplements of resveratrol are popular and widely available, getting resveratrol from red wine allows you to get the entire grape polyphenol group of nutrients, a group that has been shown to work much better synergistically. Breast tumor growth and metastasis to bone and liver were shown to be better inhibited by the complete grape polyphenol complex.

 All these foods are prominent features of the Mediterranean diet Fresh fruits, vegetables, olive oil and red wine are components of the Mediterranean diet, the one and only diet that has consistently correlated with lower death rates from all causes. Flavonoids from each of these foods inhibit aromatase activity to reduce incidence of breast cancer. And when you chose a diet that features these foods on a regular basis, what you are really getting is the best all around prevention plan on earth. Some supplements also contain natural aromatase inhibitors.

 

FDA Disclaimer Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of the products / services offered on this Web site are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Breast Health Supplement Suggestions

 The key strategy in the primary prevention of any disease is to reduce risk factors linked to the disease while simultaneously utilizing those dietary and lifestyle factors associated with breast cancer prevention. While many women are on a multivitamin, it is worth considering a regimen of supplements more specific to the breast. You can start with one, or a combination of these supplements.

 1. Privita has been ORAC tested by Brunswick Labs Estrogen stimulates the normal growth of breast tissue and is naturally produced by the body. It is suspected that excess estrogen may contribute to breast cancer risk because of its natural role in stimulating breast cell growth. Removal of a woman's ovaries (artificial menopause), and the estrogen that ovaries produce, clearly reduces her risk for breast cancer. But there are other ways to decrease risk without surgery. Aromatase inhibitors stop the production of estrogen in post-menopausal women. Aromatase inhibitors work by blocking the enzyme aromatase, which turns the hormone androgen into small amounts of estrogen in the body. This means that less estrogen is available to stimulate the growth of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer cells. Privita is a natural aromatase inhibitor and estrogen blocker formula that contains many ingredients that have been studied for breast cancer.

 Includes Resveratrol, Pomegranate, DIM, Green Tea, Grape seed Extract, Astralagus, Chamomile, Quercetin, Reishi Mushroom, Turmeric and Nutgrass in the formula
  Resveratrol, found in red wine, keeps estrogen from causing breast cancer in test-tube studies. Prolonged exposure to estrogen is a major risk factor for breast cancer. When the body's system for processing estrogen gets out of balance, dangerous estrogen metabolites appear. These toxic compounds react with DNA in breast cells and jump-start the growth of tumors. Now Eleanor G. Rogan, PhD, and colleagues at the University of Nebraska show that resveratrol decreases the processing of estrogen into these dangerous compounds.
  Chrysin Found in the herb Passiflora incarnata, the flavone chrysin is a potent natural aromatase inhibitor. In a study published 1993 chrysin and 10 other flavonoids were compared to an aromatase-inhibiting drug (aminoglutethimide). Chrysin was the most potent aromatase-inhibitor, and was shown to be similar in potency and effectiveness to the aromatase-inhibiting drug.
  Dim (Di-Indoly Methane). These compounds, found in cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collards and broccoli, help to transform dangerous estrogen into more benign forms, as recognized by the National Cancer Institute.
  Quercetin  Research has suggested that quercetin has other anti-cancer benefits aside from inhibiting aromatase in breasts and prostates.
  Pomegranate seed extract works as an aromatase inhibitor. Lansky with a group of Korean researchers in 2002 had already shown that his various pomegranate fractions could lower aromatase activity by 70-80%. Aromatase inhibitors suppress the production of estrogens. If you have hormone dependent breast cancer this is certainly a worthwhile goal. Preventing estrogen formation has its downside though. Without estrogen, bone density rapidly declines increasing the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Pomegranates contain estrogen like chemicals and these may be enough to prevent osteoporosis. At least this is true in mice. In May 2004, Japanese researchers published a study on mice in which they had surgically removed the ovaries. Treating them with pomegranate extracts increased their bone volumes.

 2. Protective Breast Formula™ It supports breast tissue health in 5 ways.† Protective Breast Formula™ supports hormonal balance, detoxification, immune support, free-radical defense and natural anti-inflammatory response.†Each ingredient provides demonstrated breast health support.†The natural immune boosters and antioxidants in Protective Breast Formula™ include: Indoplex® Complex with DIM®, green tea extract, maitake D-fraction, turmeric, vitamin D3 cholecalciferol, and grape seed extract. When used in conjunction with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle choices, these ingredients provide superior support for breast tissue health.

 3. Myomin There are two ways to block the action of estrogen. One is by attaching to its receptors (selective estrogen receptor modulation). This stops the signaling that triggers cell division in target tissues. Another method is aromatase inhibition, which reduces estrogen production by blocking its conversion from androstenedione and testosterone. Myomin - 120 caps,(Chi's Enterprise) is an all-natural herbal formula that can perform both functions. It contains Aralia, Smilax glabra, Curcurma zedoria, and Cyperus rotundus.

 4. Vitamin D in order for vitamin D to have an anticancer effect, one needs to maintain 40 to 60 ng/mL serum vitamin D. Usually 5000 IU to 10,000 IU daily will be necessary.

 5.Coenzyme Q10 and Fish Oil- Coenzyme Q10 is low in patients with many disease including cancer. Given its function as an antioxidant, there is good reason to believe that CoQ10 may also help fight many kinds of cancer

The statements and products referred to throughout this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health condition or concern, consult a physician or your alternative health care provider. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, or supplement.  

Monday, September 24, 2012

Breast Thermography awareness



According to the National Cancer Institute, there were 192,370 new cases of breast cancer in females and 1,910 cases in males in 2009. That year, 40,170 women and 440 men died from breast cancer. The World Health Organization reports that breast cancer accounts for 16 percent of the cancer deaths of women globally.


Breast thermography is a state-of-the-art screening procedure that captures images of the breast to aid in the early detection of breast irregularities. According to the American Journal of Surgery, it “is a valuable adjunct to mammography and ultrasound, especially in women with dense breast parenchyma.”


It is based on the principle of temperature variation, the slight increase in heat that is almost always generated when chemical and blood vessel activity occurs in pre-cancerous tissue and the areas surrounding a developing breast cancer. Images are captured with ultra-sensitive infra-red cameras and analyzed with sophisticated computers that seek to detect the minute increases in surface temperature and vascular changes that may be occurring within the breast. It is comfortable and safe, using neither radiation nor compression.


Breast thermographic technology has been researched for over 30 years. It has, however, been gaining national prominence and more widespread use only recently, due to the publicity received by radiation-based screening technologies in the guidelines issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Federal Government. It should not, however, be considered an alternative to mammography. Rather, it should be regarded as an adjunct to mammography, and should be offered in every woman’s regular breast health regimen. Women of all ages should employ a combination of techniques, including breast self-examination, physical examinations of the breast by a physician, thermography, mammography, HALO breast pap and sometimes ultrasound or MRI examinations, where indicated. Studies have shown that the earliest detection generally occurs when several test techniques are used in combination. The inclusion of thermography can often point out the need for more intensive examination to make a complete diagnosis.


There are more than 800 peer-reviewed breast thermography studies, in which over 250,000 women participated. Many of these studies involved very large groups of patients (from 37,000 to over 100,000) and some have followed patients for as much as 12 years. Among other conclusions, these studies found that when thermography has been added to a woman’s regular breast health checkups, a 61% increased survival rate was realized, and when used as part of a multi-modal approach (clinical examination, mammography and thermography) 95% of early stage cancers will be detected. Since 23% of all breast cancers occur in women under the age of 49, regular breast health checkups should be undertaken by women of all ages, even those in their 20’s. It is well known that early detection is the best defense against breast cancer and that, if treated in the earliest stages, a 95% cure rate is achieved.


For optimal breast health, mammography alone may not be enough. There are additional tools for breast health screening: thermography and Halo breast pap. Halo breast pap tests for the presence of abnormal fluid in the breast ducts. The test consists of five minutes on a modified breast pump to attempt to obtain fluid. If there is any fluid present, it will be sent for further testing. The test can detect early cellular changes within the breast ducts, the area where more than 90% of breast cancer begins. Each of these tests can be provided to women of any age who are not pregnant or breast-feeding.


What to do if you are at increased risk?

Aromatase is an enzyme produced in the body that is needed for the final step in the production of estrogen as part of the hormonal cascade during which hormones are made from other hormones in a series of conversions. This enzyme converts androgen to estrogen. Aromatase is expressed at a higher level in breast cancer tissue than in benign tissue. Estrogen biosynthesis can be suppressed by the prevention of aromatase expression in breast tumors or by the inhibition of aromatase activity. Without the aromatase enzyme, excessive production of estrogen stalls. This process is what makes aromatase inhibitors effective against hormone-sensitive tumor growth.

High estrogen levels are a well-known risk for breast cancer. Many breast cancers depend on estrogen to grow. In fact, seventy per cent of diagnosed breast cancers express Estrogen Receptor alpha (ER{alpha}) and are, therefore, likely to be hormone-responsive. Apart from commercial and synthetic aromatase inhibitors, where can you find natural sources of such inhibitors?

Natural aromatase inhibitors include flavonoids, flavones, flavanones, isoflavones, resveratrol, oleuropein and linoleic acid. These are healing foods for breast cancer and other hormone-sensitive diseases.
Quercetin, Resveratrol, and Chrysin are found in PriVita, a natural aromatase inhibitor for breast health.
If you do have risk factors for breast cancer, consider a natural supplement.

    Monday, April 16, 2012

    Estrogen Dominance Quiz

    Do you have premenstrual breast tenderness?

    Do you have premenstrual mood swings?

    Do you have premenstrual fluid retention and weight gain?

    Do you have premenstrual headaches?

    Do you have migraine headaches?

    Do you have severe menstrual cramps?

    Do you have heavy periods with clotting?

    Do you have irregular menstrual cycles?

    Do you have uterine fibroids?

    Do you have fibrocystic breast disease?

    Do you have endometriosis?

    Have you had problems with infertility?

    Have you had more than one miscarriage?

    Do you have joint pain?

    Do you have muscle pain?

    Do you have decreased libido?

    Do you have anxiety or panic attacks?

    Do you have hypertension?

    Do you have cyclic acne?

    Do you bruise easily?

    Do you have hemorrhoids or constipation?

    Do you have insomnia?

    Do you have depression or irritability?

    Do you have dark circles under your eyes?

    Do you have a craving for sweets or carbohydrates (potatoes, bread)?

    Do you have abdominal weight gain (extra belly fat)?

    Do you have IBS, Chrons, or colitis?

    Do you take birth control pills or oral estrogen?

    Do you take equine estrogen (Premarin)?

    Do you regularly eat fatty cuts of meat, whole-fat dairy, and/or grains?

    Do you often experience abdominal bloating?


    In the past did you have breast cancer?

    In the past did you have a hysterectomy or D&C?

    In the past did you have a stroke?

    In the past were you diagnosed with gallbladder disease?

    In the past did you suffer from recurrent ovarian cysts?

    In the past did you have varicose veins?

    In the past did you have cervical dysplasia?



    Total Score
    < 5 — It is not likely that you have estrogen dominance. 5-8 — Possibility of estrogen dominance. 9-20 — Estrogen dominance is probable. > 20 — Indicates that estrogen dominance is very likely.



    PriVita supports improved estrogen metabolism leading to an optimal ratio of "good" to "bad" estrogen metabolites, which results in a greatly decreased risk of getting cancer as well as improved prostate and cardiovascular health. The latest research strongly implicates "estrogen dominance" as a major contributing factor in perimenopause and premenstrual syndrome, prostate enlargement, early age heart attacks and cancer. PriVita provides an effective natural treatment for these and other important conditions confronting both women and men.

    Many researchers have concluded that an over abundance of estrogen is responsible for a vast number of today's health problems. This over abundance of estrogen is referred to as "estrogen dominance" and is an increasingly serious problem for both women and men. Many believe that "estrogen dominance" is a risk factor in prostate enlargement and prostate cancer in men and a big risk factor for breast cancer in women.

    "Estrogen dominance" can occur as we age and can also occur from exposure to "estrogen like" substances in the environment known as "xenoestrogens".

    Xenoestrogens are synthetic substances that differ from those produced by living organisms and imitate or enhance the effect of estrogens. The estrogenic stimulation is an unintended side-effect of these agents or their metabolites. Xenoestrogens are part of a heterogeneous group of chemicals that are hormone or endocrine disruptors. They differ from phytoestrogens (estrogenic substances from plants), mycoestrogens (estrogenic substances from fungi), and pharmacological estrogens (estrogenic action is intended). External estrogens from a variety of sources may have a cumulative effect upon living organisms, and xenoestrogens may be part of a larger picture of a process of estrogenization of the environment. Xenoestrogens have only been recently (less than 70 years) introduced into the environment, as produced by industrial, agricultural, and chemical companies.

    Xenoestrogens have been implicated in a variety of medical problems. Foremost is the concern that xenoestrogens as false messengers disrupt the process of reproduction. Studies have implicated observations of disturbances in wildlife with estrogenic exposure. Reproductive issues which are of concerns in humans are fetal exposure (perhaps leading to hypospadia) and decreased reproductive ability in men (i.e. decrease in sperm numbers). Another issue is the potential effect of xenoestrogens as oncogenes, specifically in relation to breast cancer.

    Natural estrogen blockers are a type of popular dietary supplement that have a number of benefits. They are have been used to help increase the metabolism of athletes and those who want to cut down on their body’s level of body fat, and increase the production of lean muscle mass. They can also be used to block bad estrogens, such as 16-hydroxyestrogen, to reduce the amount and the effectiveness of the aromatose enzyme, and to help block estrogen receptor sites.

    Privita includes resveratrol, pomegranate, green tea, quercetin, nutgrass, white turmeric, astralagus so it has high antioxidant activity, as well as aromatase inhibitor and estrogen blocking activity.

    It is good for conditions like fibroids, ovarian cysts, fibrocystic breasts, benign prostatic hypertrophy, abdominal fat, gynecomastia (man boobs), and endometriosis.

    The statements and products referred to throughout this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health condition or concern, consult a physician or your alternative health care provider. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, supplement, or doing new exercises. We recommend you educate yourselves on the scientific / nutritional facts.

    Tuesday, March 6, 2012

    Update on Natural Womens Care and Vita Doc

    Dr Tamyra Comeaux is trained and board certified in Gynecology and Anti-Aging medicine. She spent his first 10 years in typical allopathic practice prescribing drugs and following the typical guidelines of traditional medicine. Then many of the prescription drugs she had been trained to give started to be removed from use (Vioxx) or placed under suspicion (Hormone Replacement Therapy).

    She realized an entire world of self empowered medicine using lifestyle, nutrition and supplements was being overlooked and underutilized. So in 2010 she formed Vita Doc (teach life) and began creating her own supplement line to improve human performance health and longevity.


    Q: You have quite a story, which I feel my readers will really relate to. In your own words, what happened that started you on your path to being a “radical” anti aging doctor?

    A: Early in my career of Obstetrics and Gynecology, patients started throwing their hormones away, pregnant women would stop their antidepressants and other medications, and wonder what else they could do to manage their conditions without side effects. I researched natural treatment of various conditions and by the time I finished all those books I thought "I read so many books, I could have a degree in this". So I studied for my Naturopathic Medical Degree. My traditional training left me unprepared for these questions... and I sought answers.

    Q: What were the different ideas that you investigated when searching the best that anti aging medicine had to offer? When all was said and done, what have you proven to be the best of the best?

    A: To start out I became well versed in bioidentical hormone replacement for both men and women. In the early days of anti-aging medicine that was pretty much the main agenda. But I rapidly branched out and became fascinated with natural supplementation to augment health and longevity. I began to use diet, nutrition and supplement recommendations to help patients, and found out that I was having almost as much success as in the patients who still on their prescriptions. Next came the natural, herbal weight loss supplements to make up for the huge lack of safe and effective weight loss products.


    Q: I have always wondered this, how does one go about formulating your own supplements? How much research went into getting yours just right?

    A: The first step is to decide what your goals are with the supplement. Is it a performance enhancer? is it a basic health and longevity supplement?- is it for weight loss? etc. Then hopefully you have a strong background in herbs and nutrition (I have a separate Masters Degree in Holistic Nutrition) pharmacology and biochemistry (the undergrad science degree and the MD cover that). That allows you to understand the compounds you are dealing with on a very “human” level, then you research the literature to see what is out there and what has been done in animals, human cell lines and human studies. That alone will get you to “unique” status in the world of supplementation since most people aren’t making their supplements this way. Next I look for combinations of things that will boost the efficacy of the supplement to do what I want it to do and to give the person taking it real results. I rarely try to make a single supplement since I think it is far less likely to be useful in the body. That is why people who get on my stuff stay on it! Next you need a clinical practice willing to let you “test your theories”! I had and still have people ready and willing to be my beta testers. That said when I start with a supplement I take it myself for at least 3 months and I push the doses way higher than what I am going to sell to make sure they are safe and there is a large margin for error. I tried to make things people can't overdose on!

    Once it’s been through the testing phase and I have tweaked it to work as well as possible with the input of my compounding pharmacists and chemists I then bring it to market. The entire process often takes at least 6 months. In terms of research hours it’s an ongoing thing. I spend the bulk of my days looking for new info both on new possible products and those already out there. It’s fascinating because when you hit the research right you find your product growing in value years later when new research comes out. People call me all the time and say "Dr. Oz talked about something you have on his show today!" My customers appreciate knowing they are getting something that is going to be way ahead of the curve and they get to use it first.


    Q: If we could stop Telomeres from shortening, is it possible for humans to literally live forever?

    A: The only truly immortal cell lines in our body, germ cells and the most undifferentiated stem cells are immortal because telomerase, the enzyme that lengthens telomeres and the same enzyme that TA-65 turns on, allows them to maintain healthy telomere length in spite of duplicating themselves. So in theory this is very possible but there are a lot of details we need to work out. We do know this much though, long telomeres are good for your health and longevity so it’s best to start as soon as you can to add length or at least slow down telomere loss. We also know that a small group of people have an overactive telomerase and they live longer than most, often exceeding 100. The problems is we probably need to start telomerase therapy every early in life something no one is doing, to “catch up” to the losses. If you are 60 or 70 telomerase therapy is going to help you immensely but to make up for the damage you’ve done in those years just by aging you’ll probably need both telomerase therapy and stem cells. I did Spectracell's telomere test on myself, and I became interested in supplements that improve telomere longevity. I have several that I use.




      Octovite
    Acai/Resveratrol/Macqui- (Antioxidant Formula)
    Dr. Comeaux's COQ10 with Omega 3 Dietary Supplement, 60 softgels




    Q: Is there anything else going on at Vita Doc, that my readers might feel is important or any great news coming out soon you can share with us?

    A: I am always working on something and the next couple of months will see the release of several new products. I have formulated an estrogen blocker, because estrogen dominance is prevalent in both males and females and is associated with fibrocystic breasts, breast and prostate cancer, abdominal fat gain, and fibroids. Hormone balance is very important and does not always respond to the addition of more hormones. Also, I have reformulated a the Female Balance by adding Maca and Horny Goat for additional libido support.

    FDA Disclaimer

    The statements and products shown on this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration.

    These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

    Those seeking treatment for a specific disease should consult a qualified integrative physician prior to using our products if possible.



    Female Balance Ultimate