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Alternative approaches to cancer treatment

Homeopathy, thanks to its gentle, nontoxic properties, cannot damage a patient with cancer, at least not to our knowledge. It can be used in conjunction with any other approach, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, although the goals are very different. Homeopathic treatment seeks to strengthen and bring into equilibrium the vital force of the cancer patient, in contrast to the conventional approach which attempts to kill or otherwise remove the cancer but may, unfortunately, weaken the patient.

Although the best prognosis for cure comes with the earliest intervention possible, homeopathy may be of benefit at any stage of cancer. In addition to constitutional treatment of the patient with cancer, homeopathic medicines can reduce side effects of conventional treatment and, in the last days of life, can decrease pain and anxiety so as to allow a more peaceful transition.

Over the years many alternative and holistic medical practitioners have researched and developed various treatment modalities to combat the growth and effects of prostate cancer. While the success of some of these methods is anecdotal, others are supported by valid scientific research. A comprehensive protocol for prostate cancer sufferers should include a cleansing diet along with detoxification, followed by hormonal therapy and herbs to promote healing and maintenance of a healthy prostate gland.

Prostate cancer continues to be the second leading cause of cancer death in men.
* Prostate cancer can run in families. A man with one close relative with prostate cancer has twice the risk of developing it. With two close relatives, a man's risk increases fivefold, and with three close relatives, a man's risk of prostate cancer is 97%.
* African-American men have the highest prostate cancer incidence rates in the world. They are 35-50% more likely to be diagnosed than Caucasian men and are twice as likely to die of the disease.
* Prostate cancer is common in North America and Northwestern Europe, but is rare in South America, Africa, and Asia.
* A high fat diet is believed to be associated with an increase in prostate cancer.

Survival * 83% of all prostate cancers are discovered in the local and regional stages.
* The 5-year relative survival rate for patients whose tumors are diagnosed at these stages is 100%.
* Over the past 20 years, the 5-year survival rate for all stages combined has increased from 67% to 96%.

Juicing twice a day will supply the body with a wide range of phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Fresh juices made from raw fruits and vegetables preserve the nutrients, whereas cooking and heating can damage and destroy vitamins and enzymes. By juicing, nutrients are more easily digested and assimilated. Juices should be consumed immediately after preparation, as nutrients will begin to oxidize. Buy and use organically grown produce to avoid pesticides and other chemical residues contaminating the juice. In addition to juicing, a

cleansing diet consists of foods that aid in the healing of the body.
Include brown rice, steamed vegetables, especially leafy greens, broccoli and cauliflower, various types of white fish (halibut, cod, red snapper, tilapia), salmon, and legumes. Consume fresh fruits, especially

berries (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries), as they have nutrients that protect against oxidative damage. In addition, a soy protein drink can be included as part of a well-rounded and balanced diet.

soy protein drinks contain isoflavones, which are powerful antioxidants and have antiangiogenic effects. The soy protein drink can be used as a meal replacement by blending in a banana and berries along with blue-green algae/spirulina and one tablespoon of flax oil.

flax oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for the optimal functioning of the immune system. Flax oil has been shown to protect against certain types of cancer, particularly hormone sensitive cancer s, such as prostate and breast.

Blue-green algae/spirulina contains nutrients such as gamma-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, essential amino acids, and chlorophyll that protect the immune system and supply nutrients that help cleanse and heal. The cleansing diet should be used during the first two weeks of the protocol and then further discussion and evaluation of dietary recommendations should be done.

Due to the fact that the development and function of normal and malignant prostate cells is significantly influenced by androgen receptors, the second phase in the treatment of prostate cancer should include hormonal therapy. Patients with metastatic prostate cancer are most often treated with androgen deprivation therapy. Prostate cancer that progresses in the presence of antiandrogenic blockade is termed hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). This study also suggests that androgen deprivation therapy in conjunction with radiation or surgery decreases prostate cancer mortality rates.

Phytoestrogenic Herbs

Angelica sinensis (Tang Kuei) has traditionally been used to treat menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes, and conditions, such as painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), or abnormal menstruation (metrorrhagia). Angelica is beneficial for men suffering from prostate cancer because it enhances the body's production of estrogens. Recent evidence indicates that

royal jelly balances reproductive hormones, increases energy, alleviates anxiety, sleeplessness, moodiness, and memory loss, and bolsters the immune system

Astragalus membranaceus supports the normal hormonal balance of progesterones and estrogens.

Polygonatum spp. stabilizes the liver to better metabolize estrogens.

Alfalfa(Medicago sativa) is a supportive herb rich in minerals that help the body heal and is a natural plant estrogen. Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza spp.) has the ability to balance hormones and glandular function and is also useful as a diuretic. Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), which relieves menstrual cramping, is a natural estrogen and is used as an anti-spasmodic for the uterus. It is also used as an effective natural hormone replacement therapy for menopause and treating PMS. Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) has been shown to lower the ratio of estrogen to progesterone. Scientific research confirms the use of herbs in synergistic combination to support body functions. There are many blends of botanical substances that may be useful in treating prostate cancer.


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