Cinco Vidas

It’s scientific name is “Nigella sativa,” and for centuries it was used in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa as an herbal remedy for respiratory health, liver and kidney function, blood pressure, and intestinal health. But could the tiny black seeds from this plant actually have an effect on cancer?

Early studies show it’s possible. The seeds, known as black seeds or black cumin, have been tested in the lab and found to have powerful antioxidant and anti-cancer abilities. “Thymoquinone,” one of the constituents of the seed, was found to reduce the growth and size of tumors in rats, and Nigella sativa oil showed a protective effect against tissue damage caused by radiation. Other studies show that the oil from black cumin seeds inhibited colon cancer, and Nigella sativa extract was found in lab studies to inactivate breast cancer cells and to kill human pancreatic cancer cells.
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Going through cancer once is challenging enough. No one wants it coming back.

Unfortunately, many survivors worry about recurrence, and with good reason. According to researchers, tumors can re-seed themselves—in other words, cancer cells can return to the tumor site and grow again. How do we stop this from happening? With a strong immune system.

If you’ve gone through cancer, you know what kind of a beating your immune system has suffered. Chemotherapy can wreak havoc on our natural killer cells, say nothing of the weight loss, malnutrition, and depression that can sometimes accompany treatment. In fact, the main contributors to a weak immune system are poor nutrition, lack of exercise, sleep deprivation, emotional trauma, medications, and toxins. Um, gee, anyone who’s experienced cancer has had all of those! (more…)

If you’re going through breast cancer—or have survived it—you’re no stranger to stress. But stress takes on a new meaning when it’s paired with cancer. We know that stress attacks the immune system, which scares us into thinking that we may be making our health situation worse with all the worry and anxiety.

I have one question for you: Have you tried meditation? A recent study shows that you should. Researchers at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago studied over 100 breast-cancer patients for over two years and found that those who regularly practiced transcendental meditation experienced less stress, better emotional and mental well being, and an overall improvement in quality of life. (more…)

If you want to reduce your chances of getting cancer—or increase your odds of surviving it—don’t spend too much time alone. Scientists say isolation can hurt you.

In an animal study at the University of Chicago, social isolation and stress was associated with a 3.3-fold greater chance of developing breast cancer. Rats kept alone after they had contracted the disease had a 135 percent increase in the number of tumors, and a more than 8,000 percent increase in tumor size. (more…)

We all want to try to prevent cancer—or if we already have it, we’re looking for ways to beat it. With all the information coming at us, however, it can sometimes be confusing. Is there no simple way to increase our odds of living healthier?

We did a previous post on Dr. David Schreiber’s book Anticancer: A New Way of Life, and I wanted to expand on his recommendations. Schreiber went through chemotherapy and surgery for brain cancer. Altogether, he’s battled with the disease for 15 years, and attributes his recent seven-year experience of being cancer free to a regimen that boosts the body’s natural defenses. (more…)

Do you think you have to run a marathon or become a vegetarian to significantly lower your risk of cancer? Not true! Little things you do everyday can significantly increase your odds of remaining cancer-free. Try adding these to your daily routine.

Walk. Exercise is one of the best ways to keep your weight under control and reduce your cancer risk. Exercise—even without weight loss—has shown in studies to chase cancer away. The American Cancer Society recommends 30 minutes a day of aerobic activity. You can accomplish this with a 30-minute walk, or try swimming, jogging, playing tennis or raquetball, or anything that gets your heart pumping. NOTE: If you’re over 45 years old, try adding 45 minutes twice weekly of strength training to fend off muscle loss. (more…)

Dr. Frederic J. Vagnini, author of The Side Effects Bible and medical director of the Cardiovascular Wellness Center in New York City, calls it “nutrient robbery”—the fact that many drugs and medications deplete the body of important nutrients and other helpful substances. “In a sense,” he says, “the drug acts as an ‘anti-vitamin’ pill, taking away the substances you need for good health.” Naprosyn, for example, a well-known painkiller, depletes the body’s stores of folic acid, a shortage of which can make you feel tired or upset your stomach. (more…)

For thousands of years, humans have been using plants to heal themselves. Even today, many of our modern medications come from plants before being processed. The University of Washington recently reported on a medicine derived from sweet wormwood (a traditional Chinese herb) that has been found to kill cancer cells 10 times better than current chemotherapy drugs.

We know many of you out there are interested in trying natural supplements to help fortify your systems while battling cancer. We’ve gathered a list here of some herbs which have shown anti-cancer activity. Most are still unproven, as the studies were done only in vitro or in animals, but there is potential. Be careful if you do decide to try some of these. Seek the advice of a naturopath, and find a reliable manufacturer so you’re sure you’re getting the real thing. Of course, tell your doctor as some supplements can interfere with treatment.
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Traditional oriental medicine said it could make you immortal. Science has yet to prove that (!), but the little reishi mushroom just might help you avoid cancer.

Scientifically named ganoderma (which means “shiny skin” in Latin), reishis have a reddish-brown cap, are kidney shaped, and like to attach themselves to oak and plum trees. They grow in moist and temperate forest areas in Asia, Europe, South America, and the U.S., but are relatively rare in nature and therefore, often cultivated. However, because they tend to be tough and bitter, these aren’t the type of mushrooms you typically find in salads. They’re best served cooked, and make a popular tea. Many people take reishi in extract form, because of its health benefits. (more…)

Essential oils can do wonders to help you relax and reduce stress while you’re going through chemotherapy or radiation, but according to aromatherapy experts, you need to be choosy about which ones you’re using. Some, apparently, have the ability to interfere with cancer treatments.

We posted earlier about how aromatherapy can help with many side effects. Peppermint and ginger ease nausea. Lavender and aloe can soothe radiation burns. Cedarwood can help you sleep. Grapefruit and juniper boost energy. All these are tremendously beneficial in the battle against cancer. However, just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s inactive. In fact, essential oils can be very powerful—which is why sometimes, they require a little caution. (more…)