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…)

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…)

Enjoy the occasional morning grapefruit? Then you’re in luck. It’s full of health benefits, including the ability to help your liver clear toxins out of the body. However, you’re probably aware of the debate about this fruit—does it help prevent cancer or contribute to it? We’ve gathered some information here to help you decide.

According to The World’s Healthiest Foods (WHFoods), “grapefruit juice increases the production and activity of liver-detoxification enzymes responsible for preparing toxic compounds for elimination from the body.” Apparently it works in two steps—first, it increases the activity of stage-1 enzymes that work on toxins to make them more attractive to stage-2 enzymes. Then, it increases the activity of stage-2 enzymes that protect cells against toxins and oxidative stress. So if you’re looking for a natural detox, you may want to start with this tasty fruit.
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Most likely, you’ve heard about the health benefits of red wine. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies suggest that the antioxidants in red wine may help prevent heart disease—by protecting the lining of blood vessels in the heart, deterring fat buildup and clogs. Resveratrol, in particular—an antioxidant found in red wine, red grapes, grape-seed extract, blueberries, cranberries, and dark chocolate—may help reduce bad cholesterol and prevent blood clots, perhaps even reduce inflammation. Apparently, however, the benefits of resveratrol don’t stop there—other studies have shown a potential cancer-fighting capability. (more…)

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…)

You may have heard the news. According to a recent study, two or more soft drinks a week were related to an 87% increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

At first glance, that seems like a huge increase, perhaps enough to make many of us swear off soda for good. (And that wouldn’t necessarily be bad!) However, studies like this can also frighten us, so let’s look at the results a little more carefully.

First of all, the average person has a very low risk of contracting pancreatic cancer—according to cancer.net, less than one percent. So even if that risk is doubled, it’s still low. However, the disease is estimated to kill over 35,000 Americans per year, so finding ways to reduce risk is still paramount. (more…)

Your doctor has told you to “eat a balanced diet,” but when you’re going through cancer treatments, sometimes food just doesn’t taste right. You can lose your appetite, easily get sick to your stomach, or find that eating most foods is similar to chewing cardboard. Maybe you’ve seen a nutritionist, and you’ve got a list of vitamins and minerals running around in your head, but no idea how to start turning that information into something you’d actually like to eat.

Enter Rebecca Katz, your personal culinary translator. Consultant, teacher, speaker, author, and first and foremost—cook—Rebecca has created (with co-author Mat Edelson) a book just for cancer patients and their caregivers. It’s called Cancer-Fighting Kitchen, and inside, she shares delicious recipes sure to get you eating again, as well as tips on what foods battle various side effects.
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We’ve all seen the term “ph-balanced” on skin-care products. Most of us know it has something to do with the natural acid in the skin, and that if the product is pH-balanced, it won’t dry out the skin.

But pH goes a lot further than that. In fact, the entire body is affected by pH, and a body out of balance is more likely to be at risk for disease—including infections, bone and joint deterioration, digestive disturbances, and cancer.
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