10 Points for Cancer - Point Seven: Maintaining Bone Integrity
Understand that some types of cancer (i.e. breast, prostate, and multiple myeloma) have a proclivity to metastasize (much more serious) to the bone. The result may be bone pain and weakening of the bone with an increased risk of fractures. This usually starts with bone inflammation and osteoclastic activity (bone breakdown).
Patients with breast and prostate cancer have been found to have a very high incidence of osteoporosis or osteopenia even before the use of therapies that lower hormone levels (a usual approach from medical circles). If excessive bone loss is occurring (even in patients without cancer), there is a release of bone-derived growth factors, such as TGF-beta-1, due in part to high levels of cytokine IL-6 (a Th2, pro-inflammatory cytokine). Prostate cancer cells can produce interleukin-6 (IL-6), which in itself affects the further breakdown of bone (Cafagna et al. 1997; Mousa 2002). Thus, a vicious cycle results: bone breakdown, the stimulation of cancer cell growth, and the production of interleukin IL -6 and other cell products, which leads to further bone breakdown. Ugh!
Lay-man-terms: A chemical produced by your immune system known as IL-6 (very prevalent in patients with known Cancer) causes bone loss. People with cancer and those with Osteopenia/Osteoporosis should just assume that they have high levels of IL-6. All the calcium in the world won’t lower IL-6 levels and bone breakdown will continue until this is addressed.
Recent studies reveal that Green Tea polyphenols are essential in inhibiting IL-6 levels and are an absolute MUST for nearly EVERY cancer patient, regardless of type. A study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2007 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings Part I. Vol 25, No. 18S (June 20 Supplement), 2007: 8114 reveals:
“Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the predominant polyphenolic constituent of green tea leaves that possesses antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. EGCG exerts its effects through potentially multiple mechanisms including inhibition of growth factor receptor signalling. The compound is currently under investigation in a phase I/II clinical trial for treatment of patients with early stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia at Mayo Clinic.” The results were impressive: “EGCG inhibited the in vitro growth of human myeloma cell lines by inducing cell death in a time and dose-dependent manner. IC50 concentrations were between 12,5 µM and 50 µM. IL-6 mediated growth of INA-6 cells was inhibited at similar doses. The addition of excess amounts of IL-6 could not protect from EGCG induced cytotoxicity.” They authors further stated, “EGCG has growth inhibitory activity on myeloma cells. Specific inhibition of signaling pathways that regulate expression of anti-apoptotic proteins could be one mechanism how EGCG exerts its activity.”
Another study published in the Journal of American Science, 2011;7(8) revealed the benefits of caffeine added to green tea (hint, hint…coffee enemas) even improved IL-6, TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor), and CRP levels: “The addition of caffeine to EGCG after 5 weeks showed enhancement of the effect on TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP…”
How to implement point Seven
To support bone integrity, the use of bone-supporting nutrients is highly recommended:
- Green Tea Extract – I like our own Teavigo which is a pure, decaffeinated green tea extract - (1-3 capsules/day)
- Coffee Enemas – help clear the liver and decrease cytokine levels
- Complete Mineral Complex from an organic, whole-food source that is properly chelated – 2-3/day. Make SURE yours do NOT contain copper!!!
- PEOs – 2-3 teaspoons per day PLUS coconut oil at 1 tablespoon per day.
As always, NEVER use my newsletters or website as a recipe book to try things on your own. Find a competent doctor to test you on everything!
