Point 9 for Cancer Success

10 Points for Cancer - Point Nine: Inhibiting the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) Enzyme

Your body has several inflammatory pathways. Inflammation, though typically labeled a negative process, is necessary to heal. It is prolonged, chronic inflammation that becomes a nuisance, and in cancer, it is something that we MUST deal with! The 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzyme is one inflammatory enzyme pathway that can contribute to the formation and progression of cancer. Arachidonic acid (AA)--a saturated fat found in high concentrations in meat and dairy products—promotes elevation of the 5-LOX enzyme. But remember, most every study revealing the negative effects of AA was performed with processed (non-organic, pasteurized…) AA which is caustic to your cells. This type of arachidonic acid is metabolized by 5-LOX to 5-HETE, a potent survival factor that cancer cells utilize to escape destruction. Therefore, non-organic, pasteurized dairy products and grain-fed (typical non-organic, store-bought) meats are NOT recommended for anyone, especially cancer patients.

In response to poor quality fat overload, the body increases its production of enzymes like 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX) to degrade them and rid them from your body. Not only does 5-LOX directly stimulate cancer cell propagation, but the breakdown products that 5-LOX produces from poor quality fat overload (such as leukotriene B4, 5-HETE, and hydroxylated fatty acids) causes tissue destruction, chronic inflammation, and increased resistance of tumor cells to apoptosis (blocking programmed cell destruction).

Specific extracts from the Boswelia plant selectively inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). In several well-controlled human studies, Boswelia has been shown to be effective in alleviating various chronic inflammatory. Scientists have discovered that the specific constituent in Boswelia responsible for suppressing 5-LOX is AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11-keto-B-boswellic acid). Boswelia-derived AKBA binds directly to 5-LOX and inhibits its activity. Good fats (from fish, borage, flax, and grass-fed meats) have been shown to block inflammatory pathways as well.

How to implement Point Nine

Decrease the consumption of poor quality fats such as grain-fed meats and pasteurized dairy products, along with high-glycemic carbohydrates (mainly grains and white potatoes).

Consider a Paleo-type diet.

Consider supplementing with the following nutrients to suppress 5-LOX enzyme activity:

• Boswelia: (I use our own Clear Inflam that has everything one would need) 3-6 capsules daily
• Ginger Root powder (I use our own Clear Inflam that has everything one would need) 3-6 capsules daily
• PEOs - 3 teaspoons per day, Coconut oil (1-3 T/day)
• Lycopene: 30mg daily with meals
• Curcumin – again, I use OUR brand - CurcuClear as I believe that it is the most powerful form

As always, please do NOT use my book, website or newsletters as a substitute for getting properly tested for what is right for you.