Free radicals are reactive oxygen molecules that have lost an electron in interactions with other molecules. As a result, these molecules are extremely unstable and they race around stealing electrons from other molecules creating more free radicals in the process, damaging cell components. The body produces several free radical quenching enzymes as its first line of defense. They are superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Additionally the body uses antioxidant vitamins, minerals and substances found in food to counteract free radicals. Free radicals overtax the immune system and keep it so busy fighting the breakdown of the body's own cells that it cannot fight off viruses, microbes, and infections that attack it from without.
The brain is susceptible to free radical damage due to the high content of polyunsaturated fats and high mitochondrial content. Levels of vitamin C in the brain are 50 times higher than elsewhere in the body to protect brain tissue and neurotransmitters from oxidation. The free radical damage to proteins in neurons reduces their efficiency. Raising antioxidant levels not only allows damaged proteins to repair, but increases neurotransmitter levels as well. To protect the brain from free radical damage during the heightened nerve flow we need to take hydrophobic (water repelling) antioxidants like pine bark, vitamin C-Ester and alpha lipoic acid, as the blood brain barrier is impervious to hydrophilic (water loving) substances. We must aim to get more antioxidant protection into the cerebrospinal fluid.
One of the best ways we can counter and overcome the stress in our lives is through regular exercise. However not all exercise is good for fighting the free radical war. In fact excessive exercise for which the body is not prepared for can actually cause extensive oxidative damage. Free radical production goes up during exhausting, high intensity workouts and such free radical activity is associated with oxidative damage in the muscles, liver, blood and other tissues. Hence at the heaviest training levels there is increased susceptibility to cancer, heart attacks, cataracts, premature aging and decreased immunity. Some of the reasons why there is increased free radical damage during exercise are: the consumption of oxygen goes up 10-20 times, there is an increased output of Superoxide radicals by mitochondria, there is oxygen deprivation from the increased demand by tissues and the bodies antioxidant defenses are over burdened. There is an increase in free radical production in both excess oxygen and lack of oxygen conditions.
Regular lower intensity exercise minimizes the production of free radicals while strengthening the indigenous antioxidants and enzymes. Without regular exercise the body's internal defenses against free radicals (SOD, GSH, Catalase) may become too fragile for the antioxidants in our food and supplements to have their full affect. Sedentary people are twice as likely to get cancer and heart disease as active individuals. Trained muscles are resistant to oxidative damage because of the increased supply of the bodies own antioxidants. Regular training prepares the bodymind to better handle unexpected physical and emotional stresses and strains. That is exercise builds up our resistance to free radical damage from all stressors. Fast walking at the pace of 12-15 minutes per mile is ideal for returning optimum endurance benefits, without creating excess free radicals and damaging tissues. Fast walking can be as effective as jogging without the risk of injury. To strengthen our endogenous free radical defenses we need to do at least 30 continuous minutes of brisk walking three times a week. Besides this we also need to do some weight bearing strengthening exercise and some stretching as well. By maintaining strength and subtly we prevent the aches, pains and free radicals that come from physical stress to an unconditioned body.
Norman now exercise at a moderate level compares to his pre tumour days when he exercise 7 days a week! His brain scan on 13th september 2008 still shows a dead necrotic tumour which has increased slightly in size. It could still increase in size for the next 1 to 2 years due to radiation side effects. He is taking turmeric ginger juice every morning to help shrink the tumour.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The Healing Power of a Wholesome Diet for Brain Tumor Patients
By Jeanne M. Wallace, PhD, CNC
What can a healthy diet accomplish?
Brain tumors are a formidable foe, and many of us view our fight against them as a war,harnessing powerful treatments like surgery, radiation and chemotherapy as the linchpin of our plan of attack. How then can “wimpy” fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other healthy foods have any effect against this dreaded enemy? While wholesome foods and nutrients are not a cure for brain cancer, they can provide an important complementary strategy to help bolster the body’s regulatory “controls” against cancer. A healthy diet is one of the best ways to boost your immune system and complement your radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments…and there are several other ways good nutrition can help.
Phytonutrients: Our Cancer “Phyters”
The anti-cancer benefits of diets rich in fruits and vegetables have long been attributed to their high vitamin, mineral and fiber content. More recently, however, researchers have discovered that fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and kitchen spices contain thousands of other health-promoting compounds, collectively known as phytonutrients. Many phytonutrients appear to have significant cancer fighting properties.
Phytonutrients in many common foods have been shown to promote the death of brain tumor cells in cell culture studies. Among these are:
elemene (found in ginger)
tangeretin and limonene (in citrus peel),
catechins (in green tea)
anthocyanins (in blueberries and chokecherries).
Genistein (in soy)
Perhaps most compelling are new studies that demonstrate phytonutrients have the remarkable capacity to talk directly to and influence our genes. A growing
body of research on phytonutrients shows they can inhibit oncogenes (tumor-promoting genes) and increase the expression of tumor suppressor genes.
In addition, food-based phytonutrients are the richest source of antioxidants - far more potent than vitamin pills! The antioxidant capacity for vitamin E (one 400iu capsule) has been measured as 125 ORAC units, but it’s over 1,000 units per serving for blueberries, cinnamon, pomegranate juice, figs, prunes, raspberries, green tea, strawberries, spinach and kale. Food-based antioxidants are important for promoting gene stability and preventing mutations to the DNA of cancer cells that may lead to more aggressive behavior of tumors and/or resistance to Chemotherapy.
By Jeanne M. Wallace, PhD, CNC
What can a healthy diet accomplish?
Brain tumors are a formidable foe, and many of us view our fight against them as a war,harnessing powerful treatments like surgery, radiation and chemotherapy as the linchpin of our plan of attack. How then can “wimpy” fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other healthy foods have any effect against this dreaded enemy? While wholesome foods and nutrients are not a cure for brain cancer, they can provide an important complementary strategy to help bolster the body’s regulatory “controls” against cancer. A healthy diet is one of the best ways to boost your immune system and complement your radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments…and there are several other ways good nutrition can help.
Phytonutrients: Our Cancer “Phyters”
The anti-cancer benefits of diets rich in fruits and vegetables have long been attributed to their high vitamin, mineral and fiber content. More recently, however, researchers have discovered that fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and kitchen spices contain thousands of other health-promoting compounds, collectively known as phytonutrients. Many phytonutrients appear to have significant cancer fighting properties.
Phytonutrients in many common foods have been shown to promote the death of brain tumor cells in cell culture studies. Among these are:
elemene (found in ginger)
tangeretin and limonene (in citrus peel),
catechins (in green tea)
anthocyanins (in blueberries and chokecherries).
Genistein (in soy)
Perhaps most compelling are new studies that demonstrate phytonutrients have the remarkable capacity to talk directly to and influence our genes. A growing
body of research on phytonutrients shows they can inhibit oncogenes (tumor-promoting genes) and increase the expression of tumor suppressor genes.
In addition, food-based phytonutrients are the richest source of antioxidants - far more potent than vitamin pills! The antioxidant capacity for vitamin E (one 400iu capsule) has been measured as 125 ORAC units, but it’s over 1,000 units per serving for blueberries, cinnamon, pomegranate juice, figs, prunes, raspberries, green tea, strawberries, spinach and kale. Food-based antioxidants are important for promoting gene stability and preventing mutations to the DNA of cancer cells that may lead to more aggressive behavior of tumors and/or resistance to Chemotherapy.
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