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.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Brain tumor vaccine
Hope for new brain tumour vaccine
One in four brain tumours are glioblastoma multiformes
A vaccine has been developed which may be able to fight the most aggressive form of brain tumour, scientists say.
US researchers say their vaccine increased survival times for the 23 glioblastoma multiforme patients they tested it on by at least 18 months.
Only four patients went on to die from the cancer, the study to be presented at a meeting of experts in the US said.
A larger trial of the jab, which works by targeting a protein thought to drive the tumour's spread, is now planned. It uses an artificial form of the protein, which is found on the outside of 30-50% of tumours, to alert the immune system to its presence and attack it.
The brain is tricked into thinking the protein, known as EGFRvIII, is foreign, and fighter cells in the immune system are sent in.
Amy Heimberger, assistant professor of neurosurgery at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, said the vaccine was an easy-to-use "off-the-shelf" treatment that could potentially help half of all patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
She said results from the trial showed the vaccine significantly delays the progression of tumours until the cancer finds a new way to grow.
Survival times
But when tumours did grow again they did not display the EGFRvIII protein which led researchers to conclude that the vaccine had worked.
Professor Heimberger said: "This is a proof of concept, and optimal use of the vaccine may be with chemotherapy to further retard progression.
"Still, this is exciting because people have been trying to use immunotherapy against gliomas for a long time."
She also said that the median survival times were five months longer than those for GBM patients treated with the most up-to-date combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Patients with this type of tumour left untreated tend only to survive for four months.
GBMs affected adults between 40 and 60-years-old and represent about a quarter of brain tumours.
One in four brain tumours are glioblastoma multiformes
A vaccine has been developed which may be able to fight the most aggressive form of brain tumour, scientists say.
US researchers say their vaccine increased survival times for the 23 glioblastoma multiforme patients they tested it on by at least 18 months.
Only four patients went on to die from the cancer, the study to be presented at a meeting of experts in the US said.
A larger trial of the jab, which works by targeting a protein thought to drive the tumour's spread, is now planned. It uses an artificial form of the protein, which is found on the outside of 30-50% of tumours, to alert the immune system to its presence and attack it.
The brain is tricked into thinking the protein, known as EGFRvIII, is foreign, and fighter cells in the immune system are sent in.
Amy Heimberger, assistant professor of neurosurgery at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, said the vaccine was an easy-to-use "off-the-shelf" treatment that could potentially help half of all patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
She said results from the trial showed the vaccine significantly delays the progression of tumours until the cancer finds a new way to grow.
Survival times
But when tumours did grow again they did not display the EGFRvIII protein which led researchers to conclude that the vaccine had worked.
Professor Heimberger said: "This is a proof of concept, and optimal use of the vaccine may be with chemotherapy to further retard progression.
"Still, this is exciting because people have been trying to use immunotherapy against gliomas for a long time."
She also said that the median survival times were five months longer than those for GBM patients treated with the most up-to-date combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Patients with this type of tumour left untreated tend only to survive for four months.
GBMs affected adults between 40 and 60-years-old and represent about a quarter of brain tumours.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Miracle soup for cancer
Dear friends,
Would like to share this super food formula with you.I have tried it for Norman and it taste ok. Hope u can try it too.
by Tateishi Kazu
When cancer strikes a family, what course of action should one take? Dr. Tateishi Kazu’s father and brother both died of cancer. And then he found himself suffering from cancer of the duodenum and spreading. His stomach was removed, but the cancer cells had spread to his lungs. He resolved to fight for his life. He researched, studied and tested over 1,500 types of herbs and plants. Eventually he discovered the right combination of ingredients and formulated a unique healing vegetable soup and brown rice tea with its own molecular powers. The vegetables are rich in green chlorophyll, amino acids, iron, phosphorous, calcium, all in a natural form.
He based his soup on the principles of Five Elements theory, the harmonizing balance of the forces of yin and yang, acid and alkaline, that engenders health as opposed to the imbalance, which leads to disease. The five elements in our environment are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Because of the balance of the five elements, the earth is able to produce life. Dr. Tataishi Kazu used the essence of the five elements. Each essence possesses its own color: green, red, yellow, white and black. These relate to the corresponding internal organs: heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidneys. He used the concept of the five different colors as matched to specific vegetables:
Green=Daikon Radish Leaves
Red=Carrot
Yellow=Burdock Root
White=Daikon Radish
Black=Shittake Mushrooms
This is a remedy for all age groups. When the soup is ingested, it produces thirty different elements for fighting disease. Within three days, it can stop the growth of cancer cells. Even for some last-stage cancer patients, it can lead to 100% remission. Patients who have subsisted on feeding tubes for nourishment, when given the soup, after two days regained their strength. Over 10,000 last-stage cancer patients have used this remedy. 99% are alive and were able to return to work.
What This Remedy May Do:
1. Heal Cancer
2 Restore injured joints and bone structure
3. Slow down the aging process
4. Rejuvenate the skin
5. Heal Cataracts
6. Heal liver disorders
7. Lower high blood pressure
8. Improve heart conditions
9. Reduce brain tumors and other head-injury problems
10 Reduce high white blood cell counts
11. Improve T-cell function
——————————————————————————–
Vegetable Soup Recipe
(2 day’s quantity)
16 ounces white daikon
8-10 ounces white daikon greens
8-10 ounces carrot
8 ounces burdock root
3-5 fresh shitake mushrooms (sundried)
If not sundried, expose dried mushrooms to sun again.
Directions:
Don’t peel anything! Don’t add any seasoning!
Fill a pot with 14 cups of water. When it comes to a boil, reduce the flame and simmer for two hours. Strain and drink.
Would like to share this super food formula with you.I have tried it for Norman and it taste ok. Hope u can try it too.
by Tateishi Kazu
When cancer strikes a family, what course of action should one take? Dr. Tateishi Kazu’s father and brother both died of cancer. And then he found himself suffering from cancer of the duodenum and spreading. His stomach was removed, but the cancer cells had spread to his lungs. He resolved to fight for his life. He researched, studied and tested over 1,500 types of herbs and plants. Eventually he discovered the right combination of ingredients and formulated a unique healing vegetable soup and brown rice tea with its own molecular powers. The vegetables are rich in green chlorophyll, amino acids, iron, phosphorous, calcium, all in a natural form.
He based his soup on the principles of Five Elements theory, the harmonizing balance of the forces of yin and yang, acid and alkaline, that engenders health as opposed to the imbalance, which leads to disease. The five elements in our environment are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Because of the balance of the five elements, the earth is able to produce life. Dr. Tataishi Kazu used the essence of the five elements. Each essence possesses its own color: green, red, yellow, white and black. These relate to the corresponding internal organs: heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidneys. He used the concept of the five different colors as matched to specific vegetables:
Green=Daikon Radish Leaves
Red=Carrot
Yellow=Burdock Root
White=Daikon Radish
Black=Shittake Mushrooms
This is a remedy for all age groups. When the soup is ingested, it produces thirty different elements for fighting disease. Within three days, it can stop the growth of cancer cells. Even for some last-stage cancer patients, it can lead to 100% remission. Patients who have subsisted on feeding tubes for nourishment, when given the soup, after two days regained their strength. Over 10,000 last-stage cancer patients have used this remedy. 99% are alive and were able to return to work.
What This Remedy May Do:
1. Heal Cancer
2 Restore injured joints and bone structure
3. Slow down the aging process
4. Rejuvenate the skin
5. Heal Cataracts
6. Heal liver disorders
7. Lower high blood pressure
8. Improve heart conditions
9. Reduce brain tumors and other head-injury problems
10 Reduce high white blood cell counts
11. Improve T-cell function
——————————————————————————–
Vegetable Soup Recipe
(2 day’s quantity)
16 ounces white daikon
8-10 ounces white daikon greens
8-10 ounces carrot
8 ounces burdock root
3-5 fresh shitake mushrooms (sundried)
If not sundried, expose dried mushrooms to sun again.
Directions:
Don’t peel anything! Don’t add any seasoning!
Fill a pot with 14 cups of water. When it comes to a boil, reduce the flame and simmer for two hours. Strain and drink.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Magnectic Resonance Spectroscopy
What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MRS?
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a means of “seeing” inside of the body in order for doctors to find certain diseases or abnormal conditions. MRI does not rely on the type of radiation (i.e., ionizing radiation) used for an x-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan. The MRI examination requires specialized equipment that uses a powerful, constant magnetic field, rapidly changing local magnetic fields, radiofrequency energy, and dedicated equipment including a powerful computer to create very clear pictures of internal body structures.
During the MRI examination, Norman is placed within the MR system or “scanner”. The powerful, constant magnetic field aligns a tiny fraction of subatomic particles called protons that are present in most of the body's tissues. Radiofrequency energy is applied to cause these protons to produce signals that are picked up by a receiver within the scanner. The signals are specially characterized using the rapidly changing, local magnetic field and computer-processed to produce images of the body part of interest.
MR spectroscopy is used to characterize biochemical components of normal and abnormal brain tissue. MRS complements MRI as a non-invasive means for the characterization of tissue. The most widely used clinical application of MRS has been in the evaluation of central nervous system disorders. MRS has its limitations and is not always specific but, with good technique and in combination with clinical information and conventional MRI, can be very helpful in diagnosing certain entities. MRS may also be helpful in the differentiation of high grade from low grade brain tumors, and perhaps in separating recurrent brain neoplasm from radiation injury.
On the 3rd May 2008, Norman had his 2nd MRI and MRS done at Wijaya Medical center in PJ. The result shows necrotic brain tissues. It was indeed good news for us. There are 2 rounded heterogeneously enhancing lesions in the left frontal lobe measuring about 1.0x1.5cm and 0.6x0.5cm. There was still some edema seen.
Norman finished his 4th cycle of Temodar chemotherapy on the 22nd May. He experience the usual side effects of gastric bloatedness, loss of appetite and lethargy. However he still manage a full round of 18 hole at the golf course!! 3 cheers! Golf power wins!! Another 2 more cycles of temodar in June and July and that’s the end of chemotherapy(I pray he doesn’t need any more of this toxic poison anymore).
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a means of “seeing” inside of the body in order for doctors to find certain diseases or abnormal conditions. MRI does not rely on the type of radiation (i.e., ionizing radiation) used for an x-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan. The MRI examination requires specialized equipment that uses a powerful, constant magnetic field, rapidly changing local magnetic fields, radiofrequency energy, and dedicated equipment including a powerful computer to create very clear pictures of internal body structures.
During the MRI examination, Norman is placed within the MR system or “scanner”. The powerful, constant magnetic field aligns a tiny fraction of subatomic particles called protons that are present in most of the body's tissues. Radiofrequency energy is applied to cause these protons to produce signals that are picked up by a receiver within the scanner. The signals are specially characterized using the rapidly changing, local magnetic field and computer-processed to produce images of the body part of interest.
MR spectroscopy is used to characterize biochemical components of normal and abnormal brain tissue. MRS complements MRI as a non-invasive means for the characterization of tissue. The most widely used clinical application of MRS has been in the evaluation of central nervous system disorders. MRS has its limitations and is not always specific but, with good technique and in combination with clinical information and conventional MRI, can be very helpful in diagnosing certain entities. MRS may also be helpful in the differentiation of high grade from low grade brain tumors, and perhaps in separating recurrent brain neoplasm from radiation injury.
On the 3rd May 2008, Norman had his 2nd MRI and MRS done at Wijaya Medical center in PJ. The result shows necrotic brain tissues. It was indeed good news for us. There are 2 rounded heterogeneously enhancing lesions in the left frontal lobe measuring about 1.0x1.5cm and 0.6x0.5cm. There was still some edema seen.
Norman finished his 4th cycle of Temodar chemotherapy on the 22nd May. He experience the usual side effects of gastric bloatedness, loss of appetite and lethargy. However he still manage a full round of 18 hole at the golf course!! 3 cheers! Golf power wins!! Another 2 more cycles of temodar in June and July and that’s the end of chemotherapy(I pray he doesn’t need any more of this toxic poison anymore).
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Baptism Day
Easter is the festival commemorating the resurrection of christ. Christian celebrate this day in observance of their believe that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. This year easter falls on the 23rd of march. It is a very special day for the whole family as Norman was baptized on this meaningful day. Praise the Lord!
Quote:Revelation3:20 Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will share a meal together as friends.
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