A COUNTRY ROAD

A COUNTRY ROAD

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Breast Cancer: There is a Preventive Option

Get ready, I'm getting ready to do something the FDA won't let me do outside this Blog. I'm going to tell you that if you have indicators for Breast Cancer its time to get tough and don't just take a mamogram and call for help after the fact, because the fact is, and I do mean a fact, there is a natural substance that can cut your chances of developing breast cancer - Its called Indole-3-Carbinol.
Indole-3-Carbinol (I-3-C) is an isolated flavanoid from cruciferous vegatables like brocholli, clauiflower, brussels sprouts. So you think you eat your share of these vegatables everyday? Maybe, but highly unlikely. This derivative in proper dosages packs mother nature's punch x10,000.
The anticancer effects of indole-3-carbinol and its metabolite DIM (diindoylmethane) are the result of specific activities: inducing enzymes that metabolize carcinogens, enhancing DNA repair, inducing G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Indole-3-carbinol blocks estrogen receptor sites on the membranes of breast and other cells, thereby reducing the risk of cervical and breast cancer. Indole-3-carbinol increases the ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone to 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone and inhibits the 4-hydroxylation of estradiol. This is a favourable action of indole-3-carbinol because 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone and 4-hydroxyestrone have carcinogenic action. The estrogen metabolite 2-hydroxyestrone has protective traits against several types of cancer. Studies with animals have demonstrated that indole-3-carbinol reduced the carcinogenic affects of aflatoxins. The influence of indole-3-carbinol on the development of prostate cancer is less clear. Most studies report protective effects but a few studies indicate that indole-3-carbinol may promote prostate cancer formation so men should use caution and talk to a professional first. Treatment of skin cancer cells with ultraviolet-B results in the apoptosis of their apoptosis, a favorable effect that seems to be stimulated by indole-3-carbinol. Some studies also show a beneficial effect on the treatment of skin cancer.
There is some debate regarding I-3-C campared to its metabolite DIM - but the bottom line is: if there's a chance: don't wait to see if Chemo and radiation will do the trick.
Get on offensive against this disease.