12 Nutrients that Target & Destroy Cancer Stem Cells
By Dr. David Jockers DC, MS, CSCS
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Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in the May 2016 edition of TTAC’s Heroes Against Cancer member newsletter.
Lack of adequate nutrition can lead to cancer growth – on
the other hand, the right nutrients can
inhibit cancerous cells from multiplying.
Scientists have known for decades that cancer cells have the ability to repair
themselves, multiply, differentiate, and escape normal cellular processes such
as apoptosis or “cell suicide.” Only recently researchers have learned that
cancer cells originate from stem cells. Stem cells are unspecialized cells in
our body that can, given the right “signal,” be transformed into any
“specialized” cell.
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that, when given the right signal, can become any type of specialized cell
Stem cells found in adults are known as adult stem cells,
which normally act as a repair system for the body, constantly replenishing our
body’s tissues.
Researchers are also beginning to understand that our diet is perhaps the greatest tool in preventing and
treating cancer. Specifically, regular consumption of freshly
available, non-irradiated fruits and vegetables is associated with lowered risk
of many chronic diseases, including cancer.
Cancer Cells Originate from Stem Cells
What is known as a pro-survival technique enables cancer
cells to develop into the invasive and relentless disease that can wreak havoc
on any tissue in our bodies. Unlike typical stem cells, cancer stem cells are
self-sufficient, resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs and treatments, have the
ability to self-renew, increase inflammation, and are not influenced by contact
with other stem cells or anti-growth signals.
Cancer stem cells are also sustained by angiogenesis (the physiological process
by which new blood vessels are formed, which cancer tumors use to feed
themselves nutrients and grow), flawed cellular energy mechanisms, and their
ability to evade normal cellular functions such as apoptosis or cell suicide.
Phytochemicals that Fight Cancer
Nutrient-rich plant foods typically contain phytochemicals,
which have anti-cancer properties. Phytochemicals are chemical compounds that
occur naturally in plants. Some are responsible for color such as the deep
purple of blueberries, while others are responsible for smell. For example, the
pungent fragrance of freshly squeezed garlic.
Phytochemicals can have specific actions on our body when we consume the plants
containing them. It is estimated that
there may be as many as 4,000 different phytochemicals in the plant world.
Some of these phytochemicals not only target and kill cancer stem cells, but
they also reverse the mechanical flaws in our body which cancer cells thrive
on.
12 Nutrients to Consume Daily
Consume the following 12 nutrients daily to equip your body with the cancer-fighting tools it requires to prevent and treat cancerous growth.
#1 – Ursolic Acid
Holy basil is a good source of ursolic acid, along with other common herbs such as lavender, peppermint, oregano, and thyme
A dietary compound found in herbal medicines such as holy
basil, as well as in the natural waxy coating of fruits like apples, ursolic
acid has extraordinary anti-cancer potential. Ursolic acid has been shown to
treat cancers of the skin, colon, breast, lung, cervix, prostate, esophagus,
and pancreas.
Specifically, ursolic acid reduced tumor size and distant organ metastasis of
colorectal cancer cells, likely by blocking the expression of proteins needed
for their survival, proliferation, and metastasis.
Researchers are aware of ursolic acid’s ability to reduce
inflammation-promoting enzymes despite not having a full understanding of all
biological functions which ursolic acid affects. Reducing the levels of these
enzymes is critical to blocking abnormal cell cycles and preventing the
expression of genes which turn off cellular apoptosis. In other words, ursolic
acid increases cancer cell apoptosis and prevents DNA replication, a typical
characteristic of cancerous growth that would otherwise lead to metastasis.
Increasing the ursolic acid content of your daily nutrient intake can inhibit
tumors from forming in your body. Many health practitioners supplement with a
dose of 150-300 mg ursolic acid 3 times daily for optimal benefits. This is
much more than you could get from using apple peels and holy basil which have
between 5-10 mg of ursolic acid per serving. Waxy apple peels and holy basil do have other phytonutrients that are beneficial
for the body’s immune system, however, and shouldn’t be discarded.
#2 – Piperine
Piperine is found in black pepper and is responsible for its pungent flavor
Every year colorectal cancer kills more than 639,000
individuals worldwide. One of the major causes likely to blame for such a high
statistic is a bacterium known as H.
pylori, which invades the gastrointestinal lining of more than half of the
world’s population and is carcinogenic. Known as the “King of Spices,” piperine – a compound found in black pepper – helps reduce
the incidence of cancers relating to the stomach and breast.
Piperine has traditionally been used to treat symptoms of cold and fever. Most
recently it has gained attention for its cancer fighting properties.
Direct research suggests that piperine has anti-inflammatory effects on H. pylori-induced gastritis and may
potentially be useful in prevention of H.
pylori-associated gastric carcinogenesis. Piperine appears to prevent H. pylori growth by preventing it from
adhering to the gastrointestinal surface.
Piperine has also been shown to target cancer stem cells of breast tumors in
testing. As a result of piperine’s actions, the H. pylori bacterium cannot release toxins, cause stress, raise inflammation
levels, and promote cancer growth. The antimutagenic factors which piperine
induces may be due to its ability to prevent proteins from binding which would
normally stimulate cancer formation. Add piperine to your daily diet by
including freshly ground high quality black pepper in marinades, salad
dressings, sauces, dips, and soups.
#3 – Lycopene
Lycopene is found in fruits and vegetables with red flesh such as blood oranges and pink watermelon
Lycopene is a bioactive compound that destroys cancer cell
activity. Foods rich in lycopene include red-fleshed colored fruits and
vegetables such as tomatoes, watermelons, pink grapefruit, and even so-called
“blood” oranges. In fact, red-fleshed sweet orange juice that contains high
levels of beta-carotene and lycopene has been shown to have potential
chemopreventive effects on leukemia cells in laboratory experiments.
Consuming a lycopene-rich diet is as easy as snacking on watermelon on hot
summer days, or adding a bowl of grapefruit to your yogurt in the winter. Add
pulp back into your beverage when juicing citrus foods containing lycopene.
Increase the bioavailability of lycopene in foods by simmering tomato skins
before consumption and enjoy homemade pasta sauce and salsa.
Lycopene’s anti-cancer properties stem from its ability to increase
cytotoxicity and apoptosis in cancer cells. This nutrient disrupts cancer stem
cells’ communication signals which help a cancer cell to flourish – and instead
increases its risk of dying. Cancers which lycopene may be effective at
preventing include cervix, colon, lung, and prostate cancer.
If you are looking to avoid carbohydrates and stay on a ketogenic diet, you may
want to consider supplementing with 30-50 mg of lycopene, 1-2 times daily. This
is about the same amount you would get from eating 2 servings of organic tomato
sauce.
#4 – Isothiocyanates
Three-day-old broccoli sprouts contain 10-100 times higher levels of sulforaphane than a mature head of broccoli
Isothiocyanates are derived from naturally occurring sulfur-containing
compounds called glucosinolates. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli,
cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, wasabi, horseradish, mustard, radish, and
watercress contain many types of glucosinolates, each of which forms a
different isothiocyanate when hydrolyzed in our body.
Isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane may help to prevent cancer by eliminating
potential carcinogens and by enhancing production of so-called “tumor
suppressor proteins.” In other words, consuming isothiocyanates through
cruciferous vegetable consumption may decrease cancer risk – although boiling
and microwaving cruciferous vegetables is known to reduce the bioavailability
of isothiocyanates. Depending on the particular vegetable, either consume raw
(eg. broccoli sprouts and watercress) or lightly steam (eg. Brussels sprouts,
kale, and cauliflower) to retain the most nutrients.
Isothiocyanates promote detoxification, enhance immunity, activate cancer
inhibiting agents, and prevent against tumor growth related to the breast,
stomach, spleen, prostate, and colon. Isothiocyanates inhibit cancer in many
ways. They:
- Prevent toxins from accumulating
- Prevent inflammation
- Stimulate antioxidant potential
- Increase healthy gut microflora and remove carcinogenic bacteria linked to stomach cancer
- Promote phase 2 enzymes which stimulate antioxidant powerhouses such as glutathione
- Increase Nrf2 signaling pathways known to block tumor formation
You too can benefit from the many health benefits of
isothiocyanates by adding them to your diet. Although cruciferous vegetables
are excellent sources of these powerful compounds, it turns out their sprouts
are far more powerful cancer fighting foods. For instance, did you know that
cruciferous sprouts can contain up to 100 times more of the glucosinolate
compounds needed for the body to produce isothiocyanates than an entire head of
broccoli can provide?!
If choosing to supplement with sulforophane, many health practitioners advise
taking 300-600 mg, 1-2 times daily. This is especially useful for complementing
treatment against hormone-sensitive cancers, as isothiocyanates are very good
estrogen detoxifiers.
#5 – Curcumin
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family that has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine
Turmeric is a herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger
family. The rhizomes of this plant are boiled, dried, and ground
into a deep-orange-yellow powder that is used as a spice in Indian cuisine, for
dyeing, and to impart color to mustard condiments. One active ingredient of
this turmeric powder is curcumin.
Curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
Curcumin prevents chronic inflammation and can also decrease risk of cancer
development. Curcumin regulates various factors and substances involved with
cancer stem cells and manipulates multiple signaling pathways that are
necessary for cancer formation.
Curcumin has shown to target cancer cells by turning off factors which normally
would suppress apoptosis, preventing angiogenesis which supplies nutrients and
blood flow to cancer cells, and inhibiting tumor invasion and metastasis.
The following types of cancers have been shown to be suppressed by curcumin:
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Kidney
- Renal
- Bladder
- Brain
- Ovarian
- Liver
- Lung
- Colorectal
- Cervical
- Breast
- Prostate
Many health practitioners recommend taking 500-1000 mg doses, 3-4 times daily with food. Curcumin should also be mixed with piperine from black pepper and taken with a fat-based meal for optimal absorption.
#6 – EGCG
EGCG and other green tea antioxidants have been found to stop cancer cells from growing, kill cancer cells, and prevent the formation and growth of new blood vessels in tumors
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, also referred to as EGCG, is a
polyphenol found in green tea. EGCG is linked to numerous health benefits
including its ability to treat cancer.
Did you know that sipping on green tea regularly can reduce your risk of
breast, colon, prostate, and lung cancer? You could also make a green tea base
instead of water to add to your smoothies.
EGCG prevents cancer cells from multiplying, causing inflammation, and invading
new tissue – and it also interrupts cancer stem cells communication pathways.
Researchers have found that EGCG inhibits critical proteins required for cancer
cell survival from binding and shuts off mechanisms which induce cancerous cell
growth.
Matcha green tea is the most potent form of EGCG. One glass of Matcha is
equivalent to 10 glasses of a commercial green tea in terms of its nutritional
value and antioxidant content. One could also supplement with 400-800 mg of
EGCG, 1-2 times daily. Always use this earlier in the day as it can be
stimulating.
One caveat is that green tea does reduce folate absorption. If using green tea
daily, it is advisable to consume extra raw green vegetables (that are rich in
folate) in salads or juices or to supplement with an extra 500 mg of
methylfolate or calcium folinate.
#7 – Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
Vitamin D3 deficiency is one of the most common factors associated with the development of cancer
Did you know that approximately 10,000 cancer cells are
produced daily in your body and have the ability to invade, multiply, and
spread to other areas? Vitamin D3 deficiency is one of the most common factors
associated with the pathogenesis development) of cancer. Unfortunately, our
lack of time spent outdoors in natural sunlight and the increase in use of
synthetic drugs has lowered our body’s ability to absorb nutrients from the sun
and vitamin D sources from food. Needless to say, proper intake of vitamin D3
daily is required for the prevention of cancer.
Vitamin D3 has been shown in doses of 20,000 IU to act as an effective therapy
in delaying the onset of cancer and alleviating systemic inflammation. Perhaps
most vital for D3 daily intake is the production of GcMAF, a protein which
inhibits cancer cells and boosts the immune system’s natural response to
invasive agents such as cancer. GcMAF can eradicate tumors completely but
requires adequate vitamin D3 levels for its activity.
Ideal levels for vitamin D3 (25-hydoxy vitamin D) are between 60-100 ng/ml with
the ideal range between 80-100 ng/ml for individuals looking to prevent or slow
cancer growth. As a general rule, take 1,000 IUs per 25 pounds (11.3 kg) of
body weight to slowly raise your vitamin D levels into range or take 2,000 IUs
per 25 pounds of body weight to quickly raise your vitamin D levels.
Because vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient, it is important to take the
supplement with a fat-based meal for optimal absorption.
#8 – Resveratrol
While grape skins are one of the highest sources of resveratrol, it’s nearly impossible to get enough of this nutrient through diet alone
Resveratrol is a natural phenol produced naturally by
several plants in response to injury or when under attack by bacteria or fungi.
Food sources of resveratrol include the skins of grapes (as well as wine made
from grape skins), blueberries, raspberries, and mulberries.
This phenolic compound has a profound ability to prevent and heal metabolic
conditions such as cancer. It is designed to protect our cells from damage and
assist in extending their lifespan and improving normal cell’s processes which
cause repair. The cancer-protective properties of resveratrol have been shown
to prevent and heal cancers related to the prostate, liver, colon, pancreas,
skin, and various other organs.
Adding a resveratrol supplement to your daily diet may be needed as getting
enough of this cancer fighting nutrient solely from your diet is not possible
given its low concentrations in foods and beverages. Patients combating cancer
can take more than 200 mg of resveratrol daily. Non-cancer patients can take
20-100 mg of resveratrol every day to reap optimal anti-cancer benefits.
#9 – 6-Gingerol
The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils – the most important of which is gingerol – which has been studied for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Ginger is an excellent source of the phytonutrient
6-gingerol, which reduces nitric oxide production associated with inflammation
and other cellular disturbances. 6-Gingerol protects against free radical
damage and possesses powerful neuroprotective capabilities. Studies show that
6-gingerol stimulates antioxidant defenses and pharmacological pathways for
healing.
To get the benefits of 6-gingerol, try sipping on ginger in your tea, add it to
meat marinades, shave on vegetable dishes and include in your recipes for coleslaw
and salad dressings to improve the chemoprotective properties of your meals. It
is also advisable to consume fermented ginger, which is commonly used in Asian
dishes such as sushi and in the Korean dish kimchi.
#10 – Silymarin
Silymarin is the main active ingredient in milk thistle. Silymarin is both an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and is commonly used as a natural treatment for liver problems
Also known as milk thistle, Silymarin is a flavonoid which
protects against skin and colon cancer. This healing nutrient acts as a strong
detoxifying substance able to promote the function of the liver, kidneys, and
gastrointestinal tract. Silymarin has shown therapeutic potential in preventing
and treating cancers of the skin, prostate, cervix, and breast.
The ability of Silymarin to promote oxygenation to blood cells and increase
enzymatic activity of antioxidants like glutathione and superoxide dismutase
(SOD) are believed to contribute to its chemotherapeutic effects. Silymarin
inhibits carcinogens from accumulating in organs of the body, which assists in
detoxification processes and decreases the risk of cancerous cell growth.
Lower your risk of developing cancer by supplementing your diet with 200-600 mg
of milk thistle daily to prevent against toxic waste build up and inflammation.
#11 – Quercetin
Primary dietary sources of the antioxidant quercetin include citrus fruits, apples, onions, parsley, sage, tea, and red wine
Quercetin is a dietary antioxidant found in fruits,
vegetables, teas, and wine. Quercetin has been shown to specifically interfere
with cancer stem cells by blocking communication to processes which stimulate
free radical production. As a result, hazardous and cancer-stimulating free
radicals such as reactive oxygen species are drastically reduced.
Quercetin exhibits anti-cancer properties which improve the production of other
antioxidant levels such as glutathione and SOD, thereby further preventing free
radical damage and cancer growth. High doses of quercetin may be used to impair
the expression of cancer stem cell-activating genes linked to leukemia.
Quercetin can relieve inflammation and acts as an antihistamine due to its
impact on lowering immune cell responses.
Consuming organic apples (including the skin), red onions, green tea,
raspberries, and dark colored tomatoes are great ways to increase quercetin in
your diet and lower your risk of cancer. If choosing to supplement with
quercetin, it is recommended to take 400-500 mg, 2-3 times per day.
#12 – Anthocyanins
The name anthocyanin is derived from “cyan” in Greek which means dark blue. The deep blue and purple colors of anthocyanins are created at the cellular level and provide sun protection for plants and us when we consume them
Over 600 types of anthocyanins are found naturally in plants
such as berries (especially bilberries), grapes, red cabbage, red onions,
eggplant, tea, and specific varieties of oranges. Anthocyanins increase the
function of genes which act to inhibit tumor growth pathways in cancer stem
cells. Anthocyanins are also equipped to trigger apoptosis by manipulating cell
signaling between cancer stem cells and tumors.
Anthocyanins enable the body to naturally heal – making them potentially useful
in treating colorectal cancer, reducing breast cancer tumors, and limiting
leukemia cells from spreading. These dietary components have the ability to
control cancer stem cells which otherwise are uncontrollable. Anthocyanins
enhance the productivity of genes which suppress tumors, induce apoptosis in
colon cancer cells, and create dysfunction in leukemia cells.
Consuming nutrient-dense, anthocyanin-rich foods can help to protect your body
from developing cancer and fight already present tumors. Having a handful of
organic blueberries or blackberries each day is a fantastic way to get more of
these nutrients into your system.
One of the best ways to get anthocyanins is to make fermented sauerkraut
with red cabbage and red onions. The final product is rich in isothiocyanates,
anthocyanins, and other sulfur compounds that boost glutathione and cancer stem
cell-killing compounds.
Committing to an Anti-Cancer Diet
The solution to killing cancer stem cells is found in our
diets. This is a resolution which must be committed to for the long-term.
Plant-based diets rich in nutrients which fight chronic inflammation, slow
cellular aging, stimulate normal cellular functioning – and most importantly,
target and destroy cancer stem cells – is vital to living a cancer-free life.
Shutting down the signaling pathways which stimulate pro-survival mechanisms in
cancer stem cells is necessary to living a cancer-free life and can be
accomplished with the 12 nutrients discussed in this article.
So… how do you plan to implement these nutrients into your lifestyle on a
regular basis to give you and your family the best cancer protection?
This article first appeared in the May 2016 edition of TTAC’s Heroes Against Cancer newsletter. Each month in Heroes Against Cancer we share the best ways you can use to get and stay healthy – including delicious recipes and the best in supplements, herbs and spices. Find out more about our member newsletter here.
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Article Summary
- Lack of adequate nutrition can lead to cancer growth.
- Nutrient-rich plant foods typically contain phytochemicals, which have anti-cancer properties.
- 12 nutrients to consume daily:
1. Ursolic Acid
2. Piperine
3. Lycopene
4. Isothiocyanates
5. Curcumin
6. EGCG
7. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
8. Resveratrol
9. 6-Gingerol
10. Silymarin
11. Quercetin
12. Anthocyanins
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About Dr. David Jockers DC, MS, CSCS
Dr. David Jockers is a functional nutritionist, corrective care chiropractor, exercise physiologist, and certified strength & conditioning specialist. He runs one of the hottest natural health websites: DrJockers.com and is the author of "SuperCharge Your Brain," the complete guide to radically improve your mood, memory, and mindset, and the "SuperCharged Recipe book" with over 180 full-color recipes to help you take back control of your health. He is a regular contributor to thetruthaboutcancer.com and has well over 1,200 professionally published natural health articles on the web and in print magazines. Dr. Jockers is a sought after speaker around the country on such topics as weight loss, brain health, functional exercise, natural detoxi cation, and disease prevention. He currently owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Georgia.
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