B.S., C.N.C.
INFO FOR LIVER CANCER
in conjunction with “general suggestions”
This is some additional information you may wish to go through in addition to the general cancer information. Each cancer had it's own little idiosyncracies, but, for the most part, the nutritional and lifestyle suggestions should be the same. This is due to the fact that holistic practitioners regard the body as a whole, not as individual systems.
There are various signs and symptoms that might indicate liver cancer. Among them might be: weight loss, abdominal pain, anorexia, fatigue, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, jaundice, or elevated liver enzymes.
Surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy is known to be of limited value in the successful treatment of liver cancer.
Emergen-C (brand name)may be of benefit in replacing lost minerals, especially potassium and vitamin C. All are known to help to oxygenate the body with the intention of controlling cell growth. A loss of potassium and minerals of the potassium group lower electrical potentials and the defense of the cytoplasm in muscle and liver cells.
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is known to be a very strong antiviral agent; aids the bile ducts in becoming more efficient, protecting against chemical damage, positively influenceing the adrenals and blood sugar, and increasing energy; has been found to stimulate the production of interferon, possibly inhibiting the replication of HIV; may prevent Hepatitis C from causing liver cancer and cirrhosis. This is not an herb to take carelessly, however. It contains hormonal constituents and may decrease potassium levels, thereby causing high blood pressure, water retention, hormonal problems. It is not recommended to take this on an ongoing basis. (Five days on and 2 days off for 4-6 weeks, then take a break for a month, or so). Always consult a knowledgable healthcare practitioner. It is a very good herb when taken correctly.
It is not recommended to use N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) if you have a toxic liver. This is a sulfur containing amino acid and has been found to promote hepatic (liver) tumor growth.
Keep in mind that vitamins, minerals and enzymes are stored in the liver and reactivated there.
Albumin is formed in the liver, therefore it is important to eat adequately in order to produce adequate albumin. Correct protein choices and adequate amounts will insure this. In people with liver disease and liver cancer, there is a great deal of protein wastage. It is necessary to maintain adequate protein intake to satisfy that requirement. Anorexia, hypoproteinemia, and weight loss are evidence of protein depletion which implies a rapid loss of protein enzymes. It is beneficial to eat small amounts of protein many times a day in addition to the use of free-form amino acid supplements.
Daily dietary intakes of 2000-3000 calories per day have been found to be very beneficial. This is the recommended breakdown of those calories –
- 100-200 grams/protein
- 350-500 grams/complex carbs
- 20-40 grams/fat – good fats
Good sources would be chicken, fish, lean meat, fish oil, flax oil, walnut oil, olive oil. If possible, always choose organic. It is best to try and stay at the lower end of the ranges and to try and eat several times a day - NO LARGE MEALS. This has been found to have an almost “electric” response in patients’ physical and mental appearance. DO NOT MISS MEALS, and try to make the mid-day meal the best.
- It may be best to stay away from all dairy. Dairy is highly allergenic, and, if not organic - contains high amounts of hormones, pesticides, and steroids, and is a source of growth factors which are not recommended with cancer patients.
- About 97% of the alcohol ingested is metabolized by the liver and processed in the stomach and small intestines. It is best not to overtax the liver with this.
- It has been found that organic, fresh, sheep, buffalo, or horse liver may slow the growth of liver, pancreatic or gallbladder cancer by virtue of it’s lectins.
- Butyrate is beneficial in that it is known to keep the colon healthy. Ghee is high in butyrate.
- Pau d’arco has been found to be a very good anti-viral and anti-cancer herb. It is known to be high in lapachol and other components that work synergistically in the body to fight viruses (herpes, influenza, and cancer). Tests have shown benefit in mouth, intestinal and kidney cancers in particular (leukemia, also). It may also be associated with pain relief.
- A Japanese modified, traditional herbal medicine – Sho-saiko-to (TJ-9, Xino-chai-hu-tang) has been used in
the treatment of various liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma. It consists of extracts of 7 herbs – bupleurum root, pinellia tuber, scutellaria root, jujube root ,ginseng root, licorice root, and ginger rhizome. The water soluble ingredients have been found to inhibit the proliferation of a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line and a cholangiocarcinoma cell line in a concentration-dependent manner by inducing apoptosis, inducing tumor necrosis factor alpha, and granulocyte
colony–stimulating factor. The efficacy may involve the enhancement of the immunological functions of the body. It has been shown to protect the liver from injury by free radicals, which occur in an ischemic state during endotoxemia. Sho-saiko-to has been found to decrease endotoxin-induced lipid peroxide levels and xanthine oxidase activity while enhancing superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. It may prevent endotoxin- induced formation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative tissue damage. Research study dosage was 7.5 grams/day in addition to conventional drugs.
- Some research studies have shown a possible decrease in methyl donors in hepatic carcinomas. Therefore, it may be beneficial to supplement with homocysteine modulators (a combination of B6, B12, folic acid and betain) – which are methyl donors.
- IP6 has been found to help the liver remove excess fat from tissues.
- ARA-6 (arabinogalactan)is high in dietary fiber, which is beneficial to the health of the gastrointestinal tract. Research has shown that arabinogalactans have inhibited liver cancer by stimulating the liver to produce antibodies.
- Alpha lipoic acid is known to regenerate the liver and nerve tissue.
- Chorella has been shown to increase RBC,WBC, platelets and albumin. It is a known detoxifier.
- Maitake D-faction has been found to be an immune stimulant and an adaptogen that lowers hypertension. It may lower excessive blood glucose and protect the liver. IClinical studies show it to be an antiviral, and reduces the toxic side effects of chemotherapy, in addition to augmenting chemotherapy.
- Panax ginseng is known to be a liver cleanser, protector and stimulator. It may activate the Kupffer cells which are responsible for removing cellular debris from the liver, improve protein synthesis, and have anti-clotting properties.
- Milkthistle is found to be one of the most effective liver stimulants, tonics, and cleansing herbs. It stimulates tissue regeneration and may augment immune functions. Milkthistle is good in all illness protocols since the liver is main detoxifying organ. Other beneficial liver tonic herbs may be - dandelion root, turkey rhubarb root, burdock root, and yellow dock.
- Lactoferrin is known to work together with lipoic acid and chorella to enhance the nutritional status and raise albumin levels in people with cancer.
Please email me if you have any questions.
(The above information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat illness. The information has been documented from the same sources as the aforementioned general cancer information.)
