Cancer is the result of abnormal and uncontrolled cell division, which causes malignant growths called tumors. The exact cause of this abnormal growth is unknown, but it's thought to be related to free radical damage. Although the medical community has spent years searching for a cure, mortality rates have risen. More patients are turning to alternative medicine and other natural treatment options.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a culinary herb used in Eastern Indian dishes. It's the spice that gives curry its golden color. It's also one of the most widely researched and supported herbal remedies for cancer. According to the National Institutes of Health, a number of scientific studies have shown curcumin, the chemical constituent of turmeric, to have anticancer potential. Curcumin may prevent and reverse cancer by suppressing the growth of cancer cells. Additionally, human clinical trials showed that turmeric has virtually no side effects and is generally safe for consumption, even in high doses. It's a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Curcumin extract has been safely administered at doses up to 10g per day.
Acai Berry
Acai berry is a relatively new discovery in the field of cancer research. The fruit comes from the acai palm tree native to Central and South America. Acai berries and juice are touted as a superfood by natural health enthusiasts because of their high vitamin content and antioxidant properties. In 2006, research by Stephen Talcott of the University of Florida showed that acai berries are a viable alternative in the fight against cancer. The clinical study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, showed that extracts of acai berries "triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells tested." Going beyond the typical antioxidant properties of most herbal cancer remedies, acai berries appear to actually combat and even reverse cancer growth.
Chelation Therapy
Another natural approach is detoxification and chelation therapy. Because cancer is thought to be the result of free radical damage caused by toxins in the body, the natural or holistic approach includes internal cleansing and detoxification. The organs responsible for cleansing the body naturally, such as the liver and kidneys, can become toxic over time as the body is exposed to the many chemicals found in the environment, prescription drugs and everyday foods. The process of detoxification helps these organs purge built-up toxins. Chelation therapy is sometimes used as a detoxification method for cancer sufferers. To chelate means to bind. Chelators bind with heavy metals and other toxins found in pesticides, herbicides and food additives. Some common chelates used in detoxification include bentonite clay, chlorella (algae), ALA (found in flaxseed oil) and cilantro.
References
- American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts and Figures 2009
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Anticancer Potential of Curcumin
- University of Florida: Brazilian Berry Destroys Cancer Cells in Lab
- The Cancer Cure Foundation: Detoxification
- Cilantro - the natural chelator, by Dr. David G. Williams; Alternative Health, May/June 2004
