The role of immunity in developing and fighting cancer
Maintaining a strong immune system is a key component to any anti-cancer program. It should be the focus of any conventional or alternative medicine for cancer program. The problem with most conventional cancer treatments is that they are too harsh and kill malignancies on a gross level, at the same time doing damage to healthy tissue and the immune system.
If focusing on immune system strength as a main strategy for fighting cancer, an alternative medicine for cancer program is the way to go. There are many modalities in alternative medicine, practiced though the ages, for rebuilding an immune system that is compromised by cancer.
There are many micronutrients and blended cocktails that can do wonders for
enhancing the immune system and helping the body fight off the cancer naturally
with its own strength. These types of treatments should not be considered the
only treatment for late stage or immediately life threatening cancers, but caught
early enough, some cancers could be eradicated without the need for surgery
or chemotherapy.
The importance of the immune system for understanding cancer
"The human immune system is a magnificent and well-coordinated network of cells, organs, and glands. An optimized immune system is the key to good health and longevity. There is little doubt that the immune system plays a critical role in deterring cancer. Many in the forefront of cancer research in fact regard cancer as an indication of immune weakness."
"The fact is that a weak immune response has a direct and inverse correlation with many types of cancer. Restoring immune system function is perhaps the most critical step to be taken in any cancer treatment program. Having a strong immune system is a key component of any anti-cancer protocol, traditional or otherwise." (www.drlam.com/A3R_brief_in_doc_format/cancer_and_immunity.cfm#3)
How does the immune system work?
"The key elements of our immune system are the T and B-lymphocytes. B-lymphocytes are in charge of humoral immunity. They are primarily concerned with the manufacturing and deployment of immunoglobilins. Immunoglobilins can act what they determined to be antigens, and for this reason, these immunoglobulins are known as antibodies. There are many different kinds of antibodies. They are classified into five five major classes, IgA (immunoglobulin A), IgD, IgG, IgM and IgE. Each class has a special function. Together, they ensure that all foreign bodies are recognized and destroyed."
"T-lymphocytes are in charge of cellular immunity. They act as a command post from which most orders for the immune system flows. They stimulate macrophages and B-lymphocytes. These are the soldiers vital for the ultimate protection of the body against disease such as bacterial infections, strong viruses, most fungi, cancer, and some parasitic infections. This system protects the body against most chronic, disabling and fatal diseases."
"A small, but important, sub-group of T-lymphocytes, the T-helper cells, also known as CD4s, control the various WBCs, by issuing chemical codes known as cytokines. Examples of cytokines include interleukins and interferons. T-helper cells, therefore, coordinate the combined effort of the WBCs to contain and destroy any non-self substance, once detected. Without T-helpers, the deeper immune responses that keep the body healthy would be unable to function on an optimal basis."
"To keep the lymphocytes in check, the body makes T-suppressor or T-8 cells. These secrete counterbalancing cytokines to down-regulate the destructive activities of cytokines from other WBCs. This is an important function and serves to protect the host. The proper ratio of T-helper to T-suppressor cells is critical as it maintains a balance between necessary aggressive action, that kills the enemy, and all out generalized destruction, that may target healthy cells as well." (www.drlam.com/A3R_brief_in_doc_format/cancer_and_immunity.cfm#3)
The following suggestion have been excerpted from the Web site of Dr. Michael Lam, an M.D. and specialist in preventative and anti-aging medicine. (www.drlam.com/A3R_brief_in_doc_format/cancer_and_immunity.cfm#3)
The following factors will support immune system strength and recovery for cancer patients. "Avoid chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which suppress the rapid turnover over in immune cells. Avoid immune lowering drugs such as glucocorticoids, commonly prescribed for asthma and other inflammatory conditions."
"Get the proper amount of sleep, along with adequate exercise and stress reduction. This will normalize the adrenal gland and reduce production of internal cortisol, an anti-inflammatory and pro-aging hormone. Also, moderate alcohol intake."
"Proper nutrition and diet is very important. Take supplements with vitamins A, C, E, B6 and folic acid. Moderate supplementation with zinc, chromium, magnesium, and selenium is also recommended. Additional supplementation such as amino acid glutamine, herbs such as echinacea and goldenseal, as well as thymus extract can help to support normal lymphocyte proliferation and maintain a dysfunctional immune system."
Other herbal and nutritional supplementation for the immune system
Substances such as olive leaf, mistletoe, fish oil, cat.s claw and medical mushrooms are have traditionally been use to support and strengthen the immune system. Here is an explanation of how some of these substances work particularly well for cancer treatment.
"A high fat diet rich in linolenic acid promotes cancer and metastasis. Fish oil can inhibit metastasis. Fish oil contains omega 3 (also present in flaxseed, walnut, cold water fish like salmon) fatty acid. Fish oil directly inhibits tumor cell proliferation and inhibits angiogenesis through inhibited VEGF, similar to liquid shark cartilage. It also acts as counterbalance effect to omega 6 fatty acid's production of inflammatory econsinoids. Fish oil reduces the rate of tumor attachment to endothelial extra-cellular matrix that leads to angiogenesis. It also alters the rate of tumor attachment in lymph nodes. Omega 3 reduces tumor promotion and metastasis with or without chemotherapeutic agents."
Cat.s claw far "surpasses well-known botanicals as echinacea, golden seal, astragalus, and Siberian ginseng in its anti-bacterial and immune building properties. It has also been shown to increase the production of leukocytes and specifically T4 lymphocytes, thus blocking the advance of many viral illnesses."
"Mistletoe preparations are used to stimulate the immune system and to kill cancer cells. Studies have shown that it reduces tumor size and improves survival of some cancer patients. It is particularly good for cancers of the cervix, ovaries, breast, stomach, colon, and lung. In addition to treating solid tumors, Iscador is also used, though less effective than on solid tumors, for cancers of the bone marrow, connective tissue, and blood-forming organs, specifically, lymphomas, sarcomas, and leukemias." (www.drlam.com/A3R_brief_in_doc_format/cancer_and_immunity.cfm#3)
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