Stacking the Odds to Be Well!

Preventing & Fighting Cancer, Immune System Disorders & Health Conditions

"Search for the cure within the cause, the body itself is the best healer"   Plato C427 -C347 BC

Return to Home Page

Although this page highlights cancer in terms of well-being, many of the issues involved in cancer also apply to other immune system disorders and health conditions.

Cancer is a complex disease.  The best cure for cancer is prevention (Cancer: 101 Solutions To a Preventable Epidemic - Liz Armstrong, Guy Dauncey and Anne Wordsworth. Forward by Dr. Devra Davis, Director of the Center for Environmental Oncology at the University of Pittsburg, Cancer Institute, and Professor, Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health.  www.preventcancernow.ca, www.preventcancernow.org ). 

According to the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Center for Environmental Oncology ( Healthy Choices Lives Newsletter, Spring 2007, Volume 1, Number 4 http://www.environmentalhealthtrust.org/07-spring Myths vs. Facts about Cancer and Environmental Risks), there are many myths about cancer.  One debunked myth in particular highlights the environment as a major factor in the occurrence of cancer. 

Myth:  Most cancers are genetic in nature so there's little we can do to protect ourselves.

Fact:  "The National Cancer Institute reports that only about one in ten cases of breast cancer occur in a woman born with a genetic risk of the disease." 

"In 1964, two senior scientists at the National Cancer Institute, Wilhelm Hueper and W.C. Conway, wrote, 'Cancers of all types and all causes display even under already existing conditions, all the characteristics of an epidemic in slow motion.' The unfolding epidemic was being fueled, they said in 1964, by "increasing contamination of the human environment with chemical and physical carcinogens and with chemicals supporting and potentiating their action." Sandra Steingraber, LIVING DOWNSTREAM; AN ECOLOGIST LOOKS AT CANCER AND THE ENVIRONMENT (New York: Addison-Wesley, 1997, pg. 43)

"The issue of Toxic Load contributes to many health problems. A scientific article from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggested that more than 75% of cancer is caused by diet and environmental factors. In addition toxic exposure is a contributing factor to cardiovascular diseases, (heart attack), cerebrovascular diseases, (stroke), and neurodegenerative diseases, (Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease). Environmental pollutants stockpile in the body contributing to the chronic diseases." Crossroads Medical Associates http://www.riverhillwellness.com/toxicload.htm

Illnesses and diseases, including cancer, can be the result of the garbage our bodies collect from microbes (viruses, bacteria, fungus and parasites), chemicals ( pesticides, additives, preservatives, contaminants, drugs, personal care products, hair dyes, cleaning products, lawn care products, materials gas off), radiation and electromagnetic fields.  Over the years our collection grows until we reach toxic overload or body burden. A woman who is pregnant may pass these toxic elements to her developing fetus through the placenta. The " body burden " Pollution in Newborns  report (http://www.ewg.org/reports/bodyburden2/ ), refers to the total amount of these chemicals that are present in the human body. 

Toxic levels of elements, both natural and man-made, get into the human body through ingestion (swallowing), inhalation (breathing) or through the skin (absorption and breathing).  The skin is the largest organ and breaths as the person breathes.  Anything in the air can be breathed in through the skin.   

Environmental Defence conducted the first study in Canada that tests for a broad range of chemicals in average Canadians from across the country. The study, Toxic Nation: A Report on Pollution in Canadians , demonstrates that toxic chemicals contaminate people no matter where they live, how old they are or what they do for a living. Another study tested for the pollution in our politicians.  To find out more about toxic chemical pollution in Canadians, visit the Toxic Nation web site.

As indicated in recent studies by both a Canadian and American group, we are all polluted to some degree. 

"For much of its history, the cancer war has been fighting the wrong battles, with the wrong weapons, against the wrong enemies. The Secret History of the War on Cancer by Dr. Devra Davis shows, decade by decade, how the campaign has targeted the disease and left off the table the things that cause it—tobacco, alcohol, the workplace, and other environmental hazards. Conceived in explicitly military terms, the effort has focused on defeating an enemy by detecting, treating, and curing disease. Overlooked and suppressed was any consideration of how the world in which we live and work affects whether we get cancer. The result is appalling: over 10 million preventable cancer deaths over the past thirty years. This has been no accident." http://www.environmentalhealthtrust.org/secrethistorycancer2.htm

The fight against cancer and disease starts with knowing where and why things went wrong.  Cancer is the result of an imbalance between cell proliferation and cell death. Diseases are the result of imbalances and/or malfunctions in organs, systems, body parts or at the cellular level. What factors are responsible for your imbalances or conditions?

Tumors can develop and grow if T cells fail to recognize cancer cells.   T cells normally detect a tumor as it is developing, and destroy it before it becomes dangerous. When cancer occurs, the immune system, T cells for instance, have failed to detect the tumor. For more information visit the Webb-Waring Institute for Cancer, Aging and Antioxidant Research. http://www.uchsc.edu/sm/waring/webpages/secondlevel/science/arthritis.html 

What can you do?

In the wait for a 'one size fits all cure for cancer and diseases', and as an addition to the treatments your doctor has offered, there are many things that you can do to stack the odds in your favour in terms of your battle against cancer and disease. Because you have been created uniquely different from every other person on the planet, what works for you will be a unique combination of strategies and therapies.  Below are some resources and 'self help' options.  

In your pursuit for 'the cure' keep in mind that more is not always better.  Combining some therapies and treatments can be beneficial while some combinations can be harmful or diminish benefits. 

Educate Yourself:

Learning as much as you can about the factors that affect your health is important in the fight against cancer.  For more information visit the main page www.mybodycanhealitself.ca and links , http://www.preventcancernow.ca/resources.asp and the links below. Research reliable sources for further information on your condition and treatments and therapies.  Holistic Health Research Foundation of Canada, Cancer: Looking For Causes, Searching for Solutions, http://www.holistichealthresearch.ca/abstractscancercontinuum.htm. 

'How to Fight Cancer & Win', Scientific guidelines and documented facts for the successful treatment and prevention of cancer and other related health problems.  William L. Fischer, Forward by Leslie H. Salov, M.D.

Building and maintaining a healthy immune system:

There are many factors, that interfere with the building and maintaining of a healthy immune system.  For more information on these factors visit the main page, www.mybodycanhealitself.ca and the links throughout the website.  The 'Health by Design, Seven Steps to Improved Wellbeing' will guide you in building and maintaining a healthy immune system.  The “Health by Design Plan” was created to help you pilot your “life long journey” of well-being.  The “Seven Steps” provide you with valuable useable information and tools.  The steps also include worksheets and exercises which are intended to train you and your brain in a “particular way of thinking and acting”. The workbook is in essence, a well-being toolbox that you will be able to utilize on an ongoing basis throughout your life.  It is a place to keep important health information and will provide you ongoing assessment, action planning and support tools.  It will be a reference guide as you look back in future years for specific information on changes in your health.  

Monitor your Body Pollution:

There are a number of factors that increase and decrease body pollution.  Ongoing awareness and attention to your body pollution is an important factor in well-being. 

Detoxify:

The first step in addressing cancer and most conditions is to detoxify the body.  There are many ways to detoxify including natural detoxification..  Using detoxifying herb baths is especially beneficial because it takes the burden off of the organs as the toxins leave the body.  Herbs in the bath also have medicinal properties which promote detoxification and healing. In addition to the detoxifying herb baths, following the steps on promoting natural detoxification and regularly drinking vegetable/fruit juices will help to clean toxins and waste from the body, strengthen the immune system and promote healing. 

Toxins that we are exposed to in our environment can cause damage to the body's ability to detoxify.  Damage to the immune system can interfere with the body's ability to  recognize and eliminate parasites, other microbes and toxins. Damage can also interfere with the body's ability to detect and fight cancer.  Detoxifying and Healing Herb Baths

“Chemicals have replaced bacteria and viruses as the main threat to health. The diseases we are beginning to see as the major causes of death in the latter part of (the 1900's) and into the 21st century are diseases of chemical origin.”
Dr. Dick Irwin, Toxicologist, Texas A&M University

One of the first steps in the holistic approach to eliminating disease including cancer

within  our bodies is to

'clean house'.

Natural Detoxification

• Clean water is a priority for detoxification.  If you don’t use a water filter then you are the water filter.  This includes your shower/bath water.

• Optimal functioning of both the kidneys and liver is essential, as these are the main places where chemicals are detoxified.  Detoxification and maintaining a healthy body can be promoted by the following:

•  Drink lots of filtered water. (avoid water that has had the minerals taken out)   Adequate hydration with water containing a naturally occuring balance of minerals is crucial to optimum health.  http://curezone.com/foods/waterpage.asp

• Eat plenty of fresh (pesticide, additive and preservative free) vegetables and fruit.  To reduce the toxic load on the body it is important to reduce the chemicals in our foods, and consume organically raised animal products.

• Strictly limit sugar or sugar derivatives, and compounds that can easily be turned into sugar (i.e. processed & white grain products and alcohol).  Microorganisms and cancer thrive on sugar.

• Regular bowel movements are essential. Fat-soluble toxins are secreted through the bile duct. However, 85% of toxins and bile are reabsorbed by the small intestines, more if you are constipated.

• Get plenty of fresh air.  Open the windows in your homes and at work and change the air often. Use air filtration supports where necessary.

• Get plenty of exercise.  Regular movement promotes detoxification.

• Eliminate stress.  See main page 'Stress and your health and your brain'

• Use 'toxin free' personal care (Cost of Beauty), laundry, household cleaning, and lawn care products.  The Guide to Less Toxic Products, Nova Scotia Allergy and Environmental Association, has safer alternatives.   http://www.lesstoxicguide.ca/index.asp  Many products have synthetic chemicals that suppress the immune system.

“In order to get rid of the garbage in our bodies and keep it out, we must be willing to walk the unmarked path of “vis medicatrix Naturae”, the healing power of nature”.  

Michael A. Prytula, Naturopathic Doctor

For more information on the benefits of detoxification in healing cancer watch the Gerson Cancer Miracle free online video at:  http://www.gerson.org/videos/default.asp

Follow these links to learn more about the Pollution in People and the possible health concerns linked to the pollution:

"exposure"  Environmental Links to Breast Cancer  (video) with Olivia Newton John, WEHN, Women's Healthy Environments Network at http://www.web.net/~when/video1.html

It is important to be under the care of a qualified healthcare practitioner while you detoxify your body.

Consultation: 

To book a consultation for a BodyFeedback Session:

• Uses neuromuscular biofeedback to locate weaknesses in organs, endocrines, systems and body parts.

• Uses neuromuscular biofeedback to test foods you eat to determine whether they weaken organs, endocrines, systems or body parts.

• Uses neuromuscular biofeedback to test products you use to determine whether they weaken organs, endocrines, systems or body parts.

• Uses neuromuscular biofeedback to locate and stop histamine and other faulty immune system responses (allergies). 

• Uses neuromuscular biofeedback and therapies to resynchronize natural communication and energy flow within the body.

• Uses neuromuscular biofeedback  and therapies to rebalance organs, endocrines, systems and body parts.

• Uses neuromuscular biofeedback and therapies to locate and remove blockages and unhealthy tissue and promote healing.

• Use neuromuscular biofeedback information to provide customized visualizations to improve well-being.

  To book a consultation for a personalized detoxification and well-being protocol please visit the contact page.

Diet:

The phrase 'you are what you eat' says it all.  What you consume (ingest, inhale, absorb) on a daily basis is in fact 'what you eat'.  What has your body consumed today?  Are there any harmful ingredients in what you have consumed? Diet can be used as a weapon against cancer. 

"Let food be your medicine, let medicine be your food"  Hippocrates

The National Cancer Institute recommends eating five daily servings of both fruits and vegetables as part of cancer prevention.  "Nutrition recommendations usually stress eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain breads and cereals; including a moderate amount of meat and dairy products; and cutting back on fat, sugar, alcohol, and salt."  National Cancer Institute.

Research published by the National Cancer Institute highlights the link between diet and cancer control:

• Diet and nutrition are factors in 60 percent of cancers in women.

• Diet and nutrition are factors in 40 percent of cancers in men.

• Nutrition is closely related to the formation or prevention of gastrointestinal cancers (cancers of the stomach, pancreas, and esophagus), breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometrial cancer.

What should you eat and how much?  Your daily nutrient requirement is determined by a number of factors including your age, health status and activity level.  The percentage and type of carbohydrates, proteins and fats with vary for each individual.  For a personalized nutrient assessment based on your personal information consult a nutritional consultant or download a Personal Nutrient Assessment.

Diet - ph Factor:

Maintaining a healthy body pH is very important in preventing cancer.  Cancer is reported to not be able to survive in an alkaline pH.  http://www.merchantcircle.com/blogs/AZALOE.602-524-5283/2009/5/Cancer-Cells-Cannot-Live-In-An-Alkaline-Environment-/236748

The American diet tends to keep the body in an acidic pH level.  Medications can also affect your pH.  Exposure to toxins like herbicides and pesticides can also keep the body pH acidic.  The personal care products that you use on your body can also affect your pH.  A home test pH kit is available at pharmacies and health departments for you to test your pH.  A healthy pH if important to well-being.  Drugs, detoxification, disease and toxins are a few of the factors that can change your body's pH level.  Know what your pH level is.  You can adjust your pH by choosing different foods from the acid/alkaline forming food charts.  (from muscle response testing results on numerous clients I have found green tea to be acid forming - try white tea ).  Artificial sweeteners cause imbalances and have been linked to cancer.  (use Stevia instead).  Acidic pH can result in disease.  It is important to monitor your body pH to help your body prevent and defeat cancer.  The average person would benefit from a diet that contains foods from the acid/alkaline forming food charts that are approximatey 40% acidic and 60% alkaline.  For those that are ill and living/working in polluted environments the range should be about 20% acidic and 80% alkaline.  Juicing is an excellent way to use alkaline vegetables and fruits to help your body achieve these goals. 

Diet - Antioxidants:

Antioxidants are extremely important in the fight against cancer.  They are protective agents that act to regulate oxidative reactions like oxidative stress which is considered to be a factor in many diseases including cancer.  Antioxidants stabilize free radicals.  There needs to be an adequate balance between oxidation and antioxidant levels.

New Developments in Antioxidant Research - Book Overview:  "In biological systems, the normal processes of oxidation (plus a minor contribution from ionising radiation) produce highly reactive free radicals. These can readily react with and damage other molecules. In some cases the body uses free radicals to destroy foreign or unwanted objects, such as in an infection. However, in the wrong place, the body's own cells may become damaged. Should the damage occur to DNA, the result could be cancer. Antioxidants decrease the damage done to cells by reducing oxidants before they can damage the cell. Virtually all studies of mammals have concluded that a restricted calorie diet extends the life-span of mammals by as much as 100%. This remarkable finding suggests that food is actually more damaging than smoking. As food produces free radicals (oxidants) when metabolised, antioxidant-rich diets are thought to stave off the effects of aging significantly better than diets lacking in antioxidants. The reduced levels of free radicals, resulting from a reduction in their production by metabolism, is thought to be a major cause of the success of caloric restriction in increasing life span. Antioxidants consist of a group of vitamins including vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and carotenoids, (such as beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein). This new book brings together the latest research in this dynamic field."  New Developments in Antioxidant Research, Harold V. Panglossi. http://books.google.ca/books?id=iEHEJU3-ou4C&dq=new+developments+in+antioxidant+research+harold+panglossi&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=EAdhGyVN51&sig=_7q_XPF-uRjSBGeugS2pV3LCA0E&hl=en&ei=eadfSsLFGamwtgekrtHfAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1

Many natural antioxidant found in many foods and red wine are potent and selective killers of cancer cells  (http://www.upci.upmc.edu/news/upci_news/042307_food.cfm).  Overuse of antioxidants could reduce ROS levels too far  (Reactive oxygen species - compounds that form during oxidative reactions and react with numerous biomolecules).  Adequate levels of ROS are needed to allow normal cell function and to promote apoptotic cell death of pre-cancerous or transformed cells. ROS levels play a role in the development and progression of cancer and cardiovascular disease. 

For more information on free radicals, oxidative stress and ROS visit http://www.oxis.com/oxidative_stress_complete.html .

For more information on foods high in antioxidants visit  http://www.whyagel.com/foods-high-in-antioxidants.html, http://www.benefits-of-resveratrol.com/foods-high-in-antioxidants.html .

For more information on nutrition to fight specific cancers visit http://www.avianweb.com/cancernutrition.html .

Diet - Fats:

The National Cancer Society and the American Heart Association agree that, in general, the average daily fat consumption of the American people is excessive.  The risk of cancer and heart disease can be reduced by trimming unhealthy fats from the diet. 

It is important to consume a daily intake of healthy fats.  The trend for 'no fat' and 'low fat' can prevent adequate consumption of healthy fats.  Oils should be cold pressed, organic and free of chemical processing.  All hydrogenated fats and trans fats (other than naturally occurring) should be eliminated. 

Although butter has been given a bad rap it is easy to digest and the cholesterol content of 1 gram in every pound is not harmful as long as your diet contains contains other elements necessary for the efficient metabolism of fat.  Butter should be eaten in moderation.  For a 'healthy butter combine 1 cup of butter (room temperature) with 1 cup of healthy oil (high in omega 3 fatty acid - see dietary fat comparison chart link below) and blend.  This healthier butter will have the consistency of margarine and will stay soft when stored in the refrigerator.  Adding oils with omega 6 fatty acids, like grapeseed oil with its hormone balancing properties, is also a healthy choice.  Experiment with a mix of organic, cold pressed oils in your recipe (eg. linolenic omega 3 - flax seed oil (58%) and linoleic omega 6 - safflower (75%), sunflower (65%), corn (59%), soybean (54%), grapeseed (72%), olive (8%)) .  For more information on fat comparisons visit http://www.iamm.com/health/safflower-oil-chart.html

Omega 3 fatty acid: Omega 6 fatty acid imbalance:  If the diet consists of too much Omega 6, the typical result is inflammation, one you are probably not aware of. Unfortunately, many people have chronic inflammation because of an Omega 3:Omega 6 fatty acid imbalance. This imbalance has long-term disastrous effects, resulting in conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, arthritis and auto-immune disease. The proper ratio of Omega 3:Omega 6 is between 1:1 and 1:4. The average American diet may have 10 – 30 times as much Omega 6 as Omega 3. This is due to heavy consumption of grain-fed meats, beef, pork and poultry - and polyunsaturated oils, high in Omega 6 in fast food, processed food, and and home cooking.

Source: Minnesota Nutrient Data Base 4.04, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
Revised 3/02
 

For optimum health it would be ideal to consume a diet high in omega 3 (linolenic) fats with an equal balance of omega 6 (linoleic) fats.  Flax seed oil (linseed) is the best seed oil for people with fatty degenerations.  New research shows that the omega 3 fatty acids actually suppress some cancer-promoting substances.  Dr. Johanna Budwig, Germany's premiere biochemist uses a nutritional approach in the treatment of cancer.  She has demonstrated the incredible tumor-dissolving effects of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid in fish oil), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid in fish oil) and linolenic (omega 3 - flax seed oil (58%)) and linoleic (omega 6 - safflower (75%), sunflower (65%), corn (59%), soybean (54%), grapeseed (72%), olive (8%)) acids for the miraculous cures of terminal cancer patients.  For more information on her treatments read 'How to Fight Cancer & Win', Scientific guidelines and documented facts for the successful treatment and prevention of cancer and other related health problems by William L. Fischer, Forward by Leslie H. Salov, M.D.

Diet - Sugar:

One hundred and fifty-six pounds. That's how much added sugar The average American consumes one hundred and fifty-six pounds of sugar each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). That's 31 five-pound bags for each of us.  Sugar weakens the immune system http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/sugar.htm.

Ideally people should get between 40% and 60% of total calories from carbohydrates, preferably from complex carbohydrates (starches) and natural sugars. Complex carbohydrates provide calories, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Refined simple sugars provide calories but very little nutrition and should be limited.    http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002469.htm There are many health dangers to consuming a diet high in sugar .  For more information on the extensive list of negative health affects of sugar visit www.mercola.com/article/sugar/dangers_of_sugar.htm .

According to German Otto Warburg, Ph.D., the 1931 Nobel laureate in medicine, cancer cells have a fundamentally different energy metabolism compared to healthy cells.   Malignant tumors frequently exhibit an increase in "anaerobic glycolysis" - a process whereby glucose is used by cancer cells as a fuel with lactic acid as an anaerobic by-product - compared to normal tissues.(1) The large amount of lactic acid produced by this fermentation of glucose from the cancer cells is then transported to the liver. This conversion of glucose to lactate creates a lower, more acidic PH in cancerous tissues as well as overall physical fatigue from lactic acid build-up.(2,3) Therefore, larger tumors tend to exhibit a more acidic PH.(4)

References

(1) Warburg O. On the origin of cancer cells. Science 1956 Feb;123:309-14.

(2) Volk T, et al. pH in human tumor xenografts: effect of intravenous administration of glucose. Br J Cancer 1993 Sep;68(3):492-500.

(3) Digirolamo M. Diet and cancer: markers, prevention and treatment. New York: Plenum Press; 1994. p 203.

(4). Leeper DB, et al. Effect of i.v. glucose versus combined i.v. plus oral glucose on human tumor extracellular pH for potential sensitization to thermoradiotherapy. Int J Hyperthermia 1998 May-Jun;14(3):257-69.

Substitution with sugar substitutes comes with it's own dangers.  For more information visit http://www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/recent.html and watch the documentary Aspartame, Sweet Misery at www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-usbGZez40 .

Hydration:

Adequate hydration with water containing a naturally occurring balance of minerals is crucial to optimum health.  http://curezone.com/foods/waterpage.asp .

Movement:

Adequate movement is also essential to overall well-being.  Your body needs you to move to keep everything moving properly to promote adequate detoxification, lymphatic drainage, distribution of nutrients and immune system fighters, and elimination.  Walking is an excellent way to keep things moving.  Get up and move often throughout your day even if it is just a trip down the hall or around the room.

Air That You Breath :

Indoor (air fresheners, VOC, etc) and outdoor air pollution (industrial, agricultural) add to your body's pollution and the toxins cause your body to become more acidic.  Detoxify your air at home, work and during commuting.  Spend time among the trees in a forest or park.  The botanicals and increased oxygen levels initiate the movement of stem cells  (http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics4.asp ) from the spine.  Adult stem cells generate replacements for cells that are lost through normal wear and tear, injury, or disease.

Stress Management:

Managing stress is another important factor in the fight against cancer.  Stress is considered to be the underlying cause of most diseases.  For more information on the way stress can impact your health and links to stress reduction therapies return to the main page, 'stress and your health'.  Healthy emotional intelligence helps you to cope and bounce back from stress, adversity, trauma, and loss. Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, manage, and use your emotions in positive and constructive ways. It’s also about recognizing the emotional states of others and engaging them in ways that feel good to all and create mutual safety, trust, and confidence. http://www.emotionalintelligencecentral.org/video/intro.html

"What happens in the mind of man is always reflected in the disease of his body”
Scientist-humanist René Dubos
 

The following link provides additional useful information on stress management.  http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_management_relief_coping.htm

Believe:

It is extremely important to believe that 'your body can heal'.  Your brain needs this positive affirmation to initiate healing.  Fake it if you have to.  Keep your thoughts positive and directed towards healing as opposed to areas of doubt or symptoms.

In the 1900s, Emil Cove, the French pharmacist was cited by European physicians as having cured tens of thousands of patients.  He accomplished this through a simple positive affirmation, "Every day and in every way I am getting better and better". (How to Practice Suggestion and Autosuggestion, Emil Coue, Pg. 102, Kessinger Publishing, 1996).

Working With a Diagnosis!

There are many people who live in fear of the 'C' word.  Cancer is a word that is a diagnosis. The list of possible diagnoses grows day by day as scientists strive to give a name to collections of symptoms and test results. A diagnosis is a 'word' given to a collection of indicators/changes and/or symptoms that have a tendency to be found together. 

 Along with each diagnosis comes a prognosis and a recommended treatment plan.  A prognosis is a forecast of how the medical profession expects your condition to 'play out', often based on case statistics.

A diagnosis and prognosis come with interesting information, especially if they provide you with specific factual information in the form of test results or visuals.  Other useful information is provided by asking questions like 'what is my body or body part doing that it should not be doing' or 'what should my body or body part be doing that it is not doing'.  This information can be used by you in your visualization and prayer. 

What Should Your Response be to 'The Diagnosis' or 'The Prognosis'? 

The information that is given to you in a diagnosis and a prognosis should not be considered as information that is 'absolute truth' or 'written in stone'.  There are many variables in every individual situation.  A hundred uniquely different individuals presenting with the same or similar symptoms could be given the same diagnosis and prognosis.  Each one will have a different outcome. 

If you accept a diagnosis and tell yourself and others, for example, “I have arthritis” you are giving your brain a mindset, a final destination.  If you continue to give your brain individual symptoms to address, and for you to continue to investigate in terms of significance and elimination, your outcome will be different.  By continuing with this course of action you are giving your brain a 'puzzle' to solve. The brain has an amazing ability to solve 'puzzle' if you allow it to do so.  This is a part of the body’s amazing abilities.

If you accept a prognosis for arthritis you could be giving your brain a mindset or final destination of 'a lifetime of pain and disability'.  If on the other hand you continue your focus on investigation and resolution of your symptoms your brain and body will have the information and permission to use whatever options they need to deal with the factors causing the symptoms, ultimately alleviating them and making you well.  It will also keep you going past that 'expected outcome' you have been given.

 So what determines your outcome?

 Some Of The Factors That Contribute To Your “Health Outcome”

·        Whether you accept your symptoms, condition, diagnosis and prognosis as “permanent”, “absolute truth” or “written in stone”.

·        Whether you actively continue to investigate your symptoms and methods to alleviate them.

• Whether you actively continue to investigate your condition and conventional and non-conventional approaches available.

·        Whether you actively chose to believe that your body has the ability to heal and make you better.

·        Whether you make an active decision to make a wellness plan and embark on it.

·        Whether you actively follow the 'steps to wellness' required to promote homeostasis and well-being in your body.

·        Whether you are open to non-conventional thinking and approaches to well-being.

·        Whether you are able to 'think outside of the box' of conventional and previously accepted thinking in terms of well-being.

Believing in the body’s amazing abilities is an important step in improved well-being.  These abilities are a part of each of you, ready and available to be used.  Combining belief, hope, visualization and touch with faith and prayer can result in a powerful healing response.  (Reinventing Medicine, Larry Dossey, M.D.)

Oncologist Carl Simonton, M.D., and psychologist Stephanie Simonton, Ph.D., developed a program for cancer patients using conventional treatment and visualization after Dr. Carl Simonton noticed that patients with spontaneous remission of cancer were usually the ones who said, "I always imagined myself as well." Dr. Carl Simonton's Getting Well: A Step-by-Step, Self-Help Guide to Overcoming Cancer for Patients and Their Families (2 Cassettes)

Bernie Siegel, M.D. is a best selling author and household word, who helped transform the way we deal with cancer. He originated Exceptional Cancer Patients (ECaP), a specific form of individual and group support that uses drawings, dreams, images and feelings to help people with lifestyle changes, empowerment and healing. A surgeon who graduated Cornell University Medical College, he wrote Love, Medicine & Miracles, Peace, Love & Healing, and How To Live Between Office Visits and Prescriptions For Living.

101 Exercises for the Soul: Simple Practices for a Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit by Dr. Bernie Siegel. As a surgeon, Dr. Bernie Siegel helped patients turn the life-threatening into the life-transforming. As a bestselling author, his warmth and humor, years of medical experience, and profound understanding of our emotional and spiritual needs have combined to inspire millions. Here, Siegel is a coach, prescribing daily practices on everything from motivation, humor, and fear to nature, pets, and creativity. Just as exercise is important to the body, he writes, the soul needs regular workouts. Like a personal trainer, he motivates readers to regularly practice simple activities that create core resilience, well-being, and joy.

Faith, Hope and Healing: Inspiring Lessons Learned from People Living with Cancer, "Bernie Siegel is one of the greatest healers of our time. The stories he shares in Faith, Hope, and Healing demonstrate the healing effect of treating cancer not just with conventional medicine but by changing the way you think about your disease, the way you act toward those who love and care for you, and the way you feel about yourself. The mind is the most powerful tool you have for fighting back."

Healing Words, The Power of Prayer and The Practice of Medicine, Dr. Larry Dossey, M.D., A groundbreaking classic with the latest evidence connecting prayer, healing and medicine.  Presents compelling evidence that patients' and doctors' belief in a treatment increases its efficacy.  A New York Times Best Seller.

There have been many scientific studies done that prove the power of prayer both positive and negative.  For more information visit:  http://www.plim.org/PrayerDeb.htm by Debra William, D.D., http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/pdf/fenwick_%208_4_04.pdf , The Prayer Experiment http://www.parkridgecenter.org/Page177.html

In the 1900s, Emil Coue, the French pharmacist was cited by European physicians as having cured tens of thousands of patients.  He accomplished this through a simple positive affirmation, "Every day and in every way I am getting better and better". (How to Practice Suggestion and Autosuggestion, Emil Coue, Pg. 102, Kessinger Publishing, 1996).  For more information on scientific evidence that thoughts can shape your life visit http://affirmativethinking.wordpress.com/science-of-affirmations/ . 

In Thought Life: Dr. Caroline Leaf, a brain researcher from South Africa says ‘87% to 95% of the illnesses that plague us today are a direct result of our thought life. Toxic waste generated by toxic thoughts causes the following illnesses: diabetes, cancer, asthma, skin problems and allergies to name just a few. Consciously control your thought life and start to detox your brain!’.  www.drleaf.net

Herbs:

There are many claims to the cancer fighting benefits of herbs.  How do you know if they are true or safe?  Trial and error could be toxic and dangerous to an already compromised immune system.  There have been some scientific studies on the cancer fighting properties of herbs.  You should be under the care of a qualified practitioner when using herbs in your treatment and divulge all information about supplement use to your doctor.  There may be contraindications due to your age, health status and treatments.  Each person's treatment protocol will be uniquely different.  There is no 'one herb cures all' cure.  Proceed with caution.

Cancer fighting and interferon inducing herbs: http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?Id=1583

Black pepper (piperine) and curcumin help halt stem cells in breast cancer tumors:  http://www.naturalnews.com/028763_cancer_tumors_curcumin.html

http://www.bio-medicine.org/medicine-news/Common-Indian-Herbs-can-Help-to-Prevent-Cancer-12889-1/

http://www.drshen.com/chineseherbsforcancer.htm#cancerresearch

http://www.mpip.org/topframeset.shtml?articles/DietMelanoma4.htm

http://www.alive.com/900a3a2.php?subject_bread_cramb=220

http://www.encognitive.com/files/Blackroot%20cancer%20treatment.pdf

http://www.bottomlinesecrets.com/article.html?article_id=48104

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/skullcap-000273.htm

http://www.canceractive.com/page.php?n=2239

http://www.thenutritionreporter.com/why_herbs_work.html

http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/206441/researchers_find_health_benefits_of_herbs_spices/

http://www.whatsnextnetwork.com/health/index.php?cat=68

http://www.all4naturalhealth.com/garlic-and-cancer.html

http://www.ehponline.org/docs/1999/107-3/forum.html

http://store.innertraditions.com/Product.jmdx;jsessionid=C5FA5B5280D5C5F1765A453B71FF7A44?action=displayDetail&id=717&searchString=978-0-89281-925-6

http://www.avianweb.com/cancernutrition.html

http://www.alive.com/5535a16a2.php?subject_bread_cramb=167

Visualization:

Each type of cancer  and health condition comes with its unique set of symptoms which have been used to establish the diagnosis and an expected outcome called a prognosis.  This information can be very useful in helping your body to eliminate the cancer and disease.

In his book “Love, Medicine & Miracles”, Dr. Bernie Siegel reports on a young boy with an inoperable brain tumor who uses visualization in the form of rockets ships flying around in his head attacking the tumor, to completely eliminate it.  The young boy believed that his rocket ships would destroy the tumor and that belief added to a visual image of the attack brought about the response of his immune system to attack the tumor.  Follow up brain scans revealed that the tumor was gone.

In the wait for a "one size fits all cure for cancer " visualization can be a powerful tool and valuable investment of your time.  Combining it with prayer is even more powerful (scientific evidence for answered prayer - http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/prayer.html).  Using specific information that you have been given my your doctor in your visualization can be very effective.  The more detailed information that you have about your specific type of cancer the more specific your visualization will be and more likely to be effective.  This may require you to dig deeper and get more specific details about what is going on. Since each case of cancer is individually unique you may have to use various research sources since you will not know exactly which one applies to you. Ask your doctor for more specific information as well.

Eg.  Melanoma: According to a Penn State College of Medicine study "The protein, Akt3 (gene), appears to be responsible for promoting tumor cell survival and development in 43 percent to 60 percent of non-inherited melanomas. In non-cancerous cells, another protein called PTEN (gene) – phosphatase and tensin homologue – starts a chain reaction ensuring that malfunctioning and damaged cells are killed. But abnormal cancerous cells gain the ability to switch off PTEN, allowing dysfunctional, cancerous cells to survive and thrive. exposes another link in that chain reaction by connecting PTEN to Akt3 in melanomas. Robertson found that PTEN specifically regulates Akt3. Consequently, when PTEN is lost, Akt3 malfunctions and accumulates, allowing melanoma cells to survive." http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/12/041220013019.htm

A possible visualization using this information could include:

• Restoring and maintaining healthy, accurate PTEN (protein) activity throughout the body ensuring that malfunctioning and damaged cells are killed. 

• Restoring and maintaining healthy Akt3 (gene) function preventing the accumulation of Akt3 ensuring melanoma cell death throughout the body.

Eg. Cancer of the ovary, pancreas, stomach and breast:  According to a Penn State College of Medicine study Akt2 (gene) activity has been found in cancers of the ovary, pancreas, stomach and breast.

A possible visualization using this information could include:

• Restoring and maintaining healthy, accurate PTEN (protein) activity throughout the body ensuring that malfunctioning and damaged cells are killed. 

• Restoring and maintaining healthy Akt2 (gene) function preventing the accumulation of Akt2 ensuring ovarian, pancreatic, stomach and breast cancer cell death.

Besides the important information that your doctor has given you it is important to know (ask your doctor):

• What is my body (part) doing that it should not be doing?

• What should my body (part) not doing that it should be doing?

Eg. Cancer Tumors:  According to the Webb-Waring Institute for Cancer, Aging and Antioxidant research, when cancer occurs, the immune system, T cells for instance, have failed to detect the tumor.

A possible visualization using the information could include:

• Restoring and maintaining healthy, accurate T cell detection of cancer cells and tumors.

• Restoring and maintaining the body's natural healthy anti-tumor immuno-surveillance system.

The body has a natural inbuilt systems that when working properly provide you with everything you need to be well.  These systems can malfunction for a variety of reasons.

The following are visualizations that can help to restore the body's natural abilities:

• To restore and maintain the body's natural self detecting, self diagnosing, self healing, self renewing, self repairing, self cleaning and self protection mechanisms.

• To restore and maintain the body's natural inner pharmacy's production, regulation and distribution of analgesic, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, anti-stress, sleep-inducing, immune system strengthening and gastrointestinal normalizing chemicals.

• To restore and maintain your body’s natural, healthy and accurate nitric oxide/peroxynitrite (NO/ONOO-) cycle. The NO/ONOO cycle can be faulty in CFS, MCS, FM. (Martin L. Pall's (PhD) theory that a "stressor-initiated" biochemical mechanism - the nitric oxide/peroxynitrite (NO/ONOO-) cycle - may be responsible for CFS, FM, and other syndromes. For more information on his theory: Explaining 'Unexplained Illnesses': Disease Paradigm for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Fibromyalgia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Gulf War Syndrome and Others)

For information on workshops on developing customized visualizations (see example on mainpage) and affirmations for improved well-being contact lhines@mybodycanhealitself.ca.  For more visualizations for improved well-being and a worksheet and instructions for developing your own customized visualizations using specific information (eg. diagnosis, prognosis, test results) contact lhines@mybodycanhealitself.ca.  Cost is $25.00.  For a personalized set of visualizations using your information (you provide, eg. diagnosis, prognosis, test results, symptoms) contact lhines@mybodycanhealitself.ca.  Cost is $75.00. 

For more information on visualization visit:

http://www.healthy.net/scr/Article.asp?Id=392   Dynamics of Visualization

 http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/Article.asp?PageType=Article&Id=392&action=print

Neuromuscular Biofeedback:

Our energy systems become unsynchronized as the result of stress, viruses, bacteria, parasites, environmental factors, emotional and physical trauma. Resynchronizing energy and communication enables the body’s mechanisms to function at optimum levels, preventing disease and rapidly accelerating the body’s natural healing process.  Neuromuscular biofeedback and a comprehensive scientific protocol of questions are used to locate exactly which organs, endocrines or body parts are a health priority in terms of disease, microbes and toxins. 

“Chemicals have replaced bacteria and viruses as the main threat to health. The diseases we are beginning to see as the major causes of death in the latter part of (the 1900's) and into the 21st century are diseases of chemical origin.”
Dr. Dick Irwin, Toxicologist, Texas A&M University

Toxicity occurs when we take in more then we can utilize and eliminate. Toxic chemicals can be a real problem, since after years of exposure the body’s ability to eliminate these substances can slow down. They can get recirculated into the bloodstream or stored in the liver, body fat or other parts of the body. These types of build ups and problems throughout the body can contribute to the development of chronic symptoms, serious illnesses, multiple chemical sensitivities and allergies. Many chemicals are so widespread that we are unaware of them. But they have worked their way into our bodies faster than they can be eliminated, and are causing allergies and illness in record numbers. The body's built in detoxification apparatus include the respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, skin and lymphatic systems.  The kidneys along with the liver are the most important organs of detoxification in the body. 

Learn to protect yourself from factors that have the potential to weaken your immune system by learning muscle response testing.  Test what you consume and use on your body on a daily basis.  Anything that weakens your body can also weaken your immune system interfering with your body's response to fight cancer and disease.  Scientific validation for neuromuscular biofeedback/muscle response testing.

Tidbits from a practitioner's perspective:

As a practitioner, who has used neuromuscular biofeedback testing for many years, there are some common factors that are consistent among clients in terms of what causes weakness.  Below if a list of some of those factors. http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/voc/index.htm

• air quality (work, home, school, recreation, outdoors).  Volatile organic compounds (vocs) are a concern in outdoor and indoor air.

• personal care products including synthetic fragrances (eg. Ivory, Dove, Herbal Essence, Oil of Olay)  Check www.cosmeticsdatabase.com for safety of your products.

• hair dye. (tests weak) eg. L'Oreal, Clairol, Herbatint.  Health hazards of hair dye: http://www.vitalitymagazine.com/node/245.   Igora Botanic 100% natural hair dye tests safe.

• laundry products (eg. Tide, Ivory) Health hazards of laundry products: http://www.cleanerindoorair.org/DrSteinemannLaundryProducts.pdf, https://shop.sixwise.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=92

• air fresheners (eg. Glad, Febreze) http://www.nrdc.org/health/home/airfresheners/fairfresheners.pdf, Frangrance health hazards: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN5IiaOaIt8

• olive oil (this was a very common item that tested weak regardless of whether it was extra virgin.  Olives tends to contain pesticide residue, persons using organic do not test weak)

• grapes (use only truly organic)  Pesticides are used on grapes.

• grains, genetically modified (organic grains did not test weak)

• microwaved consumed foods (all persons test weak)

• drinking water (some persons test weak to their drinking water).  Since you are 98% water, bad drinking water could be extremely detrimental to health.

• pork (every person tests weak on pork)

• rice (most persons test weak, some people even test weak on organic - maybe because it is not truly organic)

• corn (most persons test weak, some people even test weak on organic - maybe because it is not truly organic)

• multiple vitamins (most persons test weak).  The best source of vitamins and minerals is food.  Biostrath (http://www.avogel.ca/en/biostrath_campaign/bio-strath.php) is a safer and more easily absorbed alternative for a multiple.

• protein supplements (all persons test weak)

• glucosamine supplements (all persons test weak) 

• bio-identicals (all persons test weak).  A good source for hormone balancing is Chaste tree  (tincture is best) which actually works on the pituitary to start producing the correct balance of hormones.  It can be taken in combinations with Dong Quai (tincture is best) for hot flashes and night sweats.  Grapeseed oil is also a good hormone balancer.  One cup butter mixed with one cup grapeseed oil (or 1/2 organic olive oil and 1/2 grapeseed oil) and a little salt (optional) blended makes a great healthy spread and stays soft in the refrigerator.

• Vitamin D (all persons test weak, all forms)  It is best to get outside daily for at least 15 minutes even during the winter and eat a well balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.

• almonds (many people test weak) May be because of contaminants (eg. pesticides).  May also be due to quantity consumed.  More is not always better.

• peanut butter/peanuts (most people test weak).  Fungicide is used on peanuts.  Hazelnut or pumpkin seed butter is a good alternative.

• milk (most people test weak).  Organic usually tests strong.

• green tea (most people test weak)  White tea tests strong.

• artificial sweeteners (all people test weak)

On a daily basis, if you are weakened by a number of factors, your organs and systems can also be weakened as well as your body's ability to fight and recover from disease.  Eliminating potential weakening factors will allow your body to focus its energies on healing. 

 (We do not sell any supplements, foods or personal care products)

Alternative Therapies:

For information visit the Holistic Health Research Foundation of Canada; The Immunity Challenge, Surviving and Thriving with Evidence-Based Natural Approaches to Immune Health,  http://www.holistichealthresearch.ca/immunity.htm . "Holistic Health Research has produced an introductory booklet describing various complementary therapies, explaining the philosophy behind them and providing the names of Canadian associations for further information. It also includes additional information about CAM research, as well as general CAM research-related resources and links." Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Therapies, http://www.holistichealthresearch.ca/docs/Intro%20to%20CAM.pdf .

There are many alternative therapies for cancer. http://alternativecancer.us/index.htm, http://www.lifepositive.com/cancer-cure.html.   Test kits of sample vials of alternative cancer therapies are available for neuromuscular biofeedback testing to test that it is a safe therapy for your body.

For information on alternative cancer treatments visit http://www.cancertutor.com/

Herb: http://www.altcancer.com/andcan.htm#104

CANCER: What you may Not Have Been Told  By Michael Prytula N.D.

Consultation: 

To book a consultation for a BodyFeedback Session:

• Uses neuromuscular biofeedback to locate weaknesses in organs, endocrines, systems and body parts.

• Uses neuromuscular biofeedback to test foods you eat to determine whether they weaken organs, endocrines, systems or body parts.

• Uses neuromuscular biofeedback to test products you use to determine whether they weaken organs, endocrines, systems or body parts.

• Uses neuromuscular biofeedback to locate and stop histamine and other faulty immune system responses (allergies). 

• Uses neuromuscular biofeedback and therapies to resynchronize natural communication and energy flow within the body.

• Uses neuromuscular biofeedback  and therapies to rebalance organs, endocrines, systems and body parts.

• Uses neuromuscular biofeedback and therapies to locate and remove blockages and unhealthy tissue and promote healing.

• Uses neuromuscular biofeedback information to provide a personalized detoxification and well-being plan.

• Uses neuromuscular biofeedback information to develop personalized customized visualizations for improved well-being.

  To book a personalized detoxification and well-being protocol please visit the contact page.

All information provided on this site is for information  purposes only.

 Clients are advised to check with their regular health care professional

before booking an appointment or using any of the information provided on this website or during a consultation/session/assessment. 

 There may be contraindications due to health status, medications, age or other factors. 

©Elisabeth Hines 2009.   All Rights Reserved.  Do not copy or distribute any material from this site. 

Permission is required to use all material from this site. 

Return to Home Page