Susun S. Weed
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 Supplements of beta-carotene (or of vitamins C or E) did not show this effect. Some oncologists recommend that women stop taking antioxidant supplements prior to radiation therapy. But you can still eat lots of orange and dark green foods to protect yourself from radiation-induced cancers. See carotenes, page 47.
Guinea pigs bombarded with radiation lived a lot longer if they were also fed broccoli or cabbage. You aren't a guinea pig, but those cabbage family plants don't mind; they'll be glad to protect your cells from the damaging effects of radiation, too. |
Laurie Deutsch Mozian, M.S., R.D.
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 They are also fair sources of beta-carotene and ascorbic acid. This cold-weather crop is easy to grow. The above-ground greens are often eaten as well.
Walnuts. See Nuts and Seeds.
Watercress
Watercress is a cruciferous vegetable that is a source of the phytochemicals sulforaphane, indole-3-carbinol, dithiolethione, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Watercress is the richest known source of phenyl ethyl isothiocynate (PEITC). |
The Editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books
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 They're waiting for the results of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, a ten-year nationwide study now in progress that is looking to see whether a mix of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and zinc, can cut people's risk of developing macular degeneration.
"If my patients ask about nutrients for macular degeneration, I tell them the facts: that there's some suggestion of benefit but nothing conclusive," Dr. Klein says. "I don't encourage them one way or the other."
Other ophthalmologists do recommend nutrients. "I'm not saying the evidence is in, either. |
Bill Gottlieb
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 Foods high in vitamin C and beta-carotene, such as dark green, leafy vegetables; cantaloupe; and squash. These two vitamins help fight inflammation.
Healthy condiments, such as go-masio (roasted sesame seeds and sea salt), lemon juice, fresh spices, Dijon mustard, and low-sodium, preservative-free tamari, which is similar to soy sauce. High-fat, high-salt condiments are unhealthy for people with asthma (and everybody else!).
EXERCISE: Keep It Short and Sweet
People with asthma almost always benefit from regular aerobic exercise. But Dr. |
Gabriel Cousens, M.D.
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 One tablespoon of chlorella contains about twelve thousand units of beta-carotene, which is amplified by all the additional carotenoids. These help protect against cancer and heart disease. Yellow vegetables such as carrots are also great sources of vitamin A, as are tomatoes and green leafy vegetables. Spirulina is excellent too.
Vitamin C is found in high concentrations in fruits and some vegetables. |
| Because spirulina grows at high altitudes in high-temperature environments, it has increased beta-carotene, other carotenoids, enzyme systems, and other biological components to better absorb the intensified solar and cosmic radiations. I discovered that by ingesting spirulina and applying the product called Phycotene Cream (developed by Dr. Christopher Hills at Light Force), I, other members of our staff, and volunteers did not seem to get sunburned working long hours under the sun-filled skies at our Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center in Patagonia, Arizona. |
Marie-France Muller, M.D., N.D., Ph.D.
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 For those people in the group suffering from cancer, particularly cancers of the stomach and esophagus, 21 percent survived as compared to the control group that did not receive Vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium. This improved result was obtained when only three basic nutrients in low doses were supplied to a test groupyet the human body requires close to one hundred nutrients every day. |
Attaining Medical Self SufficiencyDuncan Long
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| These include vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Research has indicated that large doses of these, especially in the elderly, can reap enormous benefits.
The exact reason these antioxidants are so effective is not fully understood. But many researchers believe that they work their magic by inactivating free radicals, highly reactive chemicals produced by the body's normal metabolism. Free radicals are also found in air pollution and cigarette smoke another suggestion that anything that reduces the number of free radicals in the body will improve a person's health. |
| Both test-tube and animal studies have shown that vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene improve immune response. According to the free-radical theory, they do this by suppressing the numbers of free radicals in a person's body. In tests, the bigger the dose of these antioxidants, the greater the improvement until very high doses are reached.
Population studies have backed up these experiments with the discovery that human beings with the highest blood levels of antioxidants also have the lowest risk ojf many infectious diseases as well as several types of cancers. |
| The supplement provided vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, and iodine in amounts determined by the Canadian government's recommended intakes; the supplements also contained 16 mg of beta-carotene and 44 mg of vitamin E, both amounts substantially higher than the current recommendations.
At the end of the tests, the group getting supplements showed improvement in their immune functions. |
| Too, for most people the thought of consuming at least five to nine half-cup servings of fruits and vegetables per day just to achieve the mount of vitamin C and beta-carotene listed below may be more than they can stomach; in such a case, a supplement is a good idea.
On the other hand, there are limits to the supplement route. One is that you can't be sure that what the bottle says is in the pills is really there. That means you need to be buying quality supplements rather than a cheap version offered by some company you've never heard of. Yes, you might be getting a bargain. |
Bill Gottlieb
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| Beta-carotene: A low intake of this nutrient may increase the risk of developing a cataract. Dr. Paul recommends 12 milligrams daily.
Vitamin E: Low levels can increase cataract risk. Dr. Paul advises his patients to take 400 international units a day.
Selenium: This element gives vitamin E a jump-start, says Dr. Grossman. He recommends 200 micrograms twice a day.
Zinc: "People with cataracts are almost always deficient in zinc, which works in the treatment of cataracts," says Dr. Grossman. |
Susun S. Weed
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| Some breast cancers are successfully resolved with therapeutic radiation plus very high doses of beta-carotene.
It is important to use internal remedies too
^noosing ureasi surgery."
Altered Body Image
One of the after effects of surgery that no words can really prepare you for is the first sight of your altered body. For some women the alteration is so traumatic that they put off looking at themselves for weeks, months, years. For others the urge is to look and keep looking until the reality sinks in. |
Bill Gottlieb
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| You should also be sure to take some of the other supplements recommended in this chapter, particularly fish or flaxseed oil, vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene.
Gold-Medal Cures for Athlete's Foot
You wouldn't want to live between your toes. The space is too small. Too dark. Too damp. Too stuffy. But to the fungus that causes tinea pedis, or athlete's foot, which usually has to camp out in shower stalls, on locker room floors, and on pool decks, your toes are prime real estate. |
Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D.
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 The major antioxidants are beta-carotene (a precursor of vitamin A), vitamin E, and vitamin C. All are present in plentiful supply in many foods such as yellow and green vegetables (broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, spinach, cantaloupes, squash, and sweet potatoes). You will find vitamin E in olive and vegetable oils, some grains, wheat germ, a variety of nuts, leafy green vegetables, dried apricots, and mangoes. Human milk has almost four times as much vitamin E as cow's milk.
It takes a real effort to become vitamin E deficient in America. |
Neal Barnard, M.D.
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 You can get an extra immune boost from beta-carotene, found in orange vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, from vitamin E, found in grains and beans, and from vitamin C, which is in many fruits and vegetables.
ADENOMYOSIS
Adenomyosis is a condition in which the cells that normally line the uterus are found in pockets within the muscle layer of the uterus. This occurs to some extent in up to 40 percent of women and will probably cause no symptoms at all unless it goes fairly deep into the muscle layer. |
| Peachy Sweet Potatoes
Makes 2 cups
This simple breakfast pudding is a rich source of beta-carotene and other important nutrients.
1 medium-size sweet potato or yam (1 cup cooked)
2 small peaches or nectarines
Scrub sweet potato, then steam or microwave until it is tender when pierced with a fork. Set aside to cool.
Cut peaches in half and remove the pits. Cut each half into 2 or 3 slices. Place slices into a food processor. Chop into pieces, using a few quick pulses.
Peel sweet potato and add flesh to the food processor. Using quick pulses, chop sweet potato and blend it with peaches. |
| The amount of beta-carotene shown to boost immune function was 30 mg, the amount in two large carrots.62
Not surprisingly, vegetarians again have a tremendous advantage. Researchers at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg took blood samples from vegetarians and from nonvegetarian volunteers working at the cancer center. They tested their white blood cells' ability to knock out cancer cells. The vegetarians had more than double the ability to destroy cancer cells compared to nonvegetarians, presumably because their diets were lower in fat and higher in vitamins and minerals. |
| Orange vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins, are rich in beta-carotene, as are green, leafy vegetables. Grains, vegetables, and beans are rich in vitamin E. Citrus fruits, like many other fruits and vegetables, are rich in vitamin C.
Be careful about iron. Iron accelerates heart disease, apparently by acting as a catalyst for the production of free radicals that can damage cholesterol and increase the risk of plaque formation.14,15 Your red blood cells do need some iron to carry oxygen, but excesses can be risky. |
| Foods that are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C can reduce the damaging effects of cholesterol in your blood.13 They do this, believe it or not, by protecting cholesterol particles from being damaged as they travel in the blood. Damaged cholesterol particles end up being absorbed into the artery wall, which is actually how plaques start in the first place. If cholesterol is allowed to go to where it belongs without being damaged in transit, as it were, the risk of blockage formation is less. |
Bill Gottlieb
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| Firshein recommends taking daily supplements containing 400 international units of vitamin E, 3,000 milligrams of vitamin C (split into three doses), and 15 milligrams of beta-carotene. These supplements can be taken for a year, and you can talk to your doctor about reducing the doses depending on your individual progress.
NAC: Scoops Up Free Radicals
The amino acid n-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a powerful scavenger of free radicals, says Dr. Firshein. "It is also a building block for glutathione, one of the most powerful free radical quenchers available to the body," he says. |
Neal Barnard, M.D.
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| C and E, and the mineral selenium, all of which have been shown to bolster immune function.59-61 This does not mean that you have to eat enormous amounts of vegetables to see a difference. The amount of beta-carotene shown to boost immune function was 30 mg, the amount in two large carrots.62
Not surprisingly, vegetarians again have a tremendous advantage. Researchers at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg took blood samples from vegetarians and from nonvegetarian volunteers working at the cancer center. They tested their white blood cells' ability to knock out cancer cells. |
Bill Gottlieb
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| Lycopene has more potent antioxidant properties than beta-carotene, and it has anti-cancer properties," he says.
ISOFLAVONES: Keep Cancer Cells from Multiplying
Isoflavones, anti-cancer phytochemicals found in soy products, "inhibit a biochemical process that can cause cancer cells to proliferate," says Elizabeth Ann Lowenthal, D.O., an osteopathic physician and cancer specialist in Alabaster, Alabama. She advises her prostate cancer patients to take two 70-milligram tablets with each meal. |
| To help speed recovery and promote wound healing, a good diet is helpful, along with supplements of vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, and beta-carotene, says Beverly Yates, N.D., a naturopathic physician and director of the Natural Health Care Group in Seattle. These nutrients are particularly helpful in skin repair and functioning of the nervous system in the affected area, she explains. Since you may need to take doses larger than those recommended for daily use, Dr. Yates advises that you take these supplements only under a doctor's supervision. |
Susun S. Weed
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| Use Supplements
Supplemental antioxidants in large, and potentially harmful, daily doses-such as 100,000 units beta-carotene, 350 mg coenzyme Ojo, 100 meg selenium (sodium selenite), 200 mg germanium, 100,000 units vitamin A, 1,000 units vitamin E (increased slowly from 400 units a day), and 10,000 mg vitamin C (in several doses)-are used by some women to prevent recurrence of breast cancer.11 At these dosages, supplements can impair health. (See especially germanium caution, page 155. |
Neal Barnard, M.D.
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 Orange, yellow, and green vegetables are loaded with beta-carotene and other powerful carotenoids.
Bloodstream Protectors
Citrus fruits and many other fruits and vegetables supply vitamin C to stop free radicals in the bloodstream. Vitamin C also restores vitamin E that has been damaged in the battle against free radicals.
Uric acid is a powerful antioxidant that forms naturally in the body and is not taken in food.
Should you Take Supplements?
The restoration of works of art is a touchy subject. |
| If your diet is rich in fruits and vegetables, their beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E pass into your eyes and neuttalize free radicals as they form.18 Avoiding smoking and excess iron will help, too.19
Avoiding milk may help, strange as that may sound. As the milk sugar, lactose, is digested, it produces a simple sugar called galactose, which can enter the lens.20 Infants who lack the enzymes that normally break down galactose develop cataracts within the first year of life. Adults may be affected, too. |
| Retin-A is actually a relative of beta-carotene. It works by stimulating cells in the epidermis to divide and by encouraging the growth of new collagen protein.15
It is not quick. It usually takes several months to work. Initially, it is used nightly. After the first year, many people can use it just twice a week. Mild skin irritation and dryness can occur, especially at the beginning, so moisturizing creams are helpful in the morning. For people with especially sensitive skin, Retin-A should be used every two to three days instead of daily. |
| Just as beta-carotene protects against free radicals and builds your immunity in general, it also improves your defenses against skin cancer. It gives your skin more immune strength.
More surprising is the effect of reducing fat in the diet. Cutting fat intake in half dramatically reduces the risk of precancerous skin changes.12 At issue is not just how much fat you eat but also the type. Fats and oils in the diet end up in your cell membranes, and the proportions of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, or saturated fats in your cells tend to mirror your diet. |
| Just two carrots supply twenty to thirty milligrams of beta-carotene, which is equivalent to the amounts used in most scientific studies. Vegetables and other foods from planrs also supply a full range of other antioxidants that help protect the body tissues: vitamins C and E, the mineral selenium, and other natural compounds that work as a team to knock out the free radicals sunlight generates.
Skin damage is accumulated very slowly, and over the long term, vegetable-rich diets provide a measure of protection. |
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