There is a case to be made for antioxidant rich foods and beverages, such as green tea (or, perhaps even better, white tea). But the evidence for benefit from any given antioxidant supplement is lacking. To the contrary, studies have hinted at potential increases in cancer risk with certain antioxidant supplements, notably beta-carotene.
Dr Katz's clinic is intrigued by, and makes use of, modified citrus pectin, which appears to have some potential to interfere with the spread of cancer cells, and also appears to be entirely safe. The same applies to Avemar, a product derived from fermented wheat germ with an extensive, albeit still evolving, literature supporting its use in cancer prevention.
But in general, evidence to support the use of supplements to prevent cancer is inconclusive. And there is an additional concern based on the risk/benefit trade-off. Supplements that don't perform as hoped may exert unintended effects, potentially including an increase in cancer risk. For someone devoted to risk reduction, this is a bad chance to take.
So risk/benefit ratios, the magnitude of any potential benefit and the quality of science all militate against undue reliance on supplements. But all three weigh in favor of the Super 6. The Super 6 are the best medicine we have for preventing cancer and other chronic disease, and all are good for health anyway. The only real potential side effect of their use to prevent cancer is that you might also get healthier in ways you didn't intend. Regular physical activity (feet) is associated with weight control, reduced inflammation, enhanced immune function and reduced cancer risk specifically. Optimal diet (forks) exerts far-ranging effects on every aspect of physiology, and similarly stands to reduce the risk of all chronic disease. Combine eating well and being active with a commitment to never hold a cigarette (fingers), and the risk of all chronic disease declines by roughly 80 percent. Those are the top three, but the list of health promotion priorities very reasonably extends to three more. The quality and quantity of sleep has profound effects on psychology, immunology and neurology. A linkage to cancer risk is suggested by a rudimentary connection of these dots. Much the same is true of stress, which can contribute to hormonal imbalances and inflammation that propagate cancer -- or can be managed to prevent such effects. And, finally, there is love. We are, from our earliest origins, social creatures much influenced by our relationships with others. While love may seem a "warm and fuzzy" topic, it is in fact the cold, hard scrutiny of clinical trials demonstrating that those with loving relationships are far less vulnerable to chronic disease and death than those without. Combine all six salutary practices, and the evidence is clear that benefits reverberate all the way to our chromosomes, altering the behavior of genes in a way apt to reduce chronic disease risk in general, and cancer risk specifically.
Dr Katz assures that with the Super 6 probability is on your side. And these factors most likely to make a difference for a patient in the aftermath of cancer are as relevant for everyone, regardless of whether or not we have faced a similar peril. You'll need a little help with love, but the other factors are up to you. For more information visit Dr. Katz web page:
Another organization dealing with America's troubling health trends is The Turn the Tide Foundation, Inc. It was founded in 2007 to address the rapidly rising rates of obesity and diabetes in both adults and children, and increasing rates of heart disease and other chronic diseases in adults. The opportunity to turn the tide of obesity and chronic disease begins by recognizing that we have created a perfect storm of obesity-causing factors. We are victims of our own success. And since human physiology is the same as it ever was, while the modern environment is the same as it never was before, the opportunities to reverse obesity trends - just like the causes - are all around us! Their mission is to develop and evaluate creative, practical strategies in real-world settings for empowering individuals and families to achieve optimal nutrition, robust good health, and sustainable weight control; to disseminate successful strategies; and to work tirelessly to devise a robust array of defenses every person can use to protect itself from the threat of obesity and attendant chronic disease. For more information visit: