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Apricot kernels and cancer
Can eating apricot kernels kill cancer cells?
Apricot Kernels contain a plant compound called Amygdalin (also known as vitamin B17) which produces a cyanide called Laetrile and helps to kill off cancer cells while preserving the healthy cells. The therapeutic dosage of Laetrile is 250-1000mg/ day. The amount of Laetrile contained in 100gms of Apricot Kernels is approximately 500mg. The use of Laetrile for therapeutic purposes is highly controversial. While Apricot Kernals have been used historically to treat tumors, recent studies have found no evidence for it as an effective treatment for cancer and also warn of the dangers of cyanide poisoning when Apricot Kernels are taken in excess (more than 3000mg/ day).
The effect Apricot Kernels have on cancer cells is in theory to decrease the metastasis (spread) of the cancer cells. There are many testimonials available from cancer survivors who claim the combination of therapies such as restrictive diets, coffee enemas and regular intake of apricot seeds were the main reasons for their own individual remission.
Due to the serious nature of cancer it is recommended to consult with a Complimentary health care professional who can properly assess the situation and provide ongoing support and advice while taking into consideration diet, lifestyle, past medical history, family history, supplements and pharmaceutical medication. A face to face consultation is required to ensure your mother receives a fully informed consultation in order to best assist in the treatment of her condition.
Please make sure to inform the doctor of any changes to medication you intend to make to avoid any adverse interactions with prescription medications and treatment. If you decide to use herbal medicine please inform your GP and specialist as any interactions between medications and herbs needs to be monitored.
Dietary suggestions during chemotherapy
- It is recommended that a natural wholefoods, low fat, high fibre diet is followed during and after treatment.
- Take 5-6 small meals per day during chemotherapy.
- Maintain fluid intake – approximately 2 litres per day.
- Increase alkalising foods such as water, lemon juice, vegetable juices, miso soup, vegetable broths, spirulina, green barley powder, fish, sprouts and millet.
- Increase naturally-occurring antioxidants from a wide range of vegetables and fruits and particularly include the red/blue berries and fruits: eg blueberries, raspberries, cherries, plums.
- Include fish, linseed (eg LSA mix or flax seed oil), plain yoghurt, cold-pressed oils, good quality protein including the legumes.
- Miso can be very important: it is extremely nourishing and easy to assimilate.
- Include fresh garlic in the diet.
- Ginger and peppermint tea may help to relieve nausea associated with chemotherapy.
- Vegetable juices can be a useful way to obtain some nutrients from the diet when nothing else appeals or when the digestion is weak. They are also a good medium for adding other nutrients (eg flaxseed oil).
- “Quark” is a type of cottage cheese which is very easy to digest and provides good protein.
- Seaweed is a good source of minerals, and barley grass juice powder may be protective against side effects of chemotherapy.
- A whey-based protein powder will also provide easily absorbable protein and help maintain weight levels.
- Eat simple nutritious meals
Foods to alkalise
Cancer is an opportunistic disorder that survives and thrives in an acidic environment, it is therefore beneficial to alkalise the blood stream in an attempt to reduce an aggravation or spreading of the cancer.
- Fresh fruits (organic where possible) e.g. apples, berries, pineapple, honey dew etc
- Fresh vegetables (organic where possible) e.g. green leafy vegies, carrots, etc
- Green Barley powder is a blood cleanser and alkaliser
- Lean protein sources - tofu, legumes, unsalted raw nuts and seeds and nut butters and fish.
- Hydration drink at least 2 litres of filtered water daily and fresh vegetable juices.
- Whole grains Complex carbohydrates brown rice, rye, oats, millet etc breads free of yeast and wheat.
- Cold pressed olive oil, olives, avocado, unsalted raw nuts and seeds.
- Use herbal teas to help promote liver function, some suggestions are Dandelion, Burdock, Chicory, Peppermint, Chamomile and Ginger.
- Begin each day with a warm lemon drink, squeeze ½ a lemon into a small glass of warm water from the kettle.
- Increase your intake of fish (particularly deep sea), green leafy vegetables, yellow vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, natural herbs, garlic, onions, spices, ginger, lemon juice, virgin olive oil and drink plenty of filtered water.
Natural remedies to support immunity
- Anti-oxidants such as Vitamins A, C, E and Zinc help to build immunity and also protect healthy cells from being destroyed during radiation therapy/ chemotherapy.
- Herbal teas such as Green Tea, Chamomile, Peppermint and Ginger may help with any nausea and digestive complaints.
- Chinese Medicine has uses herbs such as Astragalus. Reishi Mushrooms, Shitake Mushrooms and Maitake Mushrooms in cancer therapy as a trophorestorative for immune function and to also support liver function, help stimulate phagocytes (destroy unhealthy cells) and induce interferon (activation of immune cells).