B-12 Injection

B-12 can help significantly reduce or resolve the following symptoms:

I have observed up to 90-95% success rates with patients experiencing improvement in one or more of the symptoms listed, especially if patients follow through the complete injection protocol. I have not been able to determine why approximately 5-10% of patients don’t respond. Also, I have had patients who didn’t have any overt symptoms still want to try B-12 injections in attempt to feel even better. This success rate has been over 50%.

Primary symptoms that usually improve:

• Fatigue, lack of motivation/apathy, low stamina/weakness
• Sleep problems (insomnia, poor sleep quality, not rested in the morning/hard to get up)
• Mood issues (irritability, anxiety, mild-moderate depression, low sense of well being)
• Poor short term memory, lack of focus/concentration, decreased mental sharpness, “fuzzy thinking (While potentially useful for anyone, this is particularly effective in the elderly. But if B-12 levels have been too low for too long in the elderly, success can be limited.)
• Peripheral Neuropathies (numbness/tingling of extremities), paresthesias, sciatica
• PMS (especially emotional reactions)
• Jet lag (reduction in symptoms or susceptibility)
• Dizziness/balance problems, ringing in ears/tinnitus
• Loss of appetite
• Sore mouth/tongue, tingling sensation in mouth
• Arthritis/Bursitis, chronic pain        

Medical observation has also identified B-12 as being supportive in these conditions: 

• Wheezing/asthma type problems
• Eating disorders/Alcohol abuse
• Cervix problems (PAP smears)
• Pre-eclampsia (in pregnancy)
• Infertility
• MS

B-12 supplementation is important or required with these situations or conditions:

• Strict vegetarians (vegans) after 1 year
• Gastrointestinal problems (inc. bypass surgery), use of Rx acid blockers (i.e. Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonex, Nexium)
• High Homocysteine blood levels (contributes to heart attack, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease risks)
• Diabetic Rx use - esp. Glucophage (Metformin)
• High alcohol intake –  (all B-Complex vitamins are required)
• Macrocytic/Megaloblastic Anemia (B-12 type)

 Note: Pernicious Anemia requires a different protocol and its treatment requires a different discussion.                                  

Common Questions:

Can B-12 deficiency be identified through blood tests?

• B-12 activity is not effectively measured in blood. First, what is considered a “normal” range is often too low for optimum benefit. More important - what is in the blood doesn’t necessarily pass into the tissues, so you really need to measure tissue levels. The only effective test for this is Methyl Malonic Acid (MMA), a metabolite of B-12. B-12 is the only chemical in the body that produces this chemical, so there are no confounding factors to its levels. Serum B-12 levels can look falsely normal, while the MMA test can more accurately identify if a deficiency exists. Western medical practitioners are often not aware of this test or its significant value. If testing B-12 levels, serum B-12 is the primary method used. MMA can be measured in blood and urine, but the urine test is more reliable for deficiency identification. If not offered by a local lab, there is a urine collection kit available that can be mailed to a specific lab (see below). I do not routinely test the B-12 levels before initiating treatment, as this has little bearing on the therapeutic success. Patients with “normal” B-12 levels still can benefit from shots.

Why injection?

• Published research says the oral tablets are just as effective to reverse deficient B-12 blood levels, but I do not see the same therapeutic benefit (symptom improvement) as with the injection. B-12 can be very hard to absorb through the stomach/intestinal route. Then it requires transport from the serum into the tissues via specific Transcobalamin carrier molecules. Injections provide superior delivery which can result in significant therapeutic effects. The second best route is a sublingual dosage (dissolved under tongue), because this avoids stomach/intestinal absorption issues, though I do not see the same therapeutic effect or benefits with the symptoms discussed above compared to the injection. NOTE: IV B-12 does not work as well as the IM injection route due to more rapid detoxification via the liver.

Are there any Toxicity or Side Effects?

• B-12 is considered to be non-toxic in general. Few side effects are observed generally. Using high dose B-12 (5mg/ml – 1ml doses or higher), urine can turn pink. There are occasional responses that fall out of the norm. I have had a very few patients that get overstimulated initially - if they get the shot in the afternoon they then can have trouble sleeping at night. Morning shots generally do not cause this problem in these cases. A few patients have wanted to take a nap after getting the shot, then they feel refreshed. Rarely – the opposite of expected positive effects have occurred, such as anxiety. A few patients have had itching and redness at the site of injection. The injection site reaction seems to start with mild symptoms but increases with repeated injections. If this occurs, I discontinue the injections. I have had reported a sense of swelling in joints or body overall. Very rarely patients can have an allergic reaction, including hives or breathing difficulties. It is possible that a gout reaction can occur in susceptible patients. Heart palpitations or other chest sensations have been reported, though I have not seen this. I have seen a comment about an association with rosacea and B-12 injections. There has been an association of high levels of B-12 and increased prostate & breast cancer occurrence, but I believe this has been seen in long term use of Folic Acid. A short series of shots or occasional repeat IM B-12 with FA in the future does not seem to qualify for a high quantity or repeated exposure that could possibly create this issue. Also there may be many other factors involved. It is theoretically possible that high dose/long term use of B-12 injectable (especially with Folic Acid) can stimulate the bone marrow to produce excessive amounts of red blood cells and platelets over time. Patients with Leber’s Disease (a hereditary condition) should not supplement with B-12 because it can cause damage to the optic nerve.

Why aren’t dietary sources of B-12 sufficient?

• B-12 is supplied via foods that have had blood in them – primarily meat, dairy, and eggs. This is why strict vegetarians are at risk. But eating foods containing B-12 does not insure sufficient blood levels due to the absorption issues mentioned above, or therapeutic response. Again, the B-12 injections have the ability to create a therapeutic effect that is not seen with other routes of absorption. I provide a high potency B-Complex tablet if patients require longer-term or high dose B-12 injections to keep an overall balance of B vitamins in their system.

Free Supplement and Drug Interaction Consultations for Naturopathic Medicine Week!

Are you combining drugs with supplements and herbs?  Have you wondered if what you are taking in combination is safe? This can be very complicated for the average consumer to figure out. On Wednesday October 8^th, the Riverwalk Natural Health is offering free consultations to go over all medications, supplements and herbs that you are on to let you know if what you’re taking is safe. Fifteen minute consultations will be free all day from 9am to 6pm at the Riverwalk Natural Health Clinic & Natural Pharmacy in Edwards, right across the street from Starbucks. 

When: October 8th 9 am - 6 pm

Where: Riverwalk Natural Health Clinic & Natural Pharmacy

Who: Dr. Deborah Wiancek

Please RSVP to the Riverwalk Natural Clinic at 970-926-7606

Diseases Doctors Often Get Wrong (Part 2.)

The following conditions are notoriously Difficult to Identify.

Lyme disease

You probably know to look out for tick bites and the telltale bullseye rash that can form around them if a person is infected with Lyme disease. But not everyone develops this rash -- and Lyme disease's other symptoms (like fatigue, headaches, joint pain, and flu-like symptoms) can easily be confused for other conditions, says Shapiro.

A blood test can check for Lyme disease antibodies in the blood, but those usually don't show up until a few weeks after infection and the test is notoriously unreliable. It's important to remove the tick immediately and see a doctor right away. Quickly removing a tick can possibly prevent the transfer of dangerous bacteria, and antibiotics for Lyme disease are most effective when given immediately.

Lupus

The most distinctive sign of lupus -- another chronic inflammatory disease -- is a butterfly-shaped rash across a patient's cheeks, but that's not present in all cases. Lupus can affect the joints, kidneys, brain, skin, and lungs, and can also mimic many different issues.

There is no one way to diagnose lupus, but blood and urine tests, along with a complete physical exam, are usually involved. Treatment also depends on a patient's individual signs and symptoms, and medications and dosages may need to be adjusted as the disease flares and subsides.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Irregular periods, unexplained weight gain, and difficulty getting pregnant can all be symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Many women with this condition also have enlarged ovaries with numerous small cysts, but not everyone with PCOS has these enlarged ovaries, and not everyone with enlarged ovaries has PCOS.

To be diagnosed with PCOS, a woman must also be experiencing infrequent or prolonged periods or have elevated levels of male hormones, called androgens, in her blood. Androgen excess may cause abnormal hair growth on the face and body, but women of certain ethnic backgrounds (like Northern European and Asian) may not show physical signs.

Appendicitis

You might think that an inflamed or burst appendix should be easy to identify, and often, it is: typical appendicitis symptoms include nausea, pain and tenderness around the belly button, and possibly a low-grade fever. But not always.

Some people have an appendix that points backward instead of forward in the body, so the symptoms present in a different location," says Dr. Eugene Shapiro, deputy director of the Investigative Medicine Program at Yale University."And sometimes people do have pain, but then the appendix ruptures and the pain is relieved so they think they're fine."

Endometriosis

Many perfectly healthy women deal with menstrual pain and discomfort, so it's not surprising that endometriosis is often misdiagnosed. However, women with endometriosis (in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus) often report pelvic pain, cramping, and heavy bleeding that's far worse than usual, and that gets worse over time. A pelvic exam can sometimes detect endometrial tissue or cysts that have been caused by it. In other cases, an ultrasound or laparoscopy is required for a definite diagnosis.

In this case, he says, intestinal fluids can seep into the abdominal cavity and cause a potentially life-threatening infection -- but it can take days or even weeks before these symptoms appear.

Iron Supplements Improve Anemia, Quality of Life for Women

A study by researchers from Finland found that diagnosis and treatment of Anemia is important to improve quality of life among women with heavy periods. 

The findings suggest that clinicians screen for anemia and recommend iron supplementation to women with heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia).

Led by Dr. Pirkko Peuranpaa from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hyvinkaa Hospital in Finland, this study assessed the impact of anemia and iron deficiency on health-related quality of life in 236 women treated for heavy menstrual bleeding. The participants were randomized to either hysterectomy or treatment with a levonorgestrel –releasing intrauterine system. 

The team separated the participants into two groups.  Women with hemoglobin levels less than 120 g/L were defined as anemic and those with levels greater than 120 g/L were in the non-anemic group.  Researchers also measured levels of ferritin in the blood to assess iron stores in both groups. 

Results show that at the start of the study, 27 percent of women were anemic and 60 percent were severely iron deficient with feritin levels less than 15 ug/L.  In those women who were anemic, only 8 percent took an iron supplement.  One year following treatment, hemoglobin levels had increased in both groups, but women who were initially anemic still had significantly lower levels compared to those in the non-anemic group. 

One year after treatment women in the anemic group had significant increase in energy, along with physical and social function, and a decrease in anxiety and depression compared to the non anemic group.  It took five years for the iron stores to reach normal levels.

For more information, visit www.nfog.org

Magnesium Supplements Can Improve Physical Performance in Older Women

Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in hundreds of reactions in the human body. Low magnesium levels may affect exercise performance. Some experts suspect that magnesium levels may not be adequate in many people, especially athletes. Many female athletes do not get enough magnesium from the diet, and magnesium is also lost in the urine with exercise.

In a recent study, researchers randomly assigned 139 healthy older women to receive 300 mg of magnesium daily or placebo for 12 weeks. Various outcome measures, including physical performance tests, were evaluated.

The researchers found that at the end of 12 weeks, the women who were taking magnesium supplements performed significantly better on a standard physical performance test when compared to those receiving placebo. Furthermore, improvements in performance were even more prominent for women who were not eating enough magnesium in their daily diet. The authors noted that no serious side effects were reported.  The authors concluded that daily magnesium supplementation seems to improve physical performance in older women, suggesting the potential benefits of magnesium for delaying age-related physical decline.

Caffeine Might Worsen Menopausal Symptoms

A new study suggests that caffeine use is linked to increased menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women

As many as 85% of women experience hot flashes during menopause. Hot flashes are vasomotor symptoms that cause a warm or hot flushed sensation that usually begins in the head and face and then radiates down the neck to other parts of the body. There may be red blotches on the skin. They can happen any time of day or night. If they happen at night, they can interrupt sleep and can in turn lead to irritability and fatigue due to loss of sleep.

In a recent study, researchers at the Mayo Clinic conducted a comprehensive survey on 2,507 women with menopausal symptoms between 2005 and 2011. Data on 1,806 women from the survey were ultimately included in the analysis.  The researchers found that women who used caffeine had significantly greater symptom scores for hot flashes and night sweats when compared to women who did not use caffeine. The authors noted that these findings remained significant even after adjusting the data for smoking and menopause status.  Although further research is warranted, the authors concluded that using caffeine, including regularly drinking coffee, is linked to increased hot flashes and night sweats, suggesting that decreasing caffeine use might result in decreased symptoms. 

Weight-Loss Supplement Linked to Liver Failure

A healthy 35-year-old woman who took a weight-loss supplement developed liver failure, and needed a liver transplant, according to a new report of her case.

The woman took three Saba Appetite Control and Energy (ACE) pills within two days, and two weeks later she developed jaundice.  Her condition worsened, and a week later she developed leg swelling and an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Eight weeks after her jaundice set in, the woman experienced liver failure and needed a transplant.

Before her admission to the hospital, the woman had also been taking the antidepressant Zoloft and birth control pills for three years, the report said. It is not clear which ingredient in the supplement may have led to her reaction, or whether it may have been caused by drug interaction or possible contamination of the supplement, the researchers wrote.

The formula of the supplement that the woman took included the controversial substance DMAA, an amphetamine derivative, also known as methylhexanamine, or geranium extract, they wrote. The use of DMAA has been linked to serious health problems such as heart attacks and even deaths.

In April 2013, the FDA sent warning letters to 11 companies asking them to take DMAA-containing products off the market.Although DMAA has been marketed as "natural" by supplement manufacturers, "FDA is not aware of any reliable science indicating that DMAA exists naturally in plants," the FDA website says. However, supplements containing DMAA can still be found and purchased online, for instance, on websites liveleantoday.com and nutri-verse.com.

Fruit Anthocyanins

  

What are Fruit Anthocyanins? 

Our Fruit Anthocyanins are an organic dark fruit and berry concentrate designed by Dr. William Mitchell, who pioneered its use as a powerful tool in promoting health.  Over the years he modified his blend to achieve optimal clinical health benefits.  This product is his final formulation, which he used in thousands of patients for a wide variety of health concerns.

Many scientific studies have been conducted around the world, which have shown that the particular fruit and berries contained in this blend — Red Grape, Elderberry, Blueberry, Aronia Berry, Pomegranate, and Red Raspberry — have extraordinary health benefits.  Many of the promising research areas for human health applications are listed below:

• Anti-Bacterial • Erectile Dysfunction • Anti-Inflammatory • Eye Conditions • Anti-Oxidant • Gastrointestinal Conditions • Anti-Viral • Nerve Conditions • Cancer • Obesity • Cardiovascular Diseases • Pulmonary Conditions • Connective Tissue Health • Skin Health • Dental Health Diabetes • Urinary Conditions Cardiovascular disease: The flavonoids are helpful in protecting the heart. Since 1995 I have had virtually no incidence of repeat cardiac events in patients who have had heart attacks. It is essential medicine for heart attack recovers. I also use it for patients who have heart disease in their family histories. Arterial disease: Arteritis, vascular disease with compromised peripheral circulation,phlebitis, and varicosities have all improved. Some of these cases are actually quiteremarkable. I have had no diabetic patients needing to undergo amputation as a result ofcompromised peripheral circulation since using the berry flavonoids. Diabetes: Using a tablespoonful of flavonoids in a large glass of water daily has resulted in lower blood sugar levels.  Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that the flavonoids are particularly helpful with.  Here again, the flavonoids in a large glass of water consumed with a meal twice daily. Macular degeneration:  I have had 6 cases of macular degeneration that have healed using the flavonoids. I am particularly excited about this application of the flavonoids. Pulmonary fibrosis:  The cases I have treated have recovered a great deal of energy and liveliness.  They have less shortness of breath and are actually able to take walks again.  An established case of pulmonary fibrosis where the breathing is severly compromised is considered progressive and terminal.  Given this, I am very pleased to see progression slowed and even stopped in some cases.  Follow up in these cases is currently ongoing. Cancer:  Studies on the organic acids in the pigments are interesting, such as ellagic acid from raspberries.  I use the flavonoids in all of my cancer patients as a protective nutrient. I have seen some amazing results with these concentrated fruit anthocyanins they are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory.  If you are interested in trying them please stop by my office or call to order 970-926-7606.

Study Lists Dangerous Chemicals Linked to Breast Cancer

Certain chemicals that are common in everyday life have been shown to cause breast cancer in lab rats, and are likely to do the same in women, according to some US researchers.

A recent study distinguished 17 chemicals that should be avoided, including chemicals found in gasoline, diesel and other vehicle exhaust, flame retardants, stain-resistant textiles, paint removers, and disinfection byproducts in drinking water. Some of the biggest sources of mammary carcinogens in the environment are benzene and butadiene, which can come from vehicle exhaust, lawn equipment, tobacco smoke and charred food.

Other concerns identified by the study include cleaning solvents like methylene chloride, pharmaceuticals used in hormone replacement therapy, chemicals in nonstick coatings, and styrene which comes from tobacco smoke and is also used to make Styrofoam.

The study provides seven ways for women to avoid these chemicals:

-Limit exposure to exhaust from vehicles or generators, don’t idle your car, and use electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers and weed whackers instead of gas-powered ones.

-Use a ventilation fan while cooking and limit how much burned or charred food you eat.

-Do not buy furniture with polyurethane foam, or ask for furniture that has not been treated with flame retardants

-Avoid stain-resistant rugs, furniture and fabrics

-If you use a dry-cleaner, find one who does not use PERC (perchloroethylene) or other solvents.  Ask for “Wet cleaning.”

-Use a solid carbon block drinking water filter

-Keep chemicals out of the house by taking off your shoes at the door, using a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, and cleaning with wet rags and mops  

The research was funded by the Avon Foundation. The Silent Spring Institute is a 20-year-old organization made up of scientists who focus on the environment and women's health.

Lead in Your Lipstick? FDA Analysis Identifies Lead in 400 Popular Lipstick Products

After reviewing 400 popular lipsticks, the FDA found that ALL contained at least some amount of the dangerous heavy metal known as lead.

After reviewing data for 400 popular lipstick products available on the market, the FDA found that ALL of them contained at least some amount of the dangerous heavy metal known as lead.  In ninety-five percent of these products, the lead content was over the maximum 0.1 parts per million (ppm) allowed in candy bars.  Some of these lipstick products contained as much as 70 times this amount.  Nonetheless, the FDA is not expressing concern over the matter simply based on the claim that lipstick is not intended to be ingested.  Quoted from the FDA’s website, “Lipstick, as a product intended for topical use with limited absorption, is ingested only in very small quantities.”  The question is then, what constitutes small quantities?  Daily activities of living make it obviously impossible for lipstick-wearers to avoid ingesting some amount of it regularly through eating, drinking, kissing, and even the occasional lick of one’s own lips.  The truth is that a small daily dose could really add up over years of use!       

It may not only be probable to accidently ingest lipstick (and therefore any contaminants contained within it), but also to absorb it transdermally (across the skin).  Many types of substances can be effectively absorbed into the body via the skin, which is why numerous medications are delivered this way (i.e. hormone creams and nicotine patches). 

Although the FDA is not expressing concern over potential dangers of lead contamination in lipsticks sold throughout the country, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has asserted that “no safe blood lead level has been identified.”  Dr. Sean Palfrey, professor of pediatrics and public health at Boston University as well as medical director of Boston’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, stated some of his insight regarding lead:  “Lead is a proven neurotoxin that can cause learning, language and behavioral problems such as lowered IQ, reduced school performance and increased aggression.  Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, because lead easily crosses the placenta and enters the fetal brain, where it can interfere with normal development.”

Results of the most recent lipstick analysis are expected to be published in the May-June 2012 issue of Journal of Cosmetic Science.  The analysis was performed by the private laboratory known as Frontier Global Sciences, Inc.  To view the full list of lipstick products tested, check out http://www.fda.gov.

While the FDA is not currently acknowledging possible dangers attributable to the lead-containing lipstick products, a statement on its website reads, "Although we do not believe that the lead content found in our recent lipstick analyses poses a safety concern, we are evaluating whether there may be a need to recommend an upper limit for lead in lipstick in order to further protect the health and welfare of consumers."

Dr. Shana McQueen

Sources:
http://www.fda.gov
http://www.moneytalksnews.com/2012/02/14/is-there-lead-in-your-lipstick/
http://www.naturalnews.com/035027_lipstick_lead_FDA.html

Why Can't I Lose Weight? Preping for Your New Year's Resolution

The New Year is upon us and one of the top resolutions is to lose weight.

The New Year is upon us. Many people have made their resolutions, but have not started them yet.  One of the top resolutions people make is to lose weight.  Most people gain from five to seven pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.  If they do not lose that weight right away it starts accumulating year after year, and over time the weight becomes harder to lose. Most diets do not focus on obtaining a healthy state of being which is essential for maintaining an optimal weight. Thus, any one diet will not work for everyone. Once individuals get off their diet, the weight comes back on because they go back to their old eating habits.

As we get older it becomes harder and harder to lose weight. There are many reasons why a person cannot lose weight.  For example, the thyroid may not function optimally. Since the thyroid regulates metabolism, if the thyroid is not functioning, one will not lose weight regardless of the diet.  The adrenals work with the thyroid to control ones energy and inflammation in the body.  If a person does not have the energy to exercise, their adrenals may not be functioning properly.

Menopausal women also tend to have a problem with weight gain. This is due to hormone fluctuations such as estradiol, progesterone, thyroid, adrenal, DHEA and testosterone. Thus, if a woman is going through menopause she may want to get her hormones checked. 

Insulin resistance and adult onset diabetes also plays a role with weight gain; individuals with insulin resistance generally have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and are over weight.  Many individuals also have food allergies that affect weight gain.  By identifying food allergies and eliminating these foods, individuals can lose 8 to 10 pounds in two weeks. Other individuals may have celiac disease. When these individuals get off gluten they lose weight more easily.  As you can see, there are many different reasons why a person cannot lose weight. This is why no one diet will fit everyone.

Supporting a Healthy Immune Response Through Diet and Exercise May Prevent Cancer Progression.

It is estimated that 180,000 women are diagnosed with Breast cancer within the United States each year

It is estimated that 180,000 women are diagnosed with Breast cancer within the United States each year.  Most diagnoses are determined at the localized stage, which means an estimated 5 year survival rate of 96%. With current technologies finding cancer in earlier stages along comes increased hope for higher survival rates. As technology is an asset for this cancer however, certain factors can predispose an individual to complications throughout the treatment. This includes co-morbidity rates, which are the simultaneous presence of two chronic diseases or conditions in a patient,  such as diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and most notably, obesity. Obesity is pervasive epidemic that contributes to complications throughout cancer treatments and recovery.

Luckily, obesity is manageable.  In a recent study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, the effects of a weight loss intervention on body mass, fitness, and inflammatory biomarkers in overweight or obese breast cancer survivors was reviewed. During the study participants were enrolled in a 16 week long diet and fitness regime that promoted weight loss. At the end of the 16 weeks, the intervention group had many favorable outcomes compared to the control groups. The intervention group not only lost more weight, but also showed changes at a molecular level. What researchers particularly reported was an improvement in IL-6, an important gene involved in tissue cell mending and immune response, both very important aspects of cancer recovery.

Conclusively, reversing obesity among cancer survivors not only reduces weight between individuals, but also reduces inflammation and supports a health immune response which may influence the risk of cancer progression

For more information please visit:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3212681/ Effects of a Weight Loss Intervention on Body Mass, Fitness, and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Overweight or Obese Breast Cancer Survivors 

Soy Consumption and Cancer Prevention

Eating soy could both prevent and alter the disease course of lung cancer in women.

One component of cancer recovery is lifestyle- and that includes diet. According to a study conducted in China, women that consume soy before a lung cancer diagnosis may be positively affected. This longitudinal study observed increased mortality rates (81%) among the women in the 10^th percentile of soy consumption compared to their peers. As the 50^th percentile had the lowest mortality rates, the 90^th percentile of soy consumption, in contrast, had an 11 % increase in mortality rates. This suggests a moderate consumption of plant derived soy foods is optimal for mortality prevention in women.

This experiment controlled for stages of cancer development and tumor size. It also included an sum of individual’s daily soy intake from soy foods such as tofu, soy sprouts, fresh green soy beans, soy milk, and other soy products. A mean intake of 18.0 g/day for soy food and 8.8 g/day for soy protein was concluded. The average age of when women’s cancer diagnosis occurred was 66.3 y/o. The author notes that soy intake had not correlation with patient characteristics such as age at diagnosis, smoking, obesity, family history of lung cancer, tumor stage, treatment regimens, or time between baseline dietary assessment and disease diagnosis.

What makes plant-derived soy to be beneficial is the estrogen content in soy foods. On a molecular level, estrogen is produced naturally by the female body as a sex hormone. When plant-derived soy is consumed, it acts as a selective binding agent to this. Consequently, this research suggests that eating soy could both prevent lung cancer among women along with alter the disease course during treatment.

For more information on this study please visit:

J Clin Oncol. Published online March 25, 2013. Abstract