Calcium, Vitamin D, complementary therapies

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Complementary alternative cancer therapies

 

Complementary alternative medical therapies (CAM) is a collective term

for an array of remedies that lie outside what is traditionally

considered conventional medical treatment for cancer. These include the

use of herbal, vitamin, and nutritional supplements, as well as physical

and psychological interventions such as exercise, relaxation, massage,

prayer, hypnotherapy, and acupuncture (Deng G et al 2005; Hann D et al

2005; Molassiotis A et al 2005). The use of CAM as a component of

integrated cancer treatment regimens may help patients reduce the side

effects associated with conventional cancer treatments, alleviate

symptoms, enhance immune function, and provide greater quality of (and

control over) life (Deng G et al 2004, 2005).

In clinical studies involving more than 1000 colorectal cancer patients,

calcium supplements reduced the risk of cancer recurrence (Shaukat A et

al 2005). Other studies show that calcium supplements generally reduce

the risk of developing colorectal cancer in the first place (Flood A et

al 2005; Sandler RS 2005). This beneficial effect of calcium was noted

for calcium obtained from both dietary sources and nutritional

supplements (Flood A et al 2005).

Insufficient vitamin D levels are particularly associated with increased

risk of developing breast, colon, and prostate cancers (Chen TC et al

2003; Studzinski GP et al 1995). Increased vitamin D levels, obtained

through sun exposure, are associated with a reduced risk of

non-Hodgkin & rsquo;s lymphoma (Hughes AM et al 2004). Vitamin D causes

bones to release calcium and can thus lead to excessively high calcium

levels (hypercalcemia); however, scientists are developing synthetic

versions of natural vitamin D (deltanoids) that lack this adverse side

effect (Agoston ES et al 2006; Guyton KZ et al 2003).

 

http://www.lef.org/protocols/cancer/

alternative_cancer_therapies_01.htm