Olive oil synergistically enhances Herceptin
 

Hi folks

I know there was a thread on this back in 2006, but I wanted to check in to see if anyone has any new information about how much olive oil daily is necessary to enhance Herceptin.

Background
There seems to be solid research that shows that oleic acid (Omega 9 fatty acid found in olive oil) significantly enhances the effects of Herceptin.

"To our knowledge this is the first report that a dietary monounsaturated fatty acid previously suggested to be protective against breast cancer significantly down-regulates the expression of Her-2/neu, cutting it by up to 46%," lead researcher, Javier Menendez, from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, noted in a statement."Moreover, in our tests, oleic acid's inhibition of Her-2/neu synergistically interacted with Herceptin-based immunotherapy by promoting the death of breast cancer cells exhibiting high levels of the oncogene
http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/...astuzumab/5505

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1878493/

My question is - how much olive oil daily is necessary to achieve this effect? Can anyone point me to research-based recommendations?

One might suppose that the more the better, but I want to balance this with the WINS diet - which shows a 40% increased survival rate for a very low fat diet.

By the way, I did some research on olive oil and found that the UC Davis olive oil center found that there are significantly different levels of quality in commercially available extra virgin olive oil available in the US. The highest quality olive oil they found with high levels of all the good stuff was California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin. Luckily, this is available both online and at my local Safeway.

Here's the link to the UC Davis report. http://www.olivecenter.ucdavis.edu/f...%20reduced.pdf

Re: Olive oil synergistically enhances Herceptin
 

I have no idea but used olive oil diligently during Herceptin and use it now. I took at least 2 tablespoons a day off the spoon and then used it for salad dressing and anything else. All that's different now is I don't take it off the spoon.

I also took olive leaf capsules as a supplement. I took 6 per day at that time but only take 2 per day now. Beta glucans also are known to enhance Herceptin and I took that as Brewer's yeast and maitake mushroom capsules (6 per day during Herceptin and 2 per day now). I broke up the 6 per day as 2 with breakfast, 2 with lunch and 2 with dinner of both the maitake and olive leaf).

This is just what I did based on my own research. Who knows what worked but at the end of this month, I will be a 9 year survivor. Maybe it was meant to be or maybe I helped myself along. I also take (and took) Omega 3, krill, curcumin, aspirin and CoQ 10.

Re: Olive oil synergistically enhances Herceptin
 

I am another fan of EVOO. Based on the proposed synergistic effect w/ H and that it was reported as an HER2 down regulator as a single agent I use it on everything.Basically I sustitute it for butter or any kind of veg oil. ( No spoon fulls though!) I also took curcumin, CoQ 10, Vit D wCalcium, ground Flaxseed and Flaxseed oil. I am over 8 years from a nasty stage IIIC BC, so perhaps I helped myself along too?!

Re: Olive oil synergistically enhances Herceptin
 

Ladies...I was diagnosed w/ IDC Stage IIIc...triple positive.

I completed my 5 mos. of chemo Dec. 2013. I began Arimidex Aug. 2014. I have completed my one year of Herceptin...Oct. 2014
My question...my mouth still tastes awful...do any of these meds, besides chemo affect taste? It is very discouraging to even eat...I eat...drink water, go clean my teeth/mouth and forget about food. I drink lots of water throughout the day....and put lemon in it sometimes.
Sad... thanks for any encouragement/advice.

My followup scans have been done and all looks well...I am thankful...sure would be nice to enjoy eating again.
Cindy

Re: Olive oil synergistically enhances Herceptin
 

Cindy,
Altered taste can be a struggle for a long time after chemo. Has your physician examined your mouth/tongue for any signs of yeast? This is a common problem and can really make things taste badly. If that has been ruled out then you may try some alcohol free mouthwashes/toothpastes and possibly a tongue scraper. Your dentist may have some good suggestions. Lastly, in regards to food, often things with a strong flavor like citrus or vinegar may help cover the bad taste. Cool foods may also be better tolerated.

Hope this helps at least a little.

Best wishes,
Tanya

Re: Olive oil synergistically enhances Herceptin
 

Tanya... thank you....I have ruled out yeast. And I am continuing w/ the mouth health suggestions. I have noted the citrus and vinegar flavors help : ) I sprinkle lemon crystals in my mouth alone sometimes...or use Tic Tacs. Cindy :)

Re: Olive oil synergistically enhances Herceptin
 

WOW OH WOW !!! Thanks so much for this thread. Had no idea about Olive oil for breast cancer. I have one herception treatment left. I have used olive oil as a natural
laxitive and for a sore throat as antibiotic. And since being on Arimidex a lot of
constipation, so I have been taking gulps or a swig of it between meals now which has
made a world of difference. I have been on fish oil for 4 years do to joint pain which
takes the inflamation down. Will admit after second round of chemo, I stopped all
supplements. WAS lucky to get food and water down and not much else. BUT loved
this thread !!!