Flaxseed - HER2 (c-erbB2) metastatic oncogene expression decrease by a dramatic 71%
 

Some body was asking about flaxseed.

An interesting article, which seems to fit in general terms with fat intake diet as a starting point etc.

If interested please see other omega three / six anf GLA posts.

Usual caveat to be viewed in context, with caution, and check it out for yourself if you have the time.

RB

link
 

Dear RB,
Were you to supply a link with that post? If so, I can't find it.
Thanks,
Al

Al, when I did a search this is the website I found...
 

http://www.world-wire.com/news/0729050001.html

Rhonda Hoffman

Sorry
 

I am sorry. I meant to include.

Thank you very much Rhondah for finding and posting the link. It is indeed the one I was referring to.

RB

Hi
I could not find the flax seed muffing recipie , does anyone have one ??
Thanks
BonnieT

Confused about flaxseed
 

Ok, now didn't I read here a while back that women who had ER+ breast cancer should avoid flaxseed because it is an estrogen based plant dirivitive? I quit taking it when I read that. Help!

Re plant phtyo estrogens impact etc.

Please find below some links which may help in your decision process.

Plants are very complex chemical arsenals, and appear to work in very many ways, so simple answers are not likely. It will I guess often be a balance of positive and possible negatives. I do beleive the omega three six balance is fundamental it causes changes of expression of all sorts of thing that appear to have a wider linkage to enabling cancer to function. As it takes years for many cancers to develop if diet is the cause it would no be reaonalbe to expect miracles over night. Breast tissue fat shows change in three months adipose tissue three years according to reports I have seen.

Overall my simplistic outlook is there is a certain comfort in knowing that we have eaten things for thousands of years, and that the vast increases in cancers is relatively recent, so whole food intake is unlikely to be the cause - it is when it is taken in processed form that a great deal of care has to be taken as any effect it has will be magnified by quantity and easy availability eg omega six.

But as usual there are no easy answers. Trials will only be done when governements decide to fund preventative research of dietary factors at sufficent scale to produce more definative answers on economic grounds. In the mean while people may be suffering unecessarily. Drugs companies will not do preventitate research based on food - billions to be saved not made here!.

There seems to be lots more information so try searching NCBI, Annieappleseed, google etc. if you need more reassurance.

I hope this helps, but as usual you have to check it out for your self.


FLAX

http://www.flaxhealth.com/breastcancer.htm

http://www.cancerrd.com/faqs/faq77.htm

http://annieappleseedproject.org/flaxeninefof.html


SOY

http://www.vegetariannutrition.net/v...st_cancer.html

Hey
I am going to have to check with my Oncologist before I take flax seed because she told me to avoid soy products due to estrogen, I am not sure about flax seed, thanks for reminding me !!!
BonnieT

Flabghasted is not the word -- Flaxseed miracle!
 

I am on Arimidex, with all ER, PR, HER2 positive. My onc specifically advised that I stay away from soy extract and phytosterols, such as flaxseed. Now this Canadian article specifically claimed the miracle of flaxseed to reduce tumor and reduce HER2 overexpression. How can I cope with these two directly opposite, but so critical and exciting, news? Anyone can shed scientific, not just "your own personal choice" type comments? I am so confused and frustrated. I know many of you share the same anxiety of wanting to know what to do.

Ann

Ground Flaxseed vice FS oil
 

i am also somewhat confused. I thought I read a post by Al earlier that FS Oil is better for ER+ than ground FS would be. I wonder where that information came from? I am also on Arimidex and have started using ground flaxseed in yogurt every other day. Wonder if the Oil would be better or if should stop altogether?

Flax seed ER+ more
 

As usual its very complex and opinions vary.

I suggest you read the links above and do some additional searches. In general terms it seems there are simply insufficient trials on prevention through diet. In consequence you are unlikely to find the definative answers you are looking for. It is a case of finding out as much as possible and making a value judgement. Try it and monitor the results would appear the optimal solution in you can have access to the tests.

Do remember that it appears that plants are of complex chemical construction and work in multiple different ways that are only begining to be understood.

Here are some more links that may help.

The first is about using flaxseed together with oestradoil testing. This seems a good idea. If your adviser is dubious or you are worried, "try it and monitor" would seem a good compromise. I dont know what the tests costs, or what would be considered most appropriate fat blood mamary pap etc. "Life extension" a supplement site has a huge range of blood tests, and members get a discount and access to professional advice. ( I have no association)

http://store.yahoo.com/annieapplesee...altusflax.html


This link is an examination of items with oestrogenic effects, which is mind boggling, and in a sense adds to the confusion, and at the other extreme engenders a "what the heck" outlook unless you live in a bubble (non plastic) or virgin rainforest.

http://store.yahoo.com/annieapplesee...altusflax.html


This is the overall concusion from one of the links above.

OVERALL CONCLUSION (ABSTRACT)

"Flaxseed inhibited the growth of ER+ MCF 7 human breast cancer in nude mice in the presence of high or low levels of estrogen. The effect of flaxseed at high estrogen level was dose dependent. Flaxseed enhanced rather than antagonized the inhibitory effect of TAM on the growth of ER+ human breast cancer in nude mice. TAM and flaxseed components reduced the tumor growth by decreasing the tumor cell proliferation and increasing apoptosis. Other mechanisms likely include those that have been mentioned earlier. The results are encouraging and provide some scientific justification for the clinical testing of flaxseed in both pre- and post- menopausal breast cancer patients taking TAM. If similar results are observed in patients, then flaxseed may be consumed with TAM to help reduce TAM resistance i.e. tumor growth after prolonged intake of tamoxifen."


And this from the other

......"In conclusion, FS inhibits the growth of human estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, and strengthens the inhibitory effect of TAM on the tumor growth. FS complements rather than antagonizes the effect of TAM on human tumor growth."........




As to digestion there are varied views of whether seed or oil is better. There is the possibility that the body uses the plants protective chemicals too. Cover your option maybe - sensible amounts of both. Whatever you do on the balance of probabilities the high omega three content will very likley improve your general health.


As usual it is best if you check things out for yourself. Please take the time to read the above links - if you dont understand bits dont worry you are not the only one - me too - but it will come to make a little sense and it is helpful in forming a view, or being able to sensibly take up your point with your oncologist / advisors.

RB

MORE Flaxseed and ER+
 

You may like to show this trial to your advisor.

If I understand it correctly it seems to be saying the eostrogenic effect of flax is not very signifiiant. Page 4

I have seen concrns elsewhere that tamoxifen may have increads tumour growth in cancers expressing cyclin d.

No cell type has been given.

As usual helpful and confusing at the same time.

http://repositories.cdlib.org/cgi/vi...nutritionbytes

RB

Flaxseed Efficacy
 

I asked in this support group whether anyone has knowledge of flaxseed's rich phytoestrogen that can work against arimidex. Meanwhile, I wrote to Steve Martin, the contact person for the group that made the exciting news of flaxseed pastry that cut the cancer growth rate as well as the sharp reduction of HER2 positivity. Guess the big surprise I received from Dr. Martin. I quote the exact message from him:

"Forget the flaxseed. I agree with your doctor. Use curcumin dissolved in heavy cream or at least 1/2 and 1/2. Go back about 3 weeks in the blogs to find my essays. Curcumin is wonderful against cancer. Or do a search on our web site for the words curcumin cancer."

Dr. Martin told me to follow my onc's general advice of staying away from phytoestrogen, which is a major ingredient in flaxseed. I am totally shocked. The people who tauted about flaxseed asked me to forget about flaxseed!

Just to let others to join the confusion.

Ann






Steve

a reply to Ginger and Anne
 

Dr. Martin's reply to Anne's question is the same as Ginger's recollection of my post on flaxseed and phyto-estrogens: flaxseed oil is preferable to flaxseed in e+ cancer. The reason for this is that (unless the manufacturer states otherwise), flaxseed oil is devoid of lignans. Lignans are responsible for the phyo-estrogenic effects of the flaxseed.

I leave you with my two favourite flax-links,
a collection of studies: http://www.thensome.com/flaxseedlinks.htm
the benefits on heart, bones, cancer: http://www.gaiaresearch.co.za/flaxseedoil.html

Regards,
Al

Thank you for taking the trouble to respond it all makes for better understanding and accuracy. When wrong I am happy to be corrected.

CLTann

An interesting response I agree from Dr Martin. I will try and find the origiinal trial.

Al from Canada.

Great links.

This is an interesting trial from that group. Complex as usual. There is a suggestion that 20HEI is increased and it is an antagonist for breast cancer if I read this properly, so the phyto oestrogenic effect might be benificial?

It is a bit above me. Maybe you could show it to your oncologist and come back?.

http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/79/2/318

......"This leads to the formation of the 2 major metabolites of estradiol, 2-hydroxyestrone (2OHE1) and 16{alpha}-hydroxyestrone (16{alpha}OHE1) (13), which are excreted in either the urine or the feces (14) and have distinct biological properties. Although hydroxylation of estradiol and estrone can also occur at multiple sites (carbons 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 11, and 14-18), the 2- and 16{alpha}-hydroxylated metabolites are the most abundant (15)........

2OHE1 has shown little biological activity, with some antiestrogenic action in vitro (16-18). Conversely, 16{alpha}OHE1 has shown estrogen agonistic activity, including increased cell proliferation of human breast cancer cell lines in vitro (17-19), and an uterotropic effect comparable with that of estrogen in vivo (20, 21). Therefore, persons who have an increased proportion of 16{alpha}-hydroxylation (a low ratio of 2OHE1 to 16{alpha}OHE1) are suggested to have an increased risk of breast cancer (17, 22, 23).

"Supplementation with flaxseed but not soy or placebo significantly increased urinary 2OHE1 concentrations (7.25 ± 1.48, 6.15 ± 0.97, and 11.36 ± 1.93 µg/24 h in the placebo, soy, and flaxseed groups, respectively). No significant differences in 16{alpha}OHE1 concentrations after 16 wk were observed in any of the treatment groups (6.87 ± 1.32, 6.24 ± 1.05, and 5.07 ± 0.79 µg/24 h in the placebo, soy, and flaxseed groups, respectively).".......


RB

I am ER+ (50%) but PR negative. I do use flaxseed but maybe once a week as I feel it is okay to have a little. I eat cereal every morning (different ones) and one of the ones I eat is Uncle Sam's cereal. It does have whole flaxseeds in it (which aren't absorbed as well as ground) and I do sometimes put a tablespoon or 2 into pancake batter as it is good for my daughters and having 2 pancakes out of a batch that is enough for 6 people is not much.


I think if you are hormone positive, you do have to watch the soy and flax but a little variety is ok and I don't think it will hurt at all. If all you eat is soy and flax (a couple of servings a day combined) its probably not a good idea at all.

Just my thoughts as the nutritionist at the cancer center I go to said to watch it on both but no need to totally eliminate it like it is cyanide or anything so that is what I do.

Becky

effects of dietary flaxseed on tumor biological markers and urinary lignan excretion
 

Here is the summary of the trial from the NCBI web site. It is a pay for view so I have not had access to the full trial.

It looks like the results were based on tumour tissue analysis of real human patients and not poor mice for a change.

One for your oncologist to consider I suggest!.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q..._uids=15897583

1: Clin Cancer Res. 2005 May 15;11(10):3828-35. Related Articles, Books, LinkOut
Click here to read
Dietary flaxseed alters tumor biological markers in postmenopausal breast cancer.

Thompson LU, Chen JM, Li T, Strasser-Weippl K, Goss PE.

Department of Nutritional Sciences, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

PURPOSE: Flaxseed, the richest source of mammalian lignan precursors, has previously been shown to reduce the growth of tumors in rats. This study examined, in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, the effects of dietary flaxseed on tumor biological markers and urinary lignan excretion in postmenopausal patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Patients were randomized to daily intake of either a 25 g flaxseed-containing muffin (n = 19) or a control (placebo) muffin (n = 13). At the time of diagnosis and again at definitive surgery, tumor tissue was analyzed for the rate of tumor cell proliferation (Ki-67 labeling index, primary end point), apoptosis, c-erbB2 expression, and estrogen and progesterone receptor levels. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were analyzed for lignans, and 3-day diet records were evaluated for macronutrient and caloric intake. Mean treatment times were 39 and 32 days in the placebo and flaxseed groups, respectively. RESULTS: Reductions in Ki-67 labeling index (34.2%; P = 0.001) and in c-erbB2 expression (71.0%; P = 0.003) and an increase in apoptosis (30.7%; P = 0.007) were observed in the flaxseed, but not in the placebo group. No significant differences in caloric and macronutrient intake were seen between groups and between pre- and posttreatment periods. A significant increase in mean urinary lignan excretion was observed in the flaxseed group (1,300%; P < 0.01) compared with placebo controls. The total intake of flaxseed was correlated with changes in c-erbB2 score (r = -0.373; P = 0.036) and apoptotic index (r = 0.495; P < 0.004). CONCLUSION: Dietary flaxseed has the potential to reduce tumor growth in patients with breast cancer.

Publication Types:

* Clinical Trial
* Randomized Controlled Trial


PMID: 15897583 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


RB

I have been on Herceptin for over 4 years and been taking 4000mg Flaxseed Oil Capsules for over 2 years, at one time the board members thought I was selling the stuff because I couldn't shut up about it, however I have still had reoccurences so the Jury is still out for me, is it the Herceptin or the flaxseed keeping my mets under control so they don't go out of control? I am not hormone responsive and I was thrown into early menopause after the AC back in 98/99 I am now 51, but I was still able to take Aromasin which worked on one occassion to reduce enlarged glands and kill off the cancer cells, it did make my nails strong and hair grow quicker, but like everything else I don't have very good nails at the moment but I am on oral Cyclosphomide/Xeloda, 2 weeks on 2 weeks off for reoccurence in my right breast after failing radiaiton with Xeloda for 26 severe doses, so hard question to give an answer to. I am also on Fish Oil capsules but stopped them for a couple of weeks when I was feeling unwell, each time I would berp I got a taste of the fish oil and that was worse than feeling sick. I have tried the liquid oils but like other things such as beetroot juice, I cannot stomach them anymore.

Love & Hugs Lyn

Lyn a living legend.

By the sound of it you have tried it all, but just in case, and please forgive me if I am treading on old ground.

Back taste

Are you using cod liver - it is not the same and repeats dreadfully, I had to give it up. Cold water fish oil is virtually tasteless, and does not repeat in my experience.

Have you looked at trying to cut down on th omega sixes, which is equally important as taking omega threes.

Have you juiced for yourself and tried various mixes. Some are delicious.

I cannot begin to imagine what you have been through.

Best wishes,

RB

I take what oncologists say with a large"grain of salt" because they know so lttle about nutrition. My onc told me to eat ice cream to gain weight. Back in the 90's they had baskets of soy products sitting around (decoratively) to suggest that "soy is good for breast cancer". I don't know...they are on the bandwagon like everybody else and some err on the side of too much caution, but with my oncs, it's "soy is good", no, soy is BAD (the baskets disappeared), COQ 10 is good, no, it's bad, and really when you get down to what they really think, it's that NOTHING works once the cat is out of the bag. That's why the WEB is worth its weight in gold. Susie

Shark Liver Oil
 

Hi...new to the group
I was reading with interest about the flaxseed oil and like many of you said, my oncol said not to take soy products also. Further research brought me to Omega 3 and shark liver oil. I my oncol gave me the go ahead for that so I am now just beginning to take 3 tsp daily to build my immune system to prevent reoccurance and also help lower my cholesterol. I am taking an oil form which is supposed to be better than gel caps.
Does anybody have any experience with Shark Liver Oil/
thanks
Kristen

The flaxseed lignans do NOT, to any degree, activate the estrogen receptor. They bloc
 

To CL TANN

Re you correpondence with Dr Martin.

I emailed him to get clarification and here is what he said, and that it was ok to quote him. It looks like there may have been some confusion if chemo was part of the discussion.

"The flaxseed lignans do NOT, to any degree, activate the estrogen receptor. They block the estrogen receptor. But the lignans can also interfere with the activity of chemo drugs. Why take the risk. I am not against flaxseed lignans. I just wish we could find flax seed that was standardized to contain a defined amount of prelignans. It doesn't do any good to eat flax, except for fiber, if the lignan content is low.

Steve"

RB

Australian breast cancer study seeks participants
 

In case anybody is interested and great to see more trials on diet etc.

RB


http://www.news-medical.net/?id=14864


ABSTRACT

"Australian breast cancer study seeks participants
Women's Health News
Published: Tuesday, 6-Dec-2005
Print - Australian breast cancer study seeks participants Printer Friendly Email - Australian breast cancer study seeks participants

Email to a Friend


RMIT University researchers are seeking healthy, postmenopausal women to participate in a study to determine if diet and lifestyle can reduce the risk breast cancer.

"Previous research indicates that flaxseed may contain compounds that protect postmenopausal women from breast cancer," Leah Williamson, a postgraduate researcher at RMIT's Department of Food Science, said.

"These compounds, called phytoestrogens, work at lowering levels of estrogens linked to breast cancer. Flaxseed is particularly high in one such phytoestrogen, lignan, which is believed to reduce the enzymes and the estrogens that cause the breast to produce potentially cancerous cells.

"We are collaborating with Melrose Laboratories to study the potential benefits of flaxseed in reducing the risk of breast cancer and the time it takes to do so."

One in 10 Australian women develops breast cancer, making it the most common cancer and one of the most prevalent diseases in Australian women.

"The aim of the research is to assess the relationship between flaxseed and breast cancer, and to suggest diets that can be incorporated into the lifestyle of women at risk," Ms Williamson said. "Our goal is to lower breast cancer risk and to improve long-term quality of life."

The study, titled "Time taken for Flaxseed Lignans to Effect Biomarkers of Breast Cancer Risk in Postmenopausal Women", is seeking postmenopausal women in metropolitan Melbourne. Participants must be healthy, not on hormone replacement therapy, non-smokers and at least one year menopausal............. "

are phyto-estrogens bad for E+ cancers?
 

Here agian lies the confusion... old school vs. brave new world. Do phyto-estrogens (PE) bahave the same as estrogens (E), ie fuel E+ cancers OR do PE merely take the place of E in their receptors.

For the newbies to this discussion, think of a receptor as a comfortable bed on the cell surface the hormone E gravitates to and while in that bed the hormone does damage, in the case of E+ cancer it promotes growth. Drugs like tamoxifen are bigger and stronger than E and can kick them out of their bed.....the question again is, when PE replace E. what damage can they do?? The old school of thought is that PE behave the same as E BUT obviously that view is changing........can anyone clear this up?????
Al

You find them here, you find them there, you fnd them everywhere - apparently!
 

If the comment below is correct as to the number of sources of phyto oestrogens, and phyto estrogens DO pose a problem fro ER + I dont know what you all will eat, as well as having to live in that glass bubble!

My weak attempt a humour!

I understand your concern and admire you throughness. This string has been very thought provoking.

Hopefully somebody will produce some more definative answers at some point, in the mean time it is important not to forget the flax oil is a good source of omega three, oleic acid etc and is low in omega six, which I beleive accounts for a good proportion of benifits but on the balance of proabilities not all. Contributors appear clear that the oil contains no lignans. ( I have not looked at that and so cannot comment)


http://professional.cancerconsultant....aspx?id=35579

ABSTRACT

"The effect of soy products is thought to be due to phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant-derived non-steroidal compounds found in soy products, unrefined grain products, carrots, spinach, broccoli and other fruits and vegetables. Phytoestrogens have a weak estrogen-like effect and are protective against various cancers. The best documentation appears to be for the prevention of breast and prostate cancer, which are hormone-dependent cancers."


Re the above question the trials quoted in this string above seem to suggest that whatever the phyto estrogens are up to it works in the same direction as tamoxifen, or alters other paramaters in a benificial direction, but I appreciate are not definative which is a concern were so many questions are raised.


RB

Don't forget flaxseed oil is also a very rich source of Omega 9 (oleic acid) which has a totally different mechanism of HER2 down-regulation. That's why we fill up on olive oil!

Al

Yikes! I am taking arimidex, and herceptin. ER+,PR+,Her2+...just read all the links about flaxseed and am now thoroughly confused! MY onc has said no to soy products. She is away till after the first of the year-and she is also not very open to alternatives if she is not convinced of their usefulness. The studies I just read about used flax and tamoxifen...wondering where arimidex fits into the equation. Flax sounds good for Her2+ folks...hoping someone can come up with the answers!!!

Arimidex seems to be in a black hole somewhere, Linda is also HER2+ and E+ and on arimidex.....if it is any consolation, I have enough confidence in flaxseed oil not being too estrogenic as it should be missing the lignans responsible for this. Linda takes 3000 - 4000 mg / day depending on the week, depending on how many pills in the bottle when I do her weekly supp's.

Think about it, arimidex inhibits aromatase, which is responsible for the conversion of natural steriods to to estrogens at a cellular level, that's why it doesn't work pre-menopausal. Phyto-estrogens are already converted so the question still goes back to how dangerous are phyto-estrogens to Estrogen fuelled cancers.....the jury is still out.
Al

Thank you Al for the info and links.

The Effect of Flaxseed and Wheat Bran Consumption on Urinary Estrogen Metabolites in
 

A trial on flaxseed suggesting potential benifits for BC by reduction of an oestrogen metabolite if I understand the principles.

RB



Estrogen is metabolized along two competing pathways to form the 2-hydroxylated and the 16{alpha}-hydroxylated metabolites. Based on proposed differences in biological activities, the ratio of these metabolites, 2-hydroxyestrogen:16{alpha}-hydroxyestrone (2:16{alpha}-OHE1), has been used as a biomarker for breast cancer risk. Women with an elevated 2:16{alpha}-OHE1 ratio are hypothesized to be at a decreased risk of breast cancer. Flaxseed, the most significant source of plant lignans, and wheat bran, an excellent source of dietary fiber, have both been shown to have chemoprotective benefits. Some of these benefits may be attributable to their influence on endogenous sex hormone production and metabolism. We examined the effect of flaxseed consumption alone and in combination with wheat bran on urinary estrogen metabolites in premenopausal women. Sixteen premenopausal women were studied for four feeding treatments lasting two menstrual cycles each in a randomized cross-over design. During the four feeding treatments, subjects consumed their usual diets supplemented with baked goods containing no flaxseed or wheat bran, 10 g of flaxseed, 28 g of wheat bran, or 10 g of flaxseed plus 28 g of wheat bran/day. Urinary excretion of 2-hydroxyestrogen and 16{alpha}-hydroxyestrone, as well as their ratio, 2:16{alpha}-OHE1, were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Flaxseed supplementation significantly increased the urinary 2:16{alpha}-OHE1 ratio (P = 0.034), but wheat bran had no effect. These results suggest that flaxseed may be chemoprotective in premenopausal women.

Monsaturates and heart health
 

Clearly rats and people are not the same but this is interesting none the less.

Also one really needs to see the trial as to level ratios of fats etc, but overall suggests balancing the omega three and six, and not relying solely on monosaturates eg olive oil (which itself is a mix but primarily monosaturate and like all natural products has a host of other "neutraceuticals" plant chemicals).

But as usual check it out for your self.

RB


American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 57, 207-212, Copyright © 1993 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc

ORIGINAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
Relative effects of dietary saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids on cardiac arrhythmias in rats

PL McLennan
Cardiac Research Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Adelaide, Australia.

This study compared monounsaturated oleic acid with n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for their ability to modify the vulnerability to cardiac arrhythmias during ischemia or reperfusion in rats. Replacement of saturated animal fat in the diet with oleic acid- rich olive oil did not significantly alter the incidence of ventricular fibrillation or other cardiac arrhythmias. Replacement with either n-6- rich sunflower seed oil or n-3-rich fish oil reduced the incidence and severity of arrhythmias occurring in ischemia. The fish oil significantly reduced reperfusion arrhythmias independently of antecedent ischemic arrhythmias. Fatal ventricular fibrillation was significantly reduced by n-6 (8%; n = 25) and n-3 (0%; n = 24) PUFA but not by monounsaturates (36%; n = 25) compared with saturated fat (42%; n = 24). The results suggest that dietary replacement of saturated fats by n-6 and especially n-3 PUFA but not monounsaturated fatty acids can reduce the likelihood of an ischemic event leading to sudden cardiac death.

This is encouraging, but if one starts incorporating more omega 3 oils into the diet by taking fish oil capsules for example, I would be cautious about the source of the fish oil...re; Kristen's earlier question on Shark Liver Oil. I believe Shark is now considered to have high levels of mercury as it's a large predator, close to the top of the food chain so to speak, and so has more mercury than say, salmon oil would. Food for thought :)

<3 Lolly

Another flax oil / sed trial showing potential benifits both in new and established tumours in trials in mice.

You did not have a choice but thanks mice.

RB


http://carcin.oxfordjournals.org/cgi...e2=tf_ipsecsha


SHORT COMMUNICATION: Flaxseed and its lignan and oil components reduce mammary tumor growth at a late stage of carcinogenesis
Lilian U. Thompson 1, Sharon E. Rickard, Lindy J. Orcheson and Maja M. Seidl

Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto 150 College Street, Toronto,ON, M5S 3E2, Canada

1To whom correspondence should be addressed

Flaxseed, a rich source of mammalian lignan precursor secoisolariciresinol-diglycoside (S.D.) and {alpha}-linolenic acid (ALA), has been shown to be protective at the early promotion stage of carcinogenesis. The objective of this study was to determine whether supplementation with flaxseed, its lignan or oil fractions, beginning 13 weeks after carcinogen administration, would reduce the size of established mammary tumors (present at the start of treatment) and appearance of new tumors in rats. Dietary groups consisted of the basal diet (BD, 20% corn oil) alone or supplemented with a gavage of2200 nmol/day S.D. [S.D., equal to level in 5% flaxseed (F)], 1.82% flaxseed oil (OIL, equal to levelin 5% F) or 2.5% or 5% flaxseed (2.5% F and 5% F, respectively). After 7 weeks of treatment, established tumor volume was over 50% smaller in all treatment groups (OIL, 2.5% F, 5% F, P< 0.04; S.D., P < 0.08) while there was no change in the BD group. New tumor number and volume were lowest in the S.D.(P < 0.02) and 2.5% F (P < 0.07) groups. The combined established and new tumor volumes were smaller for the S.D., 2.5% F and 5% F groups (P< 0.02) compared to the OIL and BD groups. The high negative correlation (r = –0.997, P < 0.001) between established tumor volume and urinary mammalian lignan excretion in the BD, S.D., 2.5% F and 5% F groups indicates that the reduction in tumor size is due in part to the lignans derived from the S.D. in flaxseed. However, there was no relationship between new or total tumor development and urinary lignan levels. The effect of flaxseed oil may be related to its high ALA content. In conclusion, the S.D. in flaxseed appears to be beneficial throughout the promotional phase of carcinogenesis whereas the oil component is more effective at the stage when tumors have already been established.

I was confused about the "no soy" thing and also flaxseed...msg
 

I go to an holistic nutrionist that I know well, and she set up a diet for me. Basically, it's 80% raw - 20% cooked. I asked about the soy thing, since so many say "stay away from it," and was told that "cultured soy products" are okay, and is what the orientals eat, not the other soy products readily available. I don't do yogurt, but do eat tempeh, and other cultured soy products.

As far as flaxseed, I only buy products with sprouted flaxseed, which is supposed to be much better than the ground.

Sue