The traditional diet of Greece and cancer.

[R.B.]

Just bumping this thread up again.

This is a link I found recently which is by the renowned expert AP Simopoulos.

Only the first section is free. It is well worth reading. It really emphasises the need to balance the omega three and sixes.

http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB...searchParm=toc

It is great to see this thread is slowly building up a significant number of hits. It would be interesting to know now many come from outside the board so hopefully bringing in new visitors.

Thank you for your interest.

R.B.

[R.B.]

AndiBB pointed me to this trial. Thanks

Omega threes from whole fish are more effectively incorporated than fish oil.

Whole food sources have to be the best starting point.

This has to be balanced with the pollution issues dealt with in earlier parts of this thread.

And the good news is the fish oil is taken up.

I wonder if it varies with how and with what the fish oil is taken?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/en...ubmed_RVDocSum

1: Lipids. 2006 Dec;41(12):1109-14.Links
Enhanced incorporation of n-3 fatty acids from fish compared with fish oils.
Elvevoll EO, Barstad H, Breimo ES, Brox J, Eilertsen KE, Lund T, Olsen JO, Osterud B.

Norwegian College of Fishery Science, Department of Marine Biotechnology, University of Tromsø, Norway. edel.elvevoll@nfh.uit.no


"In conclusion, fish consumption is more effective in increasing serum EPA and DHA than supplementing the diet with fish oil."

[R.B.]

Lipid raft is a description of a gang of fats that work as a unit in the cell membrane.

More potential benefts for omega three 3 and that omega six in large quantities has a negative impact.

RB




http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/en...ubmed_RVDocSum

1: J Nutr. 2007 Mar;137(3):548-53.Click here to read Links

Comment in:
J Nutr. 2007 Mar;137(3):545-7.

(n-3) PUFA alter raft lipid composition and decrease epidermal growth factor receptor levels in lipid rafts of human breast cancer cells.
Schley PD, Brindley DN, Field CJ.

Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2P5.

To determine the mechanism by which the (n-3) fatty acids (FA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) decrease proliferation and induce apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells, we examined the effects of EPA and DHA on the lipid composition of lipid rafts as well as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) raft localization and phosphorylation. (n-3) FA (a combination of EPA and DHA) inhibited (P < 0.05) the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells by 48-62% in the presence and absence, respectively, of linoleic acid (LA). More EPA and DHA were incorporated into lipid rafts isolated from MDA-MB-231 cells after treatment with (n-3) FA compared with cells treated with LA (P < 0.05). EPA and DHA treatment decreased (P < 0.05) lipid raft sphingomyelin, cholesterol, and diacylglycerol content and, in the absence of LA, EPA and DHA increased (P < 0.05) raft ceramide levels. Furthermore, there was a marked decrease in EGFR levels in lipid rafts, accompanied by increases in the phosphorylation of both EGFR and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), in EPA+DHA-treated cells (P < 0.05). As sustained activation of the EGFR and p38 MAPK has been associated with apoptosis in human breast cancer cells, our results indicate that (n-3) FA modify the lipid composition of membrane rafts and alter EGFR signaling in a way that decreases the growth of breast tumors.

PMID: 17311938 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[R.B.]

Another one for the omega three collection

: Nutr Cancer. 1995;24(2):151-60.Links
Fatty acid composition of breast adipose tissue in breast cancer patients and in patients with benign breast disease.
Zhu ZR, Agren J, Männistö S, Pietinen P, Eskelinen M, Syrjänen K, Uusitupa M.

Department of Clinical Nutrition, University of Kuopio, Finland.

Fatty acid composition of triglycerides (TGs) and phospholipids (PLs) in breast adipose tissue was analyzed in 73 female breast cancer patients and 55 patients with benign breast disease. No differences were observed in the dietary intake of the major fatty acids (i.e., palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids) or in the proportion of TGs and PLs in breast adipose tissue between the two groups. In postmenopausal women, however, the dietary intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) was significantly lower in the breast cancer patients than in patients with benign breast disease. Accordingly, the percentage of docosahexaenoic acid of PLs in breast adipose tissue was significantly lower in breast cancer patients than in patients with benign breast disease among postmenopausal women. The stage of the breast cancer did not contribute to the observed alterations of fatty acid composition of PLs. Consonant with the previous epidemiologic data, the present results suggest that intake of the long-chain n-3 fatty acids (mainly derived from fish) may have a protective effect against breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women.

PMID: 8584451 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[R.B.]

Poor mice. May their lot not be in vain.

Thought provoking I think it is fair to say.

RB

http://archives.foodsafetynetwork.ca..._20.htm#story1

Mother's prenatal and lactational diet may protect daughters from breast cancer
April 20, 2005
American Association for Cancer Research
Anaheim, Calif. – Mothers who eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and while nursing, and who continue to feed their babies such a diet after weaning, may reduce their daughters' risk of developing breast cancer later in life dramatically, according to research presented here today at the 96th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. Either maternal or post-weaning dietary consumption of this type of fat – that is, taking in omega-3 fatty acids through food or supplements at any point in life from conception to at least puberty – also could reduce the incidence rate for breast cancer in female offspring significantly.
Conversely, mothers' consumption of omega-6 fats commonly found in Western diets could increase their daughters' risk of breast cancer.
"Diet matters, Mom," said W. Elaine Hardman, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Division of Functional Foods at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. "Inadvertently, we may be setting up our daughters to develop breast cancer 50 years from now."
Both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for human health; however, particularly in the Western hemisphere, omega-6 fatty acids far exceed omega-3 fatty acids in the typical diet. Meat, eggs, poultry, cereals, breads, baked goods, most vegetable oils, and margarine are among dietary sources of omega-6 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids occur most commonly in fish – especially cold-water fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel – as well as in canola and flaxseed oils, soybeans and nuts.
Hardman based her hypothesis on existing research showing that maternal diets containing high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids increase maternal estrogen levels; increased maternal estrogen, in turn, has been linked to an increased incidence of breast cancer among female offspring.
Meanwhile, many foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are known to block the effects of estrogen and boost immunity.
Working with mice bred with a genetic predisposition to develop breast cancer, Hardman compared the incidence rates for the disease in offspring depending upon theirs and their mothers' relative consumption of diets either high in omega-6 fatty acids, or high in omega-3 fatty acids.
The genetic make-up of the female mice was such that all would develop hyperplasia; that is, to grow too many normal cells, in the mammary ducts, by three months of age. By six months, that hyperplasia would progress to mammary adenocarcinoma.
The mice were bred and the mothers were fed diets high in either omega-6 fatty acids or high in omega-3 fatty acids, both during the gestation period and while breast-feeding the female young. After the daughters were weaned, one group was placed on a high-omega-6 fatty acid diet, while the other was fed predominantly omega-3 fatty acids.
In Hardman's experiment, all the young exposed only to omega-6 fatty acids, in utero, in nursing and after weaning, showed mammary gland tumors by six months of age. Conversely, fewer than 60 percent of the female offspring who ate richly of high omega-3 fatty acids either maternally or post-weaning formed mammary tumors by the age of eight months. Those exposed to omega-3 fatty acids both maternally and after weaning had a tumor incidence rate of just 13 percent.
The beauty of the mouse model, Hardman explains, is the ability it gives researchers to collapse an entire life-span into a matter of months, instead of years. By using mice programmed genetically to develop tumors in the mammary glands eliminates the element of chance.
Harman has observed suppression of tumor growth with as little as two percent omega-3 fatty acids in the diet.
"A couple of servings a week may be enough," she said. "A quarter of a cup of walnuts constitutes one serving."
For pregnant women who are concerned about ingesting mercury in fish, Hardman recommends fish oil supplements, readily available in grocery, drug and health food stores. The fish oil in supplements is well purified.

[R.B.]

Please do judge the article by its title.

It is a fascinating article looking at the links between, the immune system, inflammation, depression and stress, and importance of the omega three six balance. It is well worth a skim.

The article is about women post birth but the chemical agents and markers of inflammation and stress and the immune system figure in cancers too.

Cogitative therapy as part of the basket should not be disregarded. But equally I am not suggesting in any way that cogitative therapy should be considered other than what it is - a factor among many.

"One could even argue that cognitive therapy is anti-inflammatory. Two recent studies have demonstrated that negative beliefs, such as hostility, can increase the levels of proinflammatory cytokines – especially IL-6 [74,75]. Cognitive therapy is a treatment for depression with known efficacy [76]. The primary goal of cognitive therapy is to reduce negative cognitions. Since negative cognitions increase inflammation, reducing their occurrence will have physical effects as well – primarily reducing inflammation."

RB




A new paradigm for depression in new mothers: the central role of inflammation and how breastfeeding and anti-inflammatory treatments protect maternal mental health
Kathleen Kendall-Tackettcorresponding author1
1Family Research Laboratory, 126 Horton Social Science Center, 20 College Road, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, 03824, USA

file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Robert%20Andrew%20Brown/My%20Documents/Word%20Documents/RAB/Breast%20Cancer/Depression/PND%20Inflammation%20Immune%20system.htm

"PNI research suggests two goals for the prevention and treatment of postpartum depression: reducing maternal stress and reducing inflammation. Breastfeeding and exercise reduce maternal stress and are protective of maternal mood. In addition, most current treatments for depression are anti-inflammatory. These include long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, cognitive therapy, St. John's wort, and conventional antidepressants."

[R.B.]

Just bringing this thread back up for any who may not have seen it.

RB

[R.B.]

Omega six in vegetable oils in your diet is converted to arachidonic acid `AA' a member of the omega six family.

AA is converted by COX2 to products that show a relationship to breast and other cancers. The amount of these COX products your body produces is a function of how much omega six you eat. These products include the sex hormones through the aromatase pathways.

Omega three competes for and blocks conversion of AA by COX.

So the amount of omega three and six in your diet can impact on the COX2 pathways, and downstream direct or indirect products, including hormones.

RB








http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/en...ubmed_RVDocSum

COX-2 expression in invasive breast cancer: correlation with prognostic parameters and outcome.
Nassar A, Radhakrishnan A, Cabrero IA, Cotsonis G, Cohen C.

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. anassar@emory.edu

"COX-2 expression is also associated with increased angiogenesis, lymph node metastasis, and Her2-neu overexpression. ". . . "In conclusion, COX-2 correlates with poor prognostic markers in breast cancer (large tumor size and high tumor grade), but not with outcome.". . .

[R.B.]

Again found whilst looking for something else!

They used 10 grams of fish oil a day which produced profound changes in plasma fatty acids. It also produced significant changes in fats in breast tissue.

Here is the link to the full article which is interesting. It looks at the idea the omega six three imbalance in the west is a significant fact in higher rates of BC.

Based on this article with supplementation and appropriate diet you can make a significant change to the fat profile of breast tissue in three months.

RB


http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/89/15/1123

http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/c...act/89/15/1123

Dietary modulation of omega-3/omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios in patients with breast cancer

D Bagga, S Capone, HJ Wang, D Heber, M Lill, L Chap and JA Glaspy
Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, 90095-6956, USA.

"Twenty- five women with high-risk localized breast cancer were enrolled in a dietary intervention program that required them to eat a low-fat diet and take a daily fish oil supplement throughout a 3-month period. Breast and gluteal fat biopsy specimens were obtained from each woman before and after dietary intervention."

"CONCLUSION: Short-term dietary intervention can lead to statistically significant increases in omega-3/omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios in plasma and breast adipose tissue. Breast adipose tissue changed more rapidly than gluteal adipose tissue in response to the dietary modification tested in this study. Therefore, gluteal adipose tissue may not be a useful surrogate to study the effect of diet on breast adipose tissue. "

[Mary Jo]

As always R.B., thank you for all the information you share with us. I always had the mentality "everything in moderation" and if that meant more sugar and less calories somewhere else so be it. Through all your wonderful information you share I see how wrong my thinkng always was.

Keep the information coming. We appreciate all you share with us.

Blessings and Peace to you R.B.

Mary Jo

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

What are omega 3 fatty acids? THIS TOPIC IS SO IMPORTANT TO ALL OF US -- WE MUST TRY TO *INGEST* AS MUCH AS WE CAN OF THIS INFORMATION. Thought it was worth printing for us to easily access...


You've probably been hearing about omega 3 fatty acids in recent years. The reason? A growing body of scientific research indicates that these healthy fats help prevent a wide range of medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, depression, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Unlike the saturated fats found in butter and lard, omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated. In chemistry class, the terms "saturated" and "polyunsaturated" refer to the number of hydrogen atoms that are attached to the carbon chain of the fatty acid. In the kitchen, these terms take on a far more practical meaning.
Polyunsaturated fats, unlike saturated fats, are liquid at room temperature and remain liquid when refrigerated or frozen. Monounsaturated fats, found in olive oil, are liquid at room temperature, but harden when refrigerated. When eaten in appropriate amounts, each type of fat can contribute to health. However, the importance of omega 3 fatty acids in health promotion and disease prevention cannot be overstated.
The three most nutritionally important omega 3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Alpha-linolenic acid is one of two fatty acids traditionally classified as "essential." The other fatty acid traditionally viewed as essential is an omega 6 fat called linoleic acid. These fatty acids have traditionally been classified as "essential" because the body is unable to manufacture them on its own and because they play a fundamental role in several physiological functions. As a result, we must be sure our diet contains sufficient amounts of both alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid.
DIETARY SOURCES of alpha-linolenic acid include flaxseeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, soybeans and some dark green leafy vegetables. Linoleic acid is found in high concentrations in corn oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil. Most people consume a much higher amount of linoleic acid than alpha-linolenic acid, which has important health consequences.
The body converts alpha-linolenic acid into two important omega 3 fats, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). These fats can also be derived directly from certain foods, most notably cold-water fish including salmon, tuna, halibut, and herring. In addition, certain types of algae contain DHA. EPA is believed to play a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, while DHA is the necessary for proper brain and nerve development. How it Functions
What are the functions of omega 3 fatty acids?

Every cell in our body is surrounded by a cell membrane composed mainly of fatty acids. The cell membrane allows the proper amounts of necessary nutrients to enter the cell, and ensures that waste products are quickly removed from the cell. To perform these functions optimally, however, the cell membrane must maintain its integrity and fluidity. Cells without a healthy membrane lose their ability to hold water and vital nutrients. They also lose their ability to communicate with other cells. Researchers believe that loss of cell to cell communication is one of the physiological events that leads to growth of cancerous tumors.

Because cell membranes are made up of fat, the integrity and fluidity of our cell membranes is determined in large part by the type of fat we eat. Remember that saturated fats are solid at room temperature, while omega 3 fats are liquid at room temperature. Researchers believe that diets containing large amounts of saturated or hydrogenated fats produce cell membranes that are hard and lack fluidity. On the other hand, diets rich in omega 3 fats produce cell membranes with a high degree of fluidity.
In addition, recent in vitro (test tube) evidence suggests when omega 3 fatty acids are incorporated into cell membranes they may help to protect against cancer, notably of the breast. They are suggested to promote breast cancer cell apoptosis via several mechanisms including: inhibiting a pro-inflammatory enzyme called cyclooxygenase 2 (COX 2), which promotes breast cancer; activating a type of receptor in cell membranes called peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-ã, which can shut down proliferative activity in a variety of cells including breast cells; and, increasing the expression of BRCA1 and BRCA2, tumor suppressor genes that, when functioning normally, help repair damage to DNA, thus helping to prevent cancer development.
Animal and test tube studies published in the November 2005 issue of the International Journal of Cancer suggest yet another way in which the omega-3 fatty acids found in cold water fish-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-help protect against breast cancer development.
All dietary fatty acids are incorporated into cell membranes, and the type of fatty acids dictates how a cell responds and grows. Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids affect cell growth by activating an enzyme called sphingomyelinase, which then generates the release of ceramide, a compound that induces the expression of the human tumor suppressor gene p21, which ultimately causes cancer cell death. In the animal experiments, mice were fed diets rich in either omega-3 (fish oil) or omega-6 (corn oil) fatty acids after which breast cancer cells were implanted. Three weeks later, tumor volume and weight was significantly lower in mice on the omega-3 rich diet. In the lab culture experiments, when cells were treated with DHA or EPA, sphingomyelinase activity increased by 30-40%, and breast cancer cell growth dropped 20-25%.

Omega 3 fats also play an important role in the production of powerful hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins help regulate many important physiological functions including blood pressure, blood clotting, nerve transmission, the inflammatory and allergic responses, the functions of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, and the production of other hormones.

In essence, all prostaglandins perform essential physiological functions. However, depending on the type of fat in the diet, certain types of prostaglandins may be produced in large quantities, while others may not be produced at all. This can set up an imbalance throughout the body that can lead to disease.
For example, EPA and DHA serve as direct precursors for series 3 prostaglandins, which have been called "good" or "beneficial" because they reduce platelet aggregation, reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. The role of EPA and DHA in the prevention of cardiovascular disease can be explained in large part by the ability of these fats to increase the production of favorable prostaglandins.
The omega 6 fats serve as precursors for series 1 and series 2 prostaglandins. Like the series 3 prostaglandins produced from omega 3 fats, series 1 prostaglandins are believed to be beneficial. On the other hand, series 2 prostaglandins are usually considered to be "bad" or "unhealthy," since these prostaglandins promote an inflammatory response and increase platelet aggregation. As a result, it is important to ensure proper balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fats in the diet. EPA Directly Anti-Inflammatory... A recently identified lipid (fat) product our bodies make from EPA, called resolvins, helps explain how this omega-3 fat provides anti-inflammatory effects on our joints and improves blood flow.
Resolvins, which have been shown to reduce inflammation in animal studies, are made from EPA by our cellular enzymes, and work by inhibiting the production and regulating the migration of inflammatory cells and chemicals to sites of inflammation. Unlike anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and the COX-2 inhibitors, the resolvins our bodies produce from EPA do not have negative side effects on our gastrointestinal or cardiovascular systems.

Deficiency Symptoms... What are deficiency symptoms for omega 3 fatty acids?

Recent statistics indicate that nearly 99% of people in the United States do not eat enough omega 3 fatty acids. However, the symptoms of omega 3 fatty acid deficiency are very vague, and can often be attributed to some other health conditions or nutrient deficiencies.
Consequently, few people (or their physicians, for that matter) realize that they are not consuming enough omega 3 fatty acids. The symptoms of omega 3 fatty acid deficiency include fatigue, dry and/or itchy skin, brittle hair and nails, constipation, frequent colds, depression, poor concentration, lack of physical endurance, and/or joint pain. Individuals who have disorders involving bleeding, who bruise very easily, or who are taking blood thinners should consult with a medical practitioner before taking supplemental omega 3 fatty acids.

Polyunsaturated oils, including the omega 3 fats, are extremely susceptible to damage from heat, light, and oxygen. When exposed to these elements for too long, the fatty acids in the oil become oxidized, a scientific term that simply means that the oil becomes rancid.
Rancidity not only alters the flavor and smell of the oil, but it also diminishes the nutritional value. More importantly, the oxidation of fatty acids produces free radicals, which are believed to play a role in the development of cancer and other degenerative diseases.
As a result, oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids should be stored in dark glass, tightly closed containers in the refrigerator or freezer. In addition, these oils should never be heated on the stove. So, instead of sautéing your vegetables in flaxseed or walnut oil, make a salad dressing using these oils.
To increase the activity of your desaturase enzymes, be sure that your diet includes a sufficient amount of vitamin B6, vitamin B3, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc. In addition, limit your intake of saturated fat and partially hydrogenated fat, as these fats are known to decrease the activity of delta-6 desaturase. Also, to be on the safe side, consider including a direct source of EPA and DHA if your diet, such as wild-caught salmon, halibut, or tuna.
Omega 3 fatty acids may play a role in the prevention and/or treatment of the following health conditions:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Asthma
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Eczema
• High blood pressure
• Huntington's disease
• Lupus
• Migraine headaches
• Multiple sclerosis
• Obesity
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Salmon, flax seeds and walnuts are excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Very good sources of these healthy fats include scallops, cauliflower, cabbage, cloves and mustard seeds. Good sources of these fats include halibut, shrimp, cod, tuna, soybeans, tofu, kale, collard greens, and Brussels sprouts. What are current public health recommendations for omega 3 fatty acids?

In 2002, the Institute of Medicine at the National Academy of Sciences issued Adequate Intake (AI) levels for linolenic acid, the initial building block for all omega 3 fatty acids found in the body. For male teenagers and adult men, 1.6 grams per day were recommended, For female teenagers and adult women, the recommended amount was 1.1 grams per day. These guidelines do not seem as well-matched to the existing health research on omega 3 fatty acids as guidelines issued by the Workshop on the Essentiality of and Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDI) for Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids in 1999 sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This panel of experts recommended that people consume at least 2% of their total daily calories as omega-3 fats. To meet this recommendation, a person consuming 2000 calories per day should eat sufficient omega-3-rich foods to provide at least 4 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.
This goal can be easily met by adding just two foods to your diet: flaxseeds and wild-caught salmon. Two tablespoons of flaxseeds contain 3.5 grams of omega 3 fats, while a 4 ounce piece of salmon contains 1.5 grams of omega 3 fats.
Vegans and vegetarians relying on ALA as their only source of omega-3 fatty acids should increase their consumption of ALA-rich foods accordingly to ensure sufficient production its important derivatives, EPA and DHA.

Personally, though I try to eat right, according to the info above, and allowing for my IBS issue (since Taxotere and I met up) -- I rely on supplements to keep me at healthy peak. We must each do the best we can...Andi

[R.B.]

I am sorry this page seems to have stretched.

Does anybody know how to fix it. I have looked but cannot see anything that helps.

<img src="http://digilander.libero.it/le.faccine/faccinea/cartelli/statici/1072.gif" alt="Oops 2" />

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

OH DEAR. I HOPE IT WASN'T MY LONGGGG POST THAT MESSED SOMETHING UP. SORRY. I HAVEN'T A CLUE WHAT TO DO, OR EVEN TO SEE WHAT IS WRONG...

RB, DID YOU TRY TO POST SOMETHING THAT ISN'T APPEARING?

Andi

[R.B.]

Just bringing this back in case anybody has not seen it and is interested.

RB

[PinkGirl]

R.B.
Do you know if there have been any other studies
like the one in Toronto - regarding flax seed and er+
cancer? It is sort of the opposite of what we've been
told in the past. I asked my onc. about it and she
hadn't heard about the Princess Margaret study.
I was taking flax seed and then stopped. This
study suggests that I should be taking it.
Have I already asked you this question?

[R.B.]

HI Pink Girl there is some material here that you could show to your onc.

I do not recall the Princess Margaret study - Do you have a link?.

This is the result of an NCBI search on BC and flax seed and flaxseed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/en...%20flax%20seed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/en...cer%20flaxseed

These are previous posts on this site that are particulalry useful

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/sho...+seed+estrogen

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/sho...+seed+estrogen

http://www.her2support.org/vbulletin...highlight=flax

[PinkGirl]

Thanks RB
I think the Princess Margaret study might be
the same one as the U of Toronto.

Thanks for the links.

[fullofbeans]

humm just read most of this post thank you R.B. again for some clarification especially about the veg oil one. Very informative! I had been eating lots of veg and some fish and like StephN I started to wonder if I still needed fish oil supplement..well I guess I do and will get my dose today.

Also just a little point on bioaccumulation of toxic in fish oil. You are right saying that small fish (often) contains less. If they are larger indeed they have more time to accumulate toxic. However an important factor is what they eat: if they are carnivorous and eat other fishes then they bioaccumulate much more toxic (since they take on the one of the fishes they have just absorbed). Other fishes such as the anchovy that "filter" the water are much less toxic. Therefore large predatory fish are generally the most toxic one.

[R.B.]

Hi Full of Beans,

Thank you for your thoughts on pollution of fish. I had not thought about the difference between carnivores and filter feeders. Just lower down the food chain and so less levels of concentration of pollutants I guess is the point.

I suppose it also depends how polluted the waters are where they fish come from.

Re continued Omega 3 intake. Omega three is not heavily stored in fat under 1% for many but Omega Six is 10-25% of body fat in the west so a constant supply of Omega three in general terms is needed.

The often mentioned book is nearly nearly nearly finished - again!!, it is having its final set at the moment. I have just split it down into three and four sentence pars from bigger pars which heavy readers liked but occasional readers blanched at. I had not thought to show it to occasional readers. It has grown to about 370 pages - size 17cm by 24.4cm - 30 chapters each split into a number of small sections each covering a topic - over 800 refs, and hopefully understandable.

[R.B.]

Hi

Sorry some how I posted twice so I have deleted the contents of one.

RB