Pancreatic Cancer

Can CoQ10 benefit cancer patients? The answer is yes, according to the National Cancer Institute, which has recognized the coenzyme’s potential as an adjuvant therapy for cancer.

Coenzyme Q10 is a natural substance produced by the body and found in the mitochondria, or power production center, of every cell. In addition to playing a key role in the production of energy at the cellular level, it is a potent antioxidant capable of neutralizing damaging free radicals (chemically unstable molecules created when cells interact with oxygen and other substances).

Research on CoQ10′s potential as a cancer treatment has been ongoing since the early 1960s, when it was first observed that patients with some types of cancer typically had low blood levels of the coenzyme. Low levels are associated with cancers of the breast, lung, prostate, pancreas, colon, kidney, and head/neck.

The National Cancer Institute says that because the coenzyme may improve immune system function, it has potential as an adjuvant therapy (treatment given following primary treatment to increase the chances of a cure) for cancer. In addition, its antioxidant properties may protect cells against free radical damage that can lead to cancer.

Both animal studies and clinical trials have indicated that increasing levels of the coenzyme stimulates the immune system, making the body more resistant to disease. In addition, animal studies show that CoQ10 helped protect the hearts of animals given anti-cancer drugs capable of damaging the heart and decreasing cardiac function.

Though relatively few clinical trials involving human cancer patients have been conducted, those that have been carried out produced very positive results:

A randomized clinical trial involving 20 cancer patients taking doxorubicin, an anti-cancer drug known to be capable of producing heart damage, confirmed the findings of the animal studies. A Danish study of 32 breast cancer patients who were given supplements of the coenzyme along with conventional treatment reported that six of the patients experienced remission, while all participants took fewer painkillers, lost less weight, and experienced an improved quality of life. In followup studies, the Danish research team gave high-dose supplements of the  coenzyme to limited number of patients and observed them for periods ranging from four months to five years. All of the patients given high dosage supplements appeared to experience complete remission.

Though researchers agree that more studies are needed, anecdotal evidence confirms the findings with reports that increased amounts of the coenzyme increased the survival of patients with lung, colon, rectal, and pancreatic cancer.

Though no serious side effects of CoQ10 have been observed, the NCI stresses that it’s important to check with health care providers to confirm that the supplement can be safely used with other drugs.

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These days, it seems that everywhere you turn there are many statements about green tea and its effectiveness against diseases and conditions such as heart disease, cancer, obesity, arthritis and more. But the biggest emphasis has been on its ability to fight off and defend against various cancers. The question is: What is the link between green tea and cancer prevention?

Scientists have done many studies about how cancer starts but the cause seems to be when a cell or a group of cells begin to mutate as a results of free radical damage. Free radicals (which is an oxygen by-product in the body) damage and wears down your cells. Not only that, enough free radical damage can result in a compromised immune system and your organs not working properly.

It’s believed free radicals are the cause of many diseases such as heart disease and cancer which makes it a powerful preventive aid. Its most important ingredient is EGCG which is a strong anti-oxidant. Because anti-oxidants protect your cells from free radical damage, green tea has been shown to be effective in stopping the progression of cancer cells as well as a strong preventive supplement against cancer.

In a multi-year study done in China, it was shown that green tea drinkers were half as less likely to develop stomach or esophageal cancer than people who drank little to none. They have also studied its properties in a lab. When they mixed the catechin from green tea with cancer cells, the progress of these cells and growth were slowed.

Another study found that people who drank 2 or more cups of green tea per day had a 60% lower chance of developing pancreatic cancer than those who didn’t drink tea on a daily basis. The statistics were also similar in the case of colon cancer.

This wonderful drink works in multiple ways. First it protects your cells from free radical damage. Secondly, it interferes with binding of cancer causing substances (carcinogens) with healthy cells. Next it inhibits the growth of cancerous cells and lastly, it cuts off the blood supply that allows tumors to get bigger. As you can see, it has multiple functions in fighting and preventing cancer.

The studies prove that there is a strong link that connects green tea and cancer prevention. It is a powerful aid in your body’s defense and a great source of healthy nutrients. So if you want to take steps in taking preventative measures against cancer, start drinking drink tea today. Another option is green tea decaffeinated extract pills for people who do not want the caffeine content. Start enjoyng green tea benefits today