Michael Schwartz founded Michael’s Naturopathics in 1976, and has created many of the formulas used in the Michael’s product line, combining nutrients and herbs according to naturopathic principles. This is the second part of a two-part discussion. (Part 1 on Cardiovascular Health was published in the September 2005 Newsletter) This month, Michael Schwartz discusses the role of nutrition in combating cancer, second of the nation’s two most lethal diseases."

Cancer & Nutrition

Toxic chemicals, viruses and weakened immune systems are all factors in the development of cancer in the body. Potentially carcinogenic substances and other toxins can enter our bodies in what we drink, eat or breathe. Toxins reach the liver which seeks to render them harmless for eventual elimination from the body. The toxins that remain behind are encased in fat and remain in the body indefinitely in fatty tissue such as that found in the breast, prostate, brain and testicles.

The fatty tissue can eventually be incorporated into some part of the body's rebuilding phase, when new cells are created to perpetuate tissue, organ and systems function. The result may be some corrupted cells with the potential to mutate further in an uncontrolled way in future generations of cells - that is- cancer.

The body's immune system rides shotgun on the toxins, the mutation process, and on the assault posed by viruses. It is the body's first line of defense against mutated cells that can develop into cancer. Controlling the amount of toxins that enter the body by eating a nutrient-rich clean diet, drinking clean water and avoiding lifestyle choices such as smoking is the first step to not over-taxing the immune system. Supplements will help the immune system stay strong and function effectively.

Because of environmental factors beyond our control and, in some cases, the food and lifestyle choices we make, many of us have immune systems that are overwhelmed and undernourished. The body's organs of elimination, such as the liver and lungs, cannot do their jobs efficiently.

Nutrients Important to Immune System Health

• Vitamin A. Supports formation of healthy mucous membranes, part of the body's outer protection against foreign toxins. The membranes release mucus in the linings of the mouth and nose, the digestive tube, and the breathing passages. Mucus is composed of water, cast off tissue cells, mucin, and white blood cells--the leukocytes. Leukocytes function as the catalyst for the B-cells and T-cells in the immune response process.
  
• Vitamin C. Plays a role in the absorption of iron, and in the production of collagen. An antioxidant that fights the damage of free-radicals in the body
  
• Beta-carotene. Preferred source of vitamin A because it is non-toxic, being converted to vitamin A only as the body needs it. Beta-carotene is one of the antioxidant nutrients, much like vitamins C and E and selenium.
  
• B-complex. Nourishes the immune and nervous systems.
  
• Vitamin B-2. Aids in formation of red blood cells and antibodies
  
• Pantothenic acid. Supports co-enzyme A, essential for production of antibodies,energy and in maintenance of the central nervous system.
  
• Vitamin B-6. Necessary for antibody production and healthy skin.
  
• Folic acid. Necessary for growth of all types of cells in the body, including white blood cells. Also takes part in process of cell division and healthy growth of glands, including the thymus.
  
• Vitamin E. Protects fat-soluble vitamins & red blood cells. Essential for healthy hair and mucous membranes which protect the body's openings.
  
• Zinc. Component of zinc metalloenzymes, necessary for cell growth and immune system function.
  
• Echinacea. An herb containing small amounts of natural ascorbic acid, betaine, beta carotene, magnesium, niacin, selenium, zinc, polysaccharides and flavinoids, all important to immune system function.
  
• L-Cysteine. Essential for proper utilization of vitamin B-6. Serves as part of the body's heavy metal-detoxification system.
  

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