SS:  I know viruses can lead to cancer, but how do they do that?
CP:  Viruses that infect humans are known to change the DNA of the cells they infect.  This is one reason the hepatitis C virus increases the risk of liver cancer, while HPV (human papilloma virus) increases the risk of cervical or throat cancer.  And again, not everybody who is infected with these develops cancer.  Some studies have shown that supplementing with vitamin K2 may protect a liver infected with hepatitis C from developing cancer, while a broccoli extract, called I3C, and adequate folate were shown to reduce the risk of developing cervical or throat cancer in subjects infected with the HPV virus.  I will post these studies on my website.

SS:  Okay. So one thing is for sure: we need to do everything to avoid letting chemicals into our bodies.  What are the most important ones to avoid, and if they do get in, what can we do?
CP:  Yes, let’s be aware of all detrimental chemicals and avoid them.  Some are unavoidable, though, so when they do come in, the second important factor is to support the body’s ability to detoxify them, or in other words, facilitate their safe removal. These are the interventions name A and B in the previously mentioned diagram.

Intervention A:  How To Minimize Carcinogenic Load In The Body

-Avoid introducing carninogens in the body.  Avoid as much as possible both environmental and dietary toxins. Here are some examples of carcinogens that enter or are formed in the body:

• Environmental toxins.  Sun, radiation (from flying, medical tests, cell phones, computers), air pollutants, substances that contact the skin (toxins found in cosmetics, clothing, or water we shower and bathe in).
• Dietary toxins.  Pesticides, oxidized fat, burned/smoked foods (especially grilled/burned/smoked meats, roasted coffee, burned toast), artificial additives, colors, sweeteners, emulsifiers, preservatives, contaminants from packaging, cookware (such as Teflon and various toxic metals), serving utensils/dishes/cups.  Ceramic cups or plates and crystal glasses may contain and leach lead.  I personally switched to all glass mugs and plates.

-Avoid producing excessive amounts of carcinogens in the body.  Get proper exercise.  Excessive aerobic exercise produces free radicals, and studies have clearly shown that this is associated with increased DNA damage.  We need to balance our exercise regimen with moderate cardio (not in polluted air), resistance training, and stretching.  And then add other beneficial activities such as yoga, tai chi, or martial arts.  Exercise should be done in moderation, because the right stimulation is critical for strengthening muscles and bones and joints, while increasing our body’s antioxidant defenses.

• For women and men.  Estrogen (produced in the body or from replacement) that cannot be metabolized properly and excreted may cause DNA damage due to the formation of quinones.  Adequate methylating factors (folate, B12, B6, SAM-e) and cruciferous vegetables and/or supplements that have concentrated extracts of these, such as sulforaphane, DIM, and calcium D-glucarate, help support a safe processing and elimination of estrogen by-products.
• For men.  Some researchers and doctors believe that testosterone metabolites may need to be adjusted to certain levels and ratios shown to be optimal by various research studies.  The conversion of testosterone to estrogen can be reduced by resveratrol, quercetin, chrysin, and adequate zinc status, while the conversion of testosterone to DHT can be reduced by natural compounds such as saw palmetto, GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid), EGCg (from green tea), plant sterols and, again, adequate zinc status.

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