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Breast Cancer and the Liver May 2008
Mike Conway, ND
When it comes to breast cancer, its development and recovery, there may not be a more important organ in the body than the liver. In terms of physical causes of this illness, whether hormonal imbalance, accumulation of toxins or the result of an unhealthy diet, the liver plays a primary role. In this article I will help you to understand how a compromised liver may have led you or your loved one to struggle with breast cancer and how to gain back a healthy liver and enhance the chances of recovery.
THE ORIGINAL MULTI-TASKER It is difficult to overestimate the importance of the liver in keeping us from developing chronic disease. A major share of the entire discipline of biochemistry is devoted to the metabolic reactions of the liver. The largest solid organ in the body, the liver is located in the upper right section of the abdomen, protected under the lower part of the rib cage and extending slightly across the midline.
The liver is the body’s primary filter or detoxification site for impurities coming from the
digestive tract. The portal vein carries blood directly from the intestine to the liver to neutralize toxins, chemicals, bacteria or food allergens. Toxins can also enter the blood through the lungs or the skin. The cells of the liver perform a vast array of tasks including engulfing these toxins for breakdown and elimination into the lymph and bile fluid, also produced by liver cells. Enzyme systems, known as cytochrome P-450, in liver cells initiate biochemical reactions that lead to the detoxification and eventual urinary and intestinal excretions of potentially toxic compounds. Along with harmful external substances, the liver enzyme systems also breakdown estrogen, progesterone, insulin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones. Many cases of premenstrual syndrome are due to the liver’s inefficient breakdown of estrogen.
A RECIPE FOR BREAST CANCER Today we face more challenges to our liver then any time in history. From the chemicals in our food and environment to poor diet choices with shrinking nutritional values to the over use of synthetic drugs it’s a wonder the liver holds up as well as it does. However, many common ailments such as chronic allergy symptoms, menstrual and uterine problems, high cholesterol and obesity are often directly related to a sluggish liver. Pain in the liver area, especially after a fatty meal, might be a sign of gall bladder stones due to overeating of saturated fats, hydrogenated oils and food allergens. This stems from the accumulation of cholesterol in bile fluid as it travels from the liver to the gall bladder. Further, it is clear that the thousands of carcinogenic chemicals that our bodies are exposed to during a lifetime are contributing to the prevalence of cancer. These toxins include pesticides, herbicides, industrial chemicals, food additives, petroleum/plastic compounds, heavy metals and pharmaceutical medications. Many of these toxic compounds get stored in fat cells throughout the body, including breast tissue. Lymph fluid in this area can stagnate due to lack of exercise or a sluggish liver, promoting cancerous cell growth.
ASSESSING LIVER DETOX CAPACITY Most women diagnosed with breast cancer show no obvious liver damage on standard liver function blood tests, though it is wise to have your doctor run these tests to rule out problems, especially if undergoing chemotherapy. Lab testing is available to determine how efficiently your liver is clearing toxins and metabolizing hormones. Phase I (oxidation) can be measured by salivary caffeine clearance while Phase II (conjugation) detoxification can be measured by urinary acetaminophen and acetylsalicylic acid clearance. An estrogen fractionation test can determine whether your liver is detoxifying estrogen adequately or not. These tests relate significantly to successful breast cancer prevention and treatment.
RESTORING LIVER FUNCTION Fortunately, the liver has a unique ability to reverse damage from a poor diet, chemical toxins, drugs etc. Liver cells can actually regenerate. Here are some steps to restore healthy liver function:
1. Eat a healthy diet. You’ll want to avoid foods that stress the liver such as processed/junk foods, hydrogenated fats and oils, fried foods and processed meats fats, caffeine and sugar. You will want to increase foods that improve liver function, such as broccoli, cabbage, artichoke, beets, radishes, watercress and green leafy vegetables. An organic, high fiber, low carbohydrate diet is ideal. Green tea is especially helpful along with at least 4-6 glasses of water.
2. Nutrients and herbal support. Nutrients specific for activating or enhancing the liver’s detoxification capacity includes antioxidants-zinc, selenium, vitamin C and E, lipoic acid, B-Complex and the amino acids n-acetylcysteine, carnitine, methionine and glycine. Certain herbs are effective in stimulating production of the liver’s primary antioxidant, glutathione. These include milk thistle, turmeric, and globe artichoke. Other herbs enhance phase I and II liver detoxification pathways including dandelion, burdock, Spanish black radish and phylanthus. The nutrient calcium d-glucarate is particularly helpful for Phase II. It is important to consult your oncologist before taking these supplements if you are undergoing treatment for breast cancer and to consult with a nutritionally oriented M.D. or Naturopathic Physician on dosing these herbs.
For a more comprehensive program of liver cleansing and overall detoxification of the lymphatic system, colon and kidneys in a safe and effective manner, consult with a Naturopathic Physician.
Mike Conway, ND practices in Vanouver WA - 3606 Main Street, Suite 202, (360)695-7699 www.michaelconwaynd.com |
