Written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, BSc Pharmacy, Author
March 16, 2024

In the quest for optimal health, many turn to supplements, like multiple vitamins with folic acid. But what if the very supplement you’re taking for better health could have hidden cancer concerns?

I review blood tests each day in my clinical nutrition appointments. Since 1999 I have seen fewer than six people with a folate level in the normal range and only one person with a low folate level. That means I’ve seen over 20,000 people with high blood levels of folate. Could this be part of the reason why we have such high rates of cancer?

The Concerns Around Synthetic Folic Acid

Synthetic folic acid is the man-made version of the vitamin folate, a crucial nutrient for many processes in our body including DNA synthesis, cell division and repair, and neurotransmitter receptor function. Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is essential for various bodily functions, including cell division and proper fetal br...

Unlocking the Power of Beta-Glucan in the Fight Against Cancer
Written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, B.Sc. Pharmacy, Author

In the journey to Prevail Over Cancer, understanding the role of nutrition and natural compounds can be a game-changer in enhancing treatment outcomes and overall well-being. Among these, beta-glucan stands out for its remarkable health benefits, particularly in supporting individuals battling cancer.

What is Beta-Glucan?

Beta-glucan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the cell walls of cereals, bacteria, and fungi, with oats and barley being particularly rich sources. Known for its immune-enhancing properties, beta-glucan has captured the attention of both the scientific community and those seeking to support their health through natural means.

A Beacon of Hope for Cancer Patients

Research has illuminated the potential of beta-glucan as a powerful ally in the fight against cancer. Here's how it can make a difference:

1. Immune System S...

Unveiling the Power of Green Tea and EGCG: A Natural Ally in Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, B.Sc. Pharmacy, Author

In my ongoing quest to empower our community with knowledge and tools to prevail over cancer, I turn my focus to one of nature's most potent gifts: green tea. Revered for centuries for its healing properties, green tea has emerged as a beacon of hope in the realm of cancer prevention. Join me as I delve into the science behind green tea's anticancer benefits and explore how integrating this miraculous beverage into our daily routine can fortify our defenses against this formidable adversary.

Green Tea: The Antioxidant Powerhouse

At the heart of green tea's anticancer prowess lies its rich concentration of antioxidants, particularly catechins. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant and powerful catechin in green tea, has been extensively studied for its ability to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce o...

Protein L-Glutamine and Cancer

Step 1 - Limit L-Glutamine added to protein powders. 

There are 3 major food groups our body must have: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Proteins provide amino acids including L-glutamine that are used for many functions in our body including brain chemicals, energy production, and organ repair. L-glutamine plays an important role in energy, cancer cell growth and progression. Limiting L-glutamine sources can often help slow cancer cell growth.

L-glutamine is one of the amino acids that our body can make from other amino acids. Since this is the case the first step in decreasing L-glutamine use by cancer cells is limiting protein powders that have L-glutamine listed as an ingredient. So, if you’re using protein powders check your labels and change sources if needed.

Step 2 Intermittent Fasting

🍽️Intermittent Fasting
L-Glutamine

L-glutamine is an amino acid derived from proteins in our diet. We must have proteins and l-glutamine to be healthy. Ca...

Berberine has gained scientific research attention for its impact on gut health, blood glucose, and controlling cancer cell growth.

Written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist
B.Sc. Pharmacy, Author of Prevail Over Cancer Tactics™
www.PrevalOverCancer.com

Berberine is a natural compound found in several plants in the Berberis family, including goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape. It has been used in oriental, Indian Ayurvedic, and Middle Eastern medicine for centuries for numerous conditions including diarrhea, infections, and inflammation.[i]

Rarely do I come across an herbal supplement that has so many valuable effects on the body.

Berberine: Gut Health

Berberine is a commonly used intestinal anti-inflammatory herb. Berberine reduces inflammation and toxins in the intestines while restoring the beneficial bacteria balance in people consuming an unhealthy fat diet.[ii] Research shows berberine helps normalize diarrheal bowel movements in children and adults.[iii] Another st...

Plant lectin impacts on cancer risks and treatments. A review through 2023.

Written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, B.Sc. Pharmacy, Author

Lectins are a type of protein found in many plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. According to a 2015 review out of China published in the Cell Proliferation, plant lectins can modify the expression of specific immune cells and alter signaling pathways to help kill off cancer cells and block tumor growth.[a]

Interestingly, some lectins are used to detect and diagnose cancer cells. Lectins manifest diverse activities, including inhibiting virus, and antitumor, antifungal, and anti-insect activities. Others are used for therapeutic purposes because of their anti-tumor activity and ability to trigger cancer cell death.[b]

Plant lectins attach to cancer cells and induce their cell death through autophagy (the body breaking down and consuming the cells) and/or apoptosis (normal cell death instead of prolonged growth)...

Consumer Reports published a list of the safest and most dangerous dark chocolate bars containing the heavy metals lead and cadmium.

Lead and cadmium are metals found in soils, so cacao beans naturally take up these toxins. But most of the lead issue seems to occur after harvesting while the beans are drying in the open air or during the manufacturing process.

A quick check of medical journals found high cadmium and lead exposure and levels increase the risk of lung, kidney, breast, prostate, colon, pancreas cancers.

A low zinc level increases the risk of dying from higher cadmium levels. [i] It seems zinc helps balance the cancer risks for several toxic metals including cadmium. If you can’t get a blood test for zinc, ask your local compounding pharmacy for a zinc taste test. An example is https://flourishrx.com/test-kit-products/zinc-taste-test?rq=zinc 

Consumer Reports used California's maximum allowable dose level (MADL) for lead (0.5 micrograms) and cadmium (4.1mcg). Shown ...

All berries reduce the risk of and fight cancer. Your best sources include fresh and frozen. Choose berries from the area you live in. Each part of the world has their own cancer prevention berry sources.

You should limit your consumption of fruit juices since they contain higher concentrations of sugars. A 1/4 cup or 125 ml (4 oz.) is the upper limit of acceptable calories since the liquids typically don’t contain fiber to blunt the sugar impact.

You should avoid fruit juices that contain added sugars/pear juice/apple juice/fructose since they are concentrated sugar sources.

When and if possible, you should choose organic sources to reduce your risk of pesticide and chemical exposure.

Medical references include

Yeary KHK, Quisenberry A, Hall MG, Yu H, Henry WAE, Rodriguez EM, Zoellner JM. Sweet Beverages and Cancer: A Scoping Review of Quantitative Studies. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2022 Mar 10:canprevres.0507.2021. https://aacrjournals.org/cancerpreventionresearch/article-a...

Beans and Legumes are a much-needed weapon against cancer.

Beans and legumes, the humble staples of many global cuisines, are gaining recognition in the scientific community for their potential role in reducing the risk and mortality of many diseases and cancer. This blog post will delve into the research behind these claims, shedding light on why I put beans and legumes in my Cancer Food Pyramid Tactic.

What are Beans and Legumes?

Beans and legumes are the fruits or seeds of a family of plants called Fabaceae. They are rich sources of fiber, essential vitamins and minerals, and plant-based protein. Common examples include chickpeas, lentils, peas, kidney beans, black beans, soybeans, pinto beans, navy beans, and peanuts.[1]

Nutritional Powerhouses

Beans and legumes are high in minerals and fiber without the saturated fat found in some animal proteins. They are rich in plant protein, fiber, B-vitamins, iron, folate, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc.

One cup (164 grams) o...