Whey Protein and Cancer

FloridaLady

I found all kinds of info online about this.  Please take time to read up on this.  I found this early on in my treatment,when I was looking for really good high protein when I did not want to eat while on ACT.  Make sure you get a good quality one that is low carb.  Also some of the articles speak of Immunocal whey. I have not research this yet.

FloridaLady

Cancer
Cancer patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy often have difficulty in meeting their daily nutritional requirements due to nausea and lack of appetite. This may lead to weight loss, muscle loss and protein calorie malnutrition. Whey protein is an excellent protein choice for cancer patients as it is very easy to digest and very gentle to the system. Whey protein may be added to a wide variety of foods and beverages to increase the protein content without affecting taste.

As with serious athletes, cancer patients often have reduced glutathione levels and a weakened immune system. Numerous studies have shown that whey protein, rich in the amino acid cysteine, provides an extra boost to the immune system by raising glutathione levels. This may help reduce the risk of infection and improve the responsiveness of the immune system. In support of this, at the 2003 Annual Meeting of the American Cancer Society, research was presented showing that women with the highest levels of plasma cysteine had a 56% reduction in the risk of breast cancer compared to individuals with the lowest levels of plasma cysteine.

Whey protein has been shown through animal and in vitro studies to inhibit the growth of several types of cancer tumors. Dr. Thomas Badger, head of the Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center in Little Rock, found that feeding rats whey protein resulted in their developing 50% fewer tumors than rats fed casein. The rats fed whey protein also developed fewer tumors than rats fed soy protein and the tumors took longer to develop.

FloridaLady

http://articles.a1supplements.com/supplements/protein/what-is-whey-protein?/

FloridaLady

http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20050729/whey-may-curb-effect-carbs-on-blood-sugar

FloridaLady

http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?SEQ_NO_115=135052

FloridaLady

http://ezinearticles.com/?Benefits-of-Whey-Protein-For-Fighting-Fat,-Diabetes-And-More&id=945115

Husband11

Wow, that's great to read.  Esp the part about it inhibiting cancer.  My wife has been increasing her protein consumption during chemo by consuming whey protein several times a day.  Her neutrophils were too low last time and we were told that added protein might help.  The whey protein we bought (EAS brand) contains 23 grams of protein and only 2 grams of carbs per scoop.  A good way to get more protein without a lot of fat or extra carbs.  Watch the brand and label to see that it doesn't contain a lot of carb either inadvertently or as filler / weight gainer.  Also watch the cholesterol content.  Quality brands will have way less cholesterol than some of the others.  The whey isolates are superior to the concentrates in terms of purety, but cost more.

ibeejojo

I've been using a brand of Whey Powders by Biochem.  I love them.  They're organic, they use stevia for the sweetener and better yet they have a "Greens and Whey" that's loaded with all the good stuff we need.  They also have a Hemp and Whey and Berries and Whey.  Or just plain old flavored Whey.  It's about 100 calories for two heaping scoops.  I like to throw in a chocolate and a vanilla....or a vanilla greens with a berry one.  You can also kick them up with your favorites.  They're really the best brand I've tried...........enjoy!         

Jo