Early Stage Natural Girls!

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  • Mini1
    Mini1 Member Posts: 1,836
    edited August 2012

    Well if it works for you that's great. I am always amazed at the differences in treatment doctors make. If you feel good doing it and the docs don't mind, who am I to suggest otherwise. Happy jogging. :-)

  • dogsandjogs
    dogsandjogs Member Posts: 1,907
    edited August 2012

    Thanks Mini for understanding. I'm a former marathon runner and am so addicted to running (well, not running any more, just jogging) Thanks for not telling me I'm crazy----

  • kira1234
    kira1234 Member Posts: 3,091
    edited August 2012

    dogsandjogs, I understand where you are coming from. My brother is a marathon runner who had a very major heart attact 10 years ago now. At the time he was told he would never be able to run again, and guess what he has been running for 8 years now. He had to jog to start with, but he never gave up. Plus I might add his Dr's are now 100% behind him in what he is doing!

  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited August 2012
    "My internist told me that jogging will make the bones stronger - he is in favor of my jogging."

    Hey , if you've checked out, more power to you dogsandjogs!
  • Mini1
    Mini1 Member Posts: 1,836
    edited August 2012

    Dogsandjogs - I just quit taking my AI. Far be it for me to call anyone crazy. :-) You know your body. Besides, I think there is something to be said for mental health and fighting this stupid disease. Strong mind, stronger body!

  • dunesleeper
    dunesleeper Member Posts: 2,060
    edited August 2012

    Mini, I know exactly what you are talking about. My doctors think I am crazy or stupid, and unfortunately a lot of ladies on bco think so too. I changed my diet, added lots of supplements, and said no to chemo, rads, and AIs. It is too early to know whether or not my protocol will keep the cancer away, but this is the decision that felt right to me. Check out those books Diane suggested. The first one I read is the one she is reading now: "You Did What? Saying 'No' To Conventional Cancer Treatment." As an acupuncturist, I was not comfortable with conventional treatments. Still I didn't know what else to do. The docs had my path all marked out for me. Fortunately, I had that recovery time after surgery, when I picked up the book. It is all I needed to have the courage to choose alternative treatment. I found a naturopath, who prescribed most of the supplements I list.

    Supplement Strength Number Purpose

    Krill Oil 1000  2 Essential Fatty Acids & Vitamin D help with depression and the cancer
    5-HTP 100 mg 1 X 2 amino acid & immediate precursor to serotonin help with the depression
    N-Acetyl-:-Cysteine 500 mg 1 X 2 antioxidant amino acid & precursor to glutathione detoxification, intracellular defense against oxidative stress
    Ubiquinol 100 mg 1 Enhanced Bioactivity CoQ10 cellular energy, heart health, antioxidant, bp, immune system, nervous system
    Vitamin D3 2000 IU 2 X 2 Natural Cancer Fighter
    Grape Seed Complex 1 X 2 Antioxidant Support
    Spirulina 500 mg 6 Superfood
    IP6 Gold IP6 & Inositol 2 X 2 Immune Support boosts natural killer cell activity, maintains dna integrity
    Chrysin 500 mg 1 inhibits aromatase prevents conversion of testosterone to estrogen
    Complete Probiotics 2 70 million CFU, 10 strains
    DIM 300 mg 2 X 2 estrogen metabolizer & blocker hormonal balance
    Methyl B12 5000 mcg 1 protects brain cells & nerve tissue
    Iodoral 12.5 mg 1 Iodine Supplement helps thyroid function
    B6 50 mg 1 X 2
    Chlorella 250 mg lots superfood and heavy metal detoxifier
    Melatonin 3 mg 1 X 2 sleep & anti-cancer
    Curcumin + black pepper 500 mg 1 antioxidant
    Magna-Calm 420 mg 1 scoop magnesium citrate -- calming
    Modified Citrus Pectin Powder 5 g 1 scoop X 3  Proponents claim that modified citrus pectin slows or stops the growth of melanoma Some also claim that a compound found in MCP strengthens the cancer cell-killing ability of T-cells and metastatic prostate cancer.
    Colloidal Silver 500 ppm 1/2 tsp kills over 650 disease-causing bacteria, viruses, tissue regeneration
    fungi, parasites, and molds
    Vitamin C 1000 mg 2 X 3 boost immune function

    Smoothie
    Coconut Milk
    Almond Milk
    Green Naked Juice
    Greens First 1 scoop antioxidant power of 15+ servings fruits & veggies
    Brewer's Yeast 1 Tbsp. B-complex vitamins, chromium and protein blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, energy levels, skin conditions, large intestine
    Beyond Essential Fats 1 tsp balance omega 3 and omega 6 fats
    Immucare I 1 tsp builds & supports immune defense
    Immucare II 1 tsp restores & regenerates deep immune response
    Botanical Treasures 1 tsp reduces oxidative & inflammatory stress and normalizes cell behavior
    Beyond Whey 1 scoop strengthens immune function, supports digestive
    health, promotes anabolic metabolism
     

    In addition to this I drink a pot of green tea each day. I eat no candy or cake -- sugary products. My diet is not mostly vegetarian with occasional organic meat or fish. I've only had 2 eggs since February. This is a complete reversal of my normal diet. I still struggle with exercise, but I think I am back on track with that.

  • dogsandjogs
    dogsandjogs Member Posts: 1,907
    edited August 2012

    Thanks guys!  That is awesome about your brother Kira---what determination---

  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited August 2012

    dunesleeper

    That is a LOT of suppleemtns . May I ask you ..

    how are you feeling?

    ~Best Wishes

  • graced
    graced Member Posts: 104
    edited August 2012

    DuneSleeper, thank you so much for taking the time to write out your supplement list.  My list is growing as I continue to research and I will also meet with the Mederi clinic to review and see what else needs to be added. 

    Ruby, is that green tea organic?  I had read in one of the BC books that was recommending green tea, that the non-organic had traces of DDT thus it was important to get organic.  I am taking a supp b/c I can't drink that much tea in one day, esp green tea!  But my supp doesn't have SGS so I will check that out. 

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2012

    Hi Graced, I don't know if I trust the organic labels that much, but here's some info about this particular brand if you're interested: 

    For more information please call us toll-free at 1-866-747-0001

    Brassica® Teas with SGS extract are produced under US patents 5,725,895, 5,968,505, 5,968,567 6,177,122 and 6,242,018 and are exclusively licensed from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 

    http://www.brassicatea.com/buy/wholesale

    “The cell’s intracellular cytoplasmic sea is an ocean of symphonic motion awash with incomprehensible complexity.” Howes, M.D., Ph.D

  • Mini1
    Mini1 Member Posts: 1,836
    edited August 2012

    Dunesleepr - I had surgery and radiation, and wish I hadn't had the radiation now, but what is done is done. I will be trying to "undue" what damage that I can. I have gotten some of the books today and several on cancer diets that were recommended on this thread. I see a naturopath Friday and my onco doc next week to tell him that I'm not doing the meds. Not looking forward to that conversation.

    I want the doctor to understand that I am not in denial and that I don't think there is never a need for meds and I do want to be monitored. I just don't want meds to be my first line of treatment since mine is in the early stages. I don't want to open myself up to further damage to my body unnecessarily. If the time comes that I do have to do something, I will consider those options, but not right now. I have only told a couple of people that I'm not doing it (except on here) because so many people try to make you feel like you have a death wish for making that choice. Although even on BCO I get that. I just don't want to take dangerous meds so I "feel" like I'm doing something. 

  • dunesleeper
    dunesleeper Member Posts: 2,060
    edited August 2012

    Mini, I can so dig it dig it dig it dig it. Sorry. That song was on PBS the other day. I didn't like it when my breast surgeon did not want to schedule a follow up appt with me because of my choices, but then again, she's a surgeon. She said I could contact her if I have a problem. I guess the oncologist will see me. I have another appt scheduled with her, even though I'm not doing what she wants.

    Graced, I pretty much only drink organic green tea. Limits the flavors I can have but I feel more confident about them.

    Purple, how do I feel? Hmmm. I'm OK. I have problems with depression and have had to scooch my treatment for that aside. I initially consulted the naturopath about the depression and only a couple months later found the cancer. When I went back to work after surgery I became excessively anxious, so I ended up retiring. So money is tight. I don't have as much coming in as is going out. Still, I feel far less stressed than when I was working. I can focus on exercise, eating right (it takes a lot of time to cut up all those veggies), getting my house straightened and then maybe even cleaned. Wowser! What a concept! For many years now my sole focus has been on getting through another week of work, so lots of stuff did not get taken care of. Now I can do that. I had a setback when I broke my finger, but I'm feeling better now. I have to get back outside and finish mowing the lawn. I get a nice feeling of accomplishment when I do my chores. I never felt that from work. I start school the end of the month: computer repair. Hopefully I will be able to get a job after that. So, I feel lots better even though I am not taking the supplements for my depression. I have my moments, but I'm good. The supplements are expensive, but I feel they are worth it. Sometimes I switch off and on with them, like don't take one of them one week then switch and don't take another one the next week. However, initially, I was very faithful to the regimen. The smoothie is pretty gross. I call it my "ick." However, I am very confident in its healing properties. Also, it makes me feel less hungry throughout the day. It also seems to keep me nice and regular, so I know no gunk is building up inside me. I have lost 30 pounds and am very happy with that. I was 200 pounds. I hope to lose another 30, but mostly I concentrate on eating right, avoiding exposure to chemicals (scented candles, air freshener, cleaning products, fabric softener, bug spray, and many soaps), and exercising (the most challenging part for me). I know my list seems excessive but when I try to figure out what to cut out, there is nothing I want to cut out.

  • graced
    graced Member Posts: 104
    edited August 2012

    Ruby thanks for the link.  On their FAQ they do state that their tea is grown without pesticides so that is important even if they have not gone through the official certification process.  Thanks :-)

  • Mini1
    Mini1 Member Posts: 1,836
    edited August 2012

    OK, Natural Girls help me out. I will ask my onco doc next week, but I wondering now, so...

    My BC was DX'd as 90%-100% estrogen positive and 10-15% progesterone positive. I was taking HRT at the time of my DX, (for appx. 2 years). 90-100% is high, but before the HRT my estrogen was literally almost non-existant, so I'm assuming that now that I quit taking it in March, it will go back to practically non-existant again (or will soon depending on how long it stays in your system). I know that the onco doc is going to use that 90-100% positive to try to get me on Tamox. Will no longer taking HRT effect that high positive prognosis or would my scores have been the same whether or not I was using the HRT? Anyone know or had a similar experience?

  • dunesleeper
    dunesleeper Member Posts: 2,060
    edited August 2012

    Mini, I don't know about that. Hopefully someone else will. Maybe Sassy or Essa.

  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited August 2012
    " I have my moments, but I'm good. "

    Can't ask for more than that dune!
  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited August 2012
    Here we go again with the %!  Somebody pls help me with this !
    I do not want to veer off Mini, topic but I cannot find my ER PR PERCENTS.  Its not in my surgery path and today I had my initial biopsy report faxed to me and no mention of the ER PR at all there , let alone %. WHERE precisely are you ladies gtetting this info ?

    Many thanks!
    Good luck mini
  • Mini1
    Mini1 Member Posts: 1,836
    edited August 2012
    Purple - Mine was on a page labeled Pathology Addendum Report that I got from my surgeon. When I first got my report, I got just one page which I couldn't find. Today when I went to get a copy of it, it was 4 pages and included this report. I had called the nurse last week and asked her about the numbers and she didn't have a clue about what I was asking for. Today I was reading the report I picked up and it was in there. You may want to call the Doc and see if you got your complete report. Maybe that portion is not back from the lab or they don't automatically send the whole thing???
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2012

    Graced, you're very welcome, that looks like a good brand but I don't know if it's available in stores. Let me know if you find it.  Re: bio, of course now i don't go out of my way to buy anything from Japan....  I only trust products from my health food store; I think that the bio labels promoted by major grocery stores is a big bogus scam and it irks me that they would recuperate and tarnish and render untrustworthy real, authentic biological products. Not to mention all the "bio natural' extracts found in shampoos, face creams, hair dyes ?? at pharmacy chains Yell

    Mini, I would think that taking HRT would definitely raise your score.  I was taking natural HRT in the form of genistein (I'm sure it fueled my cancer), my tumour had high ER scores (95%).  I believe that staying away as far as possible from estrogens in food, environment, etc. etc., controlling our stress (adrenals produce estrogen big time), keeping a fit belly (belly fat produces estrogen) and consuming nutrients that will promote estrogen metabolism will go a long way in dropping the scores to a normal level for your age. Our bodies have an innate wisdom and according to your own metabolism knows exactly how to keep it in optimal working order.  The problems come when we interfere with nature.  

    You asked 'would my scores have been the same whether or not I was using the HRT?'  I don't believe so, but maybe someone more learned knows better. It has been proven that HRT causes BC.  Our bodies control estrogen downwards when we hit a certain age and go naturally into premenopause.  If I didn't get this right, please someone correct me

    Jasus, Purple, I hope you find your answer soon.  How can your onco treat you without knowing all the specs.... 

  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited August 2012

    , Purple, I hope you find your answer soon.  How can your onco treat you without knowing all the specs....

    The MO initially acted like : " We dont quantify it  .  ER PR positive is positive'"  She kind of made me feel like it was  the old saying that you can't be a little bit pregnant.  Pregnant is pregnant.  Still, I have to believe that info is SOMEWHERE!

  • Mini1
    Mini1 Member Posts: 1,836
    edited August 2012

    Ruby - Thanks for the input. I was using bio-identical cream. I was just telling my husband that I think my body just had the perfect storm. Yes I was taking HRT, but I was also recovering from a lot of gastric issues (which had caused me to be seriously malnourished), found out I was gluten-intolerent, had a misdiagnosed stomach infection for almost 2 years, was under tremendous stress from work, etc. I think I would have probably still got it, but not for another 10 years or so (as my mom did). 

    I just wonder if now that I'm not on HRT, don't have intestinal issues, have gained weight (I was down to 89lbs), eat enough fruit and vegetables for two people, eat hormone free, organic, etc., that the impact of that 90-100% will lessen and allow me fight BC w/o the drugs they want me to take.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2012

    Purple, I'm not 100% sure, I think I remember reading something about its relevance, I'll try to find it.  Here's what BCO says:

    "If your result is reported as just the word "positive" or "negative," ask your doctor for a more definite percentage, rating, or other number. You also can ask about how these more precise results might influence treatment decisions for your particular situation."

    A big vague, but seems to imply that score influences treatment

    Another bit:

    'In the conventional scoring system described by Mc Carthy and also adopted by us, slides were scored negative, weak positive, intermediate positive and strong positive. Current literature however suggests that scoring of ER into weak, intermediate and strong positive is at times misleading. This is based on experience that if pre analytical factors are controlled, ER is either un- equivocally positive or negative."

    http://www.jpma.org.pk/full_article_text.php?article_id=2042

    Appears to be different schools of thought.... different labs.  Will look for more.  I don't know why my BS sent my slides to three different institutions for HER results.  I can only be grateful he was so thorough.

    What matters is the fact that you want to know your ER & PR scores, right ? 

    ____

    Mini, I'm sorry you had all those nasty problems and really glad to hear that you are gaining weight.  Hugs little sister.  Hmmm, would your name Mini have anything to do with this ...

    I can't answer your question, only you know what is best for you.  Speaking for myself, I did Tamox for two years, gave it my best shot.  I'm now on DIM, am getting the same, if not worse damned SEs, but at least I've eliminated endometrial and secondary BC from my nightmares.  All I know is that many sisters here on BCO have opted to take alternatives to Tamox and AIs.

    It has been recommended to me that I see a naturopath to monitor my hormone levels, maybe that would help you out as well Wink  It's a urine test which conventional doctors don't do 

  • Mini1
    Mini1 Member Posts: 1,836
    edited August 2012

    Ruby - That would be the origin of my moniker. A nickname from a friend. :-) I'm going to a naturopath Friday. It's the blood clots and the other cancers I'm trying to avoid. If I didn't have osteoporosis, I'd stay on Aromasin. The SE's are tolerable, but that's not an option because of my bones. I would like to at least try the DIM. Have you shown any difference in youur bloodwork (if you don't mind my asking) since changing.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2012

    Mini, cute moniker Wink  Have you seen the new thread NatKat started re Estrogen ? Lots of good info so far.  My DIM combo contains : calciumD glucarate, I3C, green tea extract, turmeric, rosemary and sulphoraphane.  I want to add even more supps than I'm already taking - one pill doesn't fit all. Re blood work: the one that my onco does is 'perfect' : his words.  Need to get my GP to do the other stuff, re cholesterol, etc. which onco doesn't do.  Last one approx 8 months ago was all within normal range.  Everything looks good on paper Innocent  I told my onco I was quitting Tamox, he expects me to jump on the AI wagon, but I'm not.  Don't know if I'll be white lying to him, still have to ponder this.  A nurse I know recommended I tell him, of course, why wouldn't she....Let us know how it goes on Friday !

  • Mini1
    Mini1 Member Posts: 1,836
    edited August 2012

    Ruby - I'll keep you posted. Thankfully, I tend to run on the low side of things, BP, temps, cholesterol, etc., so even if I went up a little bit, it shouldn't throw me over in any area. I think my highest cholesteral ever was 150 and that was on HRT. It tends to stay in the 130's, but did hit 110 once. The doc told me it was too low (apparently that's bad for your heart). At the time I was not eating wel and when I told him what I was eating (lots of red meat, gravy, eggs, ice cream, etc.) he had nary a suggestion to lower it. lol it's a family thing. We all run that way. :-)

    My reg do is very good and leans to the holistic, so I know she'll monitor me well. I just wish she was an oncologist! I love her. If she leaves the practice I will have to find her. I already make 70 mile round trip to see her when there are many docs within 3-5 miles of my house.

    Oh, and no I hadn't seen that page but will look for it this afternoon. Thanks! :-)

  • BTJ
    BTJ Member Posts: 17
    edited August 2012

    Hello Ladies!

    I am not sure if I am in the right place or not but I'll give it a go.  dx Nov 2010 of dcis...lumpectomy with no clear margins...found invasive small tumor...mx on right side with immediate reconstruction (nipple/skin sparing) and a lift on my left side.   Estrogen Receptor+, progesterone receptor -.  Her2-.  Sentinel node biopsy done AFTER my lumpectomy was clear.

    I began the standard course of Arimedex but side effects were horrible.  Changed to letrozole, ok for a while but side effects too severe. Tamoxifen out because of history of blood clots.  With my oncologist I made the decision to stop taking estrogen suppressing drugs, continue Reiki sessions to heal my body and to continue my path toward holistic health. 

    I am having a really terrible time with vaginal dryness and wondering if progesterone cream or a bioidentical hormore cream would help OR if any of you have any other recommendations.  Things I have used to date without significant improvement are Replens, olive oil, vitamin E oil and various organic massage oils.  I am 60 years young and not ready to give up on intercourse  (funny...haven't used that word in a while).  We are very creative and my husband is wonderful, but I miss that yummy feeling.  My face is turning warm as I blush while writing this.  Thanks for any wisdom!

  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited August 2012

    Hi - I know I don't fit the criteria for your group, but this never leaves my mind.  I was Stage IIIa, had mastectomy, chemo, rads - just finishing after almost a year.  HOWEVER, that is not why I write.  I write because in the 5 yrs prior to BC diagnosis, I was in a medically supervised weight loss program.  I lost 80 pounds HOWEVER in doing so I drank over 10,000 protein shakes and ate tons of protein bars which had soy protein isolate in them - totally estrogenic in the worst way. 

    I contacted an expert in soy at a respected university.  He wouldn't even write me - made me call him.  He said he gets threats by these big soy companies.  He didn't know if I was a spy.  HONEST!  Anyway, he said he couldn't say if soy caused my BC, but it contributed to its size and growth (6 cm).  

    The first words out of my breast surgeon's mouth at Univ of Michigan (and she did not know my history) was, "From this day forward do not eat or drink any soy protein isolate."   My heart sank as I knew what I had ingested over the last 5 years.    Plus, I was perimenopausal - prime candidate!

    Keep up your good work!  Just wanted to share my soy experiences with you!   Denise

  • dunesleeper
    dunesleeper Member Posts: 2,060
    edited August 2012

    Thank you Denise. Also, there is a high correlation between high protein consumption, well actually moderate protein consumption in US terms, and various cancers. I believe it is related to the pancreas. This information comes from "The China Study."

    Following is a link to an article about soap leading to muscle weakness and hormone regulation.

    http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/soap-ingredient-triclosan-linked-muscle-weakness/story?id=16996695#.UCqDmpHk-Sp 

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2012

    Hi Denise, welcome and thanks for sharing, hope you stick around  !  I totally agree with you. Prior to DX, I was taking genistein for natural hormone replacement and am certain it fueled my cancer.  I don't touch soy with a 10-foot pole now and will only have bio fermented soy like miso for added taste, but only occasionally and very sparingly.  

    Soy is nasty: 90% of world production is GMO, soy products increase the risk of thyroid disease, I could go on for pages and pages !

    Daniel R. Doerge, Ph.D., a researcher at the Food and Drug Aministration's National Center for Toxicological Research. "...I see substantial risks from taking soy supplements or eating huge amounts of soyfoods for their putative disease preventive value. There is definitely potential for interaction with the thyroid."  

    (Anti-thyroid isoflavones from soybean: isolation, characterization, and mechanisms of action, Divi RL; Chang HC; Doerge DR, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA, Biochem Pharmacol, 1997 Nov, 54:10, 1087-96)

    "Genistein is an isoflavone with oestrogenic activity that is present in a variety of soy products as a constituent of complex mixtures of bioactive compounds, whose matrix profiles play an important role in determining the overall oestrogenic bioactivity of genistein. We review data on how the profile of soy bioactive compounds can modulate genistein-stimulated oestrogen-dependent tumour growth. Our research has focused on the effects of dietary genistein on the growth of oestrogen (E)-dependent mammary tumours both in vitro and in vivo. Genistein enhances the proliferation of E-dependent human breast cancer tumour growth. In a similar manner, dietary genistein stimulates tumour growth in the chemically-induced (NMU) mammary cancer rodent model. Genistin, the glycoside of genistein, simulates growth similar to that of genistein and withdrawal of either genistein or genistin results in tumour regression. The extent of soy processing modulates the effects of dietary genistein in vivo as soy protein isolate, a highly purified and widely used source of protein that is processed to contain low, medium, and high amounts of isoflavones, stimulate the growth of the E-dependent mammary tumours in a dose dependent manner. In contrast to the more purified diets, studies with soy flour of equivalent genistein levels did not stimulate the growth of E-dependent breast cancer tumours in vivo. However, the size of these tumours also did not regress as is observed in control groups in which oestrogen and genistein have been withdrawn. The expression of the oestrogen-target genes of pS2, progesterone receptor, and cyclin D1 correlates with the growth of E-dependent tumours and has been consistently observed to be induced in response to treatment with dietary genistein.

    To evaluate whether dietary genistein interacts with current anti-oestrogen breast cancer therapies such as tamoxifen (TAM), we implanted E-dependent tumours into ovariectomized athymic mice and administered oestradiol, oestradiol plus TAM, or oestradiol, TAM, and dietary genistein. In these studies dietary genistein was able to negate the inhibitory effect of TAM on E-stimulated tumour growth. In summary, genistein can act as an oestrogen agonist resulting in proliferation of E-dependent human breast cancer tumours in vivo and its activity can be modulated by the presence of other bioactive components in complex soy foods. Additionally, dietary genistein can negate the inhibitory effects of TAM on E-stimulated growth of MCF-7 cell tumours implanted into ovariectomized athymic mice

    Inflammopharmacology 2008,Oct,01;16(5):219-26; (PMID: 18815740)

    Another very nasty ingredient added to everything under the sun: soy derived lecithin

    "Soybean lecithin comes from sludge left after crude soy oil goes through a "degumming" process. It is a waste product containing solvents and pesticides and has a consistency ranging from a gummy fluid to a plastic solid. Before being bleached to a more appealing light yellow, the color of lecithin ranges from a dirty tan to reddish brown. The hexane extraction process commonly used in soybean oil manufacture today yields less lecithin than the older ethanol-benzol process, but produces a more marketable lecithin with better color, reduced odor and less bitter flavor.

    Historian William Shurtleff reports that the expansion of the soybean crushing and soy oil refining industries in Europe after 1908 led to a problem disposing the increasing amounts of fermenting, foul-smelling sludge. German companies then decided to vacuum dry the sludge, patent the process and sell it as "soybean lecithin." Scientists hired to find some use for the substance cooked up more than a thousand new uses by 1939.

    Today lecithin is ubiquitous in the processed food supply. It is most commonly used as an emulsifier to keep water and fats from separating in foods such as margarine, peanut butter, chocolate candies, ice cream, coffee creamers and infant formulas. Lecithin also helps prevent product spoilage, extending shelf life in the marketplace. In industry kitchens, it is used to improve mixing, speed crystallization, prevent "weeping," and stop spattering, lumping and sticking. Used in cosmetics, lecithin softens the skin and helps other ingredients penetrate the skin barrier. A more water-loving version known as "deoiled lecithin" reduces the time required to shut down and clean the extruders used in the manufacture of textured vegetable protein and other soy products.

    In theory, lecithin manufacture eliminates all soy proteins, making it hypoallergenic. In reality, minute amounts of soy protein always remain in lecithin as well as in soy oil. Three components of soy protein have been identified in soy lecithin, including the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor, which has a track record of triggering severe allergic reactions even in the most minuscule quantities. The presence of lecithin in so many food and cosmetic products poses a special danger for people with soy allergies."

    http://www.thedoctorwithin.com/soy/Magic-Bean/

    "Soy is linked to infertility, breast cancer, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, and many other disorders. "

    http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/

    Soy inhibits B12 absorption, protein digestion and increases the body's need for vitamin D. For more on soy toxicity see:

    http://www.litalee.com/documents/Soy Toxicity.pdf

    Studies Showing Adverse Effects of Isoflavones, 1950-2010

    http://www.westonaprice.org/soy-alert/studies-showing-adverse-effects-of-isoflavones

    Soy: The Poison Seed

    http://www.totalityofbeing.com/FramelessPages/Articles/SoyPoison.htm

    Soy's major effects on health:

    2.4 times increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease
    Cognitive impairment
    Brain shrinkage and premature deterioration
    Produces steroidal hormones
    Produces estrogen-like compounds
    Vascular dementia
    Decrease brain calcium-binding proteins
    Early puberty in girls and retarded physical maturation in boys
    Unnatural menstrual patterns in women
    Malnutrition, since soybeans act as potent enzyme inhibitors
    Reduced protein digestion
    Interference with tyrosine kinase-dependent mechanisms required for optimal hippocampal function, structure and plasticity
    Inhibit tyrosine kinase to impair memory formation
    Inhibits dopamine
    Movement difficulties characteristic of Parkinson's disease
    Depressed thyroid function
    Infants who receive soy formula are twice as likely to develop diabetes
    Birth defects
    Due to suppression of the thyroid, fluoride becomes much more toxic
    Inhibits zinc absorption

    I have no trouble believing that bullies from the industry (Monsanto and co.) are trying to silence researchers, shame on them Yell

    I shudder at the thought that genistein was added to the HRT formula I was ingesting.  Can't wait to see the day when huge class actions are undertaken  

  • Mini1
    Mini1 Member Posts: 1,836
    edited August 2012

    I was just reading yesterday that Japanese women have a very low rate of BC despite a very high consumption of soy. They believe that it is because they have eaten it their whole lives and increased consumption is gradual. Whereas, we in the US ususally discover it later in life and jump right in and eat copious amounts right off the start and often eat and/or take supplements in levels that are too high.They are still doing studies and recommending until they figure it out to avoid it, but many believe that some soy consumption in certain forms is ok. Another thing to add to the list of conflicting information/advice we receive.

    I also found it interesting that while the Japanese have a very low incidence of BC they have much higher rate of stomach cancer. Apparently there is something not as healthy as it seems in the oft touted Asian diets.

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