Announcement

Class in Ayurvedic Medicine

at Bastyr University
14500 Juanita Dr. NE
Kenmore, WA 98028

The class will cover the basic principles of Ayurvedic Medicine, the benefits of Ayurveda, and how to incorporate this ancient Indian healing system into your life. Classes in Ayurvedic Medicine, nutrition, herbology and cooking will be offered in following semesters.

If you are interested in attending, please call 425-453-8022 for details.

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AYURVEDA AND THE PREVENTION OF CANCER
By Dr. Virender Sodhi, M.D. (Ayurved), N.D.

Balance is a central tenet of Ayurvedic philosophy. According to this ancient system of Indian medicine, to maintain balance is to live in a state of perfect health. Such a concept may seem impossible, however, against the modern tapestry of urban pollution, potentially toxic food sources, chronic stress and diseases like AIDS, heart disease and cancer. Thus the forces arrayed against us are formidable.

Fortunately, we have elaborate and very powerful metabolic systems in place to help us maintain balance. Our endocrine and immune systems’ function is to help the body adjust to changes that threaten its integrity, threats such as cold, hunger, injuries, infection, real or imagined danger and toxicity.

Given the means at our disposal, we can overcome almost unimaginable difficulties. Our bones can repair when broken, fatigue is remedied through rest, the immune system, through constant surveillance, is able to identify harmful invaders (i.e. bacteria, viruses and molds) and destroy them, thus eliminating the threat. Even when normal cells go bad, our immune system can detect the difference and eliminate the errant or damaged cells.

Life Out Of Balance

In 1850, about 1 out of every 150 deaths in the U.S. was due to cancer. Of all Americans alive today, it is estimated that at least 1 in 4 will develop cancer during his or her lifetime, and of these, about half will die of cancer. Despite modern advances in the early detection and treatment of most cancers, overall survival rates have not significantly changed for the last 20 years – this in spite of billions of dollars spent on research. In fact, cancer deaths have increased from 340,000 in 1971 to 526,000 in 1993. The question that needs to be asked is, why?

Recognized causes of oxidative damage leading to cancer are dietary imbalances (excesses of certain substances and deficiencies of needed nutrients), chronic infections leading to chronic inflammation, and environmental factors, which include smoking. We can, however, play an active role in mitigating these potentially harmful influences.

Cancer is Preventable

Cancer is generally regarded as an age-related disease. Statistics have shown that cancer is 30 times more frequent above the age of 55 than below 35; and cancer mortality is 100 times greater above age 55. Despite these compelling figures, it is perhaps more accurate to say that cancer is damage-related.

Aging appears to be in good part due to the action of oxidants produced as by-products of normal metabolism. Diseases such as cancer, heart disease, cataracts and brain and immune dysfunction are increasingly found to be, in large measure, oxidative in origin. It is through the process of oxidation that the energy in foods is released and made available for our use. The oxidants generated during that process can, if left unchecked, spread damage to virtually every cellular structure and process, including DNA, our genetic material. When this occurs, and is not repaired, cellular metabolism is impaired, potentially giving rise to genetic mutations which may become cancerous. As we age, the cumulative effect of unrepaired cellular damage increases the likelihood of developing some type of cancer. This explains why cancer may typically be seen as a disease associated with increased age; however, as explained above, cancer is by no means directly related to aging. Rather, it is, at least to a large degree, an outcome of progressive cellular damage and dysfunctioning repair mechanisms.

According to Ayurveda, cancer arises in the body when one acts against nature, or against the natural healthful balance of the body. This concept is called Pratyahara. Ayurveda teaches that one must follow the rules of Swasth Vrita, which means, literally, "healthy circle." This includes heeding daily and seasonal routines which take into account a person’s body type and the time of day and year. In general, Ayurveda seeks to balance the mental, physical and emotional aspects of being human, paving the way to perfect health.

Ayurvedic anti-oxidants like Amla, Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Bacopa monnieri, Gingko biloba – in fact, most herbs – are loaded with beneficial anti-oxidants which act as vigilant arsenal to protect our bodies from oxidative damage. Other anti-oxidants include Vitamins C and E, selenium, CoQ10 and carotenoids. The main source of dietary anti-oxidants, however, is fruits and vegetables, which contain more than 600 different types of carotenes, several thousand different bioflavonoids and a veritable host of other beneficial anti-oxidant nutrients. It is recommended that we eat five portions of fruits and vegetables daily, yet only 9% of Americans meet those recommendations. Studies show that the incidence of most types of cancer is nearly double among people who eat the least amount of fruits and vegetables, as compared with those who eat the most.

Food As Medicine

In the Ayurvedic tradition, food, herbs and spices are our sustenance and our pharmacy. What we eat plays an integral role in the balancing act that, according to Ayurveda, is the key to health. The basic diet is essentially made up of natural foods free of chemicals and pesticides. (A recent Consumer Report showed evidence of high levels of pesticide residues in our foods, toxins often linked to illness and disease.) According to Ayurveda, our source of nourishment must have a strong life force in order for us to maintain optimal health. Our food should be harvested when ripe and consumed while still fresh, so it can provide us with its full range of benefits. Eating locally grown, seasonal produce offers maximum nourishment, and brings us into harmony with our natural environment. Growing our food with natural agricultural methods, or purchasing food grown without herbicides, pesticides, insecticides or chemical fertilizers is also essential. As stated earlier, fruits and vegetables contain an abundance of anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals and other valuable nutrients.

Eating a Balanced Diet, the Ayurvedic Way

According to Ayurveda, strong digestion is fundamental to good health, ensuring the absorption of needed nutrients and preventing the build-up of toxins in the body. Leafy greens, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans and legumes, along with limited amounts of animal products, are all part of a well-rounded diet.

The same fundamental principles of nutrition are applicable to everyone. These include eating four to five vegetables and fruits daily, especially green and yellow vegetables and citrus fruits. I also advocate consuming six or more servings of whole grains and legumes, as well as fewer servings of high quality animal products such as meat, poultry, fish and dairy. A high fat diet has been associated with disease. It has been suggested that this could be due, in part, to the fat solubility of toxins, which increases the likelihood of ingesting high amounts of toxins by eating a high fat diet. Since toxins may be especially prevalent in animal fats, I recommend, for those who choose to eat animal foods, eating high quality, organic meats and dairy. Processed foods often have a high fat content and/or contain chemically altered fats such as partially hydrogenated oils, which are very unhealthy. Healthy fats include fish oils (be sure they are fresh, and contain no heavy metals or pollutants), ghee or butter, olive oil and high quality nut, seed and vegetable oils. As a general rule, fat content should comprise no more than 20-30% of the day’s caloric intake.

A diet high in fiber has been shown to exhibit protective actions against some types of cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease. Four kinds of fibers — cellulose, hemicellulose, pectins and lignins — are obtained from different sources of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds. Fermented milk products such as yogurt have been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth.

Excessive consumption of sugar and carbohydrates, as well as processed, preserved and devitalized foods, dramatically compromises the immune system, a critical player in maintaining health and guarding against cancer. Sugar blocks the absorption of vitamin C, which is needed for proper immune system function. A healthy diet is low in sugar, and is composed primarily of nutrient-rich foods high in vitamins and minerals.

I recommend supplementing the diet with Vitamin E (400 IU or more daily), Selenium (200 mcg daily) and Vitamin C (up to 2,000 mg daily). CoQ10 and fish or flax oils are also important. One highly revered Ayurvedic preparation containing the amla fruit, alongwith nearly 40 select herbs, spices and other ingredients, has shown itself to be a powerful anti-oxidant and rejuvenative. The amla fruit is the world’s richest food source of Vitamin C, and contains a wealth of bioflavonoids.

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, is a powerful adaptogen, helping the body to cope with stress and maintain its natural equilibrium. Ashwagandha, like amla, is loaded with bioflavonoids. Turmeric, or Curcuma longae, is another Ayurvedic anti-oxidant with strong anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties. It can be easily incorporated into the daily diet by adding it as a spice to many foods.

A strong immune system is important for overall health. Cancerous cells arise in the body daily. The immune system’s role is one of surveillance and discrimination – first detecting foreign elements or abnormal cell growth, then making sure these elements are not allowed to gain a foothold and grow in the body.

Diet, herbs and exercise all play a role in maintaining healthy immune system function. As stated earlier, a diet low in sugar, supplemented with certain herbs and vitamins, makes for an optimally functioning defense against disease. Some of these herbs include Amla, Ashwagandha, Neem, Triphla and Turmeric. Stress can profoundly weaken the immune system; therefore, activities such as meditation, yoga and other exercises – all of which help alleviate stress — are highly recommended.

Excessive body weight has been linked to many diseases, including cancer. Studies have shown that obesity is associated with increased mortality from diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Ayurvedic physicians counsel patients in eating a diet that is appropriate for his/her body type. Such a diet will help to normalize body weight, at the same time establishing healthy life-long eating habits. It has been shown that people having a normal, healthy weight that does not fluctuate have less cancer than those whose weight swings up and down throughout adulthood.

Ayurveda has long noted that exercise supports and promotes good health. Researchers in the last several years, even in Western countries, have noted that physical exercise increases the ability of the immune system’s natural killer cells to fight and kill emerging cancer cells. Performing yoga postures, as well as breathing exercises (Pranayama) are excellent ways to reduce the potentially harmful impact of daily stress. Morning breathing exercises prepare the individual to deal with the rest of the day in a peaceful manner. Exercise programs can be beneficial for patients with cancer.

Liver Toxicity

Liver cleansing is an important part of maintaining health and an optimally functioning immune system. The liver is our body’s main detoxifying organ, mitigating the potential harm from toxins produced naturally within our bodies as well as those encountered in the environment. If we are exposed to a toxic chemical, and our liver is unable to excrete it, then the chemical may cause damage in the body.

Ayurveda prescribes several liver-tonifying herbs, including Andrographis paniculata, Picrorhiza kurroa and Eclipta alba. Additionally, an Ayurvedic cleansing treatment called Pancha Karma has been shown to have powerful detoxification effects.

Conclusion

It appears there is much to fear in our modern world, and that we exert too little influence over too many aspects of our harried lives. Ayurveda’s principles of health, and its preventative measures for dealing with cancer as well as myriad other life-threatening illnesses, teach us that we can play an active and critical role in preserving and enhancing our own well-being.

For a free Dosha questionaire please send an SASE to The Ayurvedic & Naturopathic medical clinic.

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BOOK REPORT

Healing Back Pain Naturally: The Mind-Body Program Proven to Work
By Art Brownstein, M.D. with a foreword by Joan Borysenko, Ph.D.

This book was written by a man who suffered from back pain himself for 20 years. He was determined to find a natural way to heal his back, one which drew on ancient Eastern mind/body systems of medicine, as well as incorporated exercise and yoga. The book is written in a format that is easy to read by the general audience but is professional and scientific in its data. His holistic approach integrates psychological and lifestyle habits that play a causal role in back pain.

Back problems in this country are now the leading cause of disability for people under the age of 45, with nearly $100 billion dollars spent annually on this problem. Many back problems occur on the job and lead to litigation. Where can patients find a real solution to their chronic back pain, without getting mired in legal difficulties, or undertaking expensive and ineffective means of treatment?

This is one of the questions Dr. Brownstein explores in his book, "Healing Back Pain Naturally : The Mind-Body Program Proven to Work." His Back to Life Program outlines principles of healing that combine the best of modern science with ancient mind-body healing techniques.

The book is full of beautiful illustrations depicting the structure of the spine and muscles, as well as backstretches and exercises. But Dr. Brownstein goes beyond the physical descriptions and addresses the connections between the mind and body. He reminds us that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts -- such a philosophy will bring true healing.

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RESEARCH
Recent Findings

Br J Cancer 1997;76(10):1279-1283

Dietary chemoprevention of clastogenic effects of 3,4-benzo(a)pyrene by Emblica officinalis Gaertn. fruit extract.

Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Calcutta, India.

J Ethnopharmacol 1998 Oct;62(3):209-14

Suppressive effect of cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity by Withania somnifera extract in mice.

Indian J Exp BIol 1996 Oct;34(10):927-32

Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha): potential plant source of a promising drug for cancer chemotherapy and radiosensitization.

Department of Radiobiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India.

Indian J Exp Biol 1996 Sep;34(9):854-6

Use of Withania somnifera Dunal as an adjuvant during radiation therapy.

J Ethnopharmacol 1996 Feb;50(2):69-76

Studies on the immunomodulatory effects of Ashwagandha.

Int J Biochem Cell Biol 1998 Apr;30(4):445-56

Mechanisms of anticarcinogenic properties of curcumin: the effect of curcumin on glutathione linked detoxification enzymes in rat liver.

Nutr Cancer 1998;30(2):163-6

Retardation of experimental tumorigenesis and reduction in DNA adducts by turmeric and curcumin.

Turmeric and its active principle curcumin have been extensively investigated for their antimutagenic and antioxidant effects in bacterial and animal systems. Turmeric and/or curcumin was administered in the diet and/or applied locally for 14 weeks. After the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and oral pouches were examined for tumor number and size. The histopaathologgical examinations suggested that the neoplastic grading was least in the animals fed or painted with curcumin. The current study demonstrates that turmeric or curcumin administered in the diet or applied as paint may have a plausible chemopreventive effect on oral precancerous lesions.

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DR. SODHI'S UPCOMING LECTURES

INSURANCE NEWS

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