How To Enhance Tamoxifen to Increase its Effectiveness

by Eileen Schutte | Jun 10, 2021 | Breast Cancer, Nutrigenomics

Enhancing Tamoxifen Increases its Effectiveness

As a chemopreventive agent, tamoxifen has been shown in two studies to reduce breast cancer by as much as 50% for women at high risk for breast cancer. In addition, tamoxifen reduces the incidence of osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women.

Whereas tamoxifen can reduce your risk for breast cancer, especially if you are high risk, it does have negative side effects. Some of the side effects are due to low estrogen or estrogen being blocked at the cellular level. But you can enhance the effectiveness of tamoxifen and reduce some of the negative side effects with the right nutrition.

What is Tamoxifen, and How Does It Reduce Breast Cancer Risk?

In 1966, Tamoxifen was initially developed as an emergency birth control but was ineffective in controlling women's fertility. However, during research, it was discovered that tamoxifen inhibited the growth of ER-positive breast cancer cells.

Tamoxifen is a drug often used to treat women who have had estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer or are at high risk for breast cancer. It is usually prescribed as therapy for 5-10 years to prevent or reduce the risk of recurrence.

As a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), tamoxifen has the ability to be an “antiestrogen” in breast tissue. By being a SERM, Tamoxifen can reduce breast cancer risk while preserving estrogen's positive actions throughout the body.

Is Tamoxifen an Anti-estrogen Drug?

Tamoxifen is often referred to as an anti-estrogen drug or thought of as reducing estrogen production. In reality, it modulates or changes how the estrogen cell receptor receives the hormone estrogen.

Estrogen receptors are found throughout the body, including the breast and uterine tissue. As a hormone, estrogen has various types of action. For instance, estrogen decreases cholesterol levels (LDL), maintains bone density, regulates hormones, and controls the menstrual cycle.

Because Tamoxifen blocks the estrogen receptor, some of the side effects are related to low estrogen, like hot flashes. You can reduce some of these side effects by enhancing Tamoxifen's effectiveness with the right foods. In addition, these top 5 foods help promote healthy estrogen metabolism, reducing your risk for breast cancer.

Tamoxifen Helps Increase the Good Estrogen Receptor

In addition to reducing estrogen's effects on the target tissue, tamoxifen also promotes a healthy balance in the types of estrogen receptors. There are two types of estrogen receptors – alpha and beta.

Alpha estrogen receptors are often referred to as the “gas” and promote cell growth and proliferation. Increased expression of the alpha receptor is good, especially when pregnant, but not so much if we have a breast cancer tumor.

Beta estrogen receptors, on the other hand, are the “brakes” on cell growth. Tamoxifen helps balance these two types of cell receptors, thereby reducing the risk of tumor development and cancer.

Can Foods Enhance Tamoxifen Reducing Risk for Breast Cancer

Food contains chemical compounds, like sulforaphane, that enhance the way that Tamoxifen works. These compounds help improve Tamoxifen by reducing estrogen levels and safely detoxing estrogen from our bodies. Also, these compounds can help to balance our alpha and beta estrogen receptors.

Other compounds like epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG, found in green tea, actually increase the bioavailability or absorption of Tamoxifen. This helps to improve the effectiveness and metabolism of Tamoxifen.

What are The Top 5 Foods That Enhance Tamoxifen?

Flaxseed

Recent studies have shown that flaxseed and Tamoxifen reduced tumor size by more than 53%! Flaxseed contains lignans, a phytoestrogen that blocks the estrogen receptor, similar to what Tamoxifen does. It also helps create a healthy balance between the alpha and beta estrogen receptors, reducing breast cancer risk.

Flaxseeds are found in two types; brown and golden. Golden flaxseed grows in colder climates, with brown being grown in warmer, more humid climates. Brown flaxseed should be ground for better digestion and absorption. Make sure to buy fresh seeds, grind them at home, and keep them in the refrigerator. You can easily ground seeds in a small coffee grinder set aside for that purpose. The ground flaxseeds can be added to smoothies, yogurt, muffins, and other baked goods.

You can also consume flaxseed oil, but remember it is very volatile; in other words, it can go bad very quickly. Make sure to buy high-quality, fresh-pressed, and sold-in dark bottles. A brand that I like is Barleans Flax Oil with Lignans, as they stated the date of when it was pressed and have been known for their quality products. Make sure to store it in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Broccoli

Like all cruciferous vegetables, broccoli contains high amounts of sulforaphane. Research has shown that sulforaphane increases the sensitivity of Tamoxifen. Sulforaphane also promotes the healthy detoxification of estrogen!

One of the highest sources of sulforaphane can be found in broccoli sprouts. You can now easily find broccoli sprouts in your grocery store or sprout your own. Make sure to use organic broccoli sprouting seeds like this one.

A simple tip to get more sulforaphane from your cruciferous vegetables is to chop them up and let them rest for 30 to 60 min before cooking. During this time, your broccoli will form more sulforaphane!

Designs for Health Broccoli Sprout Capsules – BroccoProtect Seeds + Sprout Extract Supplement with Sulforaphane + Myrosinase Enzyme to Optimize Bioavailability (90 Capsules)

Green Tea

Green tea contains EGCG, a compound known to enhance Tamoxifen, and has many other cancer-fighting properties. It is one of my favorite foods that helps to reduce inflammation and upregulate the master gene known as Nrf2 – a known cancer-fighting gene.

Are green tea and matcha the same? Matcha is just the ground leaves of green tea; therefore, much more concentrated in EGCG, making it a more potent Tamoxifen enhancer. It is also higher in caffeine, so if you are sensitive to caffeine, limit matcha or go with green tea. You can drink matcha as a tea or use it in cooking like this Gluten Free Matcha Green Tea Banana Bread recipe.

It might be noted that some people will become more anxious with consuming green tea and matcha. Whereas there are moderate to low amounts of caffeine in green tea that may increase anxiety, this reaction may also be due to a reduced catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene. The COMT gene regulates dopamine and estrogen levels, and compounds in green tea can reduce the COMT gene's ability to degrade dopamine, leading to increased anxiety.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil contains a compound known as oleic acid, which has been found to reduce the expression of a particular breast cancer gene by 46%! In addition, it is high in antioxidants and protect against all cancers.

When choosing olive oil, make sure to choose an extra virgin, unrefined, and preferably organic. By being unrefined, the olive oil will retain the cancer-fighting compounds. Unrefined olive oil, however, will have a lower cooking temperature or what is called smoke point.

Garlic & Onions

Garlic and onions are in the same family known as alliums and contain many different anti-cancer-fighting compounds. In addition to enhancing tamoxifen, these compounds help to promote the healthy detoxification of estrogen.

A recent study in Porto Rico showed that consuming a diet high in onions and garlic, including one of their favorite sauces, sofrito may be protective against breast cancer.

Can These Super Foods Take the Place of Tamoxifen?

The simple answer is no! The information in this blog is not intended to take the place of your doctor's prescription and advice. Instead, it is information on nutrition and lifestyle factors that greatly enhance the chemo-preventive qualities of Tamoxifen. And to reduce some of the side effects of this drug.

Want to Learn More About How Can Reduce Your Risk for Breast Cancer?

Are you struggling to try to figure out just how you can prevent breast cancer or recurrence? Are you confused with all of the nutrition advice out there? It might be time to look at Nutrigenomics, which provides a truly personalized approach to reducing your risk for breast cancer.

Nutrigenomics is the science of how you can address your genes through nutrition and lifestyle changes reducing your risk for breast cancer. Clinical research shows that there are genomic variances that go beyond the BRCA gene that you can help support through nutrition.

Learn More About My Nutrigenomics Programs

References:

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators and Phytoestrogens, Oseni, et al, Planta Med. 2008 October
Natural Products for the Management and Prevention of Breast Cancer, Mitra, et al, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018
The Effect of Flaxseed in Breast Cancer: A Literature Review, Calado, et al, Frontiers in Nutrition, Review 2018
Nutrition Influences on Estrogen Metabolism, Douglas C. Hall, MD, 2001
BRCA Mutations: Cancer Risk & Genetics Testing
How Common is Breast Cancer?
Combined effect of CYP1B1, COMT, GSTP1, and MnSOD genotypes and risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, Cerne, et al Journal of Gynecologic Oncology, 2011
Molecular Targets for Bioactive Food Components, J. A. Milner, Nutritional Sciences Research Group, American Society for Nutritional Sciences, 2004
Nutrigenomics and Breast Cancer; State-of-Art, Future Perspectives and Insights for Prevention, Sellami, et al Nutrients 2020
Cancer Chemoprevention by Dietary Polyphenols: Promising Role for Epigenetics, Link, et al, Biochem Pharmacol, 2010
Additive and synergistic effect of phytochemicals in prevention of oral cancer, Chandra, et al, European Jounral of General Destistry Vol 1, Issue 3, 2012

Does Supplemental Collagen Reduce Tendon Pain from Being Floxed?

by Eileen Schutte | Nov 20, 2020 | Floxed, Nutrigenomics

Does Supplemental Collagen Reduce Tendon Pain from Being Floxed?

Taking fluroquional antibiotics like Cipro has been associated with a significantly increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. Achilles tendon tear is the number one negative side of these antibiotics, with some people experiencing tendon tear with simple activities like getting out of a car.

My husband said he felt like there was a vice grip on his ankle shortly after he took Levaquin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. His doctor and physical therapist told him to “take it easy” as he may tear his Achilles tendon—a pretty high price to pay for taking an antibiotic for a minor infection.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotic causes this by disrupting the production of collagen, the protein that the body uses to form our skin, tendon, muscles, bones, cartilage, and ligaments. It might be noted that collagen is also used to form our nerves and nerve pain is another symptom of this toxicity.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is formed from key amino acids (protein building blocks). The three critical amino acids that the body uses to make collagen is glycine, proline, and lysine.

There are four types of collagen, usually referred to as Type I-IV. Type 1 and 3 collagen are found in our muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, and cartilage. Type 4 is found in our nerves and provides healthy nerve function and repair.

Key Factors in Collagen Production

We often hear of vitamin C as being a critical nutrient that stops the aging process in our skin. This is because vitamin C plays a pivotal role in the formation of collagen. Vitamin C is a co-factor in hydroxyproline production, which is a stabilizing factor in the collagen.

Vitamin C also helps iron to signal the production of enzymes that catalyze the reaction to form collagen. I always like to say, “enzymes make things happen.” Vitamin C also makes sure that our iron is recycled back into a safe form of iron, reducing oxidative stress.

How Does Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Affect Collagen Synthesis?

Remember that iron plays a role in collagen synthesis? FQ toxicity reduces iron's ability to produce enzymes that trigger the production of hydroxyproline.

One research study showed the FQ toxicity reduced activity to the three enzymes that trigger collagen and hydroxyproline production. Reduced hydroxyproline has found to cause significant changes in collagen's mechanical properties, causing the tendons to be stiff and rigid.

Other studies have shown that FQ toxicity enhances the enzymes known as extracellular matrix metalloproteinases, increasing collagen's breakdown, especially in tendons. This increased breakdown of collagen increases the likelihood of tendonitis and tendon damage.

Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Can Lead to Long Term Tendon Pain & Damage

Have you ever wondered why your tendon pain and damage doesn't seem to go away even months after taking the medication? This is because the gene expression or “recipe” on how your body creates collagen and hydroxyproline can be changed or altered. This changes the genetic instructions or recipe for healthy collagen faulty.

This change in genetic instructions is known as the science of epigenetics. Epigenetics is the science of how specific genes that are not encoded in the DNA can be activated or silenced. I like to think of the DNA as our cells' hardware that really cannot be changed. Epigenes is like software on your computer that can be changed.

What can change our gene expression? When the cell's environment is changed due to toxicity, nutrient deficiencies, or chronic stress, those genes can be expressed. Fluoroquinolone toxicity leads to a gene expression that reduces the enzymes that are responsible for making healthy collagen.

Can You Reverse Gene Expression Caused by Fluoroquinolone Toxicity?

You can change gene expression by changing the cell environment, reducing oxidative stress, and providing plant nutrients known as bioactives.

These bioactives are compounds known as polyphenols, and they upregulate a crucial gene known as NrF2. This gene plays a pivotal role in the production of antioxidants reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Fluoroquinolone toxicity, like most toxicity, creates a much higher demand for antioxidants like glutathione. This toxicity leads to oxidative stress. By providing polyphenols that upregulate NrF2, you can change gene expression to create healthy collagen.

What are the key polyphenols that can reduce oxidative stress and upregulate NrF2?

Lycopene – Tomatoes (cooked only), pink grapefruit, and watermelon.
Quercetin – Elderberries, Fennel, Garlic, Onions, Radish Leaves
Curcumin – Turmeric*
Sulforaphane – Cruciferous Vegetables (Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Radish, Kale, Chard)
Epigallocatechin (EGCG) – Green Tea, Matcha

NOTE: Supplemental high dosage turmeric has been found to lead to iron deficiency in some people. Recommend supplementing with curcumin in the form known as BCM-95. This form of curcumin has been found to be the best absorbed. I like this product. Get 15% off with NutriDyn Sign up Today! Practitioner Code: 282711

Does Supplemental Collagen Help to Reduce Tendon Pain and Damage Caused by Fluoroquinolone Toxicity?

Supplemental collagen has all of the amino acids to form healthy collagen, making sense to supplement with collagen. However, it doesn't contain the essential cofactor nutrients that help create collagen, like vitamin C, copper, and vitamin B6.

Nor does it contain those bioactives or polyphenols that help to change gene expression. The key to reducing FQ toxicity effects on tendons and nerves is to change the gene expression, thereby increasing the enzymes that produce healthy collagen.

Collagen supplementation would be more beneficial if taken along with these nutrients and bioactives. Increasing polyphenols and antioxidants also has the bonus of reducing oxidative stress, a significant factor in how FQ toxicity causes so much damage.

Best Way to Reduce Tendon Pain and Damage Caused by Fluoroquinolone Toxicity

The best way to reduce tendon pain and damage from FQ toxicity is to combine the right foods, supplements, and if needed, supplemental collagen to help your body overcome the toxicity. And, to change the gene expression to help the body naturally produce healthy collagen.

There are many foods that are naturally high in collagen-like bone broth. The best way to enjoy bone broth is to make your own but if you are looking for a good bone broth powder, I like Ancient Nutrient bone broths. I like them because they offer a wide variety of different bone broth made from different sources. This helps to accommodate those that have food sensitivities to different protein sources, like beef or chicken. Sign Up Today with my Fullscript and get 15% off.

Overall your diet should be rich in those foods that provide those polyphenols along with healthy sources of protein. A more plant-based diet like the Mediterranean diet is best as it provides moderate sources of protein, high in vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes (beans, lentils).

Support the process of making collagen instead of trying to supplement it just with collagen. You can support collagen production with these key nutrients:

Vitamin C – Choose a product that is more complete, like C 500 Chewables that is specific to collagen production. Get 15% off at NutriDyn.
Copper – Food high in copper are organ meats, oysters, spirulina, nuts, and seeds. The leading cause of copper deficiency is taking too much zinc. Always make sure if you are taking zinc, to also supplement with copper in small amounts.
Vitamin B6 – B vitamins should all be taken together in a complex. It is not uncommon to see deficiencies in vitamin B6 with being floxed and you should get levels tested before using high dosage vitamin B6. High dosage vitamin B6 can lead to nerve damage, especially in the hands.
Iron – Make sure to test for iron levels as FQ toxicity can disrupt iron metabolism causing excessive iron absorption from food. For some people that can lead to high levels of oxidative stress.

To help speed up your recovery, try using supplements that help to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery from tendonitis. My favorite NutriDyn products for pain relief are Chrondo Jointade, Herbal Eze, and Nerve Eze. These products not only contain essential nutrients that reduce pain, they also contain those nutrients that support healthy collagen products. These can be found in NutriDyn Floxie Solutions Store. Sign up Today and Get 15% off. Practitioner Code: 282711

Glyphosate Residue Free Certification for Perfect Collagen - IMAGE of SEAL

What Should You Look for In Collagen Supplementation?

Collagen supplementation along with nutrients like vitamin C, may be beneficial especially for those with genomic variants like COL1A2.

This genetic variant affects how your body produces collagen and it has been shown that supplementing with collagen can help to repair tendon damage more quickly. Learn more about genomics.

What should you look for in a collagen supplement? Collagen is a very large molecule and is hard to break down into the protein building blocks that form collagen.

In most cases, fluoroquinolone toxicity leads to poor digestion and reduced digestive enzymes. Poor digestion reduces the ability to absorb and breakdown collagen.

Using a collagen supplement that is broken down or in the form of polypeptides would be a better collagen supplement.

Always look for a quality collagen supplement product that is from grass fed cows and guaranteed to free of glyphosate contamination like this one.

A study done in 2020 found high levels of contamination of lead, mercury, and other heavy metals in some of the top-selling collagen brands.

Collagen Supplement May Lead to Oxalate Toxicity

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can lead to oxalate toxicity as it disrupts the gut microbiome and increases the likelihood of vitamin B6 deficiency. Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in the breakdown of oxalates.

The body naturally produces oxalates from the breakdown of hydroxyproline for collagen. Collagen contains high amounts of hydroxyproline. Therefore supplementing with collagen may lead to oxalate toxicity for some people.

Oxalates can also be formed from glycine, the number amino acid in collagen. Glycine is produced in a reversible reaction where vitamin B6 acts as a co-factor.

The number one symptom of oxalate toxicity is kidney stones, yet only 7% of people with oxalate toxicity get kidney stones. Before using collagen supplementation, you may want to rule out oxalate toxicity, as this may be the cause of your joint and tendon pain.

Not sure if you have oxalate toxicity, get tested today with the Organic Acid Test. The Organic Acid Test (OAT) is part of my Floxie Solutions because it not only tests for oxalates, it tests for vitamin B6 levels. To learn more about my Floxie Solutions program, get your complimentary consult today!

Get Your Free Floxie Health Assessment Today!

References:

Treatment of the Fluoroquinolone-Associated Disability: The Pathobiochemical Implications
Proline Precursors and Collagen Synthesis: Biochemical Challenges of Nutrient Supplementation and Wound Healing
Collagen Diet, https://www.medicinenet.com/collagen_diet/article.htm
Primary and Secondary Hyperoxaluria: Understanding the Enigma
Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, Sareen S. Gropper, Jack L. Smith, Sixth Edition

Best Breast Cancer Diet Based on Your Genes

by Eileen Schutte | Aug 4, 2020 | Breast Cancer, Nutrigenomics

The Best Diet for Breast Cancer Based on Your Genes

When we think of genes and breast cancer, the first thing that comes to mind is the much-publicized -BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation. This gene mutation became well known when Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie discovered that she was at high risk for breast cancer when she tested positive for the BRCA1 gene.

She later decided to undergo a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy, thereby reducing her risk for breast cancer. By making this extraordinarily personal and challenging decision public, she made women aware of genetics and breast cancer.

Current studies show that only 12% of women in the general population will develop breast cancer. But for those that have the BRCA gene, this increases to 69% to 72% by age 80. So it is no wonder that some women who test positive choose to have a double mastectomy.

Can You Lower Your Risk for Breast Cancer Even with the BRCA Gene?

Most gene mutations are not that affected by diet, lifestyle, or the environment. Or, we thought anyway.

Increased consumption of vegetables and fruit lowers the risk for breast cancer even for those with the BRCA gene. Consumption of foods high in folate, vitamin B12, and soy products also reduced risk.

On the other hand, women who consumed a high energy diet (high calorie), drank excessive coffee, and alcohol had increased risk even if they didn’t have the BRCA gene.

Could There Be Other Genes or Gene Variances that Increases Risk for Breast Cancer?

One in 500 hundred women will test positive for the BRCA gene. Yet, 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer throughout her lifetime.

Researchers have found that there are many different slight gene variances that can increase the risk of breast cancer. Unlike gene mutations, they are very responsive to diet, lifestyle habits, and our environment.

Nutrigenomics is the science of identifying these gene variances known as single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs. And how you create healthy gene response with nutrition, thereby reducing your risk for breast cancer.

What Gene Variants or SNPs can Increase Your Risk For Breast Cancer?

A combination of the gene variances or SNPs known as CYP1B1, COMT, GSTP1, and MnSod increases the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women shown in a recent study.

Most SNPs or variances have little impact on their own. But when combined with other SNPs, it can increase your risk for breast cancer. Want to learn more about nutrigenomic testing, check out my Genomic Solutions.

By testing for these genomic variances or SNPs, you can make sure to eat the right foods or, as I like to say, nourish your genes! And reduce your risk for breast cancer.

Nutrigenomics Food Can Affect Your Gene Response

Learn More About My Nutrigenomics Programs

Nourish Your Genes, Reduce Your Risk for Breast Cancer

These gene variances or SNPs that can increase your risk for breast cancer when combined are all involved in how your body clears out estrogen. Or how your body detoxes estrogen from your body.

To safely eliminate hormones, your genes need a little help from vitamins, minerals, and bioactives!

Vitamins and minerals act like little helpers or co-factors that upregulate and modulate your genes, safely detoxing your hormones—thereby reducing your risk for breast cancer.

For instance, vitamin B6 plays a critical role in the formation of the queen of antioxidants known as glutathione and supports the SNP – GSTP1.

Bioactives also play a key role in the formation of the glutathione as they trigger your genes to produce this powerful anti-oxidant. Glutathione has been shown to play a major role in the prevention of cancer making bioactives a key player in the fight against cancer.

What are Bioactives and How Can They Reduce Your Risk for Breast cancer?

Bioactives are unique chemical compounds found in food that trigger healthy gene response. The classification of bioactives is flavonoids, carotenoids, organosulfur, and polyphenols. There are other group classifications, but these are the big players in the bioactive world.

Some of the carotenoids we are very familiar with are lycopene found in tomatoes and lutein found in green leafy vegetables.

Another example of a powerful bioactive is curcumins found in the spice, turmeric. Curcumins have been founds to a powerful antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory.

The best source of curcumins can be found in the turmeric root itself and can easily be roasted like any other roasted root vegetables. Caution should be used when taking turmeric as a supplement as too much turmeric can lead to iron deficiency.

Onions, Garlic, and Cruciferous Vegetables – All High in Bioactives

Onions and garlic are in the same family called the allium vegetables. They are high in allyl sulfur and have chemoprotective effects as well as kick-off healthy gene response reducing your risk for breast cancer.

This is because they contain key compounds that help our body to produce glutathione, the queen of anti-oxidants. They also trigger the master gene known as NrF2 – powerful anti-carcinogenic gene!

Cruciferous vegetables contain sulforaphane, a compound that promotes healthy detoxification of estrogen. And, supports those gene variants known as CYP1B1 and GSTP1! You can find your favorite cruciferous vegetables just about anywhere – cauliflower, cabbage, kale, garden cress, bok choy, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

Green Tea Supports COMT – Reducing Your Risk for Breast Cancer

The COMT gene can increase your risk for breast cancer when combined with the other gene variants. In most cases, a reduced COMT alone will not significantly increase your risk for breast cancer. But in combination with other SNPs, this gene variant may increase your risk considerably.

Green tea supports the COMT gene because it is high in epigallocatechin-3-gallate – whew! Or, commonly referred to as EGCG. Studies have shown that EGCG can actually reduce your risk for breast cancer especially is you have what is referred to as a reduced COMT. The COMT gene is one of the few gene variances that can be slowed down or speed up depending on the gene variant.

If you are not fond of green tea, which I am not, you may enjoy this recipe for Matcha Green Tea Energy Balls. Matcha has 3-4 times the amount of EGCG as green tea. Super easy recipe – try these energy balls instead of that cup of coffee.

What is the Best Diet to Reduce Risk for Breast Cancer

The Mediterranean Diet is one of the best diets for reducing your risk of breast cancer. This diet offers a rich diversity of vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and clean sources of animal/fish protein. With such diversity, you can easily get in those bioactives.

The color of the vegetables and fruit identifies the bioactives or the polyphenols in the plants. For instance, white-green vegetables are high in allyl sulfides, which help to support that GSTP1 gene.

White-green vegetables would be leeks, garlic, onions, and chives. Red-purple plants like grapes, blackberries, red wine, raspberries, and blueberries are rich in anthocyanins and other polyphenols.

The more color and variety in your diet, the more you can reduce your risk for breast cancer.

The Mediterranean diet offers:

A vast diversity of plant-based foods
Rich in bioactive triggering healthy gene response
Provides a large variety of high fiber foods
Plant-based sources of protein – legumes, nuts, seeds
Clean sources of animal/fish protein

It is the balance of good wholesome food that nourishes your genes and reduces your risk. Get my favorite Mediterranean Diet Food Guide.

What about Nutrigenomic Testing and Reducing Your Risk for Breast Cancer?

If you had breast cancer and want to be confident that you are doing everything you can to prevent a recurrence, then nutrigenomics would be worth the investment. Or, if your doctor has told you that you are high risk.

According to Phillip S. Rosenberg, Ph.D., Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, in the United States, breast cancer rates will increase by 50% by 2020, and 80% will have no family history. Could these other genes be coming into play here?

If you ready to leap into the world of nutrigenomics, I would recommend Nutrition Genome. The report is very comprehensive; however, it does not bring together breast cancer genomics. But can easily do that with my Nutrition Genome Consult. If you want to learn more about nutrigenomics, join my private FaceBook group, Nutrition Solutions Through Genomics.

Learn More About My Nutrigenomics Programs

BRCA Mutations: Cancer Risk & Genetics Testing
How Common is Breast Cancer?
Combined effect of CYP1B1, COMT, GSTP1, and MnSOD genotypes and risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, Cerne, et al Journal of Gynecologic Oncology, 2011
Molecular Targets for Bioactive Food Components, J. A. Milner, Nutritional Sciences Research Group, American Society for Nutritional Sciences, 2004
Nutrigenomics and Breast Cancer; State-of-Art, Future Perspectives and Insights for Prevention, Sellami, et al Nutrients 2020
Cancer Chemoprevention by Dietary Polyphenols: Promising Role for Epigenetics, Link, et al, Biochem Pharmacol, 2010
Additive and synergistic effect of phytochemicals in prevention of oral cancer, Chandra, et al, European Jounral of General Destistry Vol 1, Issue 3, 2012

How Well Will You Survive COVID-19?

by Eileen Schutte | Apr 6, 2020 | Nutrigenomics

How Well Will You Survive COVID-19?

Top experts are predicting that 40-60% of Americans will get the coronavirus. Other experts are saying this number could be as high as 80% by the end of 2020. So, the question really is not whether you are going to get the virus but how well you will survive and overcome this infection.

We know that people who are over the age of 80 will be the hardest hit and will most likely require advanced medical treatment. But why has the disease killed younger Americans, for instance – a 34-year-old California man who had asthma who recently died from this virus.

Looking at what occurred in China and the United States the death rate from the coronavirus was the highest with those who had underlying conditions. For China it was the death rate was highest with those with cardiovascular disease; for the US it was renal (kidney) disease.

Following closely behind were people who had diabetes, chronic lung disease and immunocompromised were more likely to not survive this virus.

Interestingly enough obesity is highly linked to these chronic diseases. This would make countries with high rates of diabetes and obesity like the US more risk for those contracting this virus to end up in ICU or death.

Why are people with these conditions are more likely to suffer adverse outcome?

First of all, people who are overweight, diabetic and those that have cardiovascular disease have immune systems that are more challenged. For instance, it is a known fact that those with diabetes have a harder time battling infections.

In addition, those struggling with these chronic conditions are almost always struggling with oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress is where the body does not have enough antioxidants on board to eliminate toxic substances known as reactive oxygen species. With oxidative stress, our immune system is constantly being challenged creating an environment that makes us more vulnerable to infection.

With an immune system that is constantly trying to reduce inflammation and fight infection, it is more likely to experience what is referred to as the “cytokine storm”. This is where our bodies overproduce immune “messengers” in an attempt to fight off infection.

How Does the Body Fight Viral Infections?

The first step in fighting virus infections is a direct action against the virus itself. This can be done with a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, herbs like parsley. In addition, herbs like elderberry and astragalus have antiviral properties and have been used for years to help fight viral infections like the common cold.

Once the virus enters our system, its first task at hand is to enter our cells and start replicating itself. They actually hijack our cells and in the case of the coronavirus, its preferred cells are those that have cell receptors for the enzyme ACE2. This is an enzyme that plays a major role in managing our blood pressure. ACE2 can also be found in high amounts in our lungs, kidney, liver and the gastrointestinal tract (GI).

Immune support is also needed not to just boost the immune system to make sure it is in harmony or balance. A “boosted” immune may lead to the cytokine storm or promote excessive inflammation. It is the balance of the immune system that is vital to surviving this infection. Well, to be honest, all infections and for those struggling with autoimmune conditions.

Whole-body support brings the best weapon against the COVID-19 virus. Even though these are stressful times as we spend our time in isolation, it is a time for reflection. Without adequate sleep, stress reduction, physical exercise and a balanced diet, you will lose the battle right from the start.

The 4 Key Components To Fighting Viruses

AntiViral – Zinc, Selenium, Iodine, Elderberry, Astragalus
Anti Replication – Folate, Betaine, Polyphenols, Selenium, Zinc, NAC
Immune Nutrition – Low Carbohydrate Diet, Adequate Protein, Zinc, Vitamin D3, & Vitamin A
Whole Body Support – Adequate Sleep, Reduce Stress, Physical Exercise

Book Your Complimentary 15 min. Consult today!

What About Genomics and COVID-19

Research is coming out daily on just how does this virus works and what role does our genomics/genetics play in this battle. This helps us to answer the question as why do some people get this virus and have few symptoms. While others end up in ICU.

It also helps to answer why people with underlying conditions like heart disease and lung conditions tend to end up in ICU. And, why some will end up with permanent damage to their lungs.

What Genomic Variants Will Have An Impact?

There are now genomic variants or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that have been linked to how well you will win this battle if you were to get COVID-19. Some are extremely complicated while others relate highly to nutrition and lifestyle.

Most of these variances or SNP’s relate to how well our body is able to fight the virus from replicating. They are also related to how well our bodies manage inflammation and can keep our immune system in harmony.

Relevant SNP’s to the COVID-19

ACE2

People who have variants in ACE2 tend to have higher blood pressure and sensitivity to salt. With this variant, one would produce less of this enzyme and therefore reduced cell receptors. This technically means that the virus would have less of a chance to “dock” and invade the cell.

But the jury is still out on this one.

Most of the underlying conditions like heart disease and diabetes usually come with high blood pressure. So, to support this variant, it is recommended to stick with a lower salt diet and make sure you manage your blood pressure.

Does Melatonin Help?

Melatonin, a neurotransmitter produced by the body, can address variants in NLRP3, a compound that promotes inflammation to help fight infection. We produce melatonin mostly while we sleep.

As we age, however, we produce less and less melatonin, so it is crucial especially for people older than 60 to get adequate sleep. Dietary supplementation is not a bad idea especially if you are older than 60 years old.

The production of melatonin is also impacted by our body’s ability to methylate which depends on folate, vitamins B12, B2, and betaine. If you SNP’s in this pathway, this may impact your ability to produce melatonin.

Nitric Oxide & Vitamin C

The enzyme known as NOS helps to produce nitric oxide which is known to inhibit the replication of this virus. It is also responsible for managing blood pressure.

In order to produce nitric oxide, vitamin C is needed as a co-factor. What if you SNP’s in vitamin C and NOS most notably, NOS3 or eNOS? Your production of nitric oxide would be limited, reducing your ability to fight off COVID-19.

Will Fermented Foods Help?

Fermented foods and foods high in probiotics are crucial to our immune system and the health of our GI system. But for those with variants in FUT2, it is even more important that they maintain a diet high in complex carbohydrates and fermented foods.

What does FUT2 do? It helps us to metabolize and absorb vitamin B12 crucial for the methylation pathway. And, for those who have this variant along with MTHFR, it is even more important to maintain a diet rich in probiotics and prebiotics.

Not only do probiotics and prebiotics support FUT2 but they also support another variant known as NOD2. NOD2 plays a crucial role in our immune system by recognizing bacteria and viruses, stimulating our immune system. In addition to probiotics, organic bone broth will support this variant.

Powerful Antioxidants Our Body Produces

To fight off this virus and protect our DNA, we need powerful antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD3). This enzyme is highly dependent on zinc and copper and for those with a variant in SOD3, it is very important for them to consume foods high in zinc. It is estimated that 30% of the world’s population is deficient in this nutrient especially for a society that consumes a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Foods high in zinc are oysters, red meat, eggs, yogurt, and cashews. If you choose to supplement, do not go over 30-50 grams without sufficient copper. I like to recommend that with supplementation, to increase foods high in copper like dark chocolate, sesame seeds, spirulina.

What is a COVID-19 Genomic Report

These are just a few of variants that are known to play a role in how well your body will fight COVID-19. Our immune system is truly complex and the more we learn about how our genomics plays a role in our immune system, the more we can tailor a nutrition and lifestyle program.

Most of how the body fights infection involve a delicate balance between inflammation, fighting infection and the calming down of that infection as the body heals. Whether you are talking about our innate or our adaptive immune system, it is all about balance. And, that depends on nutrients, bioactives and our lifestyles.

What if you could know how you target your “clinks in our genomic armor” and develop a true defense system? That is why I am now offering two genomic packages at a great value.

**Disclaimer – This advice is not to take the place of your healthcare professional. Please make sure that if you are having symptoms to contact your doctor immediately. Be Safe, Be Healthy