In part one of this two-part series, we learned about the connection between autoimmunity and Breast Cancer. In part 2, we take a look at the complications that can arise with conventional treatments as well as some natural healing modalities you can employ NOW to potentially help heal and prevent both cancer and autoimmune disease.
Conventional Treatments, Autoimmune and Cancer
Cancer and autoimmune disease share a common origin; they both have to do with an imbalance in the immune system. Both of these conditions express this imbalance in very different ways, however. With cancer, the body expresses its imbalance by not attacking dangerous pathogens and unhealthy cells it should. With autoimmune disease, the body attacks healthy cells that it shouldn’t.
To add to the confusion, conventional treatments can often lead to an exacerbation of symptoms or raised risks for the other. Conventional drugs such as TNF (tumor necrosis factor) inhibitors and immunosuppressants like cyclosporin are often prescribed for many autoimmune conditions. As the names imply, these drugs shut down part of a person’s immune system in order to reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups. As a result, these drugs may actually raise the risk of certain kinds of cancer. A 2016 report published in the journal BioMed Research International acknowledged the link between the arthritis drug azathioprine and higher incidences of lymphoma.
On the other hand, certain traditional cancer treatments may kick-start autoimmune responses. The use of aromatase inhibitors for Breast Cancer may increase the risk of certain kinds of lupus. Letrozole is one example. This link has been discovered with tamoxifen and with the Breast Cancer chemotherapy drug Docetaxel as well.
The link between cancer immunotherapy and autoimmune disease is less clear. Those with autoimmune conditions were discouraged from using these kinds of cancer treatments in the past. , New research, however, may prove immunotherapy to be relatively safe for cancer patients who also have an autoimmune condition. Be sure to consult with your doctor regarding whether immunotherapy is right for you.
4 Things You Can Do NOW
If you utilize the principles of natural medicine, you can support your body with a healing journey. Using principles such as the 7 Essentials System™ addresses both conditions at the root to bring the body’s immune system back in balance.
There are dozens of natural modalities, herbs, and protocols you can employ in order to do this. Here are just a few:
#1 Eat an Anti-Inflammatory, Gut-Healing Diet. This means cutting out processed foods, commercial meats, and sources of over-the-top refined sugar. It may also mean taking a hiatus from gluten and dairy for a while in order to clear up a condition called Leaky Gut. A leaky Gut is often a key culprit in autoimmune reactivity. Instead, fill your plate with lots of fresh, green veggies, organic meats, and healthy sources of gut-healing Omega 3 fats such as olive, avocado, and coconut oils and wild-caught salmon. Also, don’t forget the bone broth! This healing elixir contains collagen and other substances designed to seal and heal the intestinal lining.
#2 Lower Stress. Chronic stress raises the risk of both cancer and autoimmune disease. A study published in 2015 sponsored in part by the University of California, Los Angeles found that imbalances in the sympathetic nervous system caused by chronic stress were key for tumor metastasis. Numerous studies have proven chronic stress to be a major contributor to autoimmune disease as well. Check out this article to learn more about stress and disease as well as some tips for lowering stress in your life.
#3 Address Toxins. Addressing toxins for both cancer and autoimmune means lessening your toxic load right now and supporting your detoxification pathways .for the long term as well. Consider all sources of toxins you may be exposed to, including commercial foods, sundry items, cleaning products, dental fillings, root canals, toxins in the air and water, and EMF exposure. Then take measures to lessen this exposure as well as support your detox pathways. You can do this through eating a whole foods diet, lowering stress, taking key supplements, coffee enemas, and sweating.
#4 Consider Supplementation. The list of herbs and other supplements that can balance immunity and help heal both cancer and autoimmune is vast.
Glutathione is often called “the mother of all antioxidants.” Producing enough of it in your body can significantly lower inflammation.
The correlations between autoimmune disease and cancer cannot be denied. There are risks for cancer if you have an autoimmune condition. There are also risks for getting an autoimmune condition if you have cancer (especially if you undergo conventional cancer treatment). No matter which way it is skewed, if you provide your body with the right conditions, your immune system will come into balance again. This can be your goal if you want to heal your body of all dis-ease on your Healthy Breast journey.
Dr. Veronique Desaulniers (“Dr. V”) is the founder of Breast Cancer Conqueror.com and The 7 Essentials System ™. This step-by-step guide empowers you with knowledge so you Never Have to Fear Breast Cancer Again! To watch a FREE webinar about the 7 steps for beating breast cancer naturally, Click Here.