TURMERIC FOR BREAST CANCER: DOES IT WORK?

Turmeric For Breast Cancer: Does it Work?

Although curcumin positively affected various cancers, i.e., breast cancer, researchers have confronted barriers when using it in therapy. Curcumin, the active compound that resides within turmeric, is considered to be linked with reducing the activity of breast cancer in Asian regions.  Researchers have tested curcumin’s potential as an anti-cancer in pre-clinical studies in some cancer volunteers, including breast cancer. To some extent, turmeric isn’t credible in ousting breast cancer from roots or returning on its own. Fewer studies stated curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid in decreasing estrogen levels and fighting breast cancer by:

  • controlling cancer cells from developing
  • stopping cancer cells from distributing
  • arresting the cycle of duplication in cancer cells
  • compelling cancer cell trashing

 WHAT IS ESTROGEN & TESTOSTERONE?

Oestrogen is the ‘female’ hormone, while testosterone is the ‘male’ hormone. Oestrogen or Estrogen is a sex hormone that helps create and support the reproductive system and female attributes, e.g., breasts and pubic hair. Additionally, it plays a role in the growth and spread of about 70 percent of breast cancer types.

estrogen and testosterone

An estimated 75 percent of breast cancer is estrogen-receptor (ER) positive. However, there are conditions in which estrogen both fuels and, at other times, kills ER-positive breast cancer cells.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ESTROGEN LEVELS ARE HIGH?

Research revealed that the risk of breast cancer in females is linked to the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Her ovaries make these hormones. Too high hormone levels have been coupled with an increased danger of breast cancer.

When estrogen levels are high in females, they can cause symptoms, including:

  • Irregular or heavy periods
  • Weight gain
  • Fatigue
  • Fibroids 

In Males, high estrogen levels can cause:

–> Breast tissue growth

–> Difficulty bringing or keeping an erection & infertility

Men’s bodies make estradiol, a form of estrogen, a by-product of the breakdown of the testosterone hormone.

How To Use Turmeric For Breast Cancer?

Curcumin is not soluble in water, only in fat. That is why it’s finest to unite turmeric with healthy oils, e.g., extra virgin olive or coconut oil. Combining turmeric curcumin with adequate nutrients such as fish oil, olive or coconut oil, or black pepper to reap anti-cancer effects and better absorption in your body.

Note: Never use vegetable oils such as corn, soy, canola, sunflower, etc., with turmeric for treating breast cancer or other cancers. Because these pro-inflammatory oils can trigger cancer as these oils are usually sickening and GMO.

The WHO Wing on food additives determined that curcumin’s dietary intake should be 1.4mg per pound (3mg/kg) per day. For instance, a person weighing about 175 lbs (80kg) would need to take 245mg of curcumin daily.

  1. Even though curcumin and its uses aren’t widely known, there are fundamental reasons to consider using spice turmeric. You can use it in cooking different recipes or swallow it with supplements in gummies or capsule form.
  2. People experiencing chemotherapy should talk to their doctor before using turmeric or curcumin for cancer.
  3. Taking turmeric may drive your blood sugar to drop dangerously down.
  4. The spice can also boost the impact of blood-thinning medicines, increasing your chance of bleeding.
  5. Using turmeric for an extended period may provoke ulcers. This is due to the accumulation of stomach acid.
  6. Most people endure turmeric and curcumin satisfactorily. When picking turmeric or curcumin by-products, confirm the ingredient list has black pepper or piperine. You can also omit turmeric and use curcumin supplements.
  7. Turmeric is obtainable in the following forms, e.g.

OTHER WAYS TO OVERCOME THE RISKS OF CANCER

You can’t fully control any cancer, but you can decrease your risk of growing breast cancer by:

  • Keeping a healthy weight
  • Mammogram screening once a year
  • Taking a balanced diet
  • Avoiding or restricting alcohol
  • Breastfeeding
  • Sidestepping hormonal treatment after menopause

In the case of inherited breast cancer, a doctor can help you take steps to control breast cancer by suggesting the following:

  • Breast cancer screening
  • Gene testing and counseling
  • Prescriptions to reduce the risk
  • Prophylactic (preventive surgery)
  • Removal of an organ before it grows cancer

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REFERENCES

Nagaraju GP, Aliya S, Zafar SF, Basha R, Diaz R, El-Rayes BF. The impact of curcumin on breast cancer. Integr Biol (Camb). 2012 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Wang Y, Yu J, Cui R, Lin J, Ding X. Curcumin in Treating Breast Cancer: A Review. J Lab Autom. 2016 Dec;21(6):723-731. doi: 10.1177/2211068216655524. Epub 2016 Jun 20. PMID: 27325106. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Kalluru H, Kondaveeti SS, Telapolu S, Kalachaveedu M. Turmeric supplementation improves the quality of life and hematological parameters in breast cancer patients on paclitaxel chemotherapy:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33099272/A case series. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020 Nov;41:101247. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101247. Epub 2020 Oct 13. PMID: 33099272.

Kumar P, Kadakol A, Shasthrula PK, Mundhe NA, Jamdade VS, Barua CC, Gaikwad AB. Curcumin as an adjuvant to breast cancer treatment. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25553436/ Anticancer Agents Med Chem. 2015;15(5):647-56. doi: 10.2174/1871520615666150101125918. PMID: 25553436.

Song X, Zhang M, Dai E, Luo Y. Molecular targets of curcumin in breast cancer https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30483727/ (Review). Mol Med Rep. 2019 Jan;19(1):23-29. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9665. Epub 2018 Nov 19. PMID: 30483727.

Barcelos KA, Mendonça CR, Noll M, Botelho AF, Francischini CRD, Silva MAM. Antitumor Properties of Curcumin in Breast Cancer Based on Preclinical Studies: A Systematic Review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35565294/ Cancers (Basel). 2022 Apr 26;14(9):2165. doi: 10.3390/cancers14092165. PMID: 35565294; PMCID: PMC9099919.

Guneydas G, Topcul MR. Antiproliferative Effects of Curcumin Different Types of Breast Cancer. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35345363/ Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2022 Mar 1;23(3):911-917. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2022.23.3.911. PMID: 35345363; PMCID: PMC9360969.

Farghadani R, Naidu R. Curcumin as an Enhancer of Therapeutic Efficiency of Chemotherapy Drugs in Breast Cancer. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35216255/ Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Feb 15;23(4):2144. doi: 10.3390/ijms23042144. PMID: 35216255; PMCID: PMC8878285.

Taiba Tariq

Taiba Tariq is a healthcare nutrition hobbyist, enthusiastic about researching healthcare & skincare news while analyzing the latest and science-backed evidence about nutrition, skin care, and supplements. She wants to help people regain their beauty, health, and well-being through natural means.

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