Published on October 17, 2024
PLUS Save 15% when Measuring these Nutrients, PLUS Get the Breast Cancer Research Review eBook ($19 value) and the Vitamin D eGuide FREE with your purchase this month for Breast Cancer Prevention and Awareness
Key Points
- Several key nutrients in reducing the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases are the same nutrients that many individuals are deficient in
- Many studies demonstrate the effects of vitamin D on cancer risk reduction, including Shamsi et al, which showed a 65% increased risk of breast cancer for those with vitamin D deficiency, and a 68% decreased risk among those who had been supplementing with vitamin D
- Another analysis found that patients with the highest serum Se concentrations had a 58% lower risk of death compared to patients with the lowest serum Se concentrations; when considered together, the three different biomarkers used to measure Se status were better at predicting mortality than three of the most important tumor characteristics
Several lifestyle behaviors, including diet, exercise, and getting enough vitamin D and other important nutrients, are key influencers of the risk of cancer, chronic diseases, and in our overall mental and physical health. Studies have shown that incorporating these and other beneficial behaviors into our daily life can also influence disease progression after diagnosis, improve disease outcomes, improve quality of life, and extend the lifetime.
However, when it comes to some of the specific nutrients that have shown incredible benefits for cancer prevention and survival,
- Up to 75% of the world’s population is vitamin D deficient; even when considering intake from both food and supplements, 65% of the US population remained below the daily requirements for vitamin D, according to NHANES data
- More than 80% are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids (below the recommended 8%)
- Over 45% of the US population are very likely deficient in magnesium
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Why Should Anyone be Concerned About their Nutrient Intake and Status?
Look at the research!
Cancer Rate Cut in Half or MORE by Taking Enough Vitamin D?
A 2020 study by Shamsi et al. found that lower vitamin D levels among women, and certain lifetime sun avoidance behaviors, resulted in a higher risk of breast cancer diagnosis. Their matched case control study evaluated data from 411 women who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer and compared it to 784 controls who were free of breast or any other cancer…
~40% Lower Breast Cancer Risk with Higher Omega-3 Intake
A 2013 meta-analysis of 21 studies on omega-3s and risk of breast cancer by Zheng et al. concludes that higher consumption of omega-3s corresponds with a lower risk of breast cancer. The figure shows that as dose of omega-3s (shown as % energy intake per day) increases the relative risk of breast cancer decreases (p=0.011).
40% Lower Breast Cancer Risk with Highest Magnesium Intake vs Lowest
A 2019 study by Huang et al. recruited 1050 breast cancer patients and 1229 controls (women without breast cancer) in China and collected information about dietary magnesium intake. There was a 40% decrease in breast cancer risk for those with the highest dietary magnesium intake vs the lowest.
30% Lower Breast Cancer Risk with Lower CRP Levels – Both Associated with Higher Magnesium!
A subgroup of the Huang et al. study had serum measurements of CRP taken as a marker of inflammation. Those with CRP levels less than 3000 ng/mL had a 30% lower risk of breast cancer than those with levels at or above 3000 ng/mL. Dietary magnesium was found to have both a direct association and an indirect association with breast cancer risk.
58% Lower Risk of Breast Cancer Death with Higher Selenium Levels
Demircan et al. looked at breast cancer outcomes among 1996 patients with primary invasive breast cancer and correlated them to selenium status. Three different biomarkers of selenium (Se) were utilized: total serum Se concentration, selenoprotein P (SELENOP), and the glutathione peroxidase GPx3. Selenium status was divided into quintiles for each. The highest risk of mortality was seen among those with the lowest selenium status, and the relationship was strongest when selenium status was lowest according to all three measurements combined. Patients with the highest serum Se concentrations had a 58% lower risk of death compared to patients with the lowest serum Se concentrations.
When considered together, all three selenium biomarkers were better at predicting mortality than three of the most important tumor characteristics. Learn more about subtle signs of selenium deficiency and toxicity here.
This information can be life-changing even without a cancer diagnosis, and it will probably make you smile as you read it 🙂
Dr. Bill and Martha Sears have a Knack for Making Health Education Fun
Help Heal Yourself from Cancer is a book chalk-full of science-based guidance on getting the best from your cancer treatment, from one of America’s most trusted doctors. The book was written by William Sears, MD, a survivor of colon cancer and leukemia, and a family doctor for over 40 years, along with his wife Martha Sears, RN, a breast cancer survivor and mother of their 8 children. Dr. Sears is noted for his science-made-simple-and-fun approach to family health.
The book outlines the steps to take, both in working with cancer-care providers and on your own, to maximize the chances of not just beating cancer, but thriving in its wake.
The information in this book is excellent for anyone – with or without a cancer diagnosis – to provide insights on how to live a healthier lifestyle to help prevent or heal from many diseases, from cancer to diabetes to Alzheimer’s disease and more.
What Does Dr. Sears Have to Say About Vitamin D & Omega-3s?
Some examples:
Something This Safe and Inexpensive Can Truly Help Prevent Disease!
ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH? Measure Today!
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Save 15% When Measuring the Above with Your Custom Home Test Kit
Create your custom home test kit to measure your levels at home as part of the D*action project!
With your kit you can measure your:
- Vitamin D
- Magnesium PLUS Essential and Toxic Elements
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- hsCRP
- HbA1c
- and more!
Did you know that each of the above can be measured at home using a simple blood spot test? As part of our ongoing research project, you can order your home blood spot test kit to get your levels, followed by education and steps to take to help you reach your optimal target levels. Start by enrolling and ordering your kit to measure each of the above important markers, and make sure you are getting enough of each to support better mood and wellbeing!
Create your custom home test kit with code BCPMonth24 to save 15% today. Take steps to improve the status of each of these measurements to benefit your overall health. With measurement you can then determine how much is needed and steps to achieve your goals. You can also track your own intakes, symptoms and results to see what works best for YOU.
How Can You Use this Information for YOUR Health?
Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Measuring is the only way to make sure you are getting enough!
STEP 1 Order your at-home blood spot test kit to measure vitamin D and other nutrients of concern to you, such as omega-3s, magnesium, essential and toxic elements (zinc, copper, selenium, lead, cadmium, mercury); include hsCRP as a marker of inflammation or HbA1c for blood sugar health
STEP 2 Answer the online questionnaire as part of the GrassrootsHealth study
STEP 3 Using our educational materials and tools (such as our dose calculators), assess your results to determine if you are in your desired target range or if actions should be taken to get there
STEP 4 After 3-6 months of implementing your changes, re-test to see if you have achieved your target level(s)
