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The Health Sciences Institute e-Alert
Because you have expressed an interest in alternative health care, by
subscribing to an Agora health newsletter, we are offering you this free
subscription to the Health Sciences Institute e-alert. If you would like
to unsubscribe, please see the instructions below.
Dear Reader,
A study in the European Journal of Cancer reports astonishing news
in the world of integrative medicine.
The researchers found that when they combined the essential fatty acid
gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) with the chemotherapy drug paclitaxil, the
drug's effectiveness increased up to NINE TIMES its original potential!
While we're wary about the over-use of chemotherapy, we readily
acknowledge that sometimes, in specific cases, it's the only option.
Paclitaxil has shown significant benefits for breast and ovarian cancer,
but is poorly absorbed into cells when taken by itself. So, for its
effects to be measurable, it must be administered in combination with a
castor oil solvent. Unfortunately, this treatment is toxic
and can have serious side effects. To avoid these potential dangers,
paclitaxil must be combined with another treatment that can enhance its
power.
That's where GLA comes in.
On its own, GLA has shown a wide variety of health benefits. It
enhances the immune system, reduces high blood pressure, improves eczema,
and alleviates symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. But when combined with
paclitaxil over a 24-hour period, "GLA significantly reduced the
growth rate of tumor cells."1 Keep in mind that these effects were
seen using specific dosages during a controlled time-frame, so careful
monitoring by a physician is very important with this therapy.
Plus, GLA is also a powerful cancer-fighter in its own right. This fatty
acid may be able to selectively seek out and kill malignant cells while
leaving normal healthy cells unharmed. So even if you're not on
chemotherapy, supplementing with GLA is certainly worth a try.
Gamma linolenic acid can be found in borage and black currant seed oils,
as well as in evening primrose oil. These supplements are available in
most health food stores as well as a variety of online sources including
vitamins.com.
To your good health,
Amanda L. Ross
Research Associate
Health Sciences Institute
References:
1. J.A. Menendez et al., European Journal of http://www.agoramail.net
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