There is a Cancer after care clinic in Novena medical centre which has opened recently. I decided to visit it since it gives free consultation during the first 6 months of operation. http://www.novenamedicalcenter.com/Our-Clinics/Cancer-After-Care-Clinic.html

My objective is to get advice from the doctor to reduce the chance of cancer relapse. There was only 1 doctor in the clinic which was Dr. Lai. I showed her all my medical reports and also provided information on my daily diet. She introduced to me a supplement called Immunocal and gave me some interesting information that I would like to share with you.

1) Soy contains Phytic acid and Phyto-estrogen

Phytic acid blocks the body’s uptake of essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron and especially zinc. Only after a long period of fermentation (as occurs in the creation of miso or tempeh) are the antinutrient and phytate levels of soybeans reduced, making their nourishment available to the human digestive system. When soy products like tofu are consumed with meat, the mineral-blocking effects of the phytates are reduced. The Japanese traditionally eat a small amount of tofu or miso as part of a mineral-rich fish broth, followed by a serving of meat or fish.

Phyto-estrogens, which can mimic the effects of the female hormone, oestrogen have been found to have adverse effects on various human tissues and might promote cancer. In addition, soybeans also contain hemagglutinin, a clot-promoting substance which causes red blood cells to clump together. These clustered blood cells cannot properly absorb oxygen for distribution to the body’s tissues, and are unable to help in maintaining good cardiac health.

2) Need more than calcium to strength bone mass

Calcium works in partnership with boron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium to strengthen bone. Boron helps conserve calcium & magnesium. Boron helps prevent bone demineralization (break down) by reducing the amount of magnesium and calcium excreted in the urine. It is best not to take too much calcium supplements because the excess calcium will likely transport to and harden the arteries.

3) Cancer cells feed on simple sugar

Simple sugars (are those in foods that do not offer any other nutritional benefit. Examples include foods like soda, sweets, sugar cereals, juice drinks, and refined grains) enter the bloodstream quickly and cause a rise in insulin and other growth-promoting hormones. Research shows that high levels of these hormones may increase the growth of cancer cells. The key to reducing these hormones is reducing our intake of simple sugars. Good sugars or complex carbohydrates (are present in foods that provide nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber. Examples are foods like fruit, vegetables, beans, and whole grains) do not affect insulin the same as simple sugars, and thousands of research studies have shown that they actually reduce the risk of cancer.

4) Glutathione (GSH)

GSH is a tri-peptide produced naturally in our body. It is always in great demand and is rapidly depleted when we experience illness, stress, fatigue and even exercise. GSH level also diminish as we age. It has mainly 3 functions; master antioxident, immune system enhancer and detoxifier. The most effective way is to provide sufficient raw materials for our own cells to make GSH. When taken as a pill, GSH is destroyed during digestion and has very little health benefits. Immunocal is an organic undenatured protein isolate that has been proven to raise GSH levels by providing the important raw materials for GSH to be built. Each box of Immunocal cost $100 and contains 30 small packets. For my current condition, I have to take 3 packets/day for at least 6 months.

Dr. Lai stressed that exercise is still the most important of all. No matter how much supplements we take, they will not be fully effective without exercise.

I feel that the main purpose of this Cancer after care clinic is to sell Immunocal. From marketing perspective, I think they will be successful as the product is introduced by a doctor and thus has the credibility. There are many supplements in the market and all claim to have health benefits. It is up to us whether we believe or not. For me, I have started to take Immunocal. Although I am not sure if it will help to reduce the chance of cancer relapse, at least I have done something and not just leave everything to destiny.