Vitamin K2: A Powerful Ally in Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Researched and written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Cancer Coach, and Retired Pharmacist

Vitamin K2 has been gaining attention for its potential role in cancer prevention and treatment. Research suggests that it may help regulate cell growth, induce apoptosis (programmed cell death), and enhance the effectiveness of conventional cancer therapies. In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind Vitamin K2’s anti-cancer properties, its other health benefits, food and supplement sources, potential side effects, and interactions with cancer treatments.

What is Vitamin K2?

Vitamin K2 is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in calcium metabolism, cardiovascular health, and bone strength. It exists in several forms, including menaquinone-4 (MK-4) and menaquinone-7 (MK-7), which are the most studied for their health benefits.

MK-4 and MK-7 are both forms of Vitamin K2, but they differ in their biologi...

Natural Killer (NK) Cells: The Immune System's Frontline Warriors Against Cancer(PMC)

Natural Killer (NK) cells are a vital component of our innate immune system, acting as the body's first line of defense against cancerous and virally infected cells. Unlike other immune cells, NK cells can recognize and eliminate abnormal cells without prior sensitization, making them crucial in early tumor surveillance and control .(PMC)

Natural Killer (NK) cells are a special kind of white blood cell that belong to a group called lymphocytes, which help defend your body. They make up about 5–15% of your lymphocytes in the bloodstream (source). Unlike other immune cells like T cells and B cells, which need to “learn” what to attack, NK cells are part of your body’s fast-acting, built-in defense system. They can quickly recognize and attack virus-infected or cancerous cells—even if your body has never seen them before (source).

NK cells do this using a system of “on” and “off” switches on their sur...

Methylene Blue: A Guide for People with Cancer

What is Methylene Blue?

Methylene Blue (MB), also known as methylthionine chloride, is a synthetic compound initially developed as a dye but later discovered to have various medical applications. It has been used in cancer therapy to treat methemoglobinemia and neurodegenerative diseases and as a cancer treatment photosensitizer.[i]

Where Does Methylene Blue Come From?

Methylene Blue was first synthesized in the late 19th century and has been widely used in medical and scientific research. It is derived from phenothiazine and exists in oxidized (blue) and reduced (colorless) forms.

Anticancer Activity of Methylene Blue

Recent studies suggest that Methylene Blue has potential anticancer properties.

Oral Use of Methylene Blue for Cancer

Methylene Blue has been investigated for its oral application in cancer treatment, particularly in managing painful oral mucositis caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Some studies s...

Researched and written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Cancer Coach, and Retired Pharmacist

Coriolus versicolor, or Turkey Tail, is a medicinal mushroom extensively studied for its potential anticancer properties. Used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, modern research has uncovered its ability to support immune function and complement conventional cancer treatments.

Alternative Names: Trametes versicolor, Polyporus versicolor, Polystictus versicolor, multicolored polypore mushroom

Common Names and Ingredients: PSK (protein-bound polysaccharide), PSP, VPS, Turkey Tail, Yun Zhi, Kawaratake, and Krestin.

Where Does Coriolus Versicolor Grow?

Coriolus versicolor is a saprotrophic fungus that grows on decaying hardwood trees worldwide. It is commonly found in Asia, Europe, and North America, thriving in moist, wooded environments. In China, it is often cultivated for medicinal use.

Active Ingredients

The key bioactive compounds in Coriolus versicolor include:

• P...

Researched and written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Cancer Coach, and Retired Pharmacist.

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the evergreen tree Syzygium aromaticum. They are commonly used as a cooking spice and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

Clove, a spice native to Indonesia's Maluku Islands, has been esteemed for centuries in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Historically, it has been utilized to address many ailments, including dental pain, digestive issues, respiratory conditions, and reproductive health concerns. The therapeutic properties of clove are attributed mainly to its rich phytochemical composition, notably eugenol, eugenol acetate, and β-caryophyllene, which confer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant effects.[i]

In traditional practices, cloves were commonly employed to alleviate toothaches and oral infections, owing to their potent analgesic and antis...

A Comprehensive Review of the anti-cancer actions of iodine.

Researched and written by Keith Bishop, clinical nutritionist, cancer coach, and retired pharmacist.

Iodine, an essential trace element, has garnered significant attention for its potential anticancer properties. This blog post delves into iodine's anticancer activity, its mechanisms, other health benefits, cancers at higher risk due to deficiency, interactions with medications, top food sources, potential side effects of excess iodine, testing methods, and supplement sources.

Consult your health care team before making changes to your health program.

Anticancer Activity of Iodine

Research has shown that iodine exhibits significant anticancer effects, particularly in breast cancer. Molecular iodine has been found to diminish proliferation and invasive potential and activate the immune response in mammary cancer xenografts. Iodine induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) and inhibits angiogenesis (formation of new blo...

Researched and written by Keith Bishop, Cancer Coach, Clinical Nutritionist, Retired Pharmacist

D-mannose, a simple sugar, has been studied for its potential anti-cancer actions. Below, we explore its mechanisms, effects on cancer treatments, and considerations for its use based on scientific research. Mannose cancer research is in the early stages and limited to laboratory cancer cell studies, a few animals, and even fewer human studies.

The Warburg Effect and D-Mannose

The Warburg effect is where cancer cells rely heavily on glycolysis (glucose) for energy production, even in the presence of oxygen. Research indicates that D-mannose can disrupt glycolysis, affecting the Warburg effect and reducing cancer cell proliferation. A study published in Nature Nature link shows how D-mannose interferes with glucose metabolism, impairing tumor growth.

D-Mannose's Impact on Glucose Metabolism

D-mannose alters glucose metabolism by inhibiting pathways like the pentose phosphate pathway, wh...

Researched and written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Cancer Coach, and Retired Pharmacist

My wife and I come from families with histories of cancer and dementia, and I was personally diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. As a teenager with acne, I took powerful antibiotics for years that contributed to loose stools. As I shifted my focus from traditional pharmacy to natural health and cancer support, I uncovered the crucial role of digestive health in tackling these health challenges. Since prioritizing my gut health, I’ve experienced a significant reduction in autoimmune aches and pains and tested negative for rheumatoid arthritis, transforming my overall well-being.

The gut microbiome, a vast ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms in our digestive tract, is emerging as a key player in cancer, health, and disease. Its influence extends beyond digestion, impacting immune function, mental health, and cancer prevention and treatment. Here's how this microscopic community can...

Researched and written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Cancer Coach, Retired Pharmacist

Melatonin, often called the "sleep hormone," is a naturally occurring compound produced by the pineal gland in the brain. While its primary role is to regulate the sleep-wake cycle, emerging research has revealed its potential as a potent anticancer agent. This blog explores melatonin's anticancer properties, additional health benefits, potential side effects, role in cancer treatment, recommended dosages, and possible drug interactions.

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate circadian rhythms, ensuring a healthy sleep-wake cycle. It is also a potent antioxidant, capable of neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, which are key contributors to cellular damage and aging.

Melatonin Anticancer Activity*

Research has shown that melatonin exhibits several anticancer properties:

• Inhibits Tumor Growth: Melatonin can suppress tumor growth by regulating
...

Researched and written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Cancer Coach, Retired Pharmacist

Citrus fruits are celebrated for their health benefits, but did you know they might pose a hidden risk when combined with sun exposure? Recent studies have raised concerns about certain compounds in citrus fruits that could increase the risk of skin cancer. Here's what you need to know to stay safe while enjoying the sunshine.

The Cancer Culprit: Psoralens and Furocoumarins

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, contain naturally occurring compounds called psoralens and furocoumarins. These compounds are known as photocarcinogens, meaning they can interact with sun ultraviolet (UV) radiation to cause DNA damage in skin cells. This damage may increase the risk of developing skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC)[i] [ii]  [iii], squamous cell carcinoma (SCC),[iv] and melanoma.[v] One population study found one serving per day of an increase in total citr...