According to the American Cancer Society there will be 70,980 new cases of bladder cancer in 2009. Men are three times more likely to get the disease and 90 percent of cases occur in people over the age of 55. Fortunately, 74 percent of people are diagnosed when the cancer is confined to the bladder. There are many natural treatments one can employ in the fight against bladder cancer and are best used as part of an overall plan that includes standard treatments.
Beneficial Herbs
Dosages of both herbs and prescription drugs are determined by "therapeutic range," which is one of their most important pharmacological properties. This range is the difference between the smallest dose that will provide any benefit and the largest dose possible without doing any harm. Most herbal medicines are non toxic and it would be impossible to overdose or do any serious damage, but always stick to suggested doses. Taking much more will not produce any additional benefits and can possibly produce negative side effects.
Astragalus activates the P53 gene, which destroys cells with damaged DNA, including cancer cells. Take 500 to 1500 mg three times a day. Cat's Claw can boost white blood cell counts during chemotherapy. Take the recommended dose on the label. Garlic can reduce tumor size. Use enteric coated capsules at 900 mg daily. Green tea in capsule or tea form has cancer fighting properties. In women, estrogen can activate bladder cancer cells to grow and multiply. A study published in the Journal of Urology in 1994 found that quercetin inhibited this tendency. Take 125 to 250 mg three times daily. Red wine catechins can alter cellular changes that cause tumors to grow and spread. Take resveratrol tablets at 125 to 250 mg three times a day between meals. Siberian ginseng can stimulate the immune system. Take the recommended dose on the extract label.
Other Recommendations
Avoid herbs that stimulate estrogen such as cordyceps, dan shen, fennel, licorice and peony. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 1998 followed 47,909 men and found that eating cruciferous vegetables on a regular basis (five or more servings a week) significantly reduced the risk of bladder cancer. This study shows that to prevent a recurrence of the condition once cleared, it would most likely be beneficial to follow the same dietary guidelines. This includes broccoli, cabbage, turnips, turnip greens and collard greens.
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