Written by Dr. Keith I. Block, MD Evidence of the ability of inflammation to both initiate and fuel cancer has been accumulating since at least the 1980s. In fact, any chronic inflammatory disease – such as arthritis, bronchitis, fasciitis, colitis, and asthma – can increase the risk of cancer. For example, according to a 2000 … Continued
Two studies comparing low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets were published earlier this month. One, released to great acclaim (and an adulatory New York Times editorial) was a randomized trial comparing a low-carb and a (supposed) low-fat diet, completed in New Orleans by Tulane University. The other was an analysis of 48 randomized trials comparing named diet … Continued
By Dr. Penny Block, PhD All of us are uncomfortable with uncertainty. And cancer can feel like an ultimate, immense, even overwhelming uncertainty. As patients, we look to doctors as medical experts, and often seek definitive information in the midst of this uncertainty. Given these expectations, doctors may be even more uncomfortable with uncertainty and … Continued
One of the most important strategies for treating women with estrogen-positive breast cancer is to block the action of estrogen. In estrogen positive (ER+) breast cancers, the natural estrogen in the body attaches to the estrogen receptors on cancer cells and stimulates them to divide, which makes breast tumors grow. Once the initial treatment of … Continued
Serves 6 Ingredients: 4 scallions 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil Coarse salt and ground pepper 1 1/4 cup wild rice or wild rice blend (any seasoning packet discarded) 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar 1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped 1 orange, diced, zest optional
Serves 12
Qigong is a traditional Chinese exercise modality. It aligns breathing, mental focus (or awareness) and movement for purposes of exercise, meditation and balancing of the “qi,” or life energy, in healing. It emphasizes and cultivates a calm and relaxing state of mind. At the Block Center, qigong exercises are often integrated into the physical activity … Continued
When is an antioxidant not an antioxidant? This curious question was explored in a scientific poster that Dr. Block presented at the 10th International Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO), held October 20-22 of this year. The answer to the question was suggested in the title of the poster, “Antioxidants as pro-oxidants in … Continued
A hearty pilaf for fall makes great leftovers for lunch when you're on the go! Ingredients: 2 tsp canola oil (organic)1 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced1 celery stalk, diced1 medium carrot, peeled and diced1 ½ cups pearled barley2-inch piece of fresh orange peel1 whole cinnamon stick3 cups vegetable stock or broth2 cups cooked white … Continued
What cancer-related uses of fish oil have the best scientific evidence behind them? Dr. Block presented on this topic at the 10th International Society for Integrative Oncology in Vancouver, British Columbia on Sunday, October 20. Laboratory studies of fish oil show that it has many effects on cancer, from modifying blood viscosity to modulating treatment … Continued