Week In Review THIS WEEK IN THE HSI HEALTHIER TALK COMMUNITY Sugar is to cancer as fertilizer is to plants. In a thread titled "Refined sugar and cancer," which appears in the Cancer forum in the HSI Healthier Talk community, a member named Jim writes: "I would appreciate any information…on the effects that refined sugars have on a cancer patient. I've tried to tell the family of a brain cancer patient that sugar filled donuts and candy are compromising his immune system, but what I hear is that there are no published studies corroborating cancer growth with intake of sugar." When I addressed this issue in the e-Alert "The Good Fight" (7/1/04), HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., had this to say: "Nutritionally oriented doctors have known about the refined sugar/cancer association for decades. Cells that are dividing (multiplying) the fastest have the highest requirement for energy (to sustain such accelerated growth). Cutting out the source is similar to cutting off the blood supply." Here are a few of the forum responses Jim received from HSI members: Michael: "Sugar certainly depresses the immune system. And so do the trans fats in those doughnuts. In her book, 'Nourishing Traditions,' Sally Fallon states: 'Sugar consumption is positively associated with cancer in humans and test animals. Tumors are known to be enormous sugar absorbers.' Ralph: "Dr. Mercola has a list of the ten worst foods and donuts are # 1!" DJT: "I just read that sugar causes a 50% reduction in immune function for about 4 hours after consumption. Also, in the book 'Sugar Blues' (read many years ago) there was one single line that has haunted me since. The author claims that American cigarette manufacturers process their tobacco with sugar, and that other countries who don't do this have much lower rates of tobacco-related lung cancer." We'll give Dr. Spreen the last word on this topic: "Obviously giving up sugar isn't the cure for cancer. But I'd recommend the tactic STRONGLY to anyone with cancer (or, actually, any other illness)" Other topics being discussed this week in the Healthier Talk community forums include: - Heart: How sunshine lowers your blood pressure
- Vitamin Questions: Echinacea
- Allergies: Fish oil
- Depression: NAC prevents hydrogen peroxide brain damage
- General Health Topics: Esophagus health
- Dental: Mouth wash
To join in with any of these discussions, just go to our web site at www.hsibaltimore.com, choose "Forum," and add your own insights and comments about health, nutrition and natural treatments. | 
