Vitamin D and Cancer Prevention

What do breast, colon, and prostate cancer all have in common? Research says supplementation with vitamin D may lower their incidence.

We can get vitamin D through sunlight exposure as well through the diet, but very few foods naturally contain vitamin D and between long work hours that are primarily indoors and the use of sunscreens, many people don’t get adequate UV exposure to create sufficient vitamin D levels. Foods that are a good source of vitamin D include fatty fish, fish liver oil, and eggs. Most dietary vitamin D comes from fortified foods, such as milk, juices, yogurt, bread and breakfast cereals. Vitamin D can also be obtained through supplementation.

Unfortunately most people do not get adequate vitamin D from these sources and as a result, vitamin D insufficiency is literally an epidemic. Statistics extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that more than 90% of the population with pigmented skin, and 75% of the white population, have insufficient levels of vitamin D.

Mechanisms by which vitamin D may modify cancer risk are not fully understood, but laboratory studies have shown that vitamin D promotes cellular differentiation, decreases cancer cell growth, hinders angiogenesis, and stimulates apoptosis.

Several observational studies, and a few prospectively randomized controlled trials, have demonstrated that adequate levels of vitamin D can decrease the risk and improve survival rates for several types of cancers including breast, rectum, ovary, prostate, stomach, bladder, esophagus, kidney, lung, pancreas, uterus, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

The effects of vitamin D serum levels on colorectal cancer were illustrated in the EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) study, a large observational study of both men and women. The EPIC study enrolled more than half a million adults in 10 western European countries who were initially free of cancer; full intakes and lab work (including vitamin D levels) were performed on all participants. After several years of follow up, 1,248 subjects developed colorectal cancer and these individuals were matched to 1,248 study participants who did not develop colorectal cancer. The researchers report that people with the highest pre-cancer levels of vitamin D were about 40 percent less likely to develop colorectal cancer than those with the lowest levels.

It is estimated that 85,000 cases of breast cancer and 60,000 cases of colorectal cancer could be prevented in North America alone with sufficient vitamin D levels. A recent study compiled data on breast and colon cancer and vitamin D levels and found that dosages of 3500 IU/day would reduce breast cancer and 2000 IU/day would reduce colon cancer by 50%. The current median adult intake of vitamin D in the US is only 230 IU/day.

Other studies relating cancer to vitamin D have shown that people living at higher latitudes (and therefore have fewer days of the year with adequate sun exposure) are at increased risk for Hodgkin lymphoma as well as colon, pancreatic, prostate, ovarian, breast and other cancers. In addition, people living at higher latitudes are more likely to die from these cancers compared with those living at lower latitudes. Epidemiologic studies, both prospective and retrospective, have shown that individuals who have serum 25(OH)D3 levels <20ng/mL have an associated 30% to 50% greater risk of colon, prostate, and breast cancer as well as a higher mortality from these cancers.

The current recommended daily allowance of vitamin D in the United States is 400 IU for children 0-12 months, 600 IU for children greater than 12 months old and adults up to age 70, and 800 IU for those over 70 years old. However, the emerging evidence on the non-skeletal benefits of vitamin D has made these recommendations obsolete. Doses as high as 10,000 IU/day have been shown to be safely tolerated.

People are more likely to not get enough vitamin D than to get too much. However, excessive intake of any nutrient, including vitamin D, can cause toxic effects such as hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, hypertension, constipation, fatigue and more. Excessive sun exposure does not cause vitamin D toxicity, however with supplementation, monitoring therapy is important to ensure adequate, but not excessive, dosage.

Whether supplemented or manufactured in the skin, cholecalciferol (D3) is hydroxylated in the liver to form 25­hydroxycholcalciferol (25(OH)D3) and this is the major circulating form of the vitamin. Though it goes through an additional hydroxylation (primarily in the kidney) to form 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol before it is biologically active, the 25(OH)D3 form is the most stable form and thus considered the most accurate measure of the amount of vitamin D in the body.

1. Adams JS, Hewison M. “Update in Vitamin D.” J Clin Endocrinol Metab2010 Feb; 95(2):471-8.
2. Garland, Cedric F. et al. “What is the dose-response relationship between vitamin D and cancer risk?” Nutrition Reviews. 2007;65;8 (Suppl):91-95.
3. Holick MF. “Vitamin D deficiency.” N Engl J Med. 2007;357:266-281.
4. Holt PR, Arber N, Halmos B, et al. “Colonic epithelial cell proliferation decreases with increasing levels of serum 25­hydroxy vitamin D.” Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention 2002; 11(1):113-119.)
5. Jenab M, et al. “Association between pre-diagnostic circulating vitamin D concentration and risk of colorectal cancer in European populations: a nested case-control study.” BMJ 2010 Jan21;340:b5500.
6. Lenz, Thomas PharmD, MA, PAPHS. “Vitamin D Supplementation and Cancer Prevention.” Am J Lifestyle Med. 2009;3(5):365-368.
7. Moreno J, Krishnan AV, Feldman D. “Molecular mechanisms mediating the anti-proliferative effects of vitamin D in prostate cancer.” Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2005; 97(1-2):31-36
8. “Vitamin D and prevention of breast cancer: pooled analysis.” J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2007 Mar;102(3­5):708-11.
9. www.cancer.gov. National Cancer Institute.

This workshop returns, this time on a weekday evening, by popular demand!  This down to earth educational program joins Master Acupuncturist & Teacher, Jonathan Glass of the Healing Essence Center with Ayurveda Student & Certified Power Vinyasa Yoga Teacher, Deborah Jaishree Spielman.  Guided by Jonathan’s easy, warm & approachable manner, you will learn fundamental, yet powerful principles:

Click here to register!

I am so pleased to announce our spring/summer HCG Simeons Protocol Weight Loss Program! This will be a combination onsite & conference call program, so anyone can participate, no matter your location. Once again, we are teaming up with author and radio host, Frankie Boyer, whose health and wellness radio show you can listen to on www.wrolboston.com.

We have had seriously amazing results. With the right support, knowledge and products, you can be on your way to your healthiest weight ever… and maintain it too! Special guest speakers, topics on diet and lifestyle, cleansing and more will all be covered along with info and support with the program.

Schedule will be as follows:
Thursday 5/24, 7-9pm Onsite and via Conference Call
Monday 5/28, 7-8pm via Conference Call
Wednesday 6/6, 7-8pm via Conference Call
Wednesday 6/13, 7-8pm via Conference Call
Wednesday 6/27, 7-8pm via Conference Call
Wednesday 7/11, 7-8pm Onsite and via Conference Call

Program Includes:

• Six weeks of instruction via on-site classes and conference calls
• Simeon Program adipose fat burning products
• Instructional book with recipes
• One Individual Consultation by phone or in-person with Jonathan
• Email support throughout the program
• Helpful handouts and recipes throughout program
• All the support you need to have an enjoyable and successful experience
• On going support available

Cost: $295

Click here to register!

Spring is the best time to cleanse!

Its time to think about lightening up, detoxing, losing weight and aligning with the upcoming spring season.

Avoiding sugar, dairy and excess fat is extremely important this time of year.  It is said in Ayurveda that during the spring, body fat and accumulated winter toxins are meant to literally melt away.  Cleansing is natural in the spring.

As anger/hope are the prominent emotions of the season, it is especially important to clear these channels, especially the liver.  If we dont “clean” up our diet and re-charge our days with a healthy lifestyle, spring will often bring an abundance of frustration, colds, allergies and even depression.

When we cleanse in the spring, a natural lightness, enthusiasm, clarity and hopefulness emerges.  This year, I am very excited to be using new products from Innate Response, the purest and most effective products I have found.

Join us for the best cleanse ever!

Details & Registration

Location: Healing Essence Center
96 Commonwealth Ave
West Concord, MA 01742

Dates & Times: Saturday,May 5th, 9am-1:00pm

Evenings:  May 9th, 15th & 22nd  7pm-9pm

Cost: $425

The leading-edge science of nutrigenomics is paving the way to discover what each person requires to optimize their gene expression, leading to optimal health and a long, healthy life.  Diet, lifestyle and specific, targeted, nutritional based gene profile can enhance your gene expression.  Dr. Margie Smith is a Molecular Geneticist with over 20 years experience in Neuro-genetics and Cancer genetics. She has worked in major teaching hospitals in New Zealand and Australia. Specifically Margie worked with families affected by early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and more recently in the diagnostic screening for heritable breast and breast/ovarian cancer.

Working with an American based company Transgenomics Margie established high throughout genetic analysis using WAVE Technology. This enabled breast cancer screening to be used in diagnostic laboratories in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.  Margie has published in the areas of both cancer and neurogenetics and she has recently contributed to the publication, Dementia.

Recently Margie became the co-founder of a Nutritional Genomics company called SmartDNA.  This company has established affordable, predictive and preventative nutrition-based genetic testing for practitioners and their clients. This nutritional profiling is personalised and covers a number of health areas including cholesterol profiling, Phase I and Phase II detox and weight management.  SmartDNA is challenging the one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition and health.

Source:  What Women Must Know on Progressive Radio Network

This down to earth educational program joins Master Acupuncturist & Teacher, Jonathan Glass of the Healing Essence Center with Ayurveda Student & Certified Power Vinyasa Yoga Teacher, Deborah Jaishree Spielman.  Guided by Jonathan’s easy, warm & approachable manner, you will learn fundamental, yet powerful principles:

Click here to register!

• What is the vast context within which we practice yoga, chanting and meditation?

• What do the different gods and goddesses, to whom we chant, represent?

• What is bhakti (devotion) and what role does it play on the spiritual path?

• How do we relate to the formless Absolute and how can we understand both the personal and formless aspects of divinity?

• How do we find an authentic spiritual teacher and is it necessary to do so? Is the Guru within, without or both? What are the qualifications of a real master? How do we avoid false teachers?

• How does our spiritual autobiography shape our relationship to the sacred? How do we take our next steps spiritually? What kind of commitments do we want to make?

Prajna Lisa Hallstrom, PhD, has taught Hinduism and Buddhism at the college level and has facilitated personal growth workshops for many years, including the Women’s Spirituality Program at Interface. Her own spiritual path integrates Hindu mysticism, Bhakti Yoga, Tibetan Buddhism, and earth-based spirituality. In the course of her journey, Prajna has studied with many spiritual teachers and, through the gifts she has received as well as the disillusionments, she has come to discover the power of a direct relationship with the divine, in particular with the Divine Mother. You can learn more about Prajna’s journey, her book, Mother of Bliss: Anandamayi Ma (1896-1982), and her CD entitled  ”Jai Ma!” on her website, www.shaktimata.com.

Jonathan Glass, , L.Ac., M.Ac., CHT, has been practicing yoga and meditation for over 35 years.  During that time he has studied with many teachers from various paths, all of whom have been influential in his life. Those who were disappointments brought about a deeper understanding of the authentic spiritual path and what it means to be a real student and a real teacher. Jonathan  is a long time  practitioner of meditation and  Bhakti Yoga, in the line of Sri Chaitanya, and loves to share its deep, sweet and profound  teachings. He also maintains a busy Ayurveda and acupuncture practice and is the co-founder of Healing Essence Center in Concord, MA. See www.healingessencecenter.com to learn more about his work.

Details & Registration

Location: Healing Essence Center

96 Commonwealth Ave, West Concord, MA

Cost: $300 for the series or $108 for each session

Register for the Series (all 3 Sessions) Here

Register for Session 1 Only

Register for Session 2 Only

Register for Session 3 Only

Click on Flyer Below to View or Print Full-Size

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We are delighted to invite you to an evening with Katherine Glass and Melanie Charbonneau, two extremely gifted psychic mediums*, for a revealing evening of spirit messages and psychic readings for YOU!

When: Friday, March 2 from 7:30 -9:30 p.m.

Where: The Healing Essence Center, West Concord, MA.

Click Here to Register

However, it is important to understand what it takes to be a healthy, plant-based eater while being aware of its potential pitfalls.  There is also alot of misinformation that needs clarification.  Eating plant-based is easy, enjoyable, tasty, and there are unlimited choices and recipes.

• What essentials do you need to know to eat an extremely satisfying healthy plant based diet?
• What is the current scientific data saying?
• What are the myths that need clarification?
• What is the truth regarding soy, dairy, essential fats, protein needs, iron and B12?
• What are the potential negative pitfalls of going plant based?
• How can eating a plant based diet benefit the environment?
• What do the ancient Ayurvedic texts, Vedic scriptures and even the Bible have to say about eating plant based?
• How can ahimsa, or living without causing harm benefit us all environmentally, physically, mentally and spiritually?

Class led by Jonathan Glass M.Ac, Ayurvedic Practitioner.  Jonathan has been practicing Ayurveda and Acupuncture for over 20 years.  He has happily eaten a plant based diet for 30 years.  Despite the fact that it has not made him any taller, it has done wonderful things for his well being!

Where: Healing Essence Center

When: Tuesday February 28th

Time: 7pm-9:30pm

Cost: $15

Click here to register.

Living at a health weight is not just about vanity.  It is about health and quality of life.  It is possible to turn things around once and for all.

This is no ordinary weight loss opportunity.  This is an opportunity to re-balance your glandular system and  lose excess adipose fat,  once and for all.  If you, or anyone you know wants to lose 10-35 pounds in 23-40 days and stay that way, this is your chance.  These programs have been remarkably successful if done correctly and with expert support.

The Simeons Program is gaining popularity everywhere, but many have found having the right support makes all the difference.  This is why we started this program – to provide the kind of support that makes it possible to really succeed.  This program also serves as a cleanse on many levels!

Feel free to email me at healingessence9@aol.com if you have any questions before registering.

Click here to register!

Cost $350

Program Includes

• Six weeks of instruction via on-site classes and conference calls
• Simeon Program adipose fat burning products
• Instructional book with recipes
• One Individual Consultation by phone or in-person with Jonathan
• Email support throughout the program
• Helpful handouts and recipes throughout program
• All the support you need to have an enjoyable and successful experience
• On going support available

Class and  Call Schedule:

Class 1 Wed Feb 1st 7-9pm On site at Healing Essence

Class 2  Wed Feb 8th 7-8pm Conference call

Class 3 Wed Feb 15th 7-8pm Conference call

Class 4 Wed Feb 22nd 7-8pm Conference call

Class 5 Wed Feb 29th 7-9pm On site at Healing Essence

Class 6 Wed Mar 7th 7-8pm Conference call

Excess body fat can significantly affect your health and sense of wellbeing.  Adipose fat (the stored fat usually stored in the belly, hips, butt, upper arms, chest,) creates a hormone called leptin which communicates with the master gland in the brain called the hypothalamus.  Leptin tells the hypothalamus that the body is satisfied after a meal and whether it needs to store nutients as fat or utilize it immediately as energy.  The problem is, too much adipose fat creates too much leptin, which then interferes with the communication with the hypothalamus.  When this happens, the body goes into a mode of storing more and more fat and often never feeling satiated.  Fat stores hormones, toxins, acid waste.  The body protects itself from such things and the cycle goes on.

The Simeons products and protocol works by balancing the hypothalamus and supporting the body to dissolve and utilize ONLY its deep, stored fat as calories!  This means that perhaps for the first time, you will be able to lose unwanted fat in all the places that are typically most difficult to lose.  Your face will not become gaunt as it typical in rapid weight loss programs.  In the end you will create a new set point weight, have normalized hunger, and find it easier than ever to maintain your healthy weight.

Click here to register!