Alkaline water saved my life, reader says

The article about alkaline water in our "Sunday remail" of issue #59 generated more controversy than anything else we've published. Below I'm sharing some of the comments from readers. I value your feedback — pro or con — so if you ever want to send a letter to the editor, the email address is newsletter@cancerdefeated.com (it's at the bottom of every issue).

Issue #65 a couple of weeks ago talked about the possible relationship between breast cancer and the overuse of bras. Seems like it struck a nerve, too, so a few letters follow.

I feel obliged to note these letters can't be considered scientific proof. But, as I've said many times, I respect anecdotal evidence. I think it's worth our attention.

John R. W. writes. . .

A water machine that gives us high pH around 10 — "alkaline water", that is oxygen enriched -- has saved my life.

Continued below. . .

I and my extended family have been drinking high pH water for years, and have found and are finding immense health benefits from it.

I was left for dead by the medical profession, and found by a total stranger, who told me that "the water I was drinking was killing me."

I said, "That is as silly a thing as I have ever heard, every one drinks tap water."

I took his advice, installed a water machine, and within five days I was off all my doctor-prescribed medication, and back to doing a normal day's work, and today I am fit and well, and some five years later, I am living a normal life.

Do not knock the good water machines (there are likely to be a lot of useless ones); they are definitely the first step (not the only step) to recovery, for almost every disease.

James C. writes:

I am a 59-year-old metastatic cancer patient. I was diagnosed three years ago. . .I have been through several types of chemo, hormone blockade, radiation, and, of course, various drugs. When I saw that conventional treatment could not reliably control the cancer, I began researching alternative treatments and keeping records to test for results.

In January of this year a friend arranged for me to attend a seminar on Kangen (alkaline) water and to receive refills, if desired, from someone nearby with a machine.

Anecdotally, I noticed several immediate benefits. The first thing I noticed was that I was drinking more water. The water was refreshing to me. I enjoyed drinking it and much preferred it to the tap water available in my apartment.

At the time I had a chronic sinus infection that soon cleared up. I had also been on pain medication for a tooth infection which also cleared up. I had been referred to and visited an endodontist in anticipation of needing treatment, but the tooth is completely normal at this point.

Some other benefits I noticed immediately after beginning the water were better sleep, more energy and more frequency/regularity of bowel movements.

When you first start on Kangen water. . .you are warned about possible 'detox' effects such as lightheadedness, headache, tiredness and diarrhea. I experienced all of these to some degree, but cutting back on the water, as directed, relieved these symptoms shortly.

I can also offer some evidence for alkaline water which is inconclusive, but in my mind does support using it. I started the Bill Henderson protocol on 12/18/10 including barley tablets. . .I found that I did not tolerate the barley tablets that well. [EDITOR'S NOTE: I know of other people who don't tolerate the barley tablets.]. . .On 12/27/10 my PSA was tested at 119, up from 30 the previous month. I was put on cialutamide as a result of the PSA and other tests.

On 12/31 I began testing my saliva pH. Through 1/8/11 my average score was 6.6 [acidic]. I should mention that I had switched to a vegetarian diet (Dr. Dean Ornish) several years ago, so I am probably more alkaline and have a much better diet than the average man my age.

The week after I began on Kangen water, the average pH was 6.73. The following weeks' averages were 6.8, 6.83, 7.03 and 7.2 [above 7 is alkaline, meaning the water evidently worked]. . .

On 1/24/22 my PSA tested out at 28.4! This was a truly remarkable decrease and far greater than anything I have experienced with conventional treatment alone. It would have been a moral victory to have slowed the increase of the PSA, or even to have reversed it slightly. To have reversed the score in such a dramatic fashion was mind-blowing!

Also, during this period I should mention that I was increasing the barley tablets as dictated by the Henderson protocol, but after starting on the alkaline water I was able to do so without the side effects.

. . .I believe that alkaline water will contribute to my ability to completely extinguish the prostate cancer and maintain a healthy condition from here on out. I will be PSA-tested again near the end of this month and, since I am now off medication entirely, it should be interesting to see if I can sustain or continue the decreased score with natural methods alone.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: If you'd like to know more about the Henderson protocol, you can find out in our Special Report How to Cure Almost Any Cancer at Home for $5.15 a Day, by Bill Henderson. Bill advocates alkalinizing the body, but does not, as far as I know, urge the purchase of alkaline water machines.]

From Stephan R.F., who describes himself as a Research Assistant Professor in Physics:

The debate about acidity vs. alkalinity and its role in cancer is ongoing, as you know. In her book Knockout, Suzanne Somers interviewed several well-known physicians that work in the field of alternative medicine. I read her book and was amazed to read that some cancers were related to a too-alkaline environment!! On bottom of page 104 in her book, quoting Dr. Nicholas Gonazlez: "Parasympathetic tumors exist only in an alkaline environment. These are leukemias, lymphomas and myelomas. We believe that myeloma and sarcomas are occurring in people who are too alkaline, and that's why getting everyone alkaline is not a good thing. I've had some patients decide, because they have cancer, that they want to become vegetarians, but if they are parasympathetic, it is the wrong fuel for the body."

There is another, more important factor that balances the pH and that is the body's buffer system. A buffer system keeps the solution at a given pH within a very narrow range. I had chemistry as part of my undergraduate training and during the summer semester, we had chemistry labs. We would determine the strength of a buffer system through titration. You add an indicator (litmus) into the fluid and then you add drops, e.g., of a dilute acid and watch the color shift that indicates the buffer system has been exhausted and the solution has become acidic.

I believe that our body reacts similarly. If we eat too much acid-producing food (sugar, red meats, etc.) then we slowly use up our body's buffer. Now the body will under any circumstances keep the blood at the same pH, otherwise we will die. So the body will borrow calcium from the bones to balance the pH, but maybe the tissues can more easily swing to an acid environment? So a cancer could produce its own acid environment more easily if the buffer system is weak.

Years ago I read that some chemistry teacher showed his kids how pH paper works and distributed small pieces in his classroom. Everyone in the class showed that his or her saliva showed up alkaline, except one kid who said, "I want mine to also show the same color!" His showed that his saliva was acidic and it turned out that he had cancer, sadly.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: I'm aware that Dr. Gonzalez believes some cancers actually thrive in an alkaline environment, but I'm not aware of any other doctors who take that position.]

Now, on to bras and breast cancer. Here's a note from Josie M.:

I was amazed to read your article about wearing a bra and cancer. Few years ago I had a mammogram and they found a cyst in my right breast. I went as far as going to the hospital lying there ready to be wheeled in for a biopsy. Doctor did breast exam before I went in, and couldn't find my cyst. He said it must have popped, and they let me get dressed and go home without having a biopsy. I stopped wearing bras when I am home and only wear them in summer when I go to people's houses. I haven't had a cyst since.

From Ruth G.:

15 to 18 years ago, I heard a man (forensic anthropologist Ph.D.) on a radio talk show in Los Angeles talking about a study that he did regarding bras and breast cancer. At that time I was being subject to having needles stuck in my breasts frequently to drain cysts. I had fibrosis cystic disease. I stopped wearing a bra. Cold turkey. I worked bra-less. I rode horses bra-less. I played golf bra-less I have not had a single lump since then. Okay, I droop. I now wear a bra to work or out in public, but I am careful to not overdo it, and on the weekends. . .I don't wear a bra. The sad part of this story is my sister-in-law who refused to give up her bras and no longer has breasts. It is good to see this article getting out to the women of the United States.

From Athena R.:

Has it occurred to you that some of us wear a bra out of necessity? If I did not wear a bra, my breasts would constantly be in the way of things I want to do and would hurt when I try to do things like dance, run up the stairs, any activity such as sawing or hoeing. I wear a g, h, or i cup, so you can see this is an issue. My OB strongly suggested that I wear a bra 24/7 when I was pregnant 30-plus years ago, because the breakdown of tissue was too easy with large breasts AND nursing. My point is, don't make it seem like women are wearing them simply out of vanity — believe me, I wouldn't, particularly when I'm home all the time, if I didn't have to.

Secondly, there is absolutely no indication whether the 'bra wearers' versus the 'non-wearers' or 'light users' were compared in any way by way of how constrictive their bras were, their ages, the sizes of their breasts, etc. It's easy for an a, or even b-cup cal to go without a bra, but not so much women of larger sizes. Does the size of the breast have to do with cancer likelihood? Typically, larger breasts are on older women (as we age and get fatter, mostly), so is that the cause of the difference?

There is also the question of why, when corsets and other tight garments were the 'proper' way to dress, wasn't the cancer rate way higher than it is today? From all I've read, the cancer rate has grown dramatically in the last 50 years, well after the loose look came into vogue.

Everybody knows about skin cancer. It's the deadly cancer caused by too much sunshine without sunscreen ... right?

Actually, wrong.

Though dermatologists have been telling us for years to steer clear of the sun's UV rays or lather up with SPF 50, research now shows the bigger problem is we don't get enough sun exposure. Sunshine is the best way to absorb vitamin D, and vitamin D plays a major role in the prevention of skin cancer and many other health problems.

The misconception about the sun and skin cancer stems from confusion about what skin cancer is. What you need to know is there are three types of skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Basal and squamous skin cancers are the most common, and are likely caused by the sun as well as genetics. In most cases, these cancers will not spread to other cells. Though dermatologists are wild to remove these growths, they can usually be left alone without turning into anything dangerous (I don't seek treatment for mine, just for the record).

Get a yearly checkup to make sure yours aren't a problem — and be aware that your dermatologist WILL want to cut, so you have to take a firm stand. YES, you want to make sure it's just a basal cell carcinoma and (if you're like me) NO you don't want yours removed as long as it's not growing.

And the truth is, you can remove them at home with over-the-counter creams and salves, as I'll explain in a moment.

It's the third type of cancer, melanoma, that's the scary one. Melanoma rapidly produces new cells and spreads to other organs in the body. In the U.S., melanoma results in about 7,000 deaths each year. But no evidence suggests melanoma is connected to the sun. It may be linked to frequent sunburns, but not to general sun exposure.

Looking at the facts, melanoma on men usually occurs on the trunk of the body, and melanoma on women most often shows up on the legs. If it was really something instigated by the sun, it would make a lot more sense to see it on the face and arms.

Why vitamin D and moderate sun exposure
actually cut your risk of cancer

With this information in mind, let me share with you why you probably need vitamin D to tackle melanoma. Recent research studies show that vitamin D can cut the risk of cancer in half. Individuals with higher levels of vitamin D are up to 80% less likely to get colon cancer. They also have lower blood pressure and face fewer cases of multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia. In the case of women, the risk of breast cancer is cut by a fifth.

In a test tube study, vitamin D also suppressed the growth of melanoma and stopped it from metastasizing. One test tube study doesn't settle the matter, but I'm going to venture an opinion: a good source of D — the sun — helps prevent this form of cancer as well as the ones listed above.

I'm NOT suggesting that you cultivate a deep tan and you definitely need to avoid burns. If nothing else, they age your skin. But moderate sun exposure is safe. What's moderate? That depends on your skin type, the time of year and the time of day. African-Americans and most Hispanics can safely handle much more sun exposure than a pale, redheaded Irishman. During December you can stay out in the sun far longer than in July. And even during July you can stay out much longer at 4 PM than at noon.

The discovery of vitamin D's benefits is huge news. But, the reality is most Americans aren't getting enough of this wonder vitamin. Since we're told to wear sunscreen even on cloudy winter days, we deprive ourselves of the most effective source of D. Sunshine allows our skin to produce vitamin D, and just five minutes of sun exposure creates more vitamin D than you can get by taking several supplements. What's more, it's FREE, and I've always found that an endearing trait.

Supplements are helpful and I recommend them, but the amount of D absorbed from them is pitiful in relation to the natural source of sun.

The Secret Skin Cancer Treatment: Glycoalkaloids

Now that we're clear that it's important to get a dose of sun in your daily routine, let me say another word about the more minor forms of skin cancer: basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. The sun may cause these, but the minimal risk is worth it in relation to the need for vitamin D.

I've had a few basal skin carcinomas myself. It's very common and I know loads of other people have had these too. As I mentioned before, a dermatologist will remove them if you want.

But if you want to avoid the cutting, stitches, and scar, there is an alternative: Curaderm-BEC5. Curaderm is a topical cream that can tackle basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, plus benign keratoses. It's been described as a highly successful treatment for all non-melanoma skin cancers, and cures without leaving a scar.

The cream was developed in Australia by biochemist Dr. Bill Cham. A veterinarian friend of his noticed that a cow appeared to cure skin cancer around its eye by rubbing its face on a plant called the Devil's Apple weed. With years of research, Cham discovered glycoalkaloids in this plant work as a powerful healing agent for skin cancers.

Cham was not the first to make use of glycoalkaloids for cancer treatment. Apparently, plants rich in glycoalkaloids were used to cure cancer back in the second century. Nonetheless, he pioneered modern studies of glycoalkaloids and their anticancer agents.

Solasodine glycoalkaloid, also known as BEC, is the form of glycoalkaloid found in the Devil's Apple weed and the one Dr. Cham found most effective. You can also find it in smaller amounts in the eggplant. BEC works by latching on to cancer cell receptor sites and attacking lyposomes and mitchondria in the cancer cell. It ultimately kills the cancer and leaves healthy cells unaffected.

Cancer cured ... with just a skin cream

A National Institutes of Health (NIH) study in 1987 showed that Curaderm worked wonders on basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. The cream worked in 20 out of 24 basal cell cases, five out of six squamous cell cases, and all cases of keratoses. A 1991 follow-up study indicated all lesions were fully treated. According to an analysis of biopsies, the formula successfully removed lesions for at least three years after therapy.

Reports showed "no adverse side effects on the liver, kidneys, or haematopoietic system" (the system that creates the formation of blood), nor any clinical effects. Another study showed that a patient using Curaderm saw her cancer ulcerate and slough off. The treatment left the cartilage on her nose exposed, but after 13 weeks, her nose was back to its original shape.

A competing skin cream, SkinAnswer, was introduced as an alternative to Curaderm. In a study for this cream, patients with keratoses, basal cell carcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas were treated. Twenty-seven out of 28 patients completely recovered in four to eight weeks, and biopsies verified the cancer had completely vanished. This study reported no serious or long-term side effects at all. Non-serious side effects were not mentioned.

I'd like to see more information and more details about these research studies. Yet, I've read some impressive accounts — both from online reviews and my own subscribers — that the cream really does work on skin carcinomas.

Can you cure non-melanoma skin cancer with a poultice of raw eggplant? I've seen reports online that it works, but I don't know of a protocol that's been tested in a clinical setting. So I don't know how much you need to apply and for how long. If anyone knows of a home, do-it-yourself eggplant protocol send it in — preferably one that's been tested by a naturpathic doctor or similar credentialed healer.

Should you care if the FDA disapproves?

As intriguing and powerful as glycoalkaloid-based treatments sound, the FDA banned these treatments in 2004. The department claimed there was not enough research or evidence to deem them safe. Plus, the FDA opposes anything based on self-diagnosis and self-treatment of cancer.

I'm not too surprised that the FDA disapproved of the treatment. It's typical that they steer clear of natural remedies much more often than chemical remedies. On one hand, glycoalkaloids are actually a family of poisons, produced by plants to ward off insects. So there is potential for toxicity. But on the other hand, the NIH conducted studies that specifically used Curaderm (with .005% of glycoalkaloid), and found no fault to report.

With or without the ban, Curaderm and SkinAnswer can still be purchased online. A search on Amazon brings up Curaderm, but there is no claim for cancer treatment in the write-up. The cream is merely described as a $115 "topical cream."

Amazon also sells a book Dr. Cham wrote called The Eggplant Cancer Cure. My guess is the biochemist has found eggplant to be the more favorable plant for the cure than the lesser known, more potent BEC plant, Devil's Apple weed. You can also find SkinAnswer online, and it's now in the form of a beauty cream that claims to remove sunspots.

I think these creams may be worth a try. But they should only be used once a dermatologist has verified the spots are not melanoma. The OTC remedies don't work for melanoma, I'm told.

Cream or no cream, don't forget there's a huge difference between basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Now, go out and get yourself a healthy dose of sunshine.

Kindest regards,

Lee Euler,
Publisher

Sources:

Cham, B.E. & Mearas, H.M. "Glycoalkaloids from Solanum sodomaeum are effective in the treatment of skin cancers in man," Aug. 1987. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3621146

Cham, B.E., Daunter, B., & Evans, R.A. "Topical treatment of malignant and premalignant skin lesions by very low concentrations of a standard mixture (BEC) of solasodine glycosides," Sept. 1991. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=
Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=1913614

Dach, Jeffrey, MD. "Breakthrough Treatment for Skin Cancer, BEC5," http://jeffreydach.com/2007/07/16/breakthrough-treatment
-for-skin-cancer-bec5-by-jeffrey-dach-md-2.aspx

Euler, Lee. "Your Deadly D-ficiency Report.

IndiaDivine.org, http://www.indiadivine.org/audarya/ayurveda-health
-wellbeing/978774-glycoalkaloids-squamous-cell-carcinoma.html

"Skin Answer by Lane Labs is Back - as SunSpot Gel!" 2 Oct. 2009. http://healthbeatnews.com/news/archives/135

"The Skin Cancer Self Treatment from Weeds in the Australian Bush," 13 Nov. 2007. http://rastaseed.com/2007/11/13/the-skin-cancer-self-
treatment-from-weeds-in-the-australian-bush/

Letter from the Department of Health & Human Services. 21 May 2008. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/
EnforcementActivitiesbyFDA/CyberLetters/ucm056331.pdf