DNA damages occurs every second of every day by various mechanisms. Cancer is a primary result when our bodies cannot repair the damage.
Recent studies now show exceptional preventive protection to our DNA by a compound in hops, xanthohumol (XH). In one randomized study with humans XH in beverage form was given to one group and a placebo beverage given to the other group. After fourteen days, the XH group showed a 33% reduction in DNA damage.
The next test added chemical stress to the test subjects. Hydrogen peroxide induces a chemical stress on our cells. Similar results were found with a maximum of 53% reduction in DNA damage. The test parameters were then changed to use a tablet containing XH rather than a beverage to determine if the effects were really the result of XH. This second test showed a 39% reduction in DNA damage. Additionally, there was a 28% improvement in the reduction of XH in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.
Further tests were conducted to study XH’s affect on dietary carcinogens. NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine), benozopyrene, and IQ (2-amino-3-methlyimidazol [4,5-f]quinolone. Reductions in DNA damage was observed in each test. Additional tests were then done using a pill form rather than the beverage form. Similar results were obtained.
Carcinogenesis is the process by which DNA is damaged and mutates to form a malignant cell. XH results in humans were very close to the results observed in animal testing. By stopping DNA damage from the typical attacks by free radicals and dietary carcinogens, we have a better chance at reducing our risk of developing cancer due to DNA damage and mutation.
DNA damage is only one way cancer cells develop. Radiation, stress, infection, and inflammation are other common methods for cancer cells to form.
Chlorophyllin (CP) is a derivative of chlorophyll, a chemical found in green plants. CP protects DNA from damage by a different mechanism. It blocks dietary carcinogens making them less active in attacking DNA. Tests were done with CP using aflatoxins and heterocyclic amines and dietary carcinogens. Aflatoxins increase the risk of liver cancer. A 55% reduction in DNA damage was noted in the testing of aflatoxins. Heterocyclic amines are produced when meat is cooked at high temperatures. The testing results were similar in reducing DNA damage.
Watercress is a cruciferous vegetable. These types of vegetables have shown remarkable success in fighting oxidative stress that can damage DNA. Human studies with watercress showed a 24% reduction in DNA damage.
DNA damage is happening in your body every second. We have the ability to protect our DNA from damage by the foods we eat. Nutritional balance is extremely important because it supplies the required chemical compounds to fight inflammation at the cellular level.
I became a firm believer in nutritional balance when my wife recovered from months of chemo-induced fatigue in 48 hours when she started eating nutritionally balanced meals. We need over 30 nutrients daily to supply our bodies with the necessary tools to fight the daily onslaught of DNA damage. When our immune systems are strong, we can ward off almost every disease before it has a chance to develop and mature.