Why Red Clover Is Dangerous for Breast Cancer
Every year, countless women suffer and die from breast cancer, although many do make full recovery. According to the National Cancer Institute, 1 out of 8 women can expect to suffer from this condition at some point in their lives. That's a pretty daunting statistic, but fortunately for these women, there are aggressive treatments available to fight this disease to the best of their ability.
Cancer is a serious condition that requires careful monitoring by physicians in charge. Although traditional cancer treatment such as chemotherapy has been labeled as harsh and toxic on the body, there is not yet a better-known alternative. Not enough research has been done to ensure the efficacy of alternative therapy alone.
However, this doesn't mean cancer patients can't benefit from alternative therapy, like herbal medicine, as long as it is used in conjunction with conventional cancer treatment. Herbal medicine alone cannot cure cancer although some herbs may help in preventing them. Along with the conventional treatment, any women seeking to gain benefits from alternative therapy should know exactly what is being used. Red clover is a popular ingredient in many herbal teas and supplements that deal specifically with conditions for women, but unfortunately, it is contraindicated for breast cancer, meaning there is a possible danger in using it for this specific condition.
Red clover is not suitable for breast cancer because it contains isoflavones, which are natural, plant-based chemicals that are known to weakly mimic estrogen. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this herb, "due to its estrogen-like effects, might contribute to the growth of some cancers, just like estrogen does. Women with a history of breast cancer should not take red clover."
Cancer is caused by damage to DNA and cell mutation that subsequently follows, in genes that regulate cell growth. This mutation can be genetic or acquired through exposure to cigarette smoke or radiation. If DNA mutation that can cause cancer to develop already exists in breast cells, these cells will proliferate in response to estrogen stimulation. In other words, estrogen-induced cells increase the total number of mutant cells that increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
Red clover has estrogen-like effects that makes it so effective for menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, because these symptoms occur mainly due to the decreased level of estrogen. But it is not appropriate for breast cancer patients because there is a chance of excessive estrogen being introduced to the body.
Cancer is a serious condition that requires careful monitoring by physicians in charge. Although traditional cancer treatment such as chemotherapy has been labeled as harsh and toxic on the body, there is not yet a better-known alternative. Not enough research has been done to ensure the efficacy of alternative therapy alone.
However, this doesn't mean cancer patients can't benefit from alternative therapy, like herbal medicine, as long as it is used in conjunction with conventional cancer treatment. Herbal medicine alone cannot cure cancer although some herbs may help in preventing them. Along with the conventional treatment, any women seeking to gain benefits from alternative therapy should know exactly what is being used. Red clover is a popular ingredient in many herbal teas and supplements that deal specifically with conditions for women, but unfortunately, it is contraindicated for breast cancer, meaning there is a possible danger in using it for this specific condition.
Red clover is not suitable for breast cancer because it contains isoflavones, which are natural, plant-based chemicals that are known to weakly mimic estrogen. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this herb, "due to its estrogen-like effects, might contribute to the growth of some cancers, just like estrogen does. Women with a history of breast cancer should not take red clover."
Cancer is caused by damage to DNA and cell mutation that subsequently follows, in genes that regulate cell growth. This mutation can be genetic or acquired through exposure to cigarette smoke or radiation. If DNA mutation that can cause cancer to develop already exists in breast cells, these cells will proliferate in response to estrogen stimulation. In other words, estrogen-induced cells increase the total number of mutant cells that increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
Red clover has estrogen-like effects that makes it so effective for menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, because these symptoms occur mainly due to the decreased level of estrogen. But it is not appropriate for breast cancer patients because there is a chance of excessive estrogen being introduced to the body.
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