What exactly is vitamin B17? Why is there so much controversy over its use as an alternative cancer treatment? Should cancer patients have the option of B17 therapy? Would you object to this therapy for a loved one, knowing that the FDA has banned its transport across state lines?
First and foremost vitamin B17, also known as Laetrile, is an extract of apricot kernels which makes it a food supplement, and therein lies the problem. The pharmaceutical companies could not patent it as a drug. How much money would the drug companies lose if something "natural" came along and stole all their cancer drug money? We're talking billions of dollars!
By the pharmaceutical companies putting pressure on the FDA, there are now regulations to prevent the interstate selling of Laetrile. They have also passed regulations in some states that prevent doctors from using Laetrile as a cancer therapy. Needless to say, if it's not approved by regulation for your state, you will have to travel to another state if you choose to try this therapy for your cancer.
What is the FDA's reasoning behind these regulations? Laetrile is a type of cyanide and therefore "could be" dangerous if someone overdosed on the amount that they consumed. The cyanide that is present in Laetrile is a hydrogen cyanide, which is completely different from a cyanide radical. These studies have also shown that Laetrile only applies the cyanide to cancer cells since cancer cells are the only cells that do not contain the enzyme Rhodanese. Once activated by cancer cells, it then transforms into a silicate that acts the same way as aspirin, helping to control pain.
Some of the foods that you can eat to get vitamin B17 in your diet are:
Seeds of Fruits - apricot kernels, apples, cherry, nectarine, peach, pear, plum, prune.
Beans - burma, chickpeas, broad beans, lima
Berries - blackberry, strawberry, cranberry, raspberry
Nuts - Macadamia, cashew, bitter almond
Seeds - Flax, chia, sesame
The rule of thumb for preventative consumption is that if you eat three apples a day, you would not eat anymore than the seeds that are contained in the three apples OR one apricot kernel for each 10 lbs. of weight/per day.
It has been found that cultures such as the Eskimos, Hunzas, Abkasians and others that have high consumption of B17 in their diets, have never had one case of cancer reported. Seven apricot kernels a day is considered a good insurance policy for a cancer free life. The kernels are bitter though, so you could also choose to grind them and sprinkle them on a salad or in your morning oatmeal. Be creative.
There are also injections of B17 that can be administered at certain clinics. Do a search on the internet for Metabolic Therapy and you should be able to find a clinic if that is your choice but be aware they might not be in your state. The injections are more advisable for people who have already been diagnosed with cancer and can be used along with conventional medical therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Be advised that Laetrile is recommended for all cancers but it appears to help most with lung cancer, breast, prostate, colon and lymphomas. The earlier you start your therapy (preferably before radiation and chemotherapy), the better the results.
More in-depth information can be found at World Without Cancer. A pdf file can be downloaded that explains the whole concept, what dosage to take, and where you can get answers to any questions you might have. You can also read documented evidence to support Laetrile as a cancer-fighting agent at the above site.
I find this information quite extraordinary and feel that it should be added to everyone's arsenal of information on the "fight against cancer"...even if it's not in the mainstream realm of remedies.
Jackie Martin writes from a perspective of her own self-education after three siblings (in the last five years), her mother and several other extended family members were diagnosed with cancer. Her blog: WhenCancerHitsHome deals with the personal side of each siblings diagnosis as well as her self-education resources and findings.
A must read if you're diagnosed or have a loved one diagnosed with cancer: http://www.cancer-bestalternatives.com
