According to a statistical study conducted in 2014, it was estimated that about 14,738,719 people were living with cancer, at that point in time, in the United States. The same study revealed that at least 38.5% of the population will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetime. The costs of cancer treatment, be it chemotherapy or radiation have always been high. Surprisingly, due to this reason, one-quarter of the patients put off getting a treatment or test.
Trying simple remedies which are light on pocket works in a few cases, and we bring to you one of the most effective treatments. A lot of research has been conducted on the usage of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and honey in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Below are the reasons why.
Anticancer Benefits Of Baking Soda
1. Regulates pH Levels
A pH is a figure expressing the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. A pH of 7 is neutral, lesser than 7 is acidic, and greater than 7 is alkaline. The bloodstream of a healthy human being ideally is 7.365, which is slightly alkaline.
But, in case of cancer, the extracellular pH (pH of the bloodstream) is lower than that of the normal cells. A lower pH means an acidic environment, in which the cancer cells can thrive. They metastasize at a faster rate making it difficult to control. A study conducted on mouse models revealed that baking soda, being alkaline (basic) in nature, with a pH of 9, neutralizes the extracellular pH. This prevents the proliferation of cancerous cells further.1
2. Aids In Cancer Diagnosis
Baking soda can be effectively used as a marker to identify cancer. As cancer cells have higher acidity around them, this property converts the bicarbonates in baking soda to carbon dioxide.
These changes were observed by a cancer research team in the United Kingdom. The team conducted a study on mice with metastatic breast cancer, using high-sensitivity MRI scan to observe and note these changes. The amount of carbon dioxide converted was directly proportional to the acidity around the cancer cells.
3. Makes Chemotherapy More Effective
The acidic environment around the cancer cells increases the resistance of the cells to two chemotherapy drugs – doxorubicin and paclitaxel.2 The resistance, in turn, prolongs the treatment or nullifies the effect of drugs completely. Oral consumption of baking soda reduces this resistance of the cells by neutralizing the acidity, making chemotherapy more powerful.
Anticancer Benefits Of Honey
1. Induces Apoptosis
Apoptosis is the process of death of cells, which occurs as a part of their normal life cycle. In cancer cells, the process of apoptosis is inactivated, as a result of which they proliferate continuously without experiencing death. Honey has an apoptosis-inducing capability and results in the death of cancer cells. This is due to the presence of high phenolic and tryptophan content. Since chemotherapy is majorly based on inducing apoptosis, honey can be considered as an effective, natural, anti-cancer alternative.3
2. Prevents Mutations
Cancer and mutations are closely linked. A range of cancers has been attributed to genetic mutations caused due to various physical, chemical, and biological factors. In some cases the cause of mutations is unexplained. Honey has anti-mutagenic properties, which prevents the mutation of the genes and preventing any mutation-induced cancers. 4
3. Promotes Anti-inflammatory Properties
Chronic inflammation is linked to tumor formation. A prolonged and excessive inflammation can prevent the healing process by damaging the tissues continuously. Studies conducted on animal models showed that inflammation was controlled significantly when exposed to honey. Thus, honey being an anti-inflammatory agent prevents the uncontrolled division and spreading of cancer cells.
How To Use The Remedy
Owing to the various anti-cancer properties mentioned above, both baking soda and honey when mixed act an inexpensive remedy. Mentioned below are the steps to use them.
- Mix 4 tsp of baking soda to 4 tbsp of honey in a small bowl.
- Cook on a low flame for 5–10 minutes.
- Take 1 tsp of this mixture 1-3 times each day, well before an hour of having your meals.
- Taking the remedy for 30-60 days has shown positive results.
Note: Since each type of cancer proliferates at different rates and has different impacts, it is best to discuss with your doctor about this remedy before trying it. Since baking soda is alkaline in nature, oral consumption might impact various other parameters like blood pressure and acidity of saliva and urine. In any case, do not take this remedy without your doctor’s opinion.
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