Can We Starve Cancer? The Revolutionary Role of Anti-Angiogenesis

Cancer, a formidable adversary, has long been the focus of intense medical research. But what if the key to conquering this disease lies not just in treating it, but in preventing it from flourishing in the first place? Dr. William Li introduces a groundbreaking approach centered around anti-angiogenesis – preventing the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors.

Understanding Angiogenesis: The Body's Double-Edged Sword

Angiogenesis, the process by which our bodies grow blood vessels, is essential for life. These vessels, spanning an incredible 60,000 miles in the average adult, deliver oxygen and nutrients to every cell. They adapt to various environments, detoxifying blood in the liver, facilitating gas exchange in the lungs, and supporting muscle contraction.

However, this remarkable process can also be a source of disease. While blood vessel growth is typically tightly regulated, imbalances can occur. Insufficient angiogenesis leads to:

Wounds that don't heal
Heart attacks
Strokes
Nerve damage

Conversely, excessive angiogenesis fuels diseases such as:

Cancer
Blindness
Arthritis
Obesity
Alzheimer's disease

In essence, over 70 major diseases affecting over a billion people share abnormal angiogenesis as a common denominator.

Cancer and Angiogenesis: Cutting Off the Supply Lines

Angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer. Tumors require a constant blood supply to grow beyond a microscopic size. Without it, they remain dormant, unable to pose a significant threat. This balance is a critical defense mechanism against cancer.

Anti-angiogenic therapy aims to cut off the blood supply to tumors, effectively starving them. This approach differs from chemotherapy by selectively targeting the blood vessels feeding the cancer. Tumor blood vessels are abnormal and poorly constructed, making them vulnerable to targeted treatments.

While anti-angiogenic drugs have shown promise in treating various cancers, including brain, breast, and others, Dr. Li argues that we often intervene too late. The real potential lies in preventing angiogenesis from occurring in the first place.

Eating to Starve Cancer: A Dietary Revolution

Diet accounts for a significant percentage of environmentally caused cancers. Instead of focusing solely on what to remove from our diets, Dr. Li proposes adding foods with natural anti-angiogenic properties. Mother Nature has laced numerous foods, beverages, and herbs with inhibitors of angiogenesis.

Examples of Anti-Angiogenic Foods:

Red Grapes (Resveratrol): Inhibits abnormal angiogenesis.
Strawberries: Potently inhibits angiogenesis.
Soybeans: Another powerful inhibitor.
Tea: Different varieties possess varying potencies, with blends sometimes exhibiting synergistic effects.
Parsley
Garlic
Berries

These dietary factors can hold their own against common drugs associated with reducing cancer risk, such as statins and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The Power of Tomatoes: A Human Study

A study of 79,000 men over 20 years revealed that those who consumed cooked tomatoes two to three times a week had a significant reduction in prostate cancer risk. Lycopene, a compound found in tomatoes, is known for its anti-angiogenic properties. Furthermore, men who developed prostate cancer but consumed more tomato sauce had fewer blood vessels feeding their tumors.

Beyond Cancer: Angiogenesis and Obesity

Adipose tissue (fat) is highly angiogenesis-dependent. Like tumors, fat grows when blood vessels grow. Inhibiting angiogenesis can shrink fat, offering a potential avenue for combating obesity. Studies in mice have demonstrated that inhibiting angiogenesis leads to weight loss, and cycling the treatment can cycle the weight up and down.

A New Perspective on Disease

By attacking the common denominator of angiogenesis, we may unlock new strategies for preventing and treating a wide range of diseases, from cancer and obesity to arthritis and Alzheimer's. Empowering ourselves with knowledge and taking action through diet and lifestyle choices can revolutionize our approach to health.

Alberton Georgie once said, "Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought." The future of health may lie in harnessing the power of anti-angiogenesis to starve disease and promote well-being.