Most cancers can be treated successfully as long as they stay localized. When cancer cells spread throughout the body in the process of metastasis, treatment is much more difficult and the prognosis is worse. Several researchers have reported that the risk of metastasis can be reduced by strategies to change the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of tumors. These include measures as simple as consuming baking soda, fruits, and vegetables.
Mark F. McCarty, president of NutriGuard Research, and collaborator Dr. Julian Whitaker, explained that most cancers produce abnormally high amounts of lactic acid, from inefficient metabolism of glucose. This acidifies the extracellular space in and around the tumor. Lab studies have associated acidity with risk of metastasis. This is to be expected, McCarty reasoned, since cells in general have evolved mechanisms to escape adverse conditions such as too much acidity.
McCarty reported that one way to reduce acidity is to consume sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or trisodium citrate at doses of about 30 g per day. This is equivalent to six rounded teaspoons. Mix with water and drink the solution gradually throughout the day to prevent nausea and diarrhea, McCarty recommended.
Our diet has a poor acid/alkali balance in general, according to Dr. R. Curtis Morris and colleagues at the University of California, San Francisco. These authors explained that fruits and vegetables contain citrate and similar organic compounds that are metabolized to bicarbonate. Proteins, primarily from meat in the average American diet, are metabolized to acidic compounds. A deficiency of fruits and vegetables can produce metabolic acidosis which impairs kidney function and increases the risk of kidney stones and calcium loss from the bones.
Dr. Ian F. Robey and coworkers from University of Arizona, Wayne State University, and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute concluded that bicarbonate inhibits cancer metastases based on their experiments with animal models of breast cancer and prostate cancer. These authors recommended further research on alkalizing treatments to prevent metastasis.
While we wait for additional research results, we all have one more reason to eat our vegetables.
References:
1. McCarty MF, Whitaker J, “Manipulating tumor acidification as a cancer treatment strategy”, Altern Med Rev 2010; 15(3): 264-72.
2. Morris RC et al, “Relationship and interaction between sodium and potassium”, J Am Coll Nutr 2006; 25(3): 262S-270S.
3. Robey IF et al, “Bicarbonate increases tumor pH and inhibits spontaneous metastases”, Cancer Res 2009 March 15; 69(6): 2260-68.
Linda Fugate is a scientist and writer in Austin, Texas. She has a Ph.D. in Physics and an M.S. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering. Her background includes academic and industrial research in materials science. She currently writes song lyrics and health articles.