Cancer - Holistic Approach
A diagnosis of cancer almost always brings a potent swelling of emotions, no matter who has recently been diagnosed. My heart reaches out to any of you who have heard this diagnosis given to any one of your loved ones, or yourself. At the same time, I encourage you to have a support group so you stay grounded in how you approach the management and care of loved ones with cancer as well as yourself as the caretaker.
Cancer can be a challenging condition to cure regardless of the chosen modality for treatment – chemotherapy, radiation, herbs, homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Each approach has its share of success as well as failure, and no one method is the best method for everyone. The optimal approach considers the whole patient, as an individual, including the available support and ability to reduce physical pain, and emotional and mental stress.
On a basic level, cancer is a disease resulting from a mutation of the normal process of cell growth in the body, replication, differentiation, and maturation. The altered process leads to unregulated cell growth and the formation of a tumor or a mass (Walters, 1993). The conventional medical approach to cancer is to localize the cancerous lesion, surgically eradicate it, irradiate any remaining mutated cells, and destroy any fast growing cells with chemotherapy (Walters, 1993). This entire process is very suppressive to the immune system. Yet sometimes this may seem to be the optimal approach.
John Boik in Natural Compounds in Cancer Therapy (2001) identified seven pro-cancer events:
1) Induction of genetic instability in the cancer cell. 2) Abnormal expression of genes to inhibit or promote growth. 3) Abnormal signal transduction - cancer cells are more responsive to external factors that stimulate cell activities, promote cell contact and adhesion. 4) Abnormal cell-to-cell communication; cancer cells act independently of other cells. 5) Induction of angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels. 6) Invasion and metastasis – cancer cells invade normal tissue and spread via blood and lymph to distant locations in the body. 7) Immune Invasion - cancer cells mask themselves from detection by the immune system.
From a holistic medical perspective, cancer is a disease in which there is uncontrolled, mutated growth and also a susceptible immune system which is unable to recognize, respond to and inhibit the uncontrollable cell growth (Diamond, Cowden, Goldberg, 1997). In healthy humans and animals, the immune system does this almost daily. The whole animal must be seen as a being with a particular vital or life force, personality, preferences, and home environment, not just as a cancerous lesion. The holistic approach for cancer, while using nontoxic products, addresses destruction of the mutated cellular growth (the localized lesion), modulation of the immune system susceptibility, and correction of the internal disease process.
Many factors contribute to the genesis of cancer. Some of them include: sunlight, chronic electromagnetic field exposure, geopathic stress, sick building syndrome, ionizing radiation, nuclear radiation, pesticide/herbicide residues, industrial toxins, polluted water, chlorinated water, fluoridated water, and vaccines (Diamond, 1997; Dodds, 1995). Cancer is at one end of a continuum in a breakdown of poor inner / outer communication, chronic irritation and stress. Vaccinations and the use of chemicals on an animal being treated for cancer should be strongly discouraged.
A holistic approach is multi-faceted, striving to address the pro-cancer events, build the patient’s immune system, minimize the toxic effects of cancer treatment, and address local lesions. Individual results will vary because of the type or stage of cancer being treated as well as the life force of the patient.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT AND DIET
Diet can greatly influence the outcome of any cancer treatment. Unlike healthy cells, cancer cells tend not to use complex molecules such as proteins and Omega-3 fatty acids; instead they preferentially use simple sugars for their own growth. As the cancer cells metabolize the sugars, they generate lactic acid. Then the body needs to expend more energy than usual to metabolize this acid and the animal emaciates or gets “cancer cachexia.” Therefore, the proper diet for the cancer patient has low carbohydrates, moderate fats, and high quality proteins (Ogilive, (1995).
Whole food diets are best. Try to discontinue processed and especially dry food all together because of the high grain base and the drying quality of the food. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, dryness can contribute to the internal disease process. Most commercial foods use poor quality proteins. Processing the food with high temperature cooking destroys many essential nutrients and amino acids such as glutamine, which are important for dealing with cancer. The more processed the food, the more the complex carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars. A fresh, whole food diet is essential for animals with cancer.
Oil from cold water fish, especially cod liver oil, is the best source of EPA and DHA. These essential poylunsaturated fats are necessary for the function of nearly every cell in the body, particularly cells of the brain, nervous system, eyes, heart, and immune system. EPA and DHA are incorporated into the lipid bilayer of cells of the immune system, helping them to perform better. They slow down the cachexia (wasting disease) of the cancer patient (Ogilvie, 1995). They are anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombtotic (prevent the formation of pathological blood clots), and also can have beneficial effects treating diabetes, arthritis, and skin conditions. The dose mentioned above may vary because of digestive sensitivity. Organ meats (heart, tongue, liver) also have good levels of EPA and DHA.
Flaxseed contains lignans, which modulate the production, availability and action of hormones. Human studies have shown lignans are helpful in both the prevention and treatment of breast and colon cancer. They have anti-viral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Flaxseed is a good source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid with some anti-cancer properties, but not a good source of EPA and DHA, which actually are essential for health. While EPA and DHA can be made from ALA, the conversion process is extremely inefficient.
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) contain quercitin, indoles and sulorphane. Quercitin is a bioflavonoid from fruits and vegetables which acts as an antioxidant and anti-histamine and inhibits abnormal hormone activity. It inhibits new growth cancer cell signals and suppresses cancer cell division. Good for mast cell and mammary cancer. Indoles protect cells from damage by carcinogens and help the liver inactivate estrogen-like compounds that may promote breast cancer. Sulforaphane increases the production of carcinogen-destroying enzymes and has been shown to prevent cancer in rats. Sulforaphane is a type of isothiocyanate, a substance that may block tumor formation by jump-starting the body’s production of specific liver enzymes which detoxify carcinogens and help flushing them from the body.
Sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, tomatoes, spinach and kale are good sources of carotenoids such as beta-carotene. Beta-carotene when tested alone has shown little protective activity, but when complexed with other nutrients (i.e., when consumed naturally in foods) it has been shown to help prevent cancer of the larynx, esophagus and lungs. Tomatoes contain a carotenoid called lycopene, which gives them their red color. Lycopene helps fight uncontrolled growth of cells into tumors. Studies have shown that people who eat lots of tomatoes have a reduced risk for cancer of the colon, prostate, bladder and pancreas. But be aware, that tomatoes are in the nightshade family; many people have sensitivities to plants in this family.
Just as important as what goes into a diet is what needs to be omitted from the diet. Avoid foods preserved with ethoxyquin and BHT’s as these chemicals have been shown to promote cancer. Many pet food companies keep costs down by utilizing slaughterhouse waste, legally termed as “animal or meat by-products” in their formulations. These “by-products” can include moldy, rancid, or spoiled processed meat, beaks, feet, feathers, as well as tissues too severely riddled with cancer to be eaten by people. Even euthanized animals have been tracked in pet food. Most of the meat meal fed to animals contains an excess of hormones which can contribute to the production of cancer. These hormones come from two sources: artificially produced hormones which are fed to food animals to stimulate their growth and tissues naturally very high in hormones, such as glandular waste and the fetal tissue from pregnant cows that aren’t considered fit for human consumption. Pet food is often made more palatable by adding flavor enhancers and coloring agents which are coal tar derivatives to make the food look appealing. Sodium nitrate has been used as a red coloring agent and a preservative in pet food. When sodium nitrate is used in food it can produce nitrosamine, a powerful carcinogenic substance.
Additional Nutritional Support For Cancer
Amino acids - Arginine enhances the immune system. Glutamine is destroyed easily by processing yet is the preferred fuel for enterocytes, the cells that line the intestines. Glutamine is useful in chemotherapy detoxification and in treating inflammatory bowel disease. Methionine inhibits tumor growth.
L-Selenium Methionine - The best utilized organic form of selenium; acts as an antioxidant, inhibits 6 of the 7 procancer events, and has strong immune stimulation effect (Boik, 2001).
Antioxidants are compounds that bind and inactivate unstable free radicals (unbound electrons) by supplying the extra electron they need before they can be harmful. Free radicals are a by-product of normal metabolism, but also are produced in the environment. They result in cellular inflammation and the release of excess “bad” type 2 eicosanoids. Antioxidants are abundantly supplied in brightly pigmented fresh fruits and vegetables, which are the best source of antioxidants. Supplementing antioxidants may not mix well with chemotherapy as the effectiveness of certain chemotherapeutic agents may be reduced when combined with anti-oxidants in excess of those naturally provided in the diet. Antioxidants may decrease chemotherapy-induced damage of normal cells by inactivating free radicals, but the same damage may also be decreased in cancer cells. Use a multiple antioxidant product with beta carotene, selenium, vitamins C & E.
Pecnoginol, Grapeseed extract, Citricidal – excellent extra-cellular anti-oxidant; also for secondary fungal infections
Co-Enzyme Q – a cellular enzyme that aids in oxygenation and eliminating toxins; increases T cells which help regulate the immune response.
Green Algae and chlorophyll (kelp, seaweed, alfalfa, etc.) can help oxygenate the blood, which assists healthy tissues but not cancerous ones. Greens are very beneficial to help boost the thymus and thyroid glands which aid the immune system
Green Tea extract – enhances T-cell production and movement, increases stamina, improves digestion (chronic soft stool), brightens eyes, opens acupuncture channels. Twig tea has less caffeine. A group of flavonoids which acts as an antioxidant, inhibits 6 of the 7 procancer events (Boik, 2001; Lyn-Cook, Rogers, Yan, Blann, Kadlubar, Hammons, 1999; Sabzuka, Sugiyama, Sonobe, 2000).
Proteolytic (Digestive) Enzymes assist in digestion; break down proteins into smaller fractions, enhancing absorption; improve utilization of glands. They improve the quality of life and are safe to use with chemotherapy (Gonzalez, immunologist). If selecting a human product, use ½ the recommended human dose for your animal friend.
Discontinue digestive enzymes 2-3 days prior to surgery.
Probiotics – natural live cultures aid digestion and enhance the use of nutrients. Use only high quality, live cultures.
Turmeric Extract (Jiang Huang, Curcuma Longa) acts as an antioxidant and a strong anti-inflammatory. It inhibits insulin resistance, cancer cellular proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis (Arbiser, Klauber, Rohan, van Leeuwen, Huang, Fisher, et al, 1998; Boik, 2001; Dorai, Gehani, Katz, 2000). Most effective for early tumor formation, it promotes the removal of altered cells. 65% of tumors produce epidermal growth factor receptor sites; by binding to the receptors, curcumin inhibits normal cell involvement. With anti-platelet aggregation properties, it “breaks” blood stasis and helps to relieve pain in the chest, liver and epigastric areas. Do not use if pregnant. Amount: 1 teaspoon in crockpot.
Quercitin – A bioflavonoid from fruits and vegetables (e.g., broccoli, kale, garlic) which acts as an antioxidant and anti-histamine; inhibits abnormal hormone activity (Boik, 2001; De, Chakraborty, Chakraborty, Das, 2000; Lamson, Brignall, 2000). Suppresses cancer cell division; increases nuclear p53 protein in normal states. Increases type II estrogen receptors to inhibit new growth cancer cell signal. Good for mast cell and mammary cancer. Bioflavinoids enhance the action of sodium ascorbate.
Garlic, onions, scallions, shallots, leeks and chives are good sources for allicin, which stimulates immune function and slows the growth of cancer cells.
Finally, please do not use shark products. There is no evidence that using shark cartilage can improve your animal's (or your own) cartilage or health, or that shark fin soup has healing attributes. These are myths that have led to the violent and purposeless (except for mafia-esque type money making) death of over 90% of all shark species. And there is no protection for sharks. Because they are deep-sea animals, they probably are high in heavy metals, like mercury, from environmental pollution. Sharks also are key players in marine and even land ecology. Please see Rob Stewart's documentary sharkwater.com.
A diagnosis of cancer almost always brings a potent swelling of emotions, no matter who has recently been diagnosed. My heart reaches out to any of you who have heard this diagnosis given to any one of your loved ones, or yourself. At the same time, I encourage you to have a support group so you stay grounded in how you approach the management and care of loved ones with cancer as well as yourself as the caretaker.
Cancer can be a challenging condition to cure regardless of the chosen modality for treatment – chemotherapy, radiation, herbs, homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Each approach has its share of success as well as failure, and no one method is the best method for everyone. The optimal approach considers the whole patient, as an individual, including the available support and ability to reduce physical pain, and emotional and mental stress.
On a basic level, cancer is a disease resulting from a mutation of the normal process of cell growth in the body, replication, differentiation, and maturation. The altered process leads to unregulated cell growth and the formation of a tumor or a mass (Walters, 1993). The conventional medical approach to cancer is to localize the cancerous lesion, surgically eradicate it, irradiate any remaining mutated cells, and destroy any fast growing cells with chemotherapy (Walters, 1993). This entire process is very suppressive to the immune system. Yet sometimes this may seem to be the optimal approach.
John Boik in Natural Compounds in Cancer Therapy (2001) identified seven pro-cancer events:
1) Induction of genetic instability in the cancer cell. 2) Abnormal expression of genes to inhibit or promote growth. 3) Abnormal signal transduction - cancer cells are more responsive to external factors that stimulate cell activities, promote cell contact and adhesion. 4) Abnormal cell-to-cell communication; cancer cells act independently of other cells. 5) Induction of angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels. 6) Invasion and metastasis – cancer cells invade normal tissue and spread via blood and lymph to distant locations in the body. 7) Immune Invasion - cancer cells mask themselves from detection by the immune system.
From a holistic medical perspective, cancer is a disease in which there is uncontrolled, mutated growth and also a susceptible immune system which is unable to recognize, respond to and inhibit the uncontrollable cell growth (Diamond, Cowden, Goldberg, 1997). In healthy humans and animals, the immune system does this almost daily. The whole animal must be seen as a being with a particular vital or life force, personality, preferences, and home environment, not just as a cancerous lesion. The holistic approach for cancer, while using nontoxic products, addresses destruction of the mutated cellular growth (the localized lesion), modulation of the immune system susceptibility, and correction of the internal disease process.
Many factors contribute to the genesis of cancer. Some of them include: sunlight, chronic electromagnetic field exposure, geopathic stress, sick building syndrome, ionizing radiation, nuclear radiation, pesticide/herbicide residues, industrial toxins, polluted water, chlorinated water, fluoridated water, and vaccines (Diamond, 1997; Dodds, 1995). Cancer is at one end of a continuum in a breakdown of poor inner / outer communication, chronic irritation and stress. Vaccinations and the use of chemicals on an animal being treated for cancer should be strongly discouraged.
A holistic approach is multi-faceted, striving to address the pro-cancer events, build the patient’s immune system, minimize the toxic effects of cancer treatment, and address local lesions. Individual results will vary because of the type or stage of cancer being treated as well as the life force of the patient.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT AND DIET
Diet can greatly influence the outcome of any cancer treatment. Unlike healthy cells, cancer cells tend not to use complex molecules such as proteins and Omega-3 fatty acids; instead they preferentially use simple sugars for their own growth. As the cancer cells metabolize the sugars, they generate lactic acid. Then the body needs to expend more energy than usual to metabolize this acid and the animal emaciates or gets “cancer cachexia.” Therefore, the proper diet for the cancer patient has low carbohydrates, moderate fats, and high quality proteins (Ogilive, (1995).
Whole food diets are best. Try to discontinue processed and especially dry food all together because of the high grain base and the drying quality of the food. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, dryness can contribute to the internal disease process. Most commercial foods use poor quality proteins. Processing the food with high temperature cooking destroys many essential nutrients and amino acids such as glutamine, which are important for dealing with cancer. The more processed the food, the more the complex carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars. A fresh, whole food diet is essential for animals with cancer.
- Increase proteins 35-50%. If the animal’s life force and digestive system are strong, feed raw meat. Otherwise, add medium rare meats or a properly formulated Traditional Chinese Medicine meal..
- Decrease carbohydrates to 0-25%. Use only whole grain, complex carbohydrates. Eliminate simple sugars. Replace grain in diet with veggies (cruciferous). Cats: grain free, potato free diets.
- Increase Fiber. Add lightly steamed vegetables to the diet. Vegetables are an excellent source of fiber and add important nutritional compounds to the diet. This is a healthier way to add fiber than using husks from peanuts or seeds.
- Omega-3 fatty acids Try to get to 250 mg of combined EPA and DHA per 20 lbs of body weight or higher per day.
- Ideally you want this to be the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosanpentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Read labels closely as they may say 1000mg of Omega-3 fatty acids in 3 capsules (not one) and only 300 mg of combined EPA and DHA; that means 700mg of another form of omega-3 fatty acid. EPA and DHA are essential for health.
Oil from cold water fish, especially cod liver oil, is the best source of EPA and DHA. These essential poylunsaturated fats are necessary for the function of nearly every cell in the body, particularly cells of the brain, nervous system, eyes, heart, and immune system. EPA and DHA are incorporated into the lipid bilayer of cells of the immune system, helping them to perform better. They slow down the cachexia (wasting disease) of the cancer patient (Ogilvie, 1995). They are anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombtotic (prevent the formation of pathological blood clots), and also can have beneficial effects treating diabetes, arthritis, and skin conditions. The dose mentioned above may vary because of digestive sensitivity. Organ meats (heart, tongue, liver) also have good levels of EPA and DHA.
Flaxseed contains lignans, which modulate the production, availability and action of hormones. Human studies have shown lignans are helpful in both the prevention and treatment of breast and colon cancer. They have anti-viral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Flaxseed is a good source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid with some anti-cancer properties, but not a good source of EPA and DHA, which actually are essential for health. While EPA and DHA can be made from ALA, the conversion process is extremely inefficient.
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) contain quercitin, indoles and sulorphane. Quercitin is a bioflavonoid from fruits and vegetables which acts as an antioxidant and anti-histamine and inhibits abnormal hormone activity. It inhibits new growth cancer cell signals and suppresses cancer cell division. Good for mast cell and mammary cancer. Indoles protect cells from damage by carcinogens and help the liver inactivate estrogen-like compounds that may promote breast cancer. Sulforaphane increases the production of carcinogen-destroying enzymes and has been shown to prevent cancer in rats. Sulforaphane is a type of isothiocyanate, a substance that may block tumor formation by jump-starting the body’s production of specific liver enzymes which detoxify carcinogens and help flushing them from the body.
Sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, tomatoes, spinach and kale are good sources of carotenoids such as beta-carotene. Beta-carotene when tested alone has shown little protective activity, but when complexed with other nutrients (i.e., when consumed naturally in foods) it has been shown to help prevent cancer of the larynx, esophagus and lungs. Tomatoes contain a carotenoid called lycopene, which gives them their red color. Lycopene helps fight uncontrolled growth of cells into tumors. Studies have shown that people who eat lots of tomatoes have a reduced risk for cancer of the colon, prostate, bladder and pancreas. But be aware, that tomatoes are in the nightshade family; many people have sensitivities to plants in this family.
Just as important as what goes into a diet is what needs to be omitted from the diet. Avoid foods preserved with ethoxyquin and BHT’s as these chemicals have been shown to promote cancer. Many pet food companies keep costs down by utilizing slaughterhouse waste, legally termed as “animal or meat by-products” in their formulations. These “by-products” can include moldy, rancid, or spoiled processed meat, beaks, feet, feathers, as well as tissues too severely riddled with cancer to be eaten by people. Even euthanized animals have been tracked in pet food. Most of the meat meal fed to animals contains an excess of hormones which can contribute to the production of cancer. These hormones come from two sources: artificially produced hormones which are fed to food animals to stimulate their growth and tissues naturally very high in hormones, such as glandular waste and the fetal tissue from pregnant cows that aren’t considered fit for human consumption. Pet food is often made more palatable by adding flavor enhancers and coloring agents which are coal tar derivatives to make the food look appealing. Sodium nitrate has been used as a red coloring agent and a preservative in pet food. When sodium nitrate is used in food it can produce nitrosamine, a powerful carcinogenic substance.
Additional Nutritional Support For Cancer
Amino acids - Arginine enhances the immune system. Glutamine is destroyed easily by processing yet is the preferred fuel for enterocytes, the cells that line the intestines. Glutamine is useful in chemotherapy detoxification and in treating inflammatory bowel disease. Methionine inhibits tumor growth.
L-Selenium Methionine - The best utilized organic form of selenium; acts as an antioxidant, inhibits 6 of the 7 procancer events, and has strong immune stimulation effect (Boik, 2001).
Antioxidants are compounds that bind and inactivate unstable free radicals (unbound electrons) by supplying the extra electron they need before they can be harmful. Free radicals are a by-product of normal metabolism, but also are produced in the environment. They result in cellular inflammation and the release of excess “bad” type 2 eicosanoids. Antioxidants are abundantly supplied in brightly pigmented fresh fruits and vegetables, which are the best source of antioxidants. Supplementing antioxidants may not mix well with chemotherapy as the effectiveness of certain chemotherapeutic agents may be reduced when combined with anti-oxidants in excess of those naturally provided in the diet. Antioxidants may decrease chemotherapy-induced damage of normal cells by inactivating free radicals, but the same damage may also be decreased in cancer cells. Use a multiple antioxidant product with beta carotene, selenium, vitamins C & E.
Pecnoginol, Grapeseed extract, Citricidal – excellent extra-cellular anti-oxidant; also for secondary fungal infections
Co-Enzyme Q – a cellular enzyme that aids in oxygenation and eliminating toxins; increases T cells which help regulate the immune response.
Green Algae and chlorophyll (kelp, seaweed, alfalfa, etc.) can help oxygenate the blood, which assists healthy tissues but not cancerous ones. Greens are very beneficial to help boost the thymus and thyroid glands which aid the immune system
Green Tea extract – enhances T-cell production and movement, increases stamina, improves digestion (chronic soft stool), brightens eyes, opens acupuncture channels. Twig tea has less caffeine. A group of flavonoids which acts as an antioxidant, inhibits 6 of the 7 procancer events (Boik, 2001; Lyn-Cook, Rogers, Yan, Blann, Kadlubar, Hammons, 1999; Sabzuka, Sugiyama, Sonobe, 2000).
Proteolytic (Digestive) Enzymes assist in digestion; break down proteins into smaller fractions, enhancing absorption; improve utilization of glands. They improve the quality of life and are safe to use with chemotherapy (Gonzalez, immunologist). If selecting a human product, use ½ the recommended human dose for your animal friend.
Discontinue digestive enzymes 2-3 days prior to surgery.
Probiotics – natural live cultures aid digestion and enhance the use of nutrients. Use only high quality, live cultures.
Turmeric Extract (Jiang Huang, Curcuma Longa) acts as an antioxidant and a strong anti-inflammatory. It inhibits insulin resistance, cancer cellular proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis (Arbiser, Klauber, Rohan, van Leeuwen, Huang, Fisher, et al, 1998; Boik, 2001; Dorai, Gehani, Katz, 2000). Most effective for early tumor formation, it promotes the removal of altered cells. 65% of tumors produce epidermal growth factor receptor sites; by binding to the receptors, curcumin inhibits normal cell involvement. With anti-platelet aggregation properties, it “breaks” blood stasis and helps to relieve pain in the chest, liver and epigastric areas. Do not use if pregnant. Amount: 1 teaspoon in crockpot.
Quercitin – A bioflavonoid from fruits and vegetables (e.g., broccoli, kale, garlic) which acts as an antioxidant and anti-histamine; inhibits abnormal hormone activity (Boik, 2001; De, Chakraborty, Chakraborty, Das, 2000; Lamson, Brignall, 2000). Suppresses cancer cell division; increases nuclear p53 protein in normal states. Increases type II estrogen receptors to inhibit new growth cancer cell signal. Good for mast cell and mammary cancer. Bioflavinoids enhance the action of sodium ascorbate.
Garlic, onions, scallions, shallots, leeks and chives are good sources for allicin, which stimulates immune function and slows the growth of cancer cells.
Finally, please do not use shark products. There is no evidence that using shark cartilage can improve your animal's (or your own) cartilage or health, or that shark fin soup has healing attributes. These are myths that have led to the violent and purposeless (except for mafia-esque type money making) death of over 90% of all shark species. And there is no protection for sharks. Because they are deep-sea animals, they probably are high in heavy metals, like mercury, from environmental pollution. Sharks also are key players in marine and even land ecology. Please see Rob Stewart's documentary sharkwater.com.