Sodium Bicarbonate
Other common name(s): Simoncini Cancer Therapy, baking soda
Scientific/medical name(s): NaHC03
Description
Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is promoted by some alternative practitioners as a cancer
treatment. This treatment is based on the theory that cancer is caused
by a form of yeast infection and that sodium bicarbonate can kill the
yeast. This claim is not supported by science or clinical evidence and
is contrary to widely-accepted basic facts of oncology and microbiology.
Sodium bicarbonate is used as a conventional
treatment for disorders in which the blood is too acidic. It is also
used as an over-the-counter remedy for heartburn.
Overview
Available scientific evidence does not support claims that cancer is caused by infection with a type of yeast known as Candida albicans.
Available scientific evidence also does not support the idea that
sodium bicarbonate works as a treatment for any form of cancer or that
it cures yeast or fungal infections. There is substantial evidence,
however, that these claims are false. Although sodium bicarbonate is
safe when used in proper doses and as directed as a conventional
treatment, high doses can cause serious problems or even death.
How is it promoted for use?
Sodium bicarbonate is promoted by some
alternative practitioners, especially Dr. Tullio Simoncini, as a cure
for all types of cancer. This claim is made on several Web sites, in
videos of Dr. Simoncini posted on the Internet, and in a book written by
Dr. Simoncini.
What does it involve?
Sodium bicarbonate is given by some
alternative practitioners by mouth (orally) or into a vein
(intravenously). It is also given intra-arterially (into an artery
supplying blood to the tumor) and is sometimes given as a solution
directly through the trachea (windpipe) into the lungs to treat lung
cancer.
What is the history behind it?
The main proponent of sodium bicarbonate as
an alternative cancer treatment is Tullio Simoncini, MD. Information on
the Internet describes how Dr. Simoncini concluded that cancer is caused
by Candida albicans and can be cured with baking soda. The sequence of events and timeline are not described in detail.
According to the Cancer Treatment Watch Web
site, "[Dr. Simoncini] has been using unsubstantiated cancer treatments
for 15 years… in 2003, his [Italian] license to practice medicine was
withdrawn, and in 2006 he was convicted by an Italian judge for wrongful
death and swindling… This has not stopped him from continuing to
provide his controversial treatments, not only in Italy, but apparently
also in foreign countries, such as the Netherlands." (Koene, Jitta.
2008)
What is the evidence?
No peer-reviewed articles in medical
journals were found supporting the theory that cancer is caused by a
fungus infection or a yeast infection. Available peer-reviewed medical
journals do not support claims that sodium bicarbonate works as a cancer
treatment.
Scientists require certain kinds of evidence
to support claims that a kind of germ causes a certain disease. The
first requirement is that the germ should be present in all cases of the
disease. Simoncini claims that all tumors contain fungi. But these
fungi have not been found in tumors when biopsies are examined by
methods capable of revealing fungi in infected tissue. Another
requirement is that infecting laboratory animals with the germ should
cause the disease. Infections can develop in animals that are exposed to
Candida albicans, but there are no credible reports that this
exposure or infection causes cancer. Finally, when researchers remove
diseased tissue from infected laboratory animals, they should be able to
recover the germs and grow them in laboratory dishes. There are no
reports in scientific journals that this has been observed for Candida albicans and cancer of experimental animals.
A number of Web sites propose various reasons people believe there is a connection between fungus and cancer (for example, that Candida albicans
can cause serious infections, and that cancer is a serious disease).
However, none of these Web sites show scientific evidence supported by
credible experiments or clinical trials.
Fungal infection deep in the body is a
serious health problem that can be fatal. Although a number of
antifungal drugs are available to treat these infections, there is no
evidence that sodium bicarbonate can. There is no evidence that most
people with cancer have any deep tissue yeast or fungal infections.
People whose immune systems are weakened by high doses of chemotherapy
can sometimes contract these kinds of infections. While antifungal drugs
can often cure the infection, there is no evidence that antifungal
treatment causes the patients' tumors to shrink. If this had happened,
the doctors caring for these patients would have been likely to report
it in medical journals.
Some people with cancer have other health
conditions for which sodium bicarbonate is used. But, again, there is no
evidence that sodium bicarbonate has caused their tumors to shrink.
Chewable sodium bicarbonate tablets or powder are a common
over-the-counter treatment that is used to neutralize stomach acid that
causes heartburn. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate is used as a
conventional treatment to reduce acidity of blood in serious conditions
like shock, severe dehydration, and uncontrolled kidney failure or
diabetes.
Are there any possible problems or complications?
This substance may not have been
thoroughly tested to find out how it interacts with medicines, foods,
herbs, or supplements. Even though some reports of interactions and
harmful effects may be published, full studies of interactions and
effects are not often available. Because of these limitations, any
information on ill effects and interactions below should be considered
incomplete.
In general, oral and intravenous treatment
with sodium bicarbonate that is given for the right reasons and in
proper doses is considered safe. Concern has been raised that the same
substance can be dangerous in other medical situations. The Cancer
Treatment Watch Web site quotes the Netherlands Health Inspectorate:
… there are no scientific data that
justify the administration of sodium bicarbonate to patients with
cancer… the administration of sodium bicarbonate even has risks for
patients with high blood pressure, patients with diseases of lungs,
heart, or kidneys and for patients with cancer. This is certainly the
case if a number of specific blood levels are not monitored daily
before, during and after the treatment. The balance of the body can
become completely disturbed when large amounts are administered. In
severely ill patients, this may lead to organ damage. In sick people,
there is in fact irresponsible health care if this product is
administered without monitoring. (2008)
Relying on this type of treatment alone
and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have
serious health consequences.
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