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What Are the Pros and Cons of Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy for Cancer?
The benefits and potential downsides of hydrogen peroxide therapy for cancer are topics of heavy debate. Some experts and researchers swear by the substance's curative effects for a host of illnesses, including cancer, while others maintain that using hydrogen peroxide internally is dangerous and potentially fatal. More studies are likely needed to determine whether hydrogen peroxide therapy is a good idea for most cancer patients.
Hydrogen peroxide is a compound substance found naturally. Ozone combines with water in the atmosphere and falls to the ground as peroxide, and certain “good” bacteria and vitamins create hydrogen peroxide in the human body as a natural disinfectant against pathogens. These positives aspects are the premise behind using hydrogen peroxide therapy for cancer treatment.
It is said by supporters that once inside the body, hydrogen peroxide, or H2O2, releases its extra oxygen atom and converts to water. This released oxygen is said to widen blood vessels and oxygenate the blood, while allowing blood to also flow more easily. It is also said to stimulate the immune system, which helps the body to naturally destroy cancer cells.
Supporters of hydrogen peroxide therapy for cancer claim that this heightened immune response is responsible for peroxide's cancer-fighting properties. Some studies have shown that this immune response can be effective at fighting cancer cells, and some alternative health facilities offer it as a treatment option for those who don't want to use conventional medicinal options for their cancer treatments.
The downsides of using hydrogen peroxide therapy for cancer treatment are also not entirely understood. Its long-term safety has not been established, but it has been shown that using hydrogen peroxide internally is potentially harmful, or even fatal. When used as an internal solution, it must be taken in appropriate doses and be heavily diluted to prevent burns and erosion. Some patients have died due to internal damage caused by the use of internal hydrogen peroxide.
Release of the extra oxygen atom, while being beneficial for boosting the immune system, can also cause harm to the body. These oxygen atoms are free radicals, and are not attached to another atom as a compound. Free radicals have been shown to damage tissues and may even increase the risk for cancer.
Whether or not the proposed benefits of using hydrogen peroxide for cancer therapy are more beneficial than the free radicals such treatments leave in their wake is up for debate. More studies are needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of the therapy. At the time of this writing, no mainstream cancer or health organization advocates for the use of hydrogen peroxide therapy as a cancer treatment option.
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![A bottle of hydrogen peroxide.]()
By: Jim MillsA bottle of hydrogen peroxide. -
![Hydrogen peroxide, which contains hydrogen and oxygen, is believed to help treat illnesses by introducing more oxygen to the body.]()
By: nmcandreHydrogen peroxide, which contains hydrogen and oxygen, is believed to help treat illnesses by introducing more oxygen to the body. -
![Two atoms of hydrogen are combined with two atoms of oxygen to make hydrogen peroxide, which is used to treat some cancer patients.]()
By: viperagpTwo atoms of hydrogen are combined with two atoms of oxygen to make hydrogen peroxide, which is used to treat some cancer patients.
Discussion Comments
The one used for cancer is food-ready hydrogen peroxide 35%. You use only two drops in water. You need to talk to a doctor. They do sell it and people have done it.
@ZipLine-- I'm not a doctor and I'm in no position to give anyone advice about this topic. But I just want to clarify that the hydrogen peroxide used for cancer therapy is different from the hydrogen peroxide used topically for first aid. The hydrogen peroxide used for cancer is food grade and it is diluted and taken in very small amounts.
@bluedolphin-- You must have used hydrogen peroxide topically before to clean cuts. I'm sure you have seen the hydrogen peroxide bubble in this process. Not only does it kill bacteria, but it also kills some of the tissue around the cut. That's why people with serious wounds are not recommended to use hydrogen peroxide as a part of their routine wound care.
Now do you really want to consume hydrogen peroxide internally? The chances are, it will end up deteriorating tissues it comes into contact with. You might develop severe health issues.
I know that cancer patients are desperate to find a cure but I don't think hydrogen peroxide is it.
I'm considering hydrogen peroxide therapy for cancer. I have been reading about the therapy and there are both proponents and opponents of it. I can't decide whether the benefits outweigh the risks or not. I'm not interested in receiving chemotherapy, so I am looking into alternative treatments. Of course, I don't want to end up causing myself more harm, so I won't undertake this type of therapy unless I'm completely convinced that it's safe and beneficial.
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