Dad claims turmeric and mushrooms helped turn his terminal cancer 'inactive'

Alternative treatments stun doctors

A dad from Glossop, Derbyshire, has claimed that turmeric and mushrooms have turned his terminal cancer 'inactive', stunning doctors. Stephen Winterbottom, 47, was diagnosed with stage-two malignant melanoma two years ago and underwent conventional cancer treatments. However, he believes that using alternative treatments such as turmeric and lion's mane mushrooms has helped stall the spread of his cancer.

The power of turmeric

Turmeric, the warm yellow spice, has long been touted for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While there isn't much scientific evidence to suggest that turmeric can help fight cancer, a study conducted by Philadelphia's Temple University found that a compound in the spice called curcumin might prevent nutrients from being delivered to tumors and stop cancer cells from emitting harmful proteins. However, the review also highlighted that turmeric could cause a number of unpleasant side effects.

A bleak prognosis

Stephen Winterbottom claimed that doctors were shocked when x-ray scans revealed that his cancer was 'stable' and had become 'inactive' after he began taking alternative treatments. After being diagnosed with stage-two malignant melanoma and undergoing surgery to remove moles on his head, Stephen was later diagnosed with stage-four cancer that had spread to his brain. Refusing to hear how long he had left to live, Stephen's health took a drastic decline, but he was reinvigorated to carry on and seek alternative treatment after speaking with a friend.

Alternative treatments and a positive mindset

Stephen Winterbottom now takes a daily dose of mushroom supplements, turmeric, melatonin, cod liver oil, colloidal silver, and vitamins. He believes that these alternative treatments have been helpful in stopping the spread of his advanced cancer. He acknowledges that things could still take a turn for the worse but remains hopeful. Stephen encourages other people with cancer to consider alternative therapies and believes that a positive mindset can make a difference.

Research into alternative treatments

While turmeric has been traditionally used in Asian countries as a medical herb and has been found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, the evidence is currently inadequate to recommend curcumin-containing products for the treatment of cancer. As for the other treatments Stephen Winterbottom pursued, there is no evidence to suggest that mushrooms or mushroom extract can prevent or cure cancer. A 2009 article suggested that daily use of cod liver oil was associated with a lower risk of death in patients with solid tumors.