Carlton Fredericks explores the profound impact of nutrition on breast cancer
By bellecarter // 2025-05-20
 
  • Carlton Fredericks' 1972 book argued that diet plays a critical role in preventing and managing hormone-related conditions like breast cancer, premenstrual tension and cystic mastitis by influencing estrogen metabolism.
  • Fredericks highlighted that higher levels of estriol (a less harmful estrogen metabolite) relative to estrogen correlate with lower breast cancer rates. He stressed the liver’s role in this conversion, which depends on proper nutrition.
  • Optimal liver function requires adequate Vitamin B complex and high-quality protein, often lacking in the "normal" American diet. These nutrients help degrade estrogen effectively, improving hormonal balance and reducing symptoms.
  • Even "healthy" diets may lack sufficient nutrients for estrogen metabolism. Fredericks faced resistance from the medical community despite decades of research supporting his claims, including epidemiological studies linking diet to cancer rates.
  • Fredericks advocated for whole grains, organ meats (like liver), brewer's yeast and reduced sugar intake to support liver function. He urged women to take charge of their health through informed nutritional choices, despite challenges in changing habits.
In 1972, a groundbreaking book emerged that would challenge conventional wisdom and offer a new perspective on combating breast cancer. "Winning the Fight Against Breast Cancer: A Nutritional Approach" by Carlton Fredericks, presented to the International Academy of Metabology, introduced a revolutionary concept: the profound impact of nutrition on hormone-related disorders and breast cancer. Fredericks, a trailblazer in medical nutrition, argued that dietary choices could prevent, control or even eliminate conditions exacerbated by excessive female hormone activity, such as premenstrual tension, menstrual disturbances, cystic mastitis and uterine fibroids. His work was not just ahead of its time; it was a clarion call for a paradigm shift in how we approach health and disease. Fredericks' central thesis revolves around the role of estrogen, which he boldly labeled as carcinogenic long before it became a mainstream concern. He meticulously explained how the body metabolizes estrogen into estriol, a less active and less threatening form. The critical factor, he posited, is the ratio between estrogen and estriol. Populations with higher estriol and lower estrogen levels, he observed, experience lower breast cancer rates. This insight underscored the importance of liver function in converting estrogen to estriol, a process that Fredericks argued is heavily dependent on diet. The liver, according to Fredericks, is the unsung hero in this biochemical drama. He emphasized that the "normal" American diet often lacks the essential nutrients required for optimal liver function. Specifically, he highlighted the importance of Vitamin B Complex and biologically efficient protein in supporting the liver's ability to degrade estrogen effectively. Fredericks contended that increasing the intake of these nutrients could lead to significant improvements in premenstrual tension, dysmenorrhea and cystic mastitis. One of the most compelling aspects of Fredericks' work is his assertion that even diets considered good or excellent may not provide the ideal amounts of these crucial nutrients. This means that women who believe they are well-nourished might still be at risk due to inadequate support for liver function. Fredericks backed his claims with decades of research and observations, citing studies that demonstrated the benefits of improved diet in alleviating premenstrual tension, excessive hemorrhaging and cystic mastitis. He also drew on epidemiological evidence, comparing breast cancer rates across different countries and noting the impact of adopting the American diet. Despite the compelling evidence, Fredericks faced skepticism from his medical peers. He recounted how his ideas were met with resistance, acknowledging that his thesis challenged established norms. However, he pointed out that the evidence supporting his conclusions dated back to the 1930s, long before the dangers of estrogen were widely recognized. Fredericks' work was a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of skepticism. Fredericks delved into the complexities of estrogen, describing it as both a vital component of reproductive health and a potential threat when present in excessive amounts. He emphasized that the body must manage estrogen from various sources, including natural estrogen in foods, estrogen added to meat and the estrogen in birth control pills. His critique of the medical establishment's approach to estrogen was scathing, particularly the irony of rising prescriptions for the hormone despite growing evidence of its carcinogenic potential. In proposing a nutritional approach to managing estrogen levels, Fredericks advocated for a diet rich in Vitamin B Complex and protein. He argued that such a diet supports liver function and aids in the conversion of estrogen to estriol. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of avoiding excessive sugar intake, as sugar can interfere with the body's ability to utilize essential nutrients. Fredericks provided practical advice on adjusting one's diet, such as choosing whole grains over processed carbohydrates, incorporating organ meats like liver and using supplements like brewer's yeast and desiccated liver. Fredericks concluded his work by urging women to take control of their health through nutrition. He emphasized that the nutritional control of female hormone activity is not just about preventing cancer; it's also about enhancing the quality of life. He encouraged women to educate themselves, question the status quo and advocate for their own health. He acknowledged the challenges of changing dietary habits, emphasizing the importance of patience and persistence. The long-term benefits of good nutrition, he reminded readers, are well worth the effort. Learn more about Fredericks' groundbreaking book by watching the video below. This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com