Beware of high doses of antioxidants

I have read from numerous sources that those who have already had a breast cancer diagnosis should NOT take supplements that exceed the daily RDA of any given nutrient. These sources say that antioxidants in high dosages can actually STIMULATE cancer growth. Today's New York Times's Science Times has an article about post-cancer-treatment diet. And it is very clear in disapproving of supplements for breast cancer patients, in remission or not.

I have to agree; I've been advised by my health care team that high doses of antioxidants help damaged cells repair themselves, and while this is good for a normal cell, it's felt that the cancer cells also benefit in the same manner, which is not so good. I was told to eat all manner of healthy, whole foods but stay away from supplements in concentrated form, such as pills or powders, while on chemo.
Love, Lolly

I would definitely have to agree with Lolly and Lauren's post. Too much of a good thing is not the answer to fighting cancer. It has been determinedthat antioxidants can be harmful instead of helpful. By blocking the normal function of the liver you can be sending the wrong message to the overall cancer proliferation.
Please be aware of such supplements. There are other vital that we can include that are safe and should be a part of a cancer patient's daily supplements, such as Flaxseed oil (OMEGA-3fatty acid)and SuperVit.B complex.
Keep this in mind, by taking large doses of any vitamin or supplement it No longer functions like a vit or supp, bit as a DRUG.

Thanks, Christine, for mentioning a cancer patient's suggested vitamin supplements (flaxseed & super Vit. B). Is this info. posted anywhere on the website? Also, is there a good brand of super Vit. B?

I ask because I'm pretty much adhering to what lauren, Lolly and you said about the interference of such vitamins and anti-oxidants. I also avoid soy due to the questions surrounding it now. (I drink rice milk instead.) I'm eating more fruits & vegetables and now even avoid my Centrum (I know, it's not a good quality multivitamin, but it was convenient). I do occasionally take my Solaray calcium citrate and magnesium.

Is it okay to take a multivitamin? And, if so, what brand of that and the B's would you recommend?

Thanks,

Vicki

Vicki...you CAN eat soy....you can eat normal, regular quantities of soy. My doctors have made that absolutely clear that there is nothing wrong with EATING NORMAL amounts of soy -- like tofu, edamame, etc. BUT...I tend to think that drinking soy milk tends toward the excessive, as you seem to think as well. But I do wonder, why do you drink rice milk? Why are you drinking milk at all? The reason I ask is that you are taking calcium supplements, and milk is high in lactose, a sugar, so it spikes your insulin levels. I have been adhering to a low-glycemic index diet and feeling much, much healthier as a result.

If you want to talk diet, let's email. I have a lot of good ideas...lauren

Super vit B, Any popular label is OK. Buy at a reputable store such as Wallgreens, Savon, Long's Drugs, Walmart..

Also, I would suggest drinking almond milk instead of rice milk.

Hugs
Christine