Supplements recommended

Several months ago, I went to see a wonderful cancer nutritionist. She is very tied into the latest research, etc. I wanted to know what I could do to build up my immune system.

Here is some of the info she gave me:


"Be open-minded, but not so open-minded that your brains fall out."
Groucho Marx

Astragalus: stimulates every phase of immune system activity; restores function of cancer patients' immune cells; no toxicities. DOSE: 1 gram, 4x/day

CoQ10: may decrease toxicity from Adriamycin; shows increased remissions, response in bc patients; slows progression of Parkinson's at higher doses; no known toxic effects. DOSE:effective dose 50mg/day, research to 300 mg.

Green tea: decrease many kinds of cancer, including bc; more powerful antioxidant than Vt. C; increases liver clearance/metabolism of carcinogens; may increase efficacy of doxorubicin. RESEARCH DOSE: 300 mg/day, 100 mg/cup of decaffeinated green tea.

Milk Thistle: standardized to contain 70-80% silymarin; antioxidant, stablizes membrane, detoxification; liver protectant, reduces damage to livver cells by hepatotoxins, stimulates cellular regeneration in liver; no major side effect, mild GI; cross allergy: ragweed; may affect drug metabolism, hold off around chemo DOSE: 200-400mg/day in divided doses

Melatonin: controls sleep-wake cycle, in animal studies, less tumors & recurrence, blocks cell stimulation by Omega 6; precautions: not for seizure disorders, may suppress ovulation and aggravate depression, vivid dreams. DOSE: research is 20 mg/night.

Omega 3: 1-2 grams/daily of Omega 3 for immune function

Curcumin: Research 750-1500 mg/day; inhibits cancer growth and enhances chemo.

Following vitamins are shown to improve immune function in adults, even those eating well:

Multi (including 10-15 mg zince)
200-400 Vit. E
500-1000 mg. Vit. C

Recommended brands:

NatureMade (no extra fillers, dyes)
Solgar, Solaray, Thompson, Natrol, HerbPharm
Enzymatic Therapy, PhytoPharmica
Metagenics, Nature's Herbs/Twin Labs
Thorne Basic III, no iron/copper
Pure Endapsulations
Nature's Way, partners with German cos.
Klaire.com


Sugar:

100g decreases WBC function as much as 43% for up to 5 hours.
No need to completely avoid them.
Mix higher glycemic index foods with lower
No naked carbs on empty stomah..there goes that Snickers bar!
Eat sweets less often and in mixed meals. Combine with protein fiber and fat.
Don't avoid fruit. Its fiber slows glucose absorption.
(So eating a muffin is better than a candy bar as far as sugar goes!)

Exercise:

Studies show improvement in immune function and reduction of blood sugar levels.


She noted other supplements pro and con, but these were her focus.

Love and light,

Lisa

[Rozebud]

GOod stuff Lisa - thanks!

Hi Lisa,

I strongly disagree with your nutricianist's assessment of curcumin "enhancing chemo effects. Here's why:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.f...2&dopt=Abstract

http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/cont...ract/62/13/3868

http://www.lymphomation.org/CAM-alerts.htm#curcumin

and there's lots more...........

Love Al

Lisa,

Thank you for the info!!!

Lori

Al, so you're saying Cucurmin is BAD?

Hi Lisa,

What the research that Al refers to shows is not the curcumin is bad per se, but it doesn't mix with certain types of chemo, such as cyclophosphamide and adriamycin.

I just wanted to point out that milk thistle does have estrogenic effects and therefore is probably not suitable for anybody reading this who has a ER+ cancer.

Also, since you saw your nutritionist, the thinking on vitamin E has changed, following a clinical trial that tried to prevent new primaries from developing by giving them vitamin E supplements: "According to a new study reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, supplementation with Vitamin E increases the risk of developing a new cancer. The study involved 540 patients with head and neck cancers who were given either 400 IU/day of Vitamin E or placebo starting on the first day of radiation therapy for three years. Researchers found that patients who received vitamin E had a higher rate of second primary cancer compared to those on placebo."

What a complicated area, huh?

My questions about the NCI study would be: WHAT greater percentage had secondary cancers? What other factors were considered?

This sounds like Vit. E causes cancer, which I don't believe.

But like you said, it is complicated. If a couple more studies are done--and on BC patients--I'm more apt to be a believer.

Love and light,

Lisa

Has this been sent around? It is a link to Sloan Kettering's database of supplements and herbs. It summarizes all of the research that has been done on each re: cancer prevention. There are two ways that the info is presented-- one for medical prof, and one for laypersons.

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/11570.cfm