I am currently taking the following supplements for those interested. All of these have solid data to back up their use for cancer prevention and elimination in some documented cases. Although you will not find many studies for natural supplements because most studies are funded by big pharma, there is still a lot of research available and my Naturopath only prescribes based on research. I have added a few things to my protocol that I have found on my own after careful consideration. The key is to choose what resonates with you and makes sense. I am hoping that by sharing my personal protocol detail, other survivors will benefit and know that you can still choose conventional treatments but support yourself using the nature that God gave us. The C word needs to be tackled from all sides and all modalities because it is different in every case and I am not a statistic but an individual. Keep your spirits up, prepare, but don't fear. Live your life with gratitude and love yourself knowing you are doing your best!
Rachel’s Therapeutic Supplements:
During Chemo:
The following were suggested to me by my Naturopath during chemo for various reasons to support my body and also make the chemo more effective against abnormal cells while protecting healthy cells:
Milk Thistle: - This powerful herb protects the liver during exposure to harsh drugs. I took 4 capsules a day and still take 2 capsules per day now. Source Mountain Rose Herbs website.
L-Glutamine & L-Carnitine: (1 Tbsp. of each per day) These essential amino acids (proteins) protected me from neuropathy during specific chemo drugs with that side effect. I am pleased to have experienced no neuropathy which is rare during exposure to these drugs and can the pain can last a lifetime, so I am grateful to have known these could be used. Source Human Nature Natural Health (HNNH). I also used cold therapy hand mits, foot booties and a cap for my head to protect myself from neuropathy and hair follicle damage. The product was called Elastogel and was manufactured by Southwest Technologies and can be ordered on line.
CoQ10- Some of the chemo drugs can cause heart issues, so CoQ10 is used to protect the heart during chemo and also can be used during chest radiation. I have continued using it and will do so to protect my heart going forward. In a study on end-stage cancer patients, treatment with coQ10 the mean actual survival was more than double than that of the mean predicted survival (28.7 vs. 11.9 months).
MagnoCort – (3 capsules/day at bedtime) Source HNNH. This is magnolia extract containing honokiol and manolol concentrated to 90%. “It’s value in its multiple anticancer actions includes enhancement of current anticancer regiments by inhibiting angiogenesis, promoting apoptosis, regulating cancer cell signaling pathways, effects of specific chemotherapeutic agents, radio-sensitizing cancer cells to radiation therapy, and in habiting multidrug resistance .“Eliaz, I (2003). Honokiol Research Review.: Natural Medicine Journal.
Melatonin – (20mg at bedtime) Sleep is the most important thing to assist the body in fighting and surviving. In addition to helping with sleep, melatonin is an adjuvant therapy for cancer because it led to substantial improvements in tumor remission, 1 year survival and alleviation of radio chemotherapy-related side effects.
Berberine Plus – A combination of berberine, alpha lipoic acid and grape seed extract has shown the ability to decrease multidrug resistance and enhance the sensitivity of chemotherapeutic drubs, along with improvement in patient quality of life.
Grape Seed Extract (250mg 2x day) –Grapeseed Polyphenols combined with the Ayurvedic Herb, Emblica. Dietary GSP’s significantly inhibited the growth, the metastasis of tumor cells to the lungs was inhibited significantly and the survival of mice enhanced. Data suggests that TSP’s possess chemotherapeutic efficacy against breast cancer including inhibition of metastasis. Emblica has had some experimental studies showing antineoplastic effects.
Modified Citrus Pectin Powder: Blend into protein shake 2x per day. This absorbs into the bloodstream and binds with harmful sticky cell proteins call galectins. Galectins are found in large amounts in almost all abnormal cell division. They are harmful because they attach to tissue and attract blood vessels which provide nourishment for abnormal cells to grow, thrive and spread. Citrus pectin makes also makes these cells recognizable as invaders assisting the immune system to see and attack abnormal cells.
B- Complex – Very important to assist the nervous system and mood during chemo. Any natural based B-complex with B3, B6 & especially B12 would be fine. Studies have shown that these vitamins are important to fight depression which is a challenge to patients with any diagnosis such as mine.
Vitamin D3: (5,000-10,000 iu/day) There is a correlation low levels of Vitamin D3 and breast cancer. My naturopath wants my blood level to be between 60-90. I was at 28 when last checked so I am now taking 10,000 iu/day and I check it monthly until that level is achieved.
Zinc Chelate – Zinc is an essential trace element with important functions in maintaining immune function, reproduction, healthy skin and growth. It has been shown to increase antioxidant activities and provide increased free radical protection.
Vitamin C – High doses of this vitamin are very beneficial to cancer patients because of the high anti-oxidant value and support of the immune system. If you are able to obtain it through IV it is best to do weekly. Otherwise take orally at least 2,000 mg per day or more along with your Vitamin D and daily calcium.
K-2: In vitro studies have shown positive results for prostate, breast ovarian, bladder, liver and some leukemias. Similar anticancer results have been cited in animal studies and in 2 human trials with oral Vit C and K3 on patients.
Curcumin: (750mg/per capsule, 5/day) – A potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. Research on the Bioperine/Curcumin combination has demonstrated a 20-fold improvement in the bioavailability, extent of absorption and serum concentration of the bio a-active curcuminoids. There is a lot of research on this supplement.
Capsicum (cayenne pepper: 500 mg/day) – It has been demonstrated that capsicum with HCA-Alpha Lipoid Acid formula further delays tumor growth in mice.
HCA (hydro citrate) & Alpha Lipoic Acid (600 mg) - This has been studied as part of the METABLOC formula researched for cancer. It is a combination of alpha-lipoic acid and hydroxycitrate targeting the cancer metabolism.
Beta Glucan: A polysaccharide from yeast with immunostimulant and antineoplastic acvities. It binds to leukocytes stimulating them to kill tumor cells in the same way as they kill yeast cells.
MycoComplex: – (1 scoop, 2x daily) – This complex contains medicinal mushrooms researched in immune support and cancer, including Coriolus (Trametes versicolor), Reishi (Gandoderma lucidium), Agaricus (Agaricus blazei), Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinesis), Unbellatus (Polyporus Unbellatus), and Maitake (Grifola frondosa).
Poly-MVA: Palladium Lipoic Complex (PdLA) – 1 tsp. 2x day. This complex is a liquid crystal polymer which has a higher anti-oxidant potential than monomolecular structures lie vitamins. In short, the complex increases the energy level in cells, creates an electro donor, provides a high oxidation level and forces the cell to die off like all healthy cells do in the normal life cycle process. The mechanisms for the anticancer effects of Palladium Lipoic Complex involve electro genetic theory and metabolic dysfunction of cancer cells as shown by Dr. Garnett and Dr. Antonawich at Ruhswich Labs in Wereham, MA. The liquid substance can be ordered and shipped. Poly-MVA is manufactured by El-Gen, LLC and distributed by AMARC Enterprises, Inc. San Diego, CA #800-960-6760 orwww.facr.org
Teas - Chaga & Essiac: Chaga tea has an ORAC value of over 80,000 so it is highly oxidation. Chaga is a medicinal mushroom that grows on certain trees and can be found in the wild or purchased in health food stores. Essiac is a herbal blend tea that combines several herbs which have had some success in reversing cancer among patients since the 1950’s and so I decided to add it to my diet. It can be made in large batches and added to juice or other teas to help mask the tasteJ
N-Acetyl Cysteine: (1,000mg/day) – NAC is a stable form of the sulfur amino acid L-cysteine and is a powerful antioxidant. It is a precursor of glutathione, a major antioxidant. Glutathione is activated by the selenium coating glutathione peroxidase, one of the most important antioxidant enzymes in the body. NAC is better than glutathione supplements which may break down during digestion and lose potency.
Serrapeptase Systemic Enzymes: (80,000 SU AST Enzymes Brand) Digestive enzymes are very important to take during meals, but systemic enzymes are even more important to take away from food. This brand was highly recommended by one of my doctors.
MaitakeGold: (1oz or 10 drops/day) – This formula provides a full complement of immune cell activation. Based on years of extensive clinical research, MaitakeGold is the extract developed and exclusively endorsed by renowned Maitake expert Dr. Hiroaki Nanba of Kobe Pharmaceutical University in Japan. A recent multi-phase U.S. Government funded trial as well as peer-reviewed research performed at the University of Louisville have clearly demonstrated that it provides a high level of immune support even in relatively small doses. MaitakeGold has been chosen to be evaluated as a botanical immunomodulator in conjunction with a 5 year study funded by the National Institute for Health.
Probiotics: Colon health is crucial, especially when fighting any disease. Elimination of toxins must be done daily and probiotics can assist this process along with regular green coffee enemas or colonic irrigation from a licensed facility. It is extremely important to keep probiotics high with supplementation and also the digestion of fermented foods or Kephir, which I ingest daily.
Finally, I also try to eat based on my blood type certain foods that are known to be beneficial. In general I avoid all processed sugars, grains, starches as much as possible and eat cleanly. A natural animal protein or eggs along with an organic vegetable is my usual combinationJ Books are available on eating for your blood type and also Ayurvedic body type diet guides are helpful as well. I do juice sometimes but not too much because my body type requires more grounding foods. Know yourself, monitor how you feel at every stage, and get off grains and sugars as soon as possible. You will be amazed at how much better you feel after a couple of weeksJ My belief is once we give our body what it needs, it will function properly and take care of what it needs to do. We are amazing by design but have been depleted and burdened by our toxic environment and diet which in my opinion is the root cause of disease.
*NOTICE- These statements are based on my individual research and assistance from my health team. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Rachel’s Therapeutic Supplements:
During Chemo:
The following were suggested to me by my Naturopath during chemo for various reasons to support my body and also make the chemo more effective against abnormal cells while protecting healthy cells:
Milk Thistle: - This powerful herb protects the liver during exposure to harsh drugs. I took 4 capsules a day and still take 2 capsules per day now. Source Mountain Rose Herbs website.
L-Glutamine & L-Carnitine: (1 Tbsp. of each per day) These essential amino acids (proteins) protected me from neuropathy during specific chemo drugs with that side effect. I am pleased to have experienced no neuropathy which is rare during exposure to these drugs and can the pain can last a lifetime, so I am grateful to have known these could be used. Source Human Nature Natural Health (HNNH). I also used cold therapy hand mits, foot booties and a cap for my head to protect myself from neuropathy and hair follicle damage. The product was called Elastogel and was manufactured by Southwest Technologies and can be ordered on line.
CoQ10- Some of the chemo drugs can cause heart issues, so CoQ10 is used to protect the heart during chemo and also can be used during chest radiation. I have continued using it and will do so to protect my heart going forward. In a study on end-stage cancer patients, treatment with coQ10 the mean actual survival was more than double than that of the mean predicted survival (28.7 vs. 11.9 months).
MagnoCort – (3 capsules/day at bedtime) Source HNNH. This is magnolia extract containing honokiol and manolol concentrated to 90%. “It’s value in its multiple anticancer actions includes enhancement of current anticancer regiments by inhibiting angiogenesis, promoting apoptosis, regulating cancer cell signaling pathways, effects of specific chemotherapeutic agents, radio-sensitizing cancer cells to radiation therapy, and in habiting multidrug resistance .“Eliaz, I (2003). Honokiol Research Review.: Natural Medicine Journal.
Melatonin – (20mg at bedtime) Sleep is the most important thing to assist the body in fighting and surviving. In addition to helping with sleep, melatonin is an adjuvant therapy for cancer because it led to substantial improvements in tumor remission, 1 year survival and alleviation of radio chemotherapy-related side effects.
Berberine Plus – A combination of berberine, alpha lipoic acid and grape seed extract has shown the ability to decrease multidrug resistance and enhance the sensitivity of chemotherapeutic drubs, along with improvement in patient quality of life.
Grape Seed Extract (250mg 2x day) –Grapeseed Polyphenols combined with the Ayurvedic Herb, Emblica. Dietary GSP’s significantly inhibited the growth, the metastasis of tumor cells to the lungs was inhibited significantly and the survival of mice enhanced. Data suggests that TSP’s possess chemotherapeutic efficacy against breast cancer including inhibition of metastasis. Emblica has had some experimental studies showing antineoplastic effects.
Modified Citrus Pectin Powder: Blend into protein shake 2x per day. This absorbs into the bloodstream and binds with harmful sticky cell proteins call galectins. Galectins are found in large amounts in almost all abnormal cell division. They are harmful because they attach to tissue and attract blood vessels which provide nourishment for abnormal cells to grow, thrive and spread. Citrus pectin makes also makes these cells recognizable as invaders assisting the immune system to see and attack abnormal cells.
B- Complex – Very important to assist the nervous system and mood during chemo. Any natural based B-complex with B3, B6 & especially B12 would be fine. Studies have shown that these vitamins are important to fight depression which is a challenge to patients with any diagnosis such as mine.
Vitamin D3: (5,000-10,000 iu/day) There is a correlation low levels of Vitamin D3 and breast cancer. My naturopath wants my blood level to be between 60-90. I was at 28 when last checked so I am now taking 10,000 iu/day and I check it monthly until that level is achieved.
Zinc Chelate – Zinc is an essential trace element with important functions in maintaining immune function, reproduction, healthy skin and growth. It has been shown to increase antioxidant activities and provide increased free radical protection.
Vitamin C – High doses of this vitamin are very beneficial to cancer patients because of the high anti-oxidant value and support of the immune system. If you are able to obtain it through IV it is best to do weekly. Otherwise take orally at least 2,000 mg per day or more along with your Vitamin D and daily calcium.
K-2: In vitro studies have shown positive results for prostate, breast ovarian, bladder, liver and some leukemias. Similar anticancer results have been cited in animal studies and in 2 human trials with oral Vit C and K3 on patients.
Curcumin: (750mg/per capsule, 5/day) – A potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. Research on the Bioperine/Curcumin combination has demonstrated a 20-fold improvement in the bioavailability, extent of absorption and serum concentration of the bio a-active curcuminoids. There is a lot of research on this supplement.
Capsicum (cayenne pepper: 500 mg/day) – It has been demonstrated that capsicum with HCA-Alpha Lipoid Acid formula further delays tumor growth in mice.
HCA (hydro citrate) & Alpha Lipoic Acid (600 mg) - This has been studied as part of the METABLOC formula researched for cancer. It is a combination of alpha-lipoic acid and hydroxycitrate targeting the cancer metabolism.
Beta Glucan: A polysaccharide from yeast with immunostimulant and antineoplastic acvities. It binds to leukocytes stimulating them to kill tumor cells in the same way as they kill yeast cells.
MycoComplex: – (1 scoop, 2x daily) – This complex contains medicinal mushrooms researched in immune support and cancer, including Coriolus (Trametes versicolor), Reishi (Gandoderma lucidium), Agaricus (Agaricus blazei), Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinesis), Unbellatus (Polyporus Unbellatus), and Maitake (Grifola frondosa).
Poly-MVA: Palladium Lipoic Complex (PdLA) – 1 tsp. 2x day. This complex is a liquid crystal polymer which has a higher anti-oxidant potential than monomolecular structures lie vitamins. In short, the complex increases the energy level in cells, creates an electro donor, provides a high oxidation level and forces the cell to die off like all healthy cells do in the normal life cycle process. The mechanisms for the anticancer effects of Palladium Lipoic Complex involve electro genetic theory and metabolic dysfunction of cancer cells as shown by Dr. Garnett and Dr. Antonawich at Ruhswich Labs in Wereham, MA. The liquid substance can be ordered and shipped. Poly-MVA is manufactured by El-Gen, LLC and distributed by AMARC Enterprises, Inc. San Diego, CA #800-960-6760 orwww.facr.org
Teas - Chaga & Essiac: Chaga tea has an ORAC value of over 80,000 so it is highly oxidation. Chaga is a medicinal mushroom that grows on certain trees and can be found in the wild or purchased in health food stores. Essiac is a herbal blend tea that combines several herbs which have had some success in reversing cancer among patients since the 1950’s and so I decided to add it to my diet. It can be made in large batches and added to juice or other teas to help mask the tasteJ
N-Acetyl Cysteine: (1,000mg/day) – NAC is a stable form of the sulfur amino acid L-cysteine and is a powerful antioxidant. It is a precursor of glutathione, a major antioxidant. Glutathione is activated by the selenium coating glutathione peroxidase, one of the most important antioxidant enzymes in the body. NAC is better than glutathione supplements which may break down during digestion and lose potency.
Serrapeptase Systemic Enzymes: (80,000 SU AST Enzymes Brand) Digestive enzymes are very important to take during meals, but systemic enzymes are even more important to take away from food. This brand was highly recommended by one of my doctors.
MaitakeGold: (1oz or 10 drops/day) – This formula provides a full complement of immune cell activation. Based on years of extensive clinical research, MaitakeGold is the extract developed and exclusively endorsed by renowned Maitake expert Dr. Hiroaki Nanba of Kobe Pharmaceutical University in Japan. A recent multi-phase U.S. Government funded trial as well as peer-reviewed research performed at the University of Louisville have clearly demonstrated that it provides a high level of immune support even in relatively small doses. MaitakeGold has been chosen to be evaluated as a botanical immunomodulator in conjunction with a 5 year study funded by the National Institute for Health.
Probiotics: Colon health is crucial, especially when fighting any disease. Elimination of toxins must be done daily and probiotics can assist this process along with regular green coffee enemas or colonic irrigation from a licensed facility. It is extremely important to keep probiotics high with supplementation and also the digestion of fermented foods or Kephir, which I ingest daily.
Finally, I also try to eat based on my blood type certain foods that are known to be beneficial. In general I avoid all processed sugars, grains, starches as much as possible and eat cleanly. A natural animal protein or eggs along with an organic vegetable is my usual combinationJ Books are available on eating for your blood type and also Ayurvedic body type diet guides are helpful as well. I do juice sometimes but not too much because my body type requires more grounding foods. Know yourself, monitor how you feel at every stage, and get off grains and sugars as soon as possible. You will be amazed at how much better you feel after a couple of weeksJ My belief is once we give our body what it needs, it will function properly and take care of what it needs to do. We are amazing by design but have been depleted and burdened by our toxic environment and diet which in my opinion is the root cause of disease.
*NOTICE- These statements are based on my individual research and assistance from my health team. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.