Amino Acids
An animal experiment showed that supplementing with arginine can retard tumour growth.
Supplementation with NAC may reduce toxic side effects of chemotherapy. Doses of up to 10g daily are generally considered safe, although higher doses may cause nausea or vomiting. Topical applications of NAC (as an ointment) may also reduce some of the adverse affects of radiation therapy such as skin reactions, hair loss, and may protect the mucous membranes of the eyes.
Antioxidants
Green tea can be taken daily to help cleanse toxins from the body. Place 2 teaspoons of green tea leaves in one cup hot (not boiling) water and steep for 3 to 4 minutes. The longer the infusion, the more bitter green tea becomes. Boiling water destroys some of the beneficial elements of green tea. Allow the water to stop boiling before adding the leaves. Use a ceramic, glass, or earthenware mug. Drink 1 to 2 cups daily
Selenium is also a powerful antioxidant (see Minerals, below).
Vitamins A, C, and E all contain antioxidant properties (see Vitamins, below).
Foods
Substances called phytoestrogens seem to help prevent breast cancers. Phytoestrogens have a structure similar to estrogen produced by the body. Phytoestrogens are found in abundance in soy and bean sprouts, and are also found in somewhat smaller quantities in other beans. Try to include beans and bean products like tofu in your diet. Eat them a few times a week.
It has been demonstrated in several studies that an increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables leads to a decrease in the risk of all major types of cancer.
Reishi mushroom has been shown to neutralize the toxins secreted from cancer tissue. It can also strengthening white blood cells and increasing their count. Reishi mushroom can also reduce or prevent the side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiation.
Food Supplements
Some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may inhibit the development of breast cancer. You can obtain omega 3's from flaxseed/linseed oil, hemp seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, borage seed oil, and evening primrose oil, fish, eggs, and walnuts. If using liquid form, take two tablespoons daily. If using flaxseed oil capsules, take 2 to 3 capsules daily, in the morning. If using evening primrose oil capsules take 1 500mg capsule daily, in the morning
Herbs
Chaparral supplementation is suggested as it protects against the formation of tumours and cancer cells. Use 1 teaspoon of herb to 1 cup of water. Infuse for 10 minutes and take up to 3 times daily. If using a tincture, take 10 to 20 drops in ¼ cup of water 3 times daily
Echinacea can be used to stimulate the immune system. If using a tincture, take 20 to 40 drops in a glass of water three times daily. If using a supplement, take 300mg powdered extract three times daily. If preparing a tea/decoction, bring 2 teaspoons echinacea root and 1 cup of water to a boil. Simmer 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day. The taste may be initially sweet, then bitter.
Garlic's has been shown to inhibit tumour growth. This versatile herb also helps lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and has antioxidant properties, too. Add it to your favourite meal and enjoy the numerous benefits. If you prefer to go "sans aroma", you may also take odourless garlic capsules. If eating whole cloves, take 2 to 4 daily. If using capsules, take 600 to 1,200mg once or twice daily with meals. If using a tincture, take 2 to 4mL three times daily.
Milk thistle contains silymarin, a powerful antioxidant that can inhibit the replication of cancer cells. Take 280 to 600mg daily for acute situations or when treating specific ailments. If taking an infusion, take 20 to 30 drops 3 times daily
Pau d'arco is beneficial for use against cancer. Bring three teaspoons of herb and four and a half cups water to a boil. Simmer for 45 minutes, cool, strain, and divide into three doses for the day. If using a tincture, take 20 to 30 drops three times daily.
Lifestyle
It is important to maintain a positive attitude. You are not alone. Join a support group and do things that will help keep your spirits up. Numerous studies have shown that a positive outlook can greatly improve the prognosis of many illnesses.
Decrease your stress levels. Exercise, take yoga classes or get a massage. Whatever does it for you. High levels of stress have been implicated as a contributing factor to many ailments, including cancer.
A healthy, organic, diet is essential as it will provide your body with the nutrients needed to function properly. Eat ample servings of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and pure water.
Reduce the amount of fat in your diet. A high fat diet can increase your risk of developing cancer, particularly if you are post-menopausal.
Obesity is also considered a risk factor for the development of cancer. This has been proven time and time again. Obesity has also been shown to increase the rate of progression of malignancies.
Increase the amount of fibre in your diet. A high fibre diet has been shown to help in the elimination of carcinogens and excess estrogen from the body.
A vegetarian diet has also been shown to do much of the same, probably because is generally contains lower fat content, is high in fibre, and is high in carotenoids and other nutrients. An observational study of breast cancer patients showed a decreased risk of development of breast cancer with an increased consumption of green vegetables.
Avoid alcohol. Many studies have shown a 40 to 60% increase in risk of developing breast cancer with moderate consumption of alcohol.
Avoid sugar. A study conducted in 21 countries found that a high sucrose intake was a major risk factor for the development of breast cancer in women over the age of 45. Several other studies have come up with similar results. It is best to consume complex carbohydrates.
Minerals
Low levels of selenium have been associated with an increased cancer risk. This relationship has also been observed in breast cancer. Supplementation may also help to reduce tissue damage caused by chemotherapy. Eat one to two brazil nuts daily. If supplementing, take 200 to 500mcg daily.
Low levels of magnesium have also been associated with an increased risk of cancer. You can supplement with 500mg daily.
Low levels of iodine are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Zinc supplementation may also prove beneficial. Take 30 to 50mg daily.
Miscellaneous
Onion has been shown to inhibit tumour growth.
The administration of alkoxyglycerols may cause tumour regression, may reduce injuries procured because of radiation therapy, and may reduce cancer mortality rates. Highest concentrations of alkoxyglycerols are found in mother's milk, bone marrow, and shark liver oil.
Animal models have shown that supplementing with calcium-D-glucarate can help the body get rid of excess estrogen, reducing the development of tumours. Other studies are ongoing. Take 1,000 to 2,000mg daily in divided doses.
Vitamins
Coenzyme Q10 supplementation, at 30mg daily, may reduce cardiac toxicity caused by adriamycin therapy.
Vitamin A supplementation may be beneficial. Many people with cancer have decreased levels of vitamin A in the body, likely due to malnutrition. Low levels of retinol in the blood has been associated with a diminished response to chemotherapy. Take 25,000 to 50,000 IU daily.
Vitamin B supplementation is beneficial for the malnutrition that often accompanies cancer. Take 50mg daily of B-complex vitamins. Vitamin B3 should also be supplemented at 1.5 to 3g daily, and vitamin B6 at 250mg daily.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and can protect you against several types of cancer. It may also increase the survival time of people whose cancer is deemed terminal. Observational studies suggest that vitamin C reduced cancer risk in post-menopausal women. There is also substantial evidence that suggests it offers protection in breast cancer, as well as other cancers. Vitamin C may also reduce the toxicity of some chemotherapeutic agents such as adriamycin. Vitamin C supplementation may also enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy, and reduce side effects such as pain, anorexia, weight loss and anemia. Other studies on combined nutritional supplementation suggested that although the supplementation regimen was beneficial overall, the most important factor on mean survival rates seemed to be high vitamin C intake. Take at least 12g daily. If your bowels can tolerate it, you can up the dosage.
Low levels of vitamin E have been linked to breast cancer. It may also enhance the effectiveness of some of the drugs used in chemotherapy (if the drug dose can be lowered without compromising effectiveness, toxicity caused by them will decrease as well). Vitamin E may also reduce the toxic side effects of some chemotherapeutic agents (particularly doxorubicin/adriamycin). Some animal studies show that vitamin E supplementation reduced the incidence of breast tumours. There is also preliminary data suggesting that vitamin E supplementation in women with benign breast disease and mammary dysplasia, (both associated with increased risk of breast cancer) may reduce the risk. More studies need to be conducted to test this data. The suggested dose is 800 IU daily.
