The Best Supplements to Aid Breast Cancer Treatments

One of the biggest misconceptions regarding breast cancer (or any cancer type) is the stronger the treatments the better the chances of eradicating the malignancies. In reality, stronger cancer treatments are not always the best option for patients. As a matter of fact, radiation and chemotherapy can have adverse effects and can induce more aggressive tumors to grow. This is why discussing treatment options with family members and oncologists can be difficult, because no one truly knows exactly how their body will react to the drugs and it can be potentially very risky.

While many believe that there are no other options, the truth is, there are various alternatives to treat breast cancer without the additional toxic chemicals that kill cells and permanently destroy immune systems. The secret to fighting cancer successfully is by maintaining a strong immune system to ensure that all the bad bacteria cannot infiltrate it and spread inflammation or infection. However, those enduring conventional methods of breast cancer treatment may find this difficult as these treatments increase their risks of permanently becoming immunocompromised, thus augmenting their vulnerability to other infections and diseases.

At LifeWorks Wellness Center, it’s essential for all patients to maintain a strong immune system while undergoing their cancer treatment program. While we use less invasive treatment methods such as insulin potentiation therapy (IPT), we always recommend that they sustain a strong immunity by providing an in-depth supplement regimen and undergoing additional therapies that were ordered by the LifeWorks cancer specialist. Depending on the stage and cancer type, the supplement regimens ordered may vary from patient-to-patient. Listed below are the most common supplements to assist breast cancer patients during and after their treatment programs.

Vitamin C

Some recent studies have revealed that women who consume higher amounts of Vitamin C have a lower risk of developing breast cancer¹. In addition, Vitamin C is well-known for its ability to support the immune system, heal wounds and strengthen tissues, cartilage and bones. Vitamin C is not naturally produced within the body, which makes it an essential mineral to be consumed via foods, taken orally or injected intravenously. Research suggests that oral consumption of the vitamin can help stabilize immunity, however intravenous therapies enhance the cancer treatments while simultaneously protecting the body from inflammation and bacteria. As a matter of fact, LifeWorks orders high dose Vitamin C IV treatments for a majority of breast cancer patients to assist with their IPT and ozone treatments.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms categorized as healthy bacteria that the body needs to prevent leaky gut and other digestive conditions. For those with breast cancer, probiotics are essential to help stabilize gut health, especially for patients enduring conventional treatment methods, as chemotherapy can alter gut permeability (hence why diarrhea is a major side effect). A balanced gut is essential to the body’s overall wellness and evidence reveals that it can also assist with long-term symptom management for cancer patients. Probiotics can be taken orally or through certain foods such as Greek yogurt, pickles, sauerkraut, and kefir.

Vitamin D

The United States National Library of Medicine states that there is a worldwide prevalence of vitamin D deficiency that is associated with several global health problems such as diabetes, Parkinson’s, osteoporosis, and various cancer types². As a matter of fact, studies that looked into the connection between breast cancer and Vitamin D found that many breast cancer patients are deficient in the mineral, which could be a possible underlying cause. Vitamin D plays a significant role in aiding the immune system functions and accumulating strong calcium levels. In addition, some research conducted found that consumption of Vitamin D can help regulate breast cell growth and slow down the development of tumors. Vitamin D is best taken orally and after a meal, although it is possible to receive the vitamin from certain foods such as egg yolk, red meat and fish.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 Fatty Acids derive from fish oils and are often present in various species of fish. This supplement is mainly recommended to those with cardiovascular conditions, however it also proves beneficial to those suffering with breast cancer. According to the United States National Library of Medicine, “fish oil contains increased amounts of omega 3 fatty acids which appear to stop or slow down the growth and development of breast cancer cells”³. This supplement can easily be taken orally or by consuming fish at least three times a week. Some of the best fish with high amounts of omega 3 are salmon, tuna, mackerel, and trout.

Supplements to Avoid

While there are many supplements that can assist with breast cancer treatments, studies show that this isn’t the case with all of them. While vitamins are antioxidants meant to protect the system from free radicals such as radiation, pollution, and cigarette smoke, some antioxidants such as Vitamin E, Selenium, Vitamin B12 and Beta-Carotene can induce reoccurrence or decrease the treatment effectiveness.

Talk to a LifeWorks Practitioner for Supplementation

Prior to taking any supplements, breast cancer patients should speak with a LifeWorks practitioner to discuss their cancer, stage, symptoms and other medical information. That way, the practitioner will be able to accurately determine the right supplement regimen for the patient during their treatment program.

LifeWorks Wellness Center is an alternative medical facility in Clearwater, Florida and has successfully treated breast cancer patients for 23 years using natural remedies. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and are interested in seeking alternative methods of treatment and/or supplementation, please call to schedule an appointment with a LifeWorks cancer specialist at 727-466-6789.

References:

1. Vitamin C (breastcancer.org)
2. Vitamin D and Breast Cancer: Latest Evidence and Future Steps (nih.gov)
3. Dietary Fish and Omega 3 Fatty Acids for Breast Cancer Prevention – Full Text View – ClinicalTrials.gov