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Natural Remedies that Enhance Chemotherapy and Reduce Toxicity

When I finally made the decision to do chemotherapy for my breast cancer, I was interested in finding natural remedies that would enhance the chemotherapy drugs and reduce the toxicity of the drugs.

Oh, I spent hours combing through books, talking to natural therapists, researching the best natural remedies.  I came across a few duds, a few that made extraordinary claims, tried quite a few myself.

This is my A-Z list of the best natural remedies, tried and true

Vitamin A and carotene – Immune enhancer, reduces toxicity of chemo drugs, protects lungs and mucosal membranes, enhances effectiveness of chemo drugs.

Astragalus – Protects against toxicity of chemo drugs, boosts immunity and energy, protects bone marrow and lungs, helps body produce interferon.

B Complex vitamins – Enhance effects of chemotherapy, reduce side effects of chemo, protect digestive system.

Bromelain – Improves effectiveness of chemo drugs.

Vitamin C – Enhances effectiveness of chemo drugs, reduces side effects, boosts immune function, helps detoxify harmful substances.

Cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, broccoli – Contain cancer fighting nutrients.

Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) – Herb which reduces side effects of chemo drugs.

Coenzyme Q10 – Maintains cellular health, improves immune system, improves oxygenation to cells and tissues, helps chemotherapy work better.

Cysteine – An amino acid, protects against toxicity of chemo drugs, protects kidney and bladder, reduces nausea.

Vitamin E – Best to begin this 2 weeks prior to chemotherapy, it enhances inhibition of estrogen-positive tumors, reduces chemo side effects, improves effectiveness of chemo drugs, reduces mouth ulcers.

Fiber – Helps with elimination of toxins.

Fluids – Make sure you drink plenty of filtered water because chemo can cause dehydration and water helps to eliminate toxins.

Glutathione – A combo of 3 amino acids (glutamic acid, glycine & cysteine), protective for kidneys and liver against toxicity, decreases chemo side effects – particularly cisplatin.

Goldenseal – A powerful immune enhancer, also helps to eliminate toxins from liver.

Juicing – A big subject, I have a whole category of articles on juicing, check them out here.  Many vegetables and fruits have anti-cancer properties and will help you detox.

Vitamin K – Found in leafy green vegetables like spinach, lettuce and broccoli, eggs, fish oils, liver – it inhibits tumor growth.

Lipoic acid – Reduces drug resistance and side effects, boosts immunity.

Love – Yes, think of it as a nutrient – it is the most necessary nutrient for healing!  It can be found in many places like kids, moms, dads, sisters, brothers, dogs, cats, music, flowers, trees and plants.  Easily absorbed and side effects include healing, euphoria, happiness.  Four-five hugs per day required to avoid deficiencies.

Omega-3 fatty acids (especially flaxseed) – Deadly against cancer cells, reduces chemo side effects, anti-inflammatory.

Pancreatic enzymes – Help to remove the blocking antigens from cancer cells, decrease inflammation, improve gut absorption of nutrients and prevent malnutrition.

Quercitin – Anti-inflammatory, enhances chemo drugs.

Selenium – An important antioxidant, reduces side effects of chemo drugs, cardio-protectective, enhances immunity.

SOD (superoxidedismutase) – Reduces side effects and toxicity of chemo drugs.

Transfer Factors – A little known nutraceutical which teaches your immune system what it should be doing.  Since a big malfunction of the immune system caused your cancer to flourish in the first place, this one’s a must.  Most people haven’t heard of this, contact me for more information.

I don’t recommend you take these all at once!  I can help you to pick and choose the ones that will help you the most, taking into account your personal health status.  Let me know if I can help you.

Yes, there’s a lot here and yes, you will probably rattle when you walk (just kidding!) but if you’re going through chemotherapy, you owe it to yourself to protect against toxicity and give those chemotherapy drugs a boost.  Give yourself the best chance you can of beating this and if I can assist you, I’m only too happy to do so.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or natural health practitioner.  You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem and please be sure to consult your health care professional when making decisions about your health.

If you would like my help with getting through breast cancer in an inspiring and ultra-healthy way, please sign up for my free e-newsletters on the right, and/or “like” me on Facebook (MarnieClark.com).  It is my honor to help you through breast cancer so that you are thriving on the other end.