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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
Cysteine – an amino acid, protects against toxicity of chemo drugs, protects kidney and bladder, reduces nausea
Vitamin E – best to begin this 2 wks prior to chemotherapy, it enhances inhibition of estrogen-positive tumors, reduces chemo side effects, improves effectiveness of chemo drugs, reduces mouth ulcers
Echinacea – herb, increases white blood cell production
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
Glutamine – powerful amino acid, helps to reduce mouth ulcers and protects gut lining, supports and enhances effects of chemotherapy, helps to reduce side effects. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ONE!
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 wrote a blog about it on 4/10/12, you can access it here. Lots of vegetables have anti-cancer properties (like beet) 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, dogs, cats, flowers, trees and plants. Easily absorbed and side effects include healing, euphoria, happiness. Four-five hugs per day required to avoid deficiencies.
Lycium barbarum – there’s plenty of research on this at the www.pubmed.gov website, plus a video I made about it. Don’t miss this one.
Omega-3 fatty acids (esp. flax) – 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
I don’t recommend you take these all at once! See your natural health practitioner for recommended dosages. 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!
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.
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2 Responses to Natural Remedies That Enhance Chemotherapy and Reduce Toxicity
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Thank you so much for sharing this important information. This is exactly what I need to know in order to make my own personal and informed decision. We need to be aware of side effects and most importantly, we need to be informed. Can’t rely on what doctors “don’t know”, won’t or can’t tell you.
Hi Lee – You are most welcome. I really wish this kind of information had been available to me when I was going through breast cancer! So it’s my pleasure (and my passion) to share what I have learned. Best of health to you!