Cancer

Cancer refers to an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells. The renegade cells form a mass – or malignant tumor – that can disrupt and potentially destroy the surrounding cells and tissue. They can then spread through a process called metastasis. This can occur in nearly any part of the body. The type of cancer is usually named after the location in the body where the tumor originated.

Some tumors are benign. They are comprised of similarly abnormal cells, but they do not invade the surrounding areas. Benign tumors need to be regularly monitored by a doctor because they can become cancerous. Additionally, they can displace the body’s regular tissues, which can be harmful if occurring in an area such as the brain. Your doctor can perform a biopsy to determine whether a tumor is malignant or benign.

The goal of cancer treatment is the complete removal of the malignant cells. Certain types of cancers are more treatable than others. There are many different treatment options, with the most common being surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy (or some combination of these three procedures). Surgery is often the best option if the tumor has not yet begun to spread. However, if metastasis has already occurred, it can be difficult to eliminate all the cancerous cells this way. Chemotherapy, the use of one or more drugs to destroy the cancer cells, may be used instead. These drugs can be taken orally or intravenously. Radiation concentrates ionizing radiation on the infected area in an attempt to kill the cancer or at least alter the cells so that they can no longer multiply. Your doctor will advise you on the most effective way to treat your cancer.

Naturally, it is preferable to avoid cancer in the first place. Although it may be beyond your control, there are steps you can take to decrease your risk. Try to avoid carcinogens – cancer-causing agents such as smoking tobacco, asbestos, and prolonged exposure to the sun. Recent cancer journals suggest that diet plays an important role, as well. In fact, Dr stated that diet is expected to contribute to about one-third of preventable cancers. He then pointed specifically to the harm caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The following list of supplements will help you maintain good health and fight the negative effects of carcinogens.

Supplements to help prevent cancer

• Alpha-lipoic acid – 100 to 300 mg once a day – Improves blood sugar levels so diabetics may be able to take less medication.
• Chlorella – 1 tbsp once a day – Stop taking if experience nausea or gastrointestinal distress. Use with caution if you have allergic tendencies.
• Coenzyme Q10 – 100 to 400 mg once a day – May reduce the effects of blood thinners. You can also take 400 mg of coenzyme Q10 if you have breast cancer. May cause diarrhea in dosages above 100 mg once a day.
• Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) – 100 to 300 mg once a day
• Curcumin – 100 to 1,000 mg once a day
• EPA / DHA (fish oil) – 2,000 mg once a day – Choose a source that contains vitamin E to prevent oxidation. –
• Indole-3-carbinol – 300 to 500 mg once a day
• Iodine – 150 mcg once a day – Most table salts contain iodine, but sea salts do not.
• Kaprex Al – 1 softgel capsule twice a day – Made by Metagenics. Do not use if taking an anticoagulant.
• Lycopene – 10 to 20 mg once a day – if eaten in food, best absorbed when cooked with fat.
• Magnesium – 600 mg once a day - Consult healthcare provider for dosage if you have kidney disease. Discontinue use and see your doctor if you experience abdominal pain. Take a lower dose if it causes diarrhea.
• Niacinamide – 100 to 1,000 mg once a day
• Pycnogenol – 20 mg to 40 mg once a day – May affect blood sugar levels.
• Quercetin – 300 to 900 mg once a day
• Selenium – 100 to 200 mcg once a day
• Vitamin A and mixed carotenoids – 5,000 IU-half vitamin A and half mixed carotenoids – once a day – Use caution with taking vitamin A supplements because they have the potential to be toxic. Do not take for extended periods of time. Do not take high doses if you have liver disease, are a smoker, or are exposed to asbestos.
• Vitamin B9 (folic acid) – 100 to 800n mcg once a day – High doses can deplete your body of other vitamins in the B complex.
• Vitamin C – 500 to 1,000 mg twice a day
• Vitamin D – have your blood levels measured by your healthcare provider, who will then determine proper dosage.
• Vitamin E – 400 IU once a day – Take mixed tocopherols, the more active type of vitamin E. Consult healthcare provider first if you are taking a blood thinner.
• Zinc – 25 mg once a day – The best zinc supplements are zinc picolinate and zinc citrate. If you are taking zinc and iron supplements, take one in the morning and one in the evening. (Taking them together reduces the efficiency of both).