Cancer and Vitamin Supplements

Much information has been written about cancer and the use of vitamin supplements to decrease the risk of developing or reducing tumors and putting patients into remission. Many are hesitant to use the word “cured” when it comes to vitamin supplements and cancer. It is a known fact that a healthy diet can be helpful in reducing the risks of developing cancer and treating patients who already have been diagnosed with the disease. One nutritionist and doctor recommends three actions before beginning on a vitamin supplement therapy. First, cut out junk food and foods that contain simple carbohydrates such as sugar, corn syrup, and other forms of glucose. The second step is to reduce fat levels. Many studies prove that countries with lower fat intakes have fewer cases of cancer. The third step is to eliminate foods they know they are allergic to.

Taking these three steps will still allow you to have an interesting and varied diet. It will still have food items that taste good to you.

No one should take any extra supplements without knowing what they consist of and how they work in the body. It is important that you contact your doctor before starting a vitamin supplement routine in an effort to control cancer. This is an individual decision and must be discussed thoroughly with your cancer team. Most vitamin and mineral supplements are compatible with cancer medication and diet but you should verify that with your doctor.

There are some dangers in taking too much of one particular vitamin to combat cancer. For instance, vitamin C should be divided into three doses throughout the day. If the dose is too high it can stay in the bowels and cause gas and act as a laxative. Vitamin C does not cause pernicious anemia, sterility, or kidney stones. It can cause DNA damage if more than 500 mgs are taken daily. Most patients who take megadoses of vitamin C do not have any adverse effects because any excess is expelled through urination.

Vitamin B3 in the form of niacin helps lower cholesterol, increases good cholesterol levels, and limits the damage of heart disease. It may cause flushing when you first start taking B3 supplements. Niacinamide is the other form of vitamin B3 and studies show that patients given 1000 mgs three times daily allowed a better rate of response to radiation therapy in the head and neck area.

Vitamin E has the best result in test tube research in controlling cancer cell growth and the one vitamin that is recommended the most to patients who have cancer. Vitamin E is known to reduce the numbers of free radicals that are thought to be involved in creating cancer cells. Vitamin E will also reduce the risk of heart disease.

There is evidence to support the theory that diets high in beta-carotenes will reduce the risks of developing many forms of cancer. These carotenoids are found in carrots, beets, tomatoes and greens.

Folic acid is another important vitamin that has anticancer properties. Folic acid seems to help cancer of the cervix and lung cancer. Women who are pregnant can benefit from taking folic acid supplements to help prevent spina bifida in their unborn child.