If you have a family history of breast cancer, or are actively undergoing treatment in the wake of a recent diagnosis, there are a variety of natural botanicals, vitamins, and minerals that can have a strong positive impact when it comes to both prevention and recovery.
Based on the latest scientific research, many different nutrients show promise in this area of breast cancer prevention and recovery. Combining these nutrients in the proper amounts allows the cancer to be attacked from all sides, therefore inhibiting the cancer growth while simultaneously promoting overall health. There are quite a few supplements that I use for this purpose in my practice – most notably modified citrus pectin, which is a clinically proven natural adjuvant therapy for a wide variety of cancers. For daily support, I also recommend an integrative breast formula, which provides targeted nutritional support for women struggling with breast health concerns and breast cancer.
Other supplements include medicinal mushrooms, specific vitamins and antioxidants, and nutrients that act as hormone modulators, anti-inflammatory agents, and immune enhancers.
Modified Citrus Pectin
Top among cancer fighting supplements is modified citrus pectin (MCP), which is absolutely essential in the treatment of breast cancer. MCP directly attacks cancer by binding to galectin molecules (“sticky” surface molecules that promote angiogenesis and metastasis) and blocking them – which means that cancer cells can’t spread and grow. At the same time MCP contains properties that enhance the overall health of the individual by gently chelating heavy metals and environmental toxins from the body.
- For active cancer: take 15 grams per day (5 grams three times a day on an empty stomach).
- For biopsy patients: take 15 grams per day (5 grams three times a day on an empty stomach) for one week before the procedure and two weeks after.
- For cancer prevention: take 5 grams per day ongoing.
Breast Formula
In my clinical practice, I recommend an integrative breast formula, which is suitable for daily maintenance at lower dosages, but powerful enough to be part of an active breast cancer protocol at higher doses.
This formula includes several powerful ingredients that are effective against breast cancer alone, but together work synergistically to support overall breast health. This unique formula combines a blend of anti-cancer herbs, mushrooms, and nutrients for hormonal modulation and the promotion of healthy cell replication.
Medicinal Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms have been extensively researched for their anti-tumor and immune-modulating effects, and are absolutely essential for the maintenance of overall vitality and cellular health. If you have breast cancer, three of the most beneficial mushrooms include the Coriolus, Reishi, and Phellinus varieties. In addition, mushroom formulas that combine a full spectrum of immune enhancing varieties can be of great benefit to anyone fighting cancer.
Supplement Doses and Action Properties
Vitamins and minerals are among the best choices for fighting breast cancer, in particular the powerful antioxidants A and C. Research shows the synergistic effects of these two nutrients in fighting breast cancer, and similar results have been shown with vitamin E and D3. The list below covers some – but not all — of the key nutrients that have been shown to be effective against breast cancer, alone and for more powerful effect, synergistically. In addition, many of these nutrients are beneficial for supporting overall health and vitality.
Nutrient or Herb
General Use (Total amounts per day)
5-15 grams per day on an empty stomach (1-2 hours from other supplements)
Highlighted Properties
- Cytotoxic/Anti-tumor
- Prevents metastasis
- Anti-angiogenic
- Toxic metal chelation
Nutrient or Herb
General Use (Total amounts per day)
4-12 grams per day
Highlighted Properties
- Immune enhancement
- Detoxification/Liver support
Nutrient or Herb
Curcumin (Tumeric root extract 95% curcuminoids)
General Use (Total amounts per day)
1,500-4,500 mg per day
Highlighted Properties
- Cytotoxic/Anti-tumor
- Hormonal modulation
- Antioxidant
- Detoxification/Liver support
Nutrient or Herb
Skullcap extract (Scutellaria barbata)
General Use (Total amounts per day)
varies
Highlighted Properties
- Cytotoxic/Anti-tumor
- Antioxidant
- Multiple properties
Nutrient or Herb
Selenium
General Use (Total amounts per day)
200 mcg-3,600 mcg (depending on length of use)
Highlighted Properties
- Cytotoxic/Anti-tumor
- Antioxidant
Nutrient or Herb
General Use (Total amounts per day)
50-300 mg a day
Highlighted Properties
- Hormonal Modulation
Nutrient or Herb
Astragalus root extract (Astragalus membranaceus)
General Use (Total amounts per day)
50-500 mg a day
Highlighted Properties
- Cytotoxic/Anti-tumor
- Immune Enhancer
- Multiple properties
Nutrient or Herb
Zinc
General Use (Total amounts per day)
30-50 mg a day
Highlighted Properties
- Antioxidant
- Hormonal modulation
Nutrient or Herb
Vitamin D-3
General Use (Total amounts per day)
1,000 IU-6,000 IU (Monitor kidney function with high doses)
Highlighted Properties
- Promotes cell differentiation
Nutrient or Herb
Vitamin E
General Use (Total amounts per day)
400 to 1,200 IU a day
Highlighted Properties
- Antioxidant
Nutrient or Herb
Vitamin C
General Use (Total amounts per day)
1,000 to 6,000 mg a day
Highlighted Properties
- Immune Enhancement
- Antioxidant
Nutrient or Herb
Vitamin A
General Use (Total amounts per day)
10,000 IU a day
Highlighted Properties
- Antioxidant
- Immune Enhancement
Nutrient or Herb
General Use (Total amounts per day)
250-2,000 mg a day
Highlighted Properties
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Reduces drug resistance
Nutrient or Herb
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
General Use (Total amounts per day)
3,000 mg a day
Highlighted Properties
- Cytotoxic/Anti-tumor
- Promotes cell differentiation
Nutrient or Herb
Resveratrol from red grape extract (Vitus vinifera) or Polypognum cuspidatum root extract
General Use (Total amounts per day)
20-200 mg a day
Highlighted Properties
- Cytotoxic/Anti-tumor
- Antioxidant
Nutrient or Herb
Iodine
General Use (Total amounts per day)
12.5-50 mg a day
Highlighted Properties
- Promotes cell differentiation
- Hormone modulator
- Multiple properties
Nutrient or Herb
Alpha Lipoic Acid
General Use (Total amounts per day)
100-500 mg a day
Highlighted Properties
- Antioxidant
Nutrient or Herb
Omega 3 Fish Oil
General Use (Total amounts per day)
2-4 grams per day
Highlighted Properties
- Anti-metastatic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Hormone modulator
Nutrient or Herb
ECGC Green Tea Extract
General Use (Total amounts per day)
5-50 mg per day
Highlighted Properties
- Antioxidant
- Hormone modulator
Nutrient or Herb
B complex w/Folic acid, B-6 and B-12
General Use (Total amounts per day)
As directed
Highlighted Properties
- Liver detoxification
- Multiple properties