Cellular health is a broad topic, but simply stated, it is the basis on which our health and vitality rests. With regard to cancer prevention and treatment, maintaining cellular health and integrity is one of the essential strategies in complementary medicine. Specific nutritional supplements that help to promote normal cell replication and differentiation, boost the body’s immunity against abnormal cell growth, and reduce DNA damage to cells, are important components in the prevention and treatment of cancer. When cancer has already begun to grow, it is essential to fight the growth process with specific nutrients that have been shown to inhibit cancer cells and prevent metastasis.
Modified Citrus Pectin
Whether you’re looking for long-term cancer prevention or an effective natural adjuvant therapy, one of my top recommendations is always modified citrus pectin (MCP). Derived from pith of citrus fruit and modified to meet specific molecular chain and weight characteristics, 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.
Early research on prostate cancer showed that oral administration of MCP to rodents resulted in a dramatic reduction in prostate cancer metastasis to the lungs. More recent clinical research from this same group of scientists has extended the protection of MCP to breast and colon cancer and has shown that MCP also blocks the growth of primary tumors and prevents the formation of new blood vessels that would feed the tumor itself. In fact, advances in the past several years have introduced a new, even more potent form of this compound – which according to one recently published clinical study, has demonstrated even more compelling results among a group of late-stage cancer patients.
Recommended Dosages
- For active cancer: take 15 grams MCP per day (5 grams three times a day on an empty stomach).
- For biopsy patients: take 15 grams MCP per day (5 grams three times a day on an empty stomach) for one week before the procedure and at least two weeks after.
- For cancer prevention: take 5 grams MCP per day on an empty stomach on an ongoing basis.
Medicinal Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms have been well researched for their anti-tumor and immune-stimulating effects, and are absolutely essential for the supplemental maintenance of vitality. If you have cancer, beneficial mushrooms include Coriolus, Cordyceps, Reishi, Maitake, Agaricus, Phellinus and Umbellatus. For the sake of convenience, look for a balanced mushroom formula that includes all of these.
Supplement Doses and Action Properties
The list below covers some of the key nutrients that have been shown to be effective in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Also, in addition to helping fight cancer, these nutrients support overall vitality as well.
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
- Cytotoxic/Anti-tumor
- Immune enhancement
- Anti-oxidant
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
Vitamin D-3 (as cholecalciferol)
General Use (Total amounts per day)
1,000 to 6,000 IU per day (monitor kidney function with high doses)
Highlighted Properties
- Promotes cell differentiation
Nutrient or Herb
General Use (Total amounts per day)
50-300 mg per day
Highlighted Properties
- Cytotoxic/Anti-tumor
- Hormonal modulation
Nutrient or Herb
Resveratrol from red grape extract (Vitus vinifera) or Polypognum cuspidatum root extract
General Use (Total amounts per day)
20-200 mg per day
Highlighted Properties
- Cytotoxic/Anti-tumor
- Antioxidant
Nutrient or Herb
Quercetin
General Use (Total amounts per day)
250-2,000 mg per day
Highlighted Properties
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
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
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
General Use (Total amounts per day)
2-4 grams per day
Highlighted Properties
- Anti-metastatic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Hormone modulator
Nutrient or Herb
Vitamin C
General Use (Total amounts per day)
1-4 grams per day
Highlighted Properties
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
Nutrient or Herb
Vitamin E – mixed tocopherols
General Use (Total amounts per day)
400-800 IU per day
Highlighted Properties
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
Nutrient or Herb
B-complex with Folic, B-6 and B-12
General Use (Total amounts per day)
As directed
Highlighted Properties
- Multiple properties