Supplements
Regardless of what you may read on government web sites or what you’re told by medical doctors, you cannot obtain the nutrients you need from your diet. This is particularly true for cancer patients, chemotherapy and radiation survivors, and surgical patients who have received anesthesia. The list below describes a regimen I believe is highly beneficial for at least two years following chemotherapy. I am still taking the supplements on this list after completing chemotherapy in early 2003.
1.Chlorella, single cell algae, has long been reputed to be a good source of vitamins and protein, and more recently a detoxifying agent. I have listed this supplement as number one on my list for a good reason: it has been shown to be beneficial for improving overall health and energy, to be helpful in reducing food addictions, and ridding the body of toxins. The small green tablets or capsules are easily absorbed by the body, and provide vital nutrition and detoxification naturally. A study indicates that it may have brain-protective benefits during 5- Fluorouracil chemotherapy. The brand of chlorella you purchase is very important because it needs to have certain characteristics and be stored in airtight containers. The brands I recommend are Sun, and Yaeyama, both from Japan. These companies have more than 35 years experience in producing chlorella. Dosage: follow the package recommendations and gradually build up your intake to amount recommended. A small percentage of people are allergic to chlorella, so a gradual build-up in important.
2.Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are considered essential, because the body can’t make these on its own. For optimum health a balance is needed between the fatty acids from plants, meat, and fish. The diets in developed countries consist of far too much of the Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids from vegetables and red meat, and not nearly enough from fish or the plants that produce Omega-3 fats. Because brain cells require docohexanoic acid (DHA), one of the Omega-3s, for proper electrical communication, insufficient amounts can be detrimental. If you have suffered from damage to your neurons, DHA can greatly help improve your functioning, sometimes in a matter of days. The source and brand of Omega-3 fatty acids is important because of the potential for mercury contamination. Absolutely and positively, do NOT buy Omega-3 supplements for the label simply says “from fish oil.” The cheapest Omega-3 capsules are from large fish that tend to retain mercury, which would defeat the purpose of your taking them. Take a supplement that contains all three types of Omega-3 fatty acids: ALA, EPA, and DHA. Some of the brands I recommend include: Nordic Naturals, Coromega, Barlean’s, and NSI. Dosage: take a therapeutic amount in the first year or two following chemotherapy—my experience indicates at least 1200 mg of DHA is needed daily. Of course, you can take less IF you have a healthy portion of salmon, sardines, or small ocean fish during the day.
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