Physiologic stress from therapies used for cancer including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can cause various essential nutrients to be depleted. These may include CoEnzyme Q10, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), B-Complex Vitamins, Glutathione, and Lipoic Acid. Nutrient depletion at the cell level can significantly increase the potential for side effects of mainstream therapy and potentially create limitation of the likelihood of maximal success.
For example, one of the products we have found useful at The Guyer Institute of Molecular Medicine is a proprietary immune system anti-oxidant supplement which was shown to improve CD4+ immune cells by 24% in one published study. This product, Immune Ox, we have found to be very helpful as adjunctive support in patients needing immune enhancement dealing with various chronic fatigue states and nutrient deficiency. Immune Ox works to optimize the immune system to replace nutrients depleted by chemotherapy.
The products we use have been largely designed based on twenty years of clinical experience by Dale Guyer, MD, founder of The Guyer Institute of Molecular Medicine. With the extensive clinical experience of observing “what works,” Dr. Guyer has been able to create treatment and supplement combinations that really provide clinical results. This can be very helpful allowing clients and patients to sort through the “wheat and chaff” in the broad marketplace and best ensure a noticeable clinical benefit.
Some nutrients have been shown to improve cancer cell killing ability when given with chemotherapy. These would include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Quercetin (when administered with antibiotic type chemotherapy agents such as doxorubicin). Other nutrients can decrease toxicity including Vitamin E, Selenium, CoEnzyme Q10, and Glutathione. Caution is advised, however, as some form of antioxidants may, in some cases, decrease the therapeutic effect of some chemotherapy types such as Tamoxifen. An example in this category would be Tangeretin.
Also to consider is that some specific antioxidant nutrients, like Vitamin C, may have selective anticancer potential when given in higher doses by IV route. Research published by The National Academy of Sciences demonstrated that precancerous tumors in mice were reduced by about 50% by this therapy. Confirmation will require ongoing studies and will not likely be a mainstream therapy, but could be considered as an adjunct or enhancement to existing therapies.
Combining therapies to more broadly support individual cases produces a more synergistic effect. This allows targeted therapeutic options that can help individuals reduce the toxicity of available therapies, enhance outcomes, and maintain energy and well being.
One important aspect of considering the addition of nutritional supplements to augment health and wellbeing is to be sure to get therapeutic levels of nutrient supplementation. For example, doses of Biotin, often used to support hair growth, may need to be as high as 16,000 IU to be effective. The usual amount in a multivitamin may be only 400 IU. Also essential to consider is that the raw material used in the manufacturing process needs to be of the highest purity or classified as “pharmaceutical grade.” Unfortunately, many manufacturers will use lower quality materials to manufacture their products.
The reduction of treatment side effects and potential toxicity of chemotherapeutic medications represents a primary therapeutic benefit of adjunctive use of nutritional supplements. Some nutrients such as CoEnzyme Q10 have been demonstrated in some studies to decrease the likelihood of heart damage during chemotherapy. Topically applied antioxidant-rich creams can also decrease skin irritation and burning during radiation therapy. Even supplementation with probiotics (friendly bacteria) has shown broad-spectrum benefit when included with conventional therapy.
The process of engaging a cancer therapy can be intimidating and occasionally complicated by decision making uncertainly. Using a comprehensive “holistic” program to balance all aspects of maintaining cellular health and well being to the degree possible can contribute to facilitating enhanced outcomes while decreasing complications and improving longevity.
We invite you to stop in The Supplement Store at The Guyer Institute of Molecular Medicine. The Supplement Store carries a wide variety of supplements specially formulated by Dr. Dale Guyer that can help patients achieve optimum health and wellness while fighting cancer or other chronic conditions.
