Table of Contents
- Why I Chose Natural Supplements
- My Supplement Routine
- Benefits of Natural Supplements During Treatment
- Boosting My Immune System and Reducing Inflammation
- Improving Energy Levels and Mental Clarity
- Supporting Overall Health and Well-Being
- Specific Supplements and Their Impact
- What Were the Most Effective Supplements for Me?
- Curcumin
- Resveratrol
- Quercetin
- Sulforaphane
- Vitamin D
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Using Technology to Support Supplementation
- Key Takeaways from My Supplement Experience
- The Importance of Consistency and Discipline
- The Need to Tailor Supplements to Individual Needs and Treatment Plans
- The Value of Combining Supplements with a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle
- Advice for Others Considering Natural Supplements During Cancer Treatment
- What Practical Tips Would I Give?
- Final Thoughts on Supplements for Cancer Treatment
- References
Do not index
Do not index
Natural supplements played an essential role in my cancer treatment by helping me manage side effects, support my immune system, and improve my overall health. After being diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer that had spread to my liver, I followed my doctor's treatment plan, including chemotherapy and multiple surgeries.
Along the way, I explored dietary supplements to meet my nutritional needs, reduce cancer risk, and support my body during treatment. This article shares my experience with supplements for cancer, their health benefits, and how they fit into my diet while undergoing cancer treatments.
Why I Chose Natural Supplements
Cancer treatment took a toll on my body, and I wanted to do everything possible to support my health. Researching the effects of dietary supplements, I found studies showing how certain vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients had protective effects against cancer.
Reading about cancer prevention and how supplements might help reduce cancer risk, I explored their role in managing inflammation, boosting the immune system, and improving overall well-being.
I also learned from cancer survivors who shared their experiences with nutritional supplements. Many reported improved energy levels, fewer side effects from treatment, and better recovery after surgery.
While I followed my doctor’s treatment plan, I carefully introduced supplements to see how they affected my body. Tracking my bloodwork and physical condition helped me determine which supplements provided the most health benefits.
My Supplement Routine
Taking supplements at the right time helped me maximize their effects. I divided my intake into morning, afternoon, evening, and bedtime to support my immune system, reduce inflammation, and maintain good health.
Time | Supplements & Purpose |
10:00 AM (Morning) | Curcumin, Resveratrol, Quercetin – Anti-inflammatory properties and cancer protection. |
12:00 PM (Afternoon, with Lunch & 30cc Olive Oil) | Sulforaphane, Vitamin D, Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Supports immune system, reduces cancer risk, and aids nutrient absorption. |
7:00 PM (Evening, with Dinner) | Magnesium, Probiotics – Supports digestion, relaxation, and gut health. |
11:00 PM (Before Bed) | Final supplements based on the day’s nutritional needs |
Benefits of Natural Supplements During Treatment
Natural supplements played an important role in my cancer treatment by helping me manage side effects and maintain my strength. While chemotherapy and surgeries were essential, supplements supported my immune system, reduced inflammation, and improved my overall well-being.
Boosting My Immune System and Reducing Inflammation
Cancer and its treatments weakened my immune system, making it harder for my body to fight infections. Certain dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin, helped reduce inflammation and support immune function. Keeping inflammation under control was crucial because chronic inflammation can increase the risk of cancer recurrence.
Improving Energy Levels and Mental Clarity
Chemotherapy often left me feeling fatigued and mentally foggy. Taking green tea extract (EGCG), quercetin, and resveratrol helped improve my energy levels and focus. Switching to a very low-carb diet and incorporating these supplements made a noticeable difference, reducing brain fog and keeping me more alert.
Supporting Overall Health and Well-Being
Cancer treatments can take a toll on digestion, metabolism, and nutrient absorption. Probiotics, magnesium, and vitamin D helped maintain gut health, improve sleep, and support bone strength. These supplements allowed me to stay stronger throughout my treatment while helping my body recover faster.
Specific Supplements and Their Impact
Some supplements had a more noticeable effect on my health than others. Tracking my progress helped me understand which ones provided the most benefits for reducing cancer risk, improving energy, and supporting overall well-being.
What Were the Most Effective Supplements for Me?
Not all supplements had the same impact on my health. Through careful tracking and research, I identified specific supplements that helped reduce inflammation, support my immune system, and improve overall well-being. These supplements played a crucial role in my cancer treatment journey.
Curcumin
Known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin helped reduce chronic inflammation caused by cancer and chemotherapy. Research suggests it may slow the growth of cancer cells and improve the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments. I took it daily with black pepper or olive oil to enhance absorption.
Resveratrol
This powerful antioxidant, found in grapes and red wine, has been studied for its potential to protect against cancer. It helped neutralize free radicals in my body, reducing oxidative stress that could contribute to tumor growth. Some studies suggest resveratrol may interfere with cancer cell development and slow tumor progression.
Quercetin
This plant-based flavonoid supported my immune system and provided anti-inflammatory benefits. It helped my body cope with the stress of cancer treatment while protecting healthy cells. Research indicates that quercetin may also prevent cancer cells from multiplying, though more randomised controlled trials are needed for conclusive evidence.
Sulforaphane
Found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, sulforaphane is known for its detoxification and protective effects. I took sulforaphane supplements to support my body's ability to remove harmful toxins and potentially kill cancer cells. Some research suggests it can help prevent cancer by activating the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
Vitamin D
Essential for bone health, vitamin D also played a key role in supporting my immune system and reducing inflammation. Cancer patients often have low vitamin D levels, which can affect overall health. Since vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, it was important for maintaining strong bones, especially while undergoing treatment.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Found in oily fish and fish oil supplements, omega-3s helped lower inflammation and supported heart health. Some research suggests they may reduce the risk of certain cancers and slow tumor growth. I made sure to get at least 2 grams of EPA per day to support my body during treatment.
Using Technology to Support Supplementation
Managing multiple supplements every day was challenging, especially while going through cancer treatment. Using a pill organizer helped me stay consistent, ensuring I took the right supplements at the right times. Keeping my routine structured made it easier to track what I was taking and prevented me from missing doses.
I also used health apps and wearable devices to monitor my progress. The Oura Ring helped track my sleep, heart rate, and recovery, while the Apollo Wearable provided stress relief and relaxation. These tools helped me understand how my body responded to supplements and adjust my routine when needed.
Key Takeaways from My Supplement Experience
Natural supplements became an important part of my cancer treatment, but I learned that using them effectively required consistency, personalization, and balance. Tracking my progress and making adjustments over time helped me find the right combination to support my health. These key lessons shaped my approach to supplementation.
The Importance of Consistency and Discipline
Taking supplements occasionally wasn’t enough to see results. Staying consistent with my supplement routine was just as important as following my treatment plan. Setting reminders and organizing my supplements helped me build a habit that supported my overall health.
The Need to Tailor Supplements to Individual Needs and Treatment Plans
Not every supplement works the same for everyone. Some supplements helped me reduce inflammation, while others supported my immune system or energy levels. Tracking my bloodwork and monitoring my body’s response helped me adjust my supplements based on my needs at different stages of cancer treatment.
The Value of Combining Supplements with a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle
Supplements alone weren’t enough to improve my health. Pairing them with a low-carb diet, fasting, regular exercise, and quality sleep made a significant difference. Nutritional supplements worked best when combined with whole foods, good hydration, and a strong focus on overall well-being.
Advice for Others Considering Natural Supplements During Cancer Treatment
Supplements can be a helpful addition to cancer treatment, but they should be used carefully. Choosing the right supplements and tracking their effects can make a real difference in energy levels, inflammation, and immune function.
What Practical Tips Would I Give?
- Consult with healthcare professionals before starting any supplement regimen. Some supplements can interact with medications, blood thinners, or chemotherapy drugs.
- Focus on high-quality, well-researched supplements rather than excessive amounts of unproven products. Avoid higher doses of certain supplements unless advised by a doctor.
- Monitor your progress and adjust as needed. Tracking your health metrics, such as inflammation levels (CRP), vitamin levels, and overall well-being, helps determine the most effective supplements.
Final Thoughts on Supplements for Cancer Treatment
Natural supplements were key to supporting my body during cancer treatment. They helped me manage side effects, reduce inflammation, and improve my overall health. Staying consistent, tracking my progress, and combining supplements with a healthy diet, exercise, and fasting made a noticeable difference.
While supplements for cancer can offer protective effects, they should be tailored to individual needs and used alongside medical treatments. Consulting with a doctor, choosing high-quality supplements, and monitoring results can help maximize health benefits and support recovery.
References
- Cao, R., Azimi, I., Sarhaddi, F., Niela-Vilen, H., Axelin, A., Liljeberg, P., & Rahmani, A. M. (2022). Accuracy Assessment of Oura Ring Nocturnal Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability in Comparison With Electrocardiography in Time and Frequency Domains: Comprehensive Analysis. Journal of medical Internet research, 24(1), e27487. https://doi.org/10.2196/27487
- Coussens, L. M., & Werb, Z. (2002). Inflammation and cancer. Nature, 420(6917), 860–867. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature01322
- Kunnumakkara, A. B., Bordoloi, D., Padmavathi, G., Monisha, J., Roy, N. K., Prasad, S., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2017). Curcumin, the golden nutraceutical: multitargeting for multiple chronic diseases. British journal of pharmacology, 174(11), 1325–1348. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.13621
- Molassiotis, A., Fernández-Ortega, P., Pud, D., Ozden, G., Scott, J. A., Panteli, V., Margulies, A., Browall, M., Magri, M., Selvekerova, S., Madsen, E., Milovics, L., Bruyns, I., Gudmundsdottir, G., Hummerston, S., Ahmad, A. M., Platin, N., Kearney, N., & Patiraki, E. (2005). Use of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer patients: a European survey. Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology, 16(4), 655–663. https://doi.org/10.1093/annonc/mdi110
- Mondul, A. M., Weinstein, S. J., Horst, R. L., Purdue, M., & Albanes, D. (2012). Serum vitamin D and risk of bladder cancer in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening trial. Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology, 21(7), 1222–1225. https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-12-0439
Written by
