|
home
outline
![noseeum]()
|
|
 | Several people have asked me about the vitamins I'm taking to fight my brain tumor (a low-grade astrocytoma), so I'm posting them here. |
 | Some additional information on these supplements can be found on the web, including Life Extension Foundation, which is an online source for buying many of these items at decent prices, as well as a clearing house for information. For example, LEF reports this extract from Clinica Chimica Acta on the role antioxidants may play in brain tumors: |
| Full source: CLINICA CHIMICA ACTA, 2000, Vol 296, Iss 1-2, pp 203-212 |
| Red blood cell (RBC) antioxidant enzymes were analyzed in 100 people with brain tumors. There was a significant decrease in RBC glutathione reductase (GRx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (both endogenous natural antioxidants) activity in most types of brain tumor cases. Those with acoustic neurinoma showed a significant reduction in selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GPx) activity. A significant increase in blood ceruloplasmin concentration was observed in those with glioma (tumor). These enzymes were also studied in 27 post-treatment cases. GRx activity returned to normal levels in these individuals. RBC SOD and blood ceruloplasmin levels showed a tendency to return to normal. Thus, a significant decrease in the antioxidant enzymes may have a role in the genesis of considerable free radical stress in those with brain tumors. |
| Red Raspbery Leaf (Nature's Way) |
| 690 mg, 1 daily |
| Red Raspberry leaves are widely used as an astringent supplement. Traditionally they were added to water and gargled to treat irritations of the mucous membrane or swallowed to soothe the stomach. Red Raspberry leaves are especially popular with women. |
| Neuromins DHA (100mg 3x daily) |
| "Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid and functions as an important component of brain tissue. High concentrations of DHA are found in the cerebral cortex of the brain. DHA has been found to play a significant role in cerebral development throughout the life cycle, especially during fetal development and infancy." |
| Selenium |
| 200 mcg, 1 daily |
| I usually take this with vitamin E, since selenium is supposed to help with E absorption. Dr. Andrew Weil writes: |
| " Selenium is a trace mineral which functions as a cofactor for an important antioxidant exzyme system in the body called glutathione peroxidase. It has been shown in one large study to reduce the risk of secondary cancers in a group of individuals with a previous diagnosis of skin cancer. The dose used in the study was 200 mcg/day. It is important to use an organic form of the mineral like selenomethionine rather other forms. Brazil nuts are very rich in selenium; one provides about 200 mcg." |
| CoQ10 (100mg 1x daily, per Gaynor; 200mg 3x daily per Harvey, see below) |
| Although CoQ10 is most often associated with cardiac health, the Life Extension website explains that "the brain also needs a tremendous amount of energy to function properly. And, since CoQ10 is one of the most efficient mitochondrial energy enhancers, it is logical to expect that this energy-enhancing nutrient could play a role in brain function." |
| Alpha Lipoic Acid (300mg, 2x daily; 400mg 3x daily per Harvey) |
| Alpha lipoic acid (also known as thioctic acid) is a relative newcomer on the supplement scene. It's a natural substance used by human cells in the production of energy and is found in many cell membranes. As you've noticed, alpha lipoic acid has recently received considerable attention as an antioxidant. It is used in Germany to treat diabetic neuropathy (a nerve ailment producing numbness and pain) and has been studied in animals with promising results. Human studies, however, are just beginning to be published.
The use of alpha lipoic acid in animal testing has shown it to be beneficial in a number of oxidative stress models (where free radicals form). It protects rat brains from ischemic (lack of blood flow) brain injury and prevents cataract formation in newborn rats. Now that's important! But obviously it may have beneficial effects in humans, too. It also seems to improve cognition and memory in old rodents. Interestingly, it appears to protect against vitamin E deficiency in these animals. These studies suggest that alpha lipoic acid may reduce metabolic damage to injured tissues by scavenging free radicals and recycling other antioxidants such as vitamin E. |
| Zinc (15mg 1x daily) |
| Zinc is important for protein and DNA synthesis, blood stability and brain and immune function. You may want to take 30 milligrams of zinc a day. |
| MGN-3 (500 mg, 2 twice daily ) |
| Lane Labs claims that MGN-3 stimulates NK ("Natural Killer") white blood cells, particularly "T, B, and NK cells. T and B cells are responsible for producing antibodies and chemical messengers (cytokines) that mobilize the immune system for action, while NK cells make up the body[pi]s first line of defense." |
| Grifron-Pro Maitake D Fraction (10 drops in juice twice daily) |
| www.maitake.com describes this as "the standardized extract from Maitake mushroom, contains the active ingredient; protein bound [fl]-glucan complex. This unique active compound makes it very potent in enhancing immune system by oral administration." Interestingly, maitake is part of a Phase II study of breast and prostate cancer patients at the FDA, and it is purported to support cellular immune function. |
| L-Glutamine powder (1 tsp powder daily) |
| "Glutamine plays a major role in our infection-fighting immune system. Many immune cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, use glutamine as an energy source almost as much, if not more than, the amount of glucose they use for energy. Some studies have shown a benefit of glutamine in chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant patients, whom usually have a weakened immune system. Yet other research has shown that glutamine can help reduce infections in critically ill patients." |
| Indole-3-carbinole (75 Mg, 2x daily) |
| "The first lines of defense against the many carcinogens in the human diet are agents that prevent gene mutation. Many antimutagenic agents have been identified in fruits and vegetables, the most potent being the indole-3-carbinols, the chlorophylls, and chlorophyllin (Negishi et al. 1997). The traditional dietary antioxidants should be considered only as a secondary line of defense against cancer because it is more important to inactivate or neutralize carcinogens in the first place than to try to protect the cells and proteins downstream from their effects. " |
| Nuscience Cell Food |
| 8 drops in juice daily |
| The Nuscience website contains a long list of enzymes, amino acids, minerals, and trace minerals that go into this liquid that claims to promote oxygenation via "water 'splitting', achieved by means of shifting and weakening the bonding electrons (ionic transfers) of the water molecule towards oxygen and away from hydrogen. Cellfood allows the bonds in the electron distribution to be unsymmetrical (polar). The water molecule can then be described as Di-pole, with the oxygen atom acting as a negative pole and the hydrogen acting as a positive pole." I suspect Gaynor likes its claimed detoxifying properties. |
| Pro Greens "green food" |
| 1 teaspoon in juice daily |
| The maker, Nutricology, says that, "in addition to the green grasses, sea vegetables and algae, ProGreens contains adaptogenic herbs, active probiotics, fibers, and a variety of nutrient rich superfoods." |
| Lycopene (10 mg, 2 daily) |
| You may have seen or heard a lot of people hyping tomatoes these days; it's all because of lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and the source of a tomato's red coloring. It's also found in watermelon, red grapefruit and, to a lesser extent, lobster and crab. It's been in the news lately as large studies have come out showing this carotenoid akin to beta carotene to be particularly good at reducing the risk of various deadly cancers, including prostate, colon and rectum cancer, as well as heart disease. |
| Moducare |
| Plant sterols and Sterolins, 2 twice daily |
| The Moducare website claims it "restores weakened or reduced T cell activity in a balanced proportion of TH1 and TH2 cells. This enables the immune system to effectively counteract viral diseases (common cold, hepatitis, HIV, etc.) and various microbial diseases (tuberculosis, etc.). ModucareÆ also corrects a variety of autoimmune conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) usually arising from an excess secretion of inflammatory factors." |
| HLC Maintenance |
| 1 pill daily |
| Lactobacilli capsules, the bacteria present in many fermented dairy products (such as yogurt). Sanro Katz, in his highly entertaining and informative book Wild Fermentation cites a couple of articles claiming that some fermentations function as antioxidants, "scavenging cancer precursors known as 'free radicals' from the cells of the body. Lactobilli in particular "create omega-3 fatty acids, essentail for cell memberance and immune system function." |
| Green tea |
| Dr. Gaynor prescribes 2-3 glasses per day, and I've converted to green tea from coffee when it comes time for drinking hot beverages. Dr. Weil writes: |
| "Both green and black teas contain polyphenols, or catechins, which have many wonderful properties. They protect your heart by lowering cholesterol and improving lipid metabolism. They guard against cancer by scavenging for free radicals that can damage cells and push them in the direction of uncontrolled growth. They also have antibacterial effects...In laboratory tests, green tea has inhibited the growth of skin cancers in mice and protected against lung cancer in animals exposed to a strong tobacco extract. Human tea drinkers also showed less stomach cancer and stroke than those who didn't include tea among their habits." |
| Grape Seed Extract (40 mg pills, two twice daily) |
| "Known for its powerful antioxidant qualities, grape seed extract also acts as a smooth muscle relaxant in blood vessels to combat hypertension." |
| Melatonin (3 mg pills, 3 @ bedtime) |
| Most often used to combat jet lag, Dr. Weil reports that "Patients with advanced solid tumors given high dose melatonin (20 mg at night) along with chemotherapy showed a significantly higher percentage of stabilization and one-year survival than those receiving supportive care alone." |
| In addition, LEF reports that the antioxidant properties of melatonin, produced by the brain's pineal gland, are "neuroprotective." |
| The standards |
| In addition, I take the standard vitamins, including B-complex, C (8 g/day in buffered powder form), and E, 800 IU/day, (the gamma version offered by LEF). |
| Although Gaynor wanted me to take some flax seed oil, I put 2+ tablespoons of flax seed in my juice in the morning (which gets chewed up in the mighty Vitamixer, so it's ground and not whole), and he thought this sufficient. |
| Chinese herbs |
| Dr. Gaynor suggested I visit Dr. Nan Lu, "one of New York's undiscovered treasures." Dr. Lu's traditional Chinese perspective on neurological diseases is very interesting, and his treatments include accupuncture, meditation (Qi-gong), and herbs, including: |
| "Designed to strengthen Kidney Qi. The Kidney is your body's engine. Kidney Qi directly influences the health of hair, the bones and overall body Qi." |
| Sun and Moon (5 2x daily) |
| No idea what this is or does |
| American Ginseng (2 pills/day) |
| Dr. Weil says of American ginseng that it"is highly esteemed as an 'adaptogen' -- that is, a remedy that increases general resistance to stress of all kinds. " |
| Balanex extract, a mixture of "Hawthorne Berry 60mg, Pinellia root 20mg, Fermented leaven 20mg, Tuckahoe 20mg, Tangerine Peel 10mg, Forsythia fruit 10mg, Wheat sprouts 10mg, Radish seed 10mg" designed to calm the digestive system and "to promote the digestion function of the stomach and remove stagnated food." Of these little round pills, 14 2x daily! |
| Richard Harvey |
| L-Taurine |
| one of the most abundant free amino-acid-like compounds found in skeletal and cardiac muscle, as well as in the nervous system, and it is important in metabolism, particularly in the brain. Taurine works in electrically active tissues to stabilize cell membranes. It also has functions in the gallbladder, eyes, and blood vessels, and appears to have some antioxidant and detoxifying activity. Taurine aids the movement of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium in and out of cells and thus helps generate nerve impulses.
Medically, taurine has been used to help treat epilepsy and other excitable brain states. Its anti-convulsant effect comes from its ability to stabilize nerve cell membranes, which prevents the erratic firing of nerve cells, and research has shown that taurine levels tend to be low at seizure sites. |
| NAC (600mg 3x daily) |
| Glutathione is a peptide (ie., a small molecule made up of linked amino acids) and an anti-oxidant naturally produced in the body. It has been widely heralded for its importance to good health and long life...To my knowledge, the only supplement that effectively raises glutathione levels in the body is N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). My colleague Kathleen Johnson, a dietician here at the Program in Integrative Medicine, tells me that other glutathione supplements are ineffective because they[pi]re digested before they can get into the bloodstream. |
| Phosphatidyl Serine (500mg 3x daily) |
| From Balch and B alch's Prescription for Nutritional Healing: |
| A phospholipid needed by every cell in the body, especially abundant in nerve cells. Although the brain normally produces enough PS, production dwindles as we age, which can result in deficiency. Supplemental PS has been found to reduce symptoms of depression and Alzheimer's disease, and to enhance memory and learning abilities. |
| LEF adds: "Brain tissues are especially rich in phosphatidylserine (PS), but aging causes a decline in the PS content of cells throughout the body. Research has shown that in addition to improving neural function, PS enhances energy metabolism in all cells. In the brain, PS helps maintain cell membrane integrity and youthful synaptic plasticity," but concedes that the FDA finds little scientific evidence to support these claims. |
| Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) (1500mg 3x daily) |
| From Balch & Balch: |
| A naturally-occuring organic sulfr compound that is essential for optimum health, that can help to detoxify the body on a cellular level. It has aso ben found to aid immune function. MSM is present naturally in foods such as fresh fish, meat, plants, fruit, and mulk, however can be eliminated by even moderate processing, including drying or heating. Balch recommends 2,000 mg per day, and says benefits can be enhanced by vitamin C supplementation. |
| Yellow dock drops |
| Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) "acts as a blood purifier and cleanser, and as a general tonic. Improves colon and liver function." (Balch). Harvey didn't recommend it, but similar claims for dandelion root: "cleanses the blood and liver, reduces serum cholesterol and uric acid levels..." |
| Fish oil (EFA) |
| Essential fatty acids are "found in high concentration in the brain, and aid in the transmission of nerve impulses needed for the normal development and functioning of the brain. A deficiency of EFAs can lead to an impaired ability to learn and recall information." (Balch) |
| Colostrum |
| Balch writes, "can boost the immune system and help the body burn fat and build lean muscle. It may also accelerate the healing of injuries, increase vitality and stamina, and have an anti-aging effect." |
|
|
© copyright 2004
by Kevin Lippert.
|
opml 1.0