⚠️ Important Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your oncologist and healthcare team before making any changes to your treatment plan, supplements, or diet during cancer treatment.
What exactly is bioavailability in the context of supplements?
There's a critical difference between promising laboratory research and achievable clinical applications. Many compounds exhibit remarkable anti-cancer effects in cell culture or animal studies but face significant limitations in terms of bioavailability, dosing, or safety in humans. A prime example is Artemisinin, whose therapeutic potential is severely limited by its extremely low water solubility (0.059-0.082 mg/mL). Liposomal delivery systems or leveraging synergistic interactions between compounds, which is the core focus of this blog, markedly improve bioavailability.
Will chemotherapy "destroy" my immune system?
Chemotherapy can weaken or suppress the immune system because because it reduces the number of infection-fighting white blood cells (neutrophils) produced in the bone marrow, putting cancer patients at higher risk of developing infections. These infections can potentially lead to sepsis, a dangerous condition that creates favorable conditions for cancer proliferation.
The Sepsis-Cancer Connection
Patients with severe sepsis require higher levels of oxygen delivery (DO₂) to maintain aerobic metabolism. When DO₂ is inadequate, peripheral tissues switch to anaerobic metabolism (Warburg Effect), and lactic acidosis becomes common in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.
Prevention Strategies
- Follow strict hygiene protocols and (dietary) infection prevention measures
- Adequate precautions and immediate effective treatment for sepsis are vital
- Consider having a hand-held lactate analyzer at home for monitoring
References: Oxygen delivery in sepsis • Anaerobic metabolism in sepsis
What can I do to "boost" my immune system?
Lifestyle Factors
- Get plenty of rest and quality sleep
- Engage in light, appropriate exercise
- Get adequate sunlight exposure
- Follow a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet
- Avoid alcohol completely
Potential Supplements
- AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound)
- Modified Citrus Pectin
- Melatonin
- Other immune-supporting compounds
Note: Always consult your oncologist before starting any supplements
How to increase a low platelet count?
Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) is a common side effect of cancer treatment. Professional diagnosis and treatment should always be the first line of approach.
Natural Options That May Help
Papaya leaf - Clinical evidence
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) - Clinical evidence
Red Guava - Research
Tulsi - Research
Can I use antioxidant supplements during active treatment?
⚠️ Generally Not Recommended
Antioxidants, especially N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glutathione (GSH), should be avoided during active cytotoxic treatment as they may interfere with the oxidative mechanisms that many chemotherapy drugs rely on to kill cancer cells.
Additional Concerns
- Berberine: Hormetic effects may attenuate chemotherapy activity - Study
- Breast Cancer: Certain supplements before/during chemo may increase recurrence risk - Reuters Report
How to lower inflammation?
Dietary Approaches
Focus on a diet void of processed foods, sugary or diet drinks, and rich in whole foods with anti-inflammatory properties:
Key foods: Ginger, garlic, turmeric, green tea, coffee, nettle leaf extract, berries, inulin, leafy greens, broccoli
Targeted Anti-Inflammatory Strategies
Increase PGE1 (Anti-inflammatory)
Borage oil, DHA, EPA
Reduce PGE2 (Pro-inflammatory)
Vitamin D, Bromelain, green tea, magnesium
COX-2 Inhibition
Celecoxib, Evodiamine, Pterostilbene, Berberine, Silibinin
Lipoxygenase Inhibition
Baicalein, Quercetin, Caffeic acid, Boswellia
Additional Strategies
- Breathing exercises: Morning and afternoon sessions
- EPA supplementation: Reduces leukotrienes 4/5
- NF-ΞΊB inhibition: Evodiamine, Berberine
- B vitamins: B3, B6, B12 - CRP reduction
Note: COX-1 pathway inhibition reduces PGE1. Lactobacillus acidophilus upregulates COX-1.
In the case of anemia, what should I consider?
Key Interventions
- Lactoferrin: Unique ability to trap and deliver iron where needed for hemoglobin production - Study
- Vitamin B6: Essential for hemoglobin synthesis
- Reducing inflammation: Chronic inflammation interferes with iron metabolism
- Iron-rich foods: sardines, beans and lentils, spinach, dark chocolate, etc
Nutritional Considerations
- Copper deficiency: Can cause anemia
- Good copper sources: Guava, calamari, crab, shiitake mushrooms, avocado, watermelon, cashews
- Zinc-copper balance: High zinc can trap copper and iron
Cachexia
What are natural compounds that can act as blood thinners?
⚠️ Important Surgery Warning
Discontinue all blood-thinning supplements at least two weeks before surgery, or consult with your surgeon to determine safety.
Enzymatic Blood Thinners
Nattokinase: Enzyme from fermented soybeans with strong fibrinolytic (clot-busting) activity
Garlic: Contains compounds that prevent clot formation and relax blood vessels
Herbal & Plant Compounds
Ginkgo Biloba: Improves circulation and reduces platelet stickiness
Grape Seed Extract: Stimulates nitric oxide production
Turmeric/Curcumin: Inhibits platelet aggregation
Spices & Common Compounds
Ginger: Reduces thromboxane and platelet aggregation
Cayenne Pepper: Contains capsaicin, improves blood flow
Vitamins & Nutrients
Vitamin E: Decreases platelet clumping and clot formation
Critical Treatment Guidelines
Supplements should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Supplements or herbal preparations shouldn't be combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, or any other cancer treatment unless the safety and efficacy of such combinations are established.
It's crucial to ensure anything you add to standard treatment will improve efficacy, not interfere with it. Always discuss any supplements or dietary interventions with your oncologist during active cancer treatment.
Last updated: September 2025
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