Which nutritional supplement to choose when dealing with ovarian cancer of the serous type? Are nutritional supplements necessary? What to take with paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy? We had these and similar questions when we found out about our mother's diagnosis. There were too many answers ㋛ so the research started from expert articles and books, YouTube, blogs to conversations with experts and finally with people who had a similar experience. That's how we collected different information, that is, approaches to treatment. The situation was made a lot easier for us by the fact that we had quite a bit of knowledge in the field of pharmacy (intermediate profession) and we were interested in healthy nutrition from before, so we didn't start from scratch. We filtered all the information as we thought was the most useful, and this is how this list of nutritional supplements (further: supplements) was created.
Let's start in order ☺.
When choosing supplements, it is most important to pay attention to the type of cancer, the type of chemotherapy and the health of the organism. At the time of the diagnosis, the mother was not taking any medication, so researching and arranging supplements was somewhat simpler. Since it was a grade 3 cancer, we knew that we all had to "come together" as soon as possible.
"The best supplement for me was to stay calm, look for solutions, not problems, and believe that dear God is in charge of everything." Mother Iva
We built supplementation on three pillars: 1) detoxification and strengthening of the organism, 2) immunity and 3) antioxidants, paying strict attention to the effects and counter-effects of supplements. Thus, on the days of chemotherapy, the mother did not take supplements for the first 72 hours (approximately the time required to eliminate paclitaxel, carboplatin from the body)! More on this in the upcoming chemotherapy article.
Our philosophy was that we would support the body with supplements (and everything else that you can read about on the blog) in the periods between chemotherapy treatments and thus reduce the effects of chemotherapy as much as possible. It was a mix method, the most psychologically acceptable to us ✓.
We would also like to refer here to an alternative approach to the treatment of cancer, about which we hear a lot more than ever before. We have read books/testimonials of doctors and patients cured exclusively by the alternative approach and we have a positive attitude about it. In the same way, we know people near us who decided for an alternative approach in advanced stages and unfortunately when they came to chemotherapy it was too late, while some lived for a long time after chemotherapy and recovered successfully. In the end, the decision is up to the individual. When we added it all up, the mother's final decision, given the 3rd degree and the galloping nature of serous ovarian cancer, was that she would undergo chemotherapy while trying to keep her body in balance as best she could, with supplements being one of the links.
Below is a list of supplements that have been used or are still being used, depending on the need.
Biobran
With the change in diet (see category: Nutrition), this was the first supplement we included in the regimen, approximately four weeks before surgery. Our mother is taking it during the period as we are writing this — February, 2023. Through conversations with pharmacists and patients, we came across positive feedback about the experiences of people who took it with extremely impaired immunity, when preparing for major operations, as support in the chemotherapy process. Below you can find links to professional articles if you are interested in more.
The active substance of this product is arabinoxylan (immunomodulator). There are clinical studies on the effect of Biobran on different types of cancer. Also, its synergistic action has been proven, that is, it supports the effect of chemotherapeutics paclitaxel and carboplatin, which are used in the treatment of ovarian cancer, expert sources below.
DOSAGE AND METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION
Before the operation, the mother drank three bags of Biobran per day, after meals, for three weeks (3*day/after meal/3 i.e.). She did not drink it for five days before the operation (in a conversation with the anesthesiologist, it was recommended that she not take supplements for five days before the operation).
After the operation, she continued to take it for a week, also three bags a day, after meals (3*day/after meal/1 i.e.).
During the chemotherapy (started three weeks after the operation), she continued to drink it for two months, three bags each, then she reduced the dose to two bags a day (2 months/ 3 days after meals, 2 days until the end of chemotherapy).
After chemotherapy, she continued to drink one bag per day (1*day, after meal).
Professional articles:
Biobran MGN-3 - An Overview
Biobran MGN-3 Academic Research and Articles
Evidence-Based Review of BioBran/MGN-3 Arabinoxylan Compound as a Complementary Therapy for Conventional Cancer Treatment
*Vitamin D
Researching professional articles and reading the experiences of women suffering from ovarian cancer, we came across the information that almost all women at the time of diagnosis had low levels of vitamin D. It is also known that the risk of malignant diseases increases due to reduced levels of vitamin D, but of course this is not the only cause.
You can measure your vitamin D level via a referral or privately. The reference interval depends on gender, age and method of determination and is shown on each finding. It is fat-soluble, it accumulates in the body, so it is advisable to check its condition before taking it.
Before the operation, the mother's vitamin D level was 43 IU. and she was prescribed D-vital ampoules 25,000 i.u. on prescription, which she drank during therapy and continues to drink, one ampoule per week (until the level is within the reference range). Vit d stores in the body are slowly replenished. At the time of writing, May 2023, the vitamin D value is 52 IU, after approximately 1.5 years of intake.
*(according to most characteristics, it is a hormone-steroid structure).
Professional articles:
The role of vitamin D in ovarian cancer: epidemiology, molecular mechanism and prevention
Vitamin D and recommendations for the replacement of vitamin D from autumn
Vitamin C
The use of vitamin C during chemotherapy is discussed in terms of preserving immunity and preventing inflammation of the veins at the site of application of chemotherapeutic agents. Intravenous applications are the strongest, but we have come across divided opinions from the profession, it is up to everyone to decide for themselves. We decided on the liquid, liposomal form of vitamin C (sodium ascorbate) manufactured by Sangreen. The liposomal form has better absorption in the body than the usual non-liposomal formula of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) which is soluble in water. Likewise, it is easier for the stomach to tolerate, because it is a non-acidic form.
Check with your oncologist whether you can get vitamin C through supplements and food, as it is not recommended with some chemotherapy. Along with the therapy, the mother dosed one teaspoon per day (5ml).
She started drinking it a couple of weeks after the surgery, she drank it during the whole chemotherapy and she still drinks it even though she reduces her intake a bit.
Professional articles:
Repurposing Vitamin C for Cancer Treatment: Focus on Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment
Ascorbic acid alleviates the toxicity of paclitaxel without interfering with the anticancer efficacy in mice
Vitamin C Boosts Effects of Chemotherapy and Lessens Toxicity
Turmeric
We also included turmeric during chemotherapy due to its proven anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. The mother also took turmeric from the manufacturer Sangreen (not an advertisement :)), for the liposoluble formula (better absorption in the body), the GMO free formula and for the clinical research that exists for the same. Turmeric and Biobran work synergistically (enhance the effect) of paclitaxel + carboplatin chemotherapy. Recently, turmeric (active substance curcumin) has been researched and recommended for all types of gynecological tumors. During chemotherapy, the mother drank 2 tablets a day after meals. After chemotherapy, she continued to take one pill a day.
Professional articles:
Therapeutic role of curcumin and its novel formulations in gynecological cancers
Curcumin inhibits ovarian cancer progression by regulating circ-PLEKHM3/miR-320a/SMG1 axis
Magnezij
One of the side effects of platinum-based chemotherapy is a drastic reduction in the level of the mineral magnesium in the body, which can lead to kidney damage. According to clinical research, the use of magnesium supplements with platinum-based therapy is useful in reducing kidney toxicity.
Thus, before chemotherapy, we included magnesium glycinate from KAL in the supplements, and the mother took it throughout the entire treatment period (approximately 8 months), one tablet at night before going to bed, and then as needed.
Among other forms of magnesium available on the market, Magnesium glycinate has the best absorption and the easiest tolerability. It is the most recommended form of magnesium for oncology patients because it does not cause diarrhea (diarrhea), which is particularly important in oncology patients for whom this is a frequent side effect of chemotherapy, and which can additionally exhaust an already weakened organism.
Professional articles:
Magnesium depletion in patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy
Hypomagnesemia and Survival in Patients with Ovarian Cancer Who Received Chemotherapy with Carboplatin
The uses and benefits of magnesium glycinate
Vitamin B12
In the simplest terms, vitamin B12 (cobalamin) helps when the white blood count is "down", as it stimulates the formation/synthesis of white blood cells. For a long time, my mother used B12 from the manufacturer "BetterYou" in a spray, 4 sprays a day under the tongue. Since the end of 2022, he has been using "Nordaid" B complex Spray.
Professional article:
Vitamin B12 deficiency mimicking acute leukemia
Native propolis
During chemotherapy, we included Hedera native propolis*, which has antiviral, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. When choosing, the formula without alcohol and unnecessary additives was crucial. Native propolis also contains bee pollen*, and the tablet casing is made of plant cellulose. During the period of chemotherapy, the mother took 4 tablets a day, after chemotherapy 2 tablets a day, and today she takes it as needed.
*Propolis is a plant resin from the growing parts of the plant. Bees remove propolis from plants, process it and bring it into the hive to preserve the health of the bee colony. "Native propolis contains over 300 compounds that have a positive effect on the entire organism, and strongly boosts the immune system and helps the organism maintain a healthy balance" (source: https://hedera.hr/products/nativni-propolis).
*Bee Pollen - "Pollen are the male gametes crucial for the reproduction of plant species. For the bee community, pollen is the main source of proteins, vitamins and minerals ... apart from bees, it is a very valuable biological material for human health as well because it contains exceptionally balanced natural ingredients: proteins, sugars, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, plant hormones, essential oils, water and indigestible fibers in the sheath" (source: https://antolcic-med.com/pelud/). Hedera native propolis contains the pollen of the Dalmatian boletus plant, which is proven to act as an antioxidant (source: https://hedera.hr/products/nativni-propolis).
Professional articles:
The effects of propolis extract on ovarian tissue and oxidative stress in rats with maternal separation stress
Anticancer Activity of Propolis and Its Compounds
Cytotoxicity effect of honey, bee pollen, and propolis from seven stingless bees in some cancer cell lines
Propolis: Its Role and Efficacy in Human Health and Diseases
CONCLUSION
Supplements are taken to help with a targeted problem and with regard to a person's individual condition. The supplements listed above: Biobran, Turmeric, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Magnesium Glycinate, Vitamin B12, B-complex, Native Propolis were helpful and were combined considering the specific diagnosis and needs of the organism, therefore these are not rules but guidelines for action and exchange of experiences. Whenever possible, of course, the first choice is a balanced diet that replaces the body's needs (preferably domestic, organic, untreated, unrefined).
Supplements are only a link in the chain of successful treatment, alleviation of ailments. There is no medicine or supplement that can replace our will to live, discipline (in healthy eating, training, working on ourselves), faith that we will be fine. Bringing the body to optimal health, i.e. balance, requires a lifestyle change — work on all dimensions of life, spiritual, physical and social. That much for now.
Hope it was helpful ♡.
A more detailed article on supplements after chemotherapy is coming out soon.
//📷 @kike.photographic//
#supplements #serousovariancancer #biobran #biobranchemotherapy #biobranexperience #arabinoxylan #apoptosis #Tcells #research #experienceovariancancer #turmeric #magnesium #vitaminCliposoluble #vitaminD #vitaminDampoules #vitaminBspray #vitamindivital #dvital25000ampoules #nativepropolis #nativepropolisHedera
Bình luận