“Is it OK to take supplements during chemotherapy or radiation?” This is the most common question cancer patients ask. The truth is, using certain supplements before, during, and after chemotherapy and radiation can increase efficacy, protect healthy tissues, and reduce side effects. Integrative medicine combines advanced modalities in strategic ways to fight disease while supporting a patient’s overall health.
Three timeframes to consider when recommending supplements for patients undergoing chemotherapy are:
- Before the chemo begins
- During the chemo cycles
- After chemo is finished
The overall goal is selecting supplements shown to work well with the specific chemotherapy drug being used, which is where an integrative oncologist becomes a crucial asset on the patient’s team.
Anti-inflammatory Approaches
Preparing for chemotherapy (and radiation therapy) typically involves gentle detoxification. If you have any chronic toxicity or inflammation issues, it’s important to address them beforehand since inflammation is a fuel for cancer. An example is dental health—cleaning up the mouth reduces inflammation and infection, which in turn reduces side effects, limits cancer’s aggressiveness, and supports natural defenses.
However, avoid doing extensive detoxification involving fasting or extreme methods given their weakening effect, unless there’s time to regain strength again before starting cancer treatment. A simple, nourishing detox focusing on an unprocessed diet and gentle cleansing supplements can help strengthen the body, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity in preparation. Use antioxidants more liberally during this time to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Treatment Enhancers
Some supplements can improve the effects of certain chemotherapy drugs while providing additional benefits. Medicinal mushrooms are an excellent example—they help detoxify, support immune cells, and enhance most types of chemotherapy.
Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) is another heavily researched supplement that has shown promising results with many types of chemotherapy drugs. MCP works by blocking the pro-inflammatory, pro-cancer protein galectin-3, making it more difficult for cancer to grow, metastasize, and shield itself from chemotherapy drugs.
Supporting Digestion and Circulation
It’s crucial to support the health of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, since digestion often stops functioning and becomes paralyzed during chemotherapy. A digestive formula containing enzymes, zinc, ginger, cardamom, and other supportive ingredients can be beneficial. Probiotics are also important, as they help maintain a healthy bacterial balance required for chemotherapy drugs to metabolize into active components, promote regularity and boost the immune system.
Encouraging proper circulation helps ensure that chemotherapy drugs reach their targets. Circulation support supplements like enzymes nattokinase and lumbrokinase, Chinese salvia, and hawthorn berry have been noted for their effectiveness.
Beyond Chemotherapy Treatment
Once chemotherapy is completed, the focus should move to addressing cancer mechanisms that may have survived. Supporting vital organs, mitochondrial function, and immunity can help nourish and rebuild the body. This is where specific Chinese formulas like medicinal mushrooms, and nutrients like L-carnitine and CoQ10, can be very helpful.
Effective integrative anti-cancer protocols require an individualized strategy that accounts for numerous variables such as overall health, lifestyle, cancer’s origin and genetic makeup, sensitivity to certain drugs, and other factors. Success demands ongoing attention and knowledge regarding nutrient and botanical use during conventional treatment. Working with an integrative health practitioner experienced in this area is one of the most important investments you can make.
