One of the questions people often ask me is “What supplements I take?
The word “supplement” means “in addition to”. They are not meant to be a replacement for a healthy diet. You can’t eat unhealthy food and then expect to “make up for it” with supplements. That’s not how it works. The nutrients in foods work synergistically to give their most beneficial effects. There are times however when it is impossible to get the amount of a beneficial nutrient needed from food alone. Because I had a serious stage 4 cancer diagnosis and toxic chemotherapy treatments and other medications – these could cause serious damage to my body. Taking supplements (including various antioxidants) was essential for me to mitigate the damage from the toxic treatments, these treatments could also cause significant damage to healthy cells while they worked on killing the cancer cells.
As I mentioned above – many of the supplements I took (and continue to take in lesser amounts) are in a class called “antioxidants”. Supplements in this class work to help repair cellular damage from a harmful stimulus (such as tobacco, a drug, radiation or lack of certain nutrients). Chemotherapy drugs are some of the most harmful drugs one could experience.
To be helpful – I thought I would list each supplement and include why I am taking each one. For some of these – I took them during after right after chemotherapy in higher amounts. Also during these COVID-19 times – I have added a few things to also support a healthy immune system and reduce inflammation.
Because I own The Vista Natural Wellness Center and carry supplements (including many of our own that we manufacture here in NJ) – I have access to them all the time so it’s easy for me to take them. A few I special order from other sources. I have included a link for each one so you can read more detail and know which ones I am specifically taking. I carry almost all of these in my store/and most of these on my website.
Here is what I am doing today, pretty much every day, 5 years after my treatment for Stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma:
- Natural Progesterone Cream 20 mg./day – Helps balance steroid hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, DHEA and cortisol. Is bioidentical to your body’s natural progesterone so it is more easily recognized by the body. I am several years post-menopausal and I find it helps with hot flashes and other fun menopausal issues. Learn more or purchase natural progesterone cream here
- Vitamin C – 2000 mg./day – Critical to immune function, the manufacture of certain nerve transmitters, hormones and the absorption and utilization of other nutritional factors. It is the body’s first line of antioxidant defense, both preventing the formation of and the scavenging of destructive free-radicals. Vitamin C is also nature’s antihistamine, stabilizing the “mast cells” in the body. And Vitamin C is critical in collagen formation in the body. Learn more or purchase Vitamin C here
- Vitamin D3 – 5000 iu./day plus try to get 10-15 minutes of sun on my skin daily – Regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus to keep bones and teeth strong, and facilitates normal immune system function (important now more than ever). Also may play a role in maintaining a healthy mood and supporting heart health. Learn more or purchase Vitamin D3 here
- Ubiquinol 200 mg./day – The advanced form of CoQ10 – Improves the production of energy in every cell of the body (in the mitochondria). Also a powerful antioxidant. Important for proper cardiovascular function as well as periodontal support, among many other uses. Learn more or purchase ubiquinol here
- Astaxanthin 10 mg./day – Derived from certain types of algae and sea life. A powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage (oxidation). Supports healthy immune system functioning and a healthy inflammatory response. May protect skin, eyes from damage. Learn more or purchase astaxanthin here
- Phosphatidyl Serine Complex – Naturally occurring in the brain but levels decrease with age. Supports healthy brain function including issues with focus and memory loss. Learn more or purchase phosphatidyl serine here
- D-Mannose 2g./day – Helps prevent urinary tract infections by preventing bacteria from adhering to the cells of the bladder/urethra. Also acts as a prebiotic. Learn more or purchase D-Mannose here
- Probiotic/Prebiotics 100 Billion broad spectrum – Supports digestion and immune system function. Supplies beneficial bacteria to the gut (almost all of this got wiped out after chemo and the IV antibiotics they gave me). The gut contains 70% of your immune system cells. It also can become porous and allow for waste products to enter the bloodstream (leaky gut) which can happen when there’s an imbalance of harmful bacteria vs. helpful bacteria. Fermented foods are highest in probiotics (kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt etc.) Prebiotics are often in a probiotic complex which is an insoluble fiber that keeps the good bacteria well fed and happy. Learn more or purchase probiotics with prebiotics here
- Axio 1 packet/day– A non-caffiienated combination product (Vitamin B6, Niacin, Vitamin B12, Magnesium, Green Tea Extract, Pine Bark Extract, L-Theanine and Quercetin) designed to support healthy energy production and utilization, support mood and brain function. Also has antioxidant properties. I use 1 packet in 24 oz. of water and drink it throughout the day before dinnertime. If I drink it later than that it gives me to much energy and keeps me up at night. It tastes great – flavored with stevia with no aftertaste (in my opinion). Learn more or purchase Axio here
- Calcium D-Glucarate 500 mg./day– Shown to inhibit beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme produced by colonic microflora and involved in Phase II liver detoxification. Elevated beta-glucuronidase activity is associated with an increased risk for various cancers, particularly hormone-dependent cancers such as breast, prostate, and colon cancers. (I had elevated beta-glucuronidase in a stool test a couple of years after my chemotherapy/IV antibiotics). Other potential clinical applications of oral calcium-D-Glucarate include regulation of estrogen metabolism and as a lipid-lowering agent. Learn more or purchase Calcium D-Glucarate here
- Glutathione 450 mg./day– A powerful antioxidant and protector against cellular stress/damage. May play a role in the mitigation of inflammation caused by the COVID-19 cytokine storm. Learn more or purchase glutathione here
- CBD Oil 50 mg./day – The human body contains a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS),which is involved in regulating a variety of functions including sleep, appetite, pain and immune system response. Cannabidiol (CBD) helps bind to ECS receptors to create homeostasis (biological balance) in these areas. I have scoliosis which sometimes causes my neck to go out of alignment, which in turn can give me a headache/sometimes migraine. Using CBD Oil plus a CBD cream greatly reduces my pain levels. As a byproduct I also find that my mood and anxiety levels have improved. Learn more or purchase CBD oil here
- Dimethylglycine(DMG) 500 mg./day – Provides useful building blocks for the biosynthesis of vitamins, hormones, neurotransmitters, antibodies, nucleic acids, and other metabolically active molecules. Supports all aspects of immune response by acting as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal agent. Promotes cardiovascular functions by supporting normal triglyceride and cholesterol levels, reducing angina, improving circulation, and decreasing elevated homocysteine levels. Improves oxygenation, thus reducing fatigue and increasing energy for improved physical and mental performance. Supports neurological function and mental clarity by acting as a precursor to the amino acids that are building blocks for neurotransmitters. Acts as an antioxidant against free radicals. Supports detoxification and enhances liver function, particularly Phase II detoxification (the phase that excretes converted toxic metabolites). Learn more or purchase DMG here
- Hair/Skin/Nails Complex 1 tablet per day – Includes biotin, silica and hyaluronic acid to support healthy growth of hair, skin and nails. Helps to build the body’s own collagen. The hyaluronic acid in this product also helps lubricate joints, skin and eyes. Learn more or purchase the hair skin and nails supplement here
- Flax Seed Oil 5000 mg./day – Contains Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), an Omega-3 fatty acid obtained through the diet. Can support healthy cardiovascular function (may help to lower blood pressure and improve triglyceride and cholesterol levels). It also can be anti-inflammatory. Also supports skin health. Some people have trouble converting ALA into DHA and EPA so I also take fish oil that contains these additional Omegs-3 fatty acids for the most benefits. Learn more or purchase flax oil here
- Fish Oil 5000 mg./day – Contains EPA and DHA – two other types of Omega-3 fatty acids that have been proven to support healthy cardiovascular function (helps lower blood pressure and improve triglyceride and cholesterol levels) supports healthy brain function, and at potent blocker of certain inflammatory chemicals called cytokines. Learn more or purchase fish oil here
- Vivix 1 teaspoon/day – Sourced from muscadine grapes – they have a higher concentration of ellagic acid and ellagitannins than other grapes. Combined with resveratrol, these polyphenols yield immense antioxidant power that helps protects cells against damage and the normal aging process. Learn more or purchase Vivix here
- Zinc 15-50mg./day – Zinc is instrumental in healthy immune system (enhances T-cell production), reproductive system and cardiovascular functioning. Learn more or purchase zinc here.
- Apothe-Cherry – Derived from tart cherries. Contains a wide variety of unique antioxidants and phytochemicals to help balance circadian rhythms, support healthy joint function and promote healthy uric acid metabolism. Promotes a healthy inflammatory response. Taken before bedtime it can help with sleep. I happen to add this to my morning smoothie every day. Learn more or purchase Apothe-Cherry here
- Digestive Enzymes – Help the body break down and obtain nutrients (fats, proteins, carbohydrates and fiber) from food. This allows for a faster and smoother digestive process, which frees the energy up from the body to be utilized elsewhere. I have trouble swallowing pills/capsules so these chewables by Enzymedica work well for me. Learn more or purchase digestive enzymes here
- APeX Oxygen Infusion Liquid – Twice daily on an empty stomach. Right now I am doing double strength. – APeX is an Oxygen Delivery Dietary Supplement that transports Active Oxygen Moleculesdirectly into disease micro-environments to reduce or eliminate hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions. The nano-particles of silver (this is not colloidal silver and will not cause skin discoloration) are bonded to water molecules which then help penetrate the cells and infuse them with oxygen. Learn more or purchase APeX here
- Elderberry Syrup 500 mg./day– Shown to reduce respiratory viral duration and intensity of symptoms. Also shown to be antibacterial towards Gram-positive bacteria of Streptococcus pyogenes and group C and G Streptococci, and the Gram-negative bacterium Branhamella catarrhalis. Learn more or purchase elderberry syrup here
- Oregano Oil 45 g./day– Oregano is higher in antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables, and it’s packed full of powerful compounds called phenols. Oregano also contains compounds that may be effective against bacterial and fungal infections, inflammation, and pain, among other conditions. To learn more or purchase oregano oil here
Here are links to credible sources (including peer reviewed studies) for more information on these and other nutrients:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com
https://medlineplus.gov/dietarysupplements.html
OK so I know I’m taking a lot of things but I’m lucky enough to have a wellness center where I have access to many of these products. I also feel that what I eat and what I supplement with is an investment in my health, given what I went through and what I never want to go through again. I look at my healthy lifestyle as an extra insurance policy.
If you are on any medication or being treated for any illness – check with your health care professional before starting a supplement regimen. Some supplements can change the efficacy of some medications and taking too much of something can cause more harm than good. Some supplements are best taken with food, some are best on an empty stomach. Some work well when taken together, some don’t work as well when taken together. And as I mentioned above – some are best taken at certain times of the day because they either provide energy (take them earlier in the day or they’ll keep you up at night) or help calm you to get a more restful night’s sleep (don’t want to take them during the day).
With nutrients – there is an optimal level that helps your body perform at its best. For each person, a “bio-individual”, that amount may vary. I always start with the lowest dosage of something and work my way up. Sometimes, depending on the season – I will adjust how much I take up or down (ie. more Vitamin D3 in the winter, more astaxanthin in the summer, more immune supporting supplement amounts during the pandemic).
Look for supplements that contain no artificial colors/dyes, flavors, fillers or preservatives. This defeats the purpose of taking products to enhance cellular health.
How do I know when something is “working”? How I feel and what I experience is the first indicator. An example of this is when I run out of progesterone cream and forget to bring it home over a few days – the hot flashes come back pretty quickly.
What my bloodwork shows is another way I check how I’m doing and if I need more, less or need to add something. There are easy tests for Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, anemia, lipids, and inflammation that a standard doctor’s office can do. Functional Medicine Doctors and other health care practitioners can also run levels for all kind of micronutrients such as Omega-3 Fatty Acids, steroid hormones, trace minerals and vitamins. Through stool testing they can also analyze the microbiome and evaluate for overgrowth of not so good bacteria, undergrowth of good bacteria as well as the “substances” they give off that may cause problems down the road.
So in addition to eating a mostly whole food plant-based diet, I take nutrients in the form of supplements – whose amounts I could never achieve through food alone – to mitigate the harmful effects of my previous cancer treatment (toxic chemotherapy, other medications I was on, and radiation from testing during my treatment period) as well as generally support me as I get older (I’m 57 now). I could literally take a million things – what I am doing now is right for me now at this point in my life. And despite the cancer, the treatments, the testing, my natural aging and the pandemic – I have to say I’m in the best health of my life. I feel it and my medical tests show it. Whatever I’m doing IS working…for me. It’s my extra insurance policy.
