In a recent issue, I told you that radiation does have its place in cancer treatment, but only at low doses. Radiation is a very powerful drug that kills everything in its path – including healthy cells. And oncologists use far too much of it. Even worse, they tell you to avoid supplements while you are on the treatment.
When I lived in Alaska, the local oncologists vilified me. I was recommending antioxidants for patients getting the toxic treatments. So doctors at the local hospital held meetings to counter what I was telling my patients. They demeaned the use of vitamins. They claimed that such use would negate the so-called good effects of the toxic treatments. All of this without a shred of evidence on their side. And I had the anecdotal evidence on my side, as my patients responded much better to the treatments than other patients.
Now theres scientific evidence to back up my position. The Cancer Treatment Centers of America, a progressive cancer treatment facility, recently published a study that proves vitamins are vital for successful radiation treatment. The researchers looked at men with prostate cancer who were receiving radiation. They found no difference in PSA levels of those who simultaneously used antioxidants versus those who did not. The antioxidants used included green tea extract, melatonin, high potency multivitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
This study provides evidence that antioxidants as a complementary therapy in cancer treatment do not interfere with external beam radiation therapy, said Timothy Birdsall, ND. He is vice president of integrative medicine for the facility and was the lead author of the report. He continued: Antioxidants are one of many complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies that are crucial in todays fight against cancer.
Antioxidants do not counter radiation. They also could help minimize the toxicity of the radiation. Published research strongly suggests they will do the same for chemotherapy as well! So do not be afraid to take vitamins if you decide to use conventional treatments. They can help keep your immune system intact and strong.
Ref. Medical News Today, 14 November 2006.