Supplement list

[Emsymits]

Sorry I've just realised a couple of people asked what supplements I take and I forgot to post!

Basically to reiterate previous advice if you decide to take any supplements, you should really check with your Doc/Onc team especially if you are on any meds before taking supplements in case of a side effect or whatever. I am not currently on any meds and have researched at length how to hopefully bolster my immune system. I've read lots of proper research papers and don't just go with Joe Blogs who has decided to try something. Unfortunately the medical profession has little training in complementary cancer treatments and how to integrate with mainstream treatments so are quite dismissive. I figure anything I can do that might help is worth trying!

I take (daily)...

Curcumin (Turmeric) with black pepper

Fish oil & primrose oil

A 14 strain probiotic

Astragalus

Reishi/Maiitake/Shiitake complex

Milk Thistle

Vitamin C

Resveratrol

A no iron multivitamin

B12 (I'm mainly vegan so take this if I've not had meat for a while although may not bother from now on as the multivit I've just started covers this.)

Asprin 75mg

For me its all about aiming to lower my body's inflammation and bumping up my immune system. I avoid dairy as I believe that personally I have overindulged in the past and my body doesn't do well with it.

Fingers crossed the supplements doing some good and not just giving me expensive wee!!

Em

x

[Janet235]

😳. Do you have any space for food as well?

I take astragalus, vitC, and a probiotic.

I am interested to know exactly which one you take.

I have recently sourced my local butcher to make me bone broth ( chicken one I don't like the beef). Basically it tastes like a very thin stock without too much flavour but is highly nutritious. Today i mixed it with some well blended leek and potato soup a friend had made and added a dollop of cream, not half bad...

janet x

[Emsymits in reply to Janet235]

Oops missed that! Biokult is the probiotic. Supposed to be one that survives stomach acid and actually makes it down to your gut!

Em

x

[Hidden]

Sounds like a whole lot of work but if you feel it does you good why not. You also need to eat a healthy diet though

[tara108]

Thanks so much Em. I am taking most of these and a few others so feeling happy I am on the right track! Appreciate you letting us know. My immune system is very low again and my neutrafils and white cells seem to take 9 months to come up again after chemo! Tried IV Vit C after 1st chemo but didn't really seem to do much but empty my bank balance and destroy my veins! But who knows? Might have taken longer if I hadn't have done it!

Hugs from Oz.

[Hopefulgal1]

Thank you for posting - I am taking these except not the aspirin and also a bit D3 tablet : Also take sachets of Rain product called “soul” and “core’” Hoping not a scam type of product as v expensive but if they help - hey we try don’t we?! Xxxx

Ps sure someone said dark choc is good for you too!!

[bamboo89 in reply to Hopefulgal1]

You're right about the dark chocolate, its full of antioxidants, but it has to be high cocoa solids. I eat about 2/3 squares daily of the 85% or 90% (if I can get the 90%) plain, usually Green and Black's, or Lindt if that's not available.

[Emsymits in reply to Hopefulgal1]

Absolutely! If the only thing we have control of is our diet and supplementation and there's even the tiniest chance it can help then why not! Anyway, I've always told my hubby that chocolate is medicinal

Em

x

[bamboo89]

Thanks for this. I'd like to know where you got the mushroom supplement (maitake etc) please, I didn't know there was such a thing - I was eating maitake mushrooms but they're now out of season...

Thanks, Miriam

[Emsymits in reply to bamboo89]

Good old H&B (Am I allowed to put the shop name?) on the highstreet. Pukka brand.

[bamboo89 in reply to Emsymits]

Ah, right, thanks, will have a look for it...

M

[27-359]

Hi Emily. Can I ask why you take a no iron multivitamin? I am vegetarian and in the last six months have been losing my hair. I know that my iron levels are low and thought that I should probably be taking an iron supplement. Is there a reason why you don't take iron?

Jenny

[Emsymits]

Hi. There are various research papers on the subject of iron and how cancer cells use it. I feel I get enough in my diet to maintain a normal level. Those that are anaemic obviously need to supplement but I don't want to have excess iron in my system therefore I don't take extra. (In the past research concentrated on having too little iron, now they are looking into having too much.) For me, I'm treating Iron as an 'everything in moderation'! Maybe have a word with your doc to find out how much if anything you personally need to supplement to get to a 'normal' level?

An interesting article from this August says how Ovarian cancer cells potentially 'hoard' iron to their benefit. I've hopefully added the link below. Copy and paste into your browser and keep your fingers crossed it works!

medicalxpress.com/news/2018...

[Hopefulgal1]

Does anyone here take milk thistle? Again I’ve read contradictory stuff. I’m also keen to make Chaga mushroom tea ( v beneficial) but again does anyone have a genuinely good source?

I take the Pukka mushrooms but there must be such a tiny amount in there...! Thanks in advance! Xxxxx

[jan50]

I take many supplements, bu all under the guidance of a very good nutritionist/ functional medical practitioner. Different supplements for different needs- eg de-toxing and restoring damaged gut after chemo, supporting immunity during chemo etc etc. I would avoid high street brands as they generally are not strong enough doses for people dealing with cancer- brands like viridian and pukka are generally good, I purchase most of mine from the natural dispensary online, but I think you have to have a named therapist. I have been on this journey for 6 and a half years now, and apart from when I am on chemo I am generally well- I do put much of this down to very healthy diet, supplements and lifestyle.