Natural Cancer Supplements

Cancer is the term for a group of diseases that are caused by numerous factors. According to the American Cancer Society, some of the most common causes of cancer may include genetics, tobacco consumption, exposure to ultraviolet light and known carcinogens and lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, body weight and alcohol consumption. Natural treatments for cancer focus, at least in part, on restoring the proper amount and type of nutrients in your body.

About Cancer

The National Cancer Institute reports that frequently diagnosed cancers in the United States include bladder, lung, breast, colorectal, endometrial, kidney, pancreatic, prostate and thyroid cancer. Other types of cancer that commonly occur among Americans include melanoma, non-Hodgkins lymphoma and leukemia. According to the institute, the most common type of cancer in the United States is lung cancer, with about 222,000 new cases reported in 2010. Cancer occurs when a group of your cells begins dividing uncontrollably and destroys nearby tissues.

Cancer Supplements

Nutritional supplements have long been used to help treat cancer and support your immune system during chemotherapy and other cancer-related procedures. Nutrition expert Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," reports that there are many nutritional supplements that may effectively treat cancer or cancer-related symptoms, including coenzyme Q10, garlic, inositol hexaphosphate, melatonin, MSM, selenium, superoxide dismutase, vitamins A and E, shiitake extract, acidophilus, grape seed extract, omega-3 fatty acids, kelp or seaweed, and L-carnitine.

An Effective Supplement

Coenzyme Q10 may be one of the most effective cancer-fighting supplements. Coenzyme Q10, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports, is a substance that is found naturally in your mitochondria -- the energy-generating part of your body's cells. Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance and is a powerful antioxidant. This nutritional supplement has been used to help treat many health problems, including cardiovascular disease, allergies, asthma, respiratory diseases, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Coenzyme Q10 may also help treat the side effects caused by chemotherapy.

Alternative Cancer Therapies

There are many types of cancer treatments available. Most people choose to pursue conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy, but some people are choosing alternative treatments for their cancer. Examples of alternative cancer therapies include herbal, immunologic, metabolic, mind-body and nutritional therapies. Before choosing an alternative cancer therapy, talk with health care professionals to gain greater insight into the health benefits associated with that particular therapy, and consider exploring conventional therapies as well.