Cancer is a potentially fatal disease that may defeat your immune system. Although cancer is a serious condition, over 30 percent of all cancer can be prevented, and that many types of cancer, if discovered early, can be treated and cured, the World Health Organization reports. Certain dietary supplements may help boost your immune function and complement your cancer treatment. Nevertheless, you should always discuss the use of supplements with your cancer specialist first.
Cancer Background Information
Cancer is a complex collection of diseases that may be caused by numerous factors, including genetics, lifestyle, infections and environmental exposure to various chemicals and radiation, states the American Cancer Society. There are more than 100 unique types of cancer and any part of your body may be affected. The World Health Organization notes that over 70 percent of all cancer-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Consumption of tobacco products is one of the major causes of cancer.
Cancer and Immune Boosting Supplements
Although dietary supplements have long been used to help improve your immune function and help treat your cancer, more clinical evidence regarding these supplements' efficacy may be necessary to support their use. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that certain supplements may be helpful adjunct therapies in treating or preventing cancer in some individuals, including peach tree plant, garlic, blood root, purple coneflower, meadow saffron, coenzyme Q10, goldenseal, flavonoids, periwinkle, broccoli and green tea.
Featured Supplement
Green tea is a dietary supplement that has been extensively studied for its ability to reduce your risk of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, green tea has been found to inhibit tumor formation in various organs in animal studies, although human studies using this dietary supplement for this health purpose have proven less conclusive. Green tea has historically been used to stimulate your immune system and as an antioxidant to help protect you against cancer.
Considerations
A weak immune system and cancer are two serious health problems that require the assistance and intervention of qualified and competent healthcare professionals. Although dietary supplements are commonly used as adjunct therapies in treating these conditions, the use of supplements should not supersede other treatment suggestions provided to you by your cancer or healthcare specialist. Nutritional supplements aren't appropriate for everyone, and you should always review the risks and possible drug interactions with a doctor before using these natural healing agents.
References
- World Health Organization: 10 Facts About Cancer
- American Cancer Society: What Causes Cancer?
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- National Cancer Institute: Tea and Cancer Prevention
