Ascorbic acid -- also known as vitamin C -- is a vitamin with properties known to boost your immune system. MayoClinic.com indicates that vitamin C has been recommended for the treatment of cancer patients since the 1970s. Numerous studies -- as indicated by the Linus Pauling Institute -- have associated vitamin C with decreased instances of mouth, throat, stomach, lung, esophageal, colon and stomach cancer. Prior to taking vitamin C to help control tumor growth, talk to your oncologist.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor. Taking vitamin C on your own is not a recommended means of treating cancer. Talk to your doctor about the best types of treatment for your particular type of cancer -- this might include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of multiple therapies.
Step 2
Ask about intravenous, or IV, vitamin C doses. MayoClinic.com indicates that no evidence indicates that IV vitamin C can have an effect on cancer, and clinical trials are still in the works. Ask your doctor about participation in a clinical trial of vitamin C dosing and cancer treatment.
Step 3
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Consuming three to five servings of fruits and vegetables per day can help you get the recommended amount of vitamin C for your age group and sex. A healthy, well-balanced diet can also provide you with strength and energy as you fight cancer.
Step 4
Obtain the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C on a daily basis to help promote your immune health and overall health. Adult males -- ages 19 and older -- should consume at least 90 mg of vitamin C daily. Adult females -- ages 19 and older -- should consume 75 mg of vitamins daily. Sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, cantaloupe, broccoli, kiwi and sweet red peppers. Vitamin C can also be found in supplements.
References
- "The Vitamin Book": Harold Silverman, Joseph Romano et al; 2003
- MayoClinic.com; "High Dose Vitamin C"; Dr. Timothy Moynihan
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin C



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