Question About Vitamin C

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ladyjogger31
ladyjogger31 Member Posts: 289
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi Ladies, Is there anyone who takes Vitamin C while taking chemo. My Gyn/Onc in Lehigh said just to take Centrum Silver and nothing else because in will lessen the effects of the chemo doing it's job. Then I have the Onc where I live tell me I can take anything that it will not interfere. Could anyone explain this? I'm so confused.I have been taking supplements all the while I started Doxil.I thought what do I have to lose.
Hugs and Prayers Terry
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  • green50
    green50 Member Posts: 312
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    I take vitamins
    Terry I have always taken enough vitamins to choke a horse. Told the dr thats why I am doing so well. He just smiled. He never said not to take them. I take calcium, stress tabs(which have a lot of b complex), vitamin E, Omega 3 fish oil and iron. Stress tab is also a multi vitamin with the C. My count goes down with chemo never had problems. So not sure what that one dr meant by not taking them.
    Prayers and Hugs
    Sandy
  • mono5
    mono5 Member Posts: 94
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    Hi Terry,...
    You have to be careful in which Vitamin C you take, with a lot of the ingredients comming out of China. I would stay clear of synthetic vitamin c which i suspect the Centrum to be. Check it out. The best form would be from a natural C source, like with the Camu Camu berry which has the highest concentration of natural vitamin C of any fruit on the planet. 1/2 gram has 30 times more vitamin C then a orange. You also get many more theropudic benifits with Camu that are effective against cancer. It has several amino acids like serine for one, that helps with maintaining a level of serotonin in the brain that promotes a feeling of well being and inhances mood and emotional balance. It also helps with immune system recovery which is important when on convention meds. you can buy in bulk on the web. Try www.rain-tree.com.

    If you really want to kick cancer, investgate the thread below about Graviola. And in that thread you'll find information on this increadable herb, Graviola that you can also buy in bulk from the same company and add it to the Camu Camu cocktail. I do it every morning in a smoothy. There both a great inexpensive food source. Graviola is also great for brain support and has been documented to kill cancer cells. Also you'll find information on the the medicinal mushrooms with AHCC thats been used for several years and has been DOCUMENTED effective with chemotherapy.... in that same thread

    When taking supplements with your conventional treatment, it is recommended that you inform you oncologist before, even if you expect a nagative response. I view oncologist as not informed about how effective supplements can be with chemo. Its like opening a can of mixed nuts! Some do, some don't, some know and manny, manny don't! The free booklet on the medicinal mushrooms with AHCC, available at www.iherb.com gives you the documention and the information on human trials you need to convinience any oncologist if he has your best interests at heart.... be skeptical, but be informed!
  • newhopechurchli
    newhopechurchli Member Posts: 126
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    mono5 said:

    Hi Terry,...
    You have to be careful in which Vitamin C you take, with a lot of the ingredients comming out of China. I would stay clear of synthetic vitamin c which i suspect the Centrum to be. Check it out. The best form would be from a natural C source, like with the Camu Camu berry which has the highest concentration of natural vitamin C of any fruit on the planet. 1/2 gram has 30 times more vitamin C then a orange. You also get many more theropudic benifits with Camu that are effective against cancer. It has several amino acids like serine for one, that helps with maintaining a level of serotonin in the brain that promotes a feeling of well being and inhances mood and emotional balance. It also helps with immune system recovery which is important when on convention meds. you can buy in bulk on the web. Try www.rain-tree.com.

    If you really want to kick cancer, investgate the thread below about Graviola. And in that thread you'll find information on this increadable herb, Graviola that you can also buy in bulk from the same company and add it to the Camu Camu cocktail. I do it every morning in a smoothy. There both a great inexpensive food source. Graviola is also great for brain support and has been documented to kill cancer cells. Also you'll find information on the the medicinal mushrooms with AHCC thats been used for several years and has been DOCUMENTED effective with chemotherapy.... in that same thread

    When taking supplements with your conventional treatment, it is recommended that you inform you oncologist before, even if you expect a nagative response. I view oncologist as not informed about how effective supplements can be with chemo. Its like opening a can of mixed nuts! Some do, some don't, some know and manny, manny don't! The free booklet on the medicinal mushrooms with AHCC, available at www.iherb.com gives you the documention and the information on human trials you need to convinience any oncologist if he has your best interests at heart.... be skeptical, but be informed!

    vitamins and suppliments
    I don't know why but my doctor didn't want me to worry about taking anything either while I was on treatment.... she said wait until you are done and then you can start taking vitamins....I wonder why?
  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980
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    I was told: What fortifies your body fortifies your cancer cells
    I hate to even post this, because 'supplements or no supplements during chemo' is almost like discussing sex or religion because people's views are so strong and passionate about it on either side of the issue. I think the truth is, every person's cancer is as individual as a snowflake or fingerprint and that oncologists are making this up as they go along. But the nutritionist at my cancer center said that I should take, at maximum, during chemo, only a standard multiple vitamin and a calcium chew. She said that cancer cells are a part of your body, as much as you may wish to think of them as a foreign invader, and that anything that supernaturally fortifies the rest of your body against the ravages of chemo, also fortifies the cancer cells to be more resistant to the chemo, and may interact with the chemo cocktail. That makes sense to me. She told me to eat a high-fiber diet, with 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and at least a couple tablespoons of yogurt daily, and if I did that I didn't even need to take the One-a-Day multiple vitamin. She said that an excess of water-soluable vitamins does little more than give you bright yellow urine, and that non-water-soluable vitamins can tax an already chemo-stressed liver. I am to return to her AFTER chemo for a plan for supplements to build me back up AFTER my chemo. That's what I plan to do, although if my chemo treatments dragged on and on over a year, I would have to re-think that strategy. I have 1 more round of chemo (carbo/taxol) to get before I switch over to radiation for 2 months and have had very few side effects (Praise the Lord!) even without supplements.
  • ladyjogger31
    ladyjogger31 Member Posts: 289
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    mono5 said:

    Hi Terry,...
    You have to be careful in which Vitamin C you take, with a lot of the ingredients comming out of China. I would stay clear of synthetic vitamin c which i suspect the Centrum to be. Check it out. The best form would be from a natural C source, like with the Camu Camu berry which has the highest concentration of natural vitamin C of any fruit on the planet. 1/2 gram has 30 times more vitamin C then a orange. You also get many more theropudic benifits with Camu that are effective against cancer. It has several amino acids like serine for one, that helps with maintaining a level of serotonin in the brain that promotes a feeling of well being and inhances mood and emotional balance. It also helps with immune system recovery which is important when on convention meds. you can buy in bulk on the web. Try www.rain-tree.com.

    If you really want to kick cancer, investgate the thread below about Graviola. And in that thread you'll find information on this increadable herb, Graviola that you can also buy in bulk from the same company and add it to the Camu Camu cocktail. I do it every morning in a smoothy. There both a great inexpensive food source. Graviola is also great for brain support and has been documented to kill cancer cells. Also you'll find information on the the medicinal mushrooms with AHCC thats been used for several years and has been DOCUMENTED effective with chemotherapy.... in that same thread

    When taking supplements with your conventional treatment, it is recommended that you inform you oncologist before, even if you expect a nagative response. I view oncologist as not informed about how effective supplements can be with chemo. Its like opening a can of mixed nuts! Some do, some don't, some know and manny, manny don't! The free booklet on the medicinal mushrooms with AHCC, available at www.iherb.com gives you the documention and the information on human trials you need to convinience any oncologist if he has your best interests at heart.... be skeptical, but be informed!

    AHCC Mushrooms
    Hi, I also take the AHCC mushrooms in powder form. I have been taking it for months. I also take coQ10,selenium,200mg of Vitamin E, 1000mg of fish oil, milk thistle for my liver along with the Centrum silver, caltrate with vitamin D and probiotic for my digestive system. I haven't taken Vitamin C as of yet. My Onc said that it was okay to take all that I mentioned. My Gyn/Onc in Lehigh would probably object to this. I'm going to Fox Chase in Philadelphia and also Sloan Kettering in NYC. I'm just waiting for my appointments. Also I was told eat anything you want, but after so much research , nutrition is very important. I’m getting so many different answers from both doctors. I'm really confused. I have to do what I think will fight the cancer in my body, I’m trying to get the best quality of life. I’m not giving up.If anyone has more to add , please let me know.
    Hugs, Prayers and Love,
    Terry
  • ladyjogger31
    ladyjogger31 Member Posts: 289
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    I was told: What fortifies your body fortifies your cancer cells
    I hate to even post this, because 'supplements or no supplements during chemo' is almost like discussing sex or religion because people's views are so strong and passionate about it on either side of the issue. I think the truth is, every person's cancer is as individual as a snowflake or fingerprint and that oncologists are making this up as they go along. But the nutritionist at my cancer center said that I should take, at maximum, during chemo, only a standard multiple vitamin and a calcium chew. She said that cancer cells are a part of your body, as much as you may wish to think of them as a foreign invader, and that anything that supernaturally fortifies the rest of your body against the ravages of chemo, also fortifies the cancer cells to be more resistant to the chemo, and may interact with the chemo cocktail. That makes sense to me. She told me to eat a high-fiber diet, with 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and at least a couple tablespoons of yogurt daily, and if I did that I didn't even need to take the One-a-Day multiple vitamin. She said that an excess of water-soluable vitamins does little more than give you bright yellow urine, and that non-water-soluable vitamins can tax an already chemo-stressed liver. I am to return to her AFTER chemo for a plan for supplements to build me back up AFTER my chemo. That's what I plan to do, although if my chemo treatments dragged on and on over a year, I would have to re-think that strategy. I have 1 more round of chemo (carbo/taxol) to get before I switch over to radiation for 2 months and have had very few side effects (Praise the Lord!) even without supplements.

    Linda
    I didn't take anything except Centrum Silver while I had 8 treatment of carbo/taxol. When I was on Doxil about my 3rd treatment I started to take AHCC mushrooms to build up my immune system. Oh and I also asked my Onc about taking Curcumin as I had read from MD Anderson that it helps fight the cancer cells. He said he heard good thing about it. I sometimes wonder if they really know themselves.
    Hugs, Prayers and Love, Terry
  • Lauracec
    Lauracec Member Posts: 101
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    Linda
    I didn't take anything except Centrum Silver while I had 8 treatment of carbo/taxol. When I was on Doxil about my 3rd treatment I started to take AHCC mushrooms to build up my immune system. Oh and I also asked my Onc about taking Curcumin as I had read from MD Anderson that it helps fight the cancer cells. He said he heard good thing about it. I sometimes wonder if they really know themselves.
    Hugs, Prayers and Love, Terry

    isn't that what is in turmeric
    I heard that is a strong anti-inflamitory as well. and that you should take with a little olive oil and black pepper. to get the best benefit. I have heard alot about it being anti cancer in that it doesn't let the cancer make new blood vesssels kinda like avastin. I have also heard not to take big amounts if you are on blood thiners. I eat several days a week shitake and miatake mushrooms they are suppose to help. Laura
  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
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    Vitamins and such
    Terry,

    My onc/gyn put me on USP Complete Mulitivamins, B100 B-comlex, 1200 mg Calcium, and slow release iron as soon as I left the hospital after my hysterectomy and all through my chemo. I am also now on Isotonix OPC-3 twice a day (AM & PM).

    OPC3 are powerful Bioflavaniods that reduce oxidative stress in your body (reduce cell damage in your body). Regenerate vitamin E and C, help with chronic degenerative conditions (I have arthritis in my neck), maintain joint flexibility (great for aches and pains), auto immune.

    I am sure all of our doctors have their own supplements they recommend. We just need to find what is the best for our circumstance as we are all different.

    Teal hugs and love,
    Libby♥
  • mono5
    mono5 Member Posts: 94
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    AHCC Mushrooms
    Hi, I also take the AHCC mushrooms in powder form. I have been taking it for months. I also take coQ10,selenium,200mg of Vitamin E, 1000mg of fish oil, milk thistle for my liver along with the Centrum silver, caltrate with vitamin D and probiotic for my digestive system. I haven't taken Vitamin C as of yet. My Onc said that it was okay to take all that I mentioned. My Gyn/Onc in Lehigh would probably object to this. I'm going to Fox Chase in Philadelphia and also Sloan Kettering in NYC. I'm just waiting for my appointments. Also I was told eat anything you want, but after so much research , nutrition is very important. I’m getting so many different answers from both doctors. I'm really confused. I have to do what I think will fight the cancer in my body, I’m trying to get the best quality of life. I’m not giving up.If anyone has more to add , please let me know.
    Hugs, Prayers and Love,
    Terry

    So Terry.....
    How long have you been taking the AHCC Mushrooms? I found out about them from a naturopathic doctor that uses this compound with his patients. They are considered a powerful superfood and a vary effective immune system booster. In Japan there used along with chemotherapy and radiation. Its said they negate side effects and boosts the effectness of chemo. There well researched and documented. Your taking it in the powder form?? What brand and is it formulated with other agents? Your on the right track..... How are you doing with the side effects from treatment? I admire you for thinking outside the box! Theres a growing number of us that relize that supporting the immune system is important to our survival during treatment and protection against metastasis, of which AHCC is documented to do.

    Blessing to all, Ron
  • ladyjogger31
    ladyjogger31 Member Posts: 289
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    mono5 said:

    So Terry.....
    How long have you been taking the AHCC Mushrooms? I found out about them from a naturopathic doctor that uses this compound with his patients. They are considered a powerful superfood and a vary effective immune system booster. In Japan there used along with chemotherapy and radiation. Its said they negate side effects and boosts the effectness of chemo. There well researched and documented. Your taking it in the powder form?? What brand and is it formulated with other agents? Your on the right track..... How are you doing with the side effects from treatment? I admire you for thinking outside the box! Theres a growing number of us that relize that supporting the immune system is important to our survival during treatment and protection against metastasis, of which AHCC is documented to do.

    Blessing to all, Ron

    AHCC Mushrooms
    Hi Ron, boosting our immune system is what it's all about. I take the powder form by NOW it is cheaper to buy it that way, 1/2 teaspoon twice a day. I have been taking it for 1 1/2 months so far. It’s are body and we have to do what we think is right. I also follow a good diet and exercise. Also I just started taking Curcumin 1000mg 2 times a day. I found a good articles from MD Anderson that proves it helps fights cancer. I get that from Ageless Cures. I’ve talked to my Onc about taking it and he also heard good things about it and that it would be okay taking it while on Chemo.
    Hugs, Prayers and Love, Terry
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
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    MY OPINION
    Hi, Terry:

    This sure is a touchy subject. But I say, where it concerns your health, you decide what's best for you, based on your research, doctor's opinions, personal experience, etc. MD's don't generally deal with 'nutrition and supplements' per se. So I don't think you'll get a 'fair and balanced' opinion from that group. I've posted many times about my routine with supplements. I would never stop taking my AHCC. And, especially Vitamin C, or any others in my plan for that matter. Certainly we have to be wise about our choices, but based on what many people believe in the area of supplements, we better stop eating during chemo. Too many nutrients!

    Hope I didn't offend you or anyone else. This is a subject near and dear to my heart. I believe that the subject of whether or not to supplement has left many, many cancer patients without hope and alternatives, documented, proven alternatives.

    As always,
    Luv, Hugs and Prayers!
    Monika
  • knarrly
    knarrly Member Posts: 24
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    vitamin c
    When I was in the hospital (neutropenic), I was prescribed Vitamin C on discharge by my gyn/onc to boost my immune system, along with some other vitamins. The only warning he had was that I could not take it during the week I was taking chemo. He didn't explain much other than it interacts badly.
  • ladyjogger31
    ladyjogger31 Member Posts: 289
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    mopar said:

    MY OPINION
    Hi, Terry:

    This sure is a touchy subject. But I say, where it concerns your health, you decide what's best for you, based on your research, doctor's opinions, personal experience, etc. MD's don't generally deal with 'nutrition and supplements' per se. So I don't think you'll get a 'fair and balanced' opinion from that group. I've posted many times about my routine with supplements. I would never stop taking my AHCC. And, especially Vitamin C, or any others in my plan for that matter. Certainly we have to be wise about our choices, but based on what many people believe in the area of supplements, we better stop eating during chemo. Too many nutrients!

    Hope I didn't offend you or anyone else. This is a subject near and dear to my heart. I believe that the subject of whether or not to supplement has left many, many cancer patients without hope and alternatives, documented, proven alternatives.

    As always,
    Luv, Hugs and Prayers!
    Monika

    Hi Monika, I want you to know I'm on the same path with you.
    Hugs, Prayers and Love,
    Terry
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
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    Hi Monika, I want you to know I'm on the same path with you.
    Hugs, Prayers and Love,
    Terry

    GLAD TO HEAR
    So glad to hear, Terry. Keep up the good fight!

    L, H, P!
    Monika
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
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    mopar said:

    MY OPINION
    Hi, Terry:

    This sure is a touchy subject. But I say, where it concerns your health, you decide what's best for you, based on your research, doctor's opinions, personal experience, etc. MD's don't generally deal with 'nutrition and supplements' per se. So I don't think you'll get a 'fair and balanced' opinion from that group. I've posted many times about my routine with supplements. I would never stop taking my AHCC. And, especially Vitamin C, or any others in my plan for that matter. Certainly we have to be wise about our choices, but based on what many people believe in the area of supplements, we better stop eating during chemo. Too many nutrients!

    Hope I didn't offend you or anyone else. This is a subject near and dear to my heart. I believe that the subject of whether or not to supplement has left many, many cancer patients without hope and alternatives, documented, proven alternatives.

    As always,
    Luv, Hugs and Prayers!
    Monika

    yeah, me too
    I have not changed my vitamin intake because of chemo. Take at least 500 mg extra Vit. C daily, no matter what. I do tolerate it well, but hear some get diarrhea from large doses. Since I am not on chemo now, I have dropped the ones I took to help with side effects of that. I chose to add the anti oxident product of Juice Plus to make sure I was getting all the nutrients of veggies and fruits. I am not taking iron now as my RBC is high normal. I change my intake according to what the blood test show and not what the medical doctors say. Don't think they are well versed in nutrition. Saundra
  • kris43
    kris43 Member Posts: 275
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    supplements
    When I was diagnosed the vitamins I was told to take were Selenium and Vitamin E. That was it. The mushroom supplement you are speaking about is something new to me, but just last week I talked to a new woman at support group who has heard wonderful things about them and wants to try them desperately - we go to the same oncologist - and her answer is no. They don't help, it's a waste of money and they aren't approved here in the States as standard practice (or something like that).

    The woman wants to still try but is afraid that if she does and messes something up then our Doctor will be angry. She is in her 3rd recurrence since 2003 and is currently taking Gemzar and Carbo.

    I believe it's your body and the mind is a powerful thing. Let us know what you decide to do okay? Keep on hanging in there.

    Kris
  • mono5
    mono5 Member Posts: 94
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    Well Kris....
    The research and documention, and dig this, actual human clinical trials as to the effectness of AHCC is overwelming with or without chemotherapy.Its all in the booklet about AHCC! Order it... Its free, Kris. Go to www.iherb.com and search free booklet AHCC. Its only 33 power packed pages long of undenyable proof that it can help. Its a super food supplement, not a drug, so it don't have to be approved! Its the most well documented of any supplement out there. Take the booklet to the damm oncologist and have her read it! In fact, at iherb.com they have a new product with certified organic AHCC called IMMUNE PUNCH I'm going to get. Its a berry immune blend with AHCC mushrooms which also has the Camu Camu fruit. Vary powerful blend! Add it to your smoothy..
    Blessings, Ron
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    Options
    mono5 said:

    Well Kris....
    The research and documention, and dig this, actual human clinical trials as to the effectness of AHCC is overwelming with or without chemotherapy.Its all in the booklet about AHCC! Order it... Its free, Kris. Go to www.iherb.com and search free booklet AHCC. Its only 33 power packed pages long of undenyable proof that it can help. Its a super food supplement, not a drug, so it don't have to be approved! Its the most well documented of any supplement out there. Take the booklet to the damm oncologist and have her read it! In fact, at iherb.com they have a new product with certified organic AHCC called IMMUNE PUNCH I'm going to get. Its a berry immune blend with AHCC mushrooms which also has the Camu Camu fruit. Vary powerful blend! Add it to your smoothy..
    Blessings, Ron

    Drug vs Supplement
    Please be aware that most of our drug originated with plant and animal sources. Therefore, natural supplements or food supplements do have chemical properties. Just like our bodies, a whole lot of chemicals including water... The proof in the pudding is who did the studies.. company sponsored labs or independent labs two or three times over the world...Saundra
  • rasunshine
    rasunshine Member Posts: 28 Member
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    A thread with Information PLUS
    There are many sites you can tap into with tons information on natural health. All of us are different except for the fact that we all are made in the image and likeness of God.Any health food store will have an abundance of books to read. From all I have read, I have totally switched to Organic foods. Most of my nutrition is from Standard Process. I also take Juice Plus and Zrii. My Onocologist doesn't say anything about what I take, just keep doing what I am doing. Juicing is another big factor. I did invest in the Norwalk Juicer and of course the juice is all oraganic. I started on the Graviola, only because I just found out about it. www.rain-tree.com. Otherwise I would have been taking it sooner. It is very important to keep the liver, kidneys and Pancreas working.You can do coffee enemas which stimulate the bile to rid you of toxins.I am not too swift at that so I take a liver cleanse and the Milk Thistle, along with Pancreatin and a kidney nutition.
    I do follow, as close as I can the Gerson diet, www.gerson.org. His books are very intersting and so is the Maker's Diet. I do the Aqua foot detox and Far infra-red sauna to detox.Who knows, maybe with prayer and good nutrition and natural health we will all cure ourselves. That is what I am praying for.
    Wishing you sunshine and God's Love.
    Stay well.....rasunshine
  • mono5
    mono5 Member Posts: 94
    Options

    A thread with Information PLUS
    There are many sites you can tap into with tons information on natural health. All of us are different except for the fact that we all are made in the image and likeness of God.Any health food store will have an abundance of books to read. From all I have read, I have totally switched to Organic foods. Most of my nutrition is from Standard Process. I also take Juice Plus and Zrii. My Onocologist doesn't say anything about what I take, just keep doing what I am doing. Juicing is another big factor. I did invest in the Norwalk Juicer and of course the juice is all oraganic. I started on the Graviola, only because I just found out about it. www.rain-tree.com. Otherwise I would have been taking it sooner. It is very important to keep the liver, kidneys and Pancreas working.You can do coffee enemas which stimulate the bile to rid you of toxins.I am not too swift at that so I take a liver cleanse and the Milk Thistle, along with Pancreatin and a kidney nutition.
    I do follow, as close as I can the Gerson diet, www.gerson.org. His books are very intersting and so is the Maker's Diet. I do the Aqua foot detox and Far infra-red sauna to detox.Who knows, maybe with prayer and good nutrition and natural health we will all cure ourselves. That is what I am praying for.
    Wishing you sunshine and God's Love.
    Stay well.....rasunshine

    rasunshine...
    Did you read that article about Graviola at rain-tree.com. Its in the section, Articles Published on Rainforest Plants. (Billion-dollar drug company nearly squashes astounding research on natural cancer killer) I've been taking Graviola for years in a detox formula. Thats an amazing tree. I haven't been able to get Graviola in bulk... there always out of it. I usually order when they get around to the 15% off offer. The Rainforest Plant Database at that site is great to explore. Check out another rainforest tree called Pau d'Arco and the vine with claws...Una de gato (Cat's Claw). When I get em all together in a formula, I call em my cancer killen, **** kicking 3 amigos!
    Oh, theres a new kid on the block with organic AHCC Mushrooms from Madre Labs, called IMMUNE PUNCH. It also has Camu Camu ( supports brain function), Berry Immune Blend and EpiCor. I just ordered it for the first time with the campanion Madre product,(Madiori) which among other things, contains the Organic Japanese Matcha Green Tea. I'm going to combine both together. Should last about 3 months.

    Hang in there, let the sunshine in...