Beta-Carotene/superfoods after nephrectomy and splenectomy?

fastersound
fastersound Member Posts: 1
edited October 2013 in Kidney Cancer #1
New here, hello!

 

So my mother was recently diagnosed (very late on) with kidney cancer. Basically one of her kidneys had turned into one big cancerous tumor so they removed the kidney (and her spleen, so her immune system is now forever compromised too).

 

I have since been reading about the amazing properties of certain superfoods (Chlorella/AFA Blue-Green Algae/Barley Grass) in regards to tumor prevention/reduction and boosting the immune system.

 

My concerns however are in regards to dealing with the very high vitamin content with just the one kidney. Would all that Vitamin A/Beta-Carotene be too much for one kidney to deal with?

 

We also found out today that her cancer hadn't spread (thankfully!) but that it was Fuhrman Grade 4 (grade 4 being the most wild, aggressive and unpredictable kind). My mother is also a former heavy smoker.

With both these things in mind, I recently read about high levels of Beta-Carotene actually increasing chances of lung cancer in current, and former, heavy smokers. So combining this with with the fact that her cancer is "wild, aggressive and unpredictable" and you can see why I am apprehensive.

 

Vitamin A from Carotene per suggested daily dosage:

 

BROKEN CELL WALL CHLORELLA (3000mg):

1665 IU (33% RDA)

 

AFA Blue-Green Algae (2000mg):

1415 IU (29% RDA)

 

BARLEY GRASS (5000mg):

1670 IU (33% RDA)

 

I'm torn, it seems such a double-edged sword. These amazing superfoods look like they could help massively (especially as my mother is also anemic), but could hinder just as much due to her circumstances (one kidney, ex-smoker).

 

I am going to see what her specialist thinks, but also wanted any other advice too please if it's not too much trouble?

 

A million thanks,

 

Ben

Comments

  • NanoSecond
    NanoSecond Member Posts: 653
    #2
    Opinion...

    Ben.  I have done quite a bit of research into the latest thinking on nutrition, diet, and, in particular, normal and abnormal cell metabolism.  I am happy to share the results of my research and my own dietary experiments in my clinical trial of n=1 with you (or anyone).

    My document explaining the science and rationale behind what I call a "proper" diet for cancer patients is 68-pages long.  If you are interested, please send me an email at = n.feldman@videopost.com and I will respond with it attached.  It is a .pdf file.

    In my opinion you must first get your diet correct or else all other supplements will be little avail, no matter what else is claimed.  Furthermore, most of the recent research shows that Beta-Carotene is definitely not something that your mother should be taking.  It may indeed turn out to be cancer-promoting.

    Best wishes,

     

    -NanoSecond (Neil)

     

  • GSRon
    GSRon Member Posts: 1,303 Member
    #3
    NanoSecond said:

    Opinion...

    Ben.  I have done quite a bit of research into the latest thinking on nutrition, diet, and, in particular, normal and abnormal cell metabolism.  I am happy to share the results of my research and my own dietary experiments in my clinical trial of n=1 with you (or anyone).

    My document explaining the science and rationale behind what I call a "proper" diet for cancer patients is 68-pages long.  If you are interested, please send me an email at = n.feldman@videopost.com and I will respond with it attached.  It is a .pdf file.

    In my opinion you must first get your diet correct or else all other supplements will be little avail, no matter what else is claimed.  Furthermore, most of the recent research shows that Beta-Carotene is definitely not something that your mother should be taking.  It may indeed turn out to be cancer-promoting.

    Best wishes,

     

    -NanoSecond (Neil)

     

    Perfect timing..

    Neil.. good timing on diets.  One caution is what is healthy to some are not to others.  My latest "AHA" is that my blood is too thick.  Correct me if I am amiss here, but my diet had some "healthy" foods in it, that are very high in Vitamin K.  Vitamin K is great for thickening blood, and further bad in mixing with some drugs like blood thinners.  So, my broccoli intake will now be reduced, as will some spices and dried herbs.  I will increae come Veggies like corn, onions, Iceberg lettuce..  My fruit selection is OK, Watermelon, Strawberries, and Grapes.   And I see that Grains and Starches are low in K as well, but I do limit Starches for other reasons...

    Does this make sense..?  I hope so.. I am not looking forward to another blood letting session on Monday....

    Ron

  • NanoSecond
    NanoSecond Member Posts: 653
    #4
    GSRon said:

    Perfect timing..

    Neil.. good timing on diets.  One caution is what is healthy to some are not to others.  My latest "AHA" is that my blood is too thick.  Correct me if I am amiss here, but my diet had some "healthy" foods in it, that are very high in Vitamin K.  Vitamin K is great for thickening blood, and further bad in mixing with some drugs like blood thinners.  So, my broccoli intake will now be reduced, as will some spices and dried herbs.  I will increae come Veggies like corn, onions, Iceberg lettuce..  My fruit selection is OK, Watermelon, Strawberries, and Grapes.   And I see that Grains and Starches are low in K as well, but I do limit Starches for other reasons...

    Does this make sense..?  I hope so.. I am not looking forward to another blood letting session on Monday....

    Ron

    Vitamin K

    Hi Ron.  Yes, I certainly agree with your caveats.  If you look in my guide you will note that I prominently caution anyone taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (Warfarin) or other medications adversely effected by vitamin K.  They need to to first consult with their physician before proceding.

    Keep in mind that my guidelines are non-specific - they were written to answer a question: what, exactly, should we consider as a "healthy" diet for cancer sufferers? It was written with an otherwise "healthy" person in mind.

    My conclusions about what is healthy go against many current recommendations of governemental and medical authorities.  I have no choice but to do this since these authorities adamantly refuse to go where the latest scientific research leads.  They are just covering their a--es - but I am trying to extend my life the best way I know how.  It is hardly an equal trade-off in my opinion.

    Regardless, I am very concerned about what might be causing your current condition. You do need to get on top of it as quickly as feasible. Thick (or too "sticky") blood is something that I do focus on.  That is because there is ample evidence that sticky blood plays a major role in the formation of new metastases.

    Finally, when it comes to fruit, try to concentrate on the small colored berries and cherries only.  Grapes and Watermelons are just tasty bags of sugar water - and you know how I feel about that by now.  I rather recommend that you get your Resveratrol (found in the skin of red grapes) in the form of a supplement.

    However, I expect that your particular diet is going to have to be quite specific and tailored to your unique needs.

  • GSRon
    GSRon Member Posts: 1,303 Member
    #5
    NanoSecond said:

    Vitamin K

    Hi Ron.  Yes, I certainly agree with your caveats.  If you look in my guide you will note that I prominently caution anyone taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (Warfarin) or other medications adversely effected by vitamin K.  They need to to first consult with their physician before proceding.

    Keep in mind that my guidelines are non-specific - they were written to answer a question: what, exactly, should we consider as a "healthy" diet for cancer sufferers? It was written with an otherwise "healthy" person in mind.

    My conclusions about what is healthy go against many current recommendations of governemental and medical authorities.  I have no choice but to do this since these authorities adamantly refuse to go where the latest scientific research leads.  They are just covering their a--es - but I am trying to extend my life the best way I know how.  It is hardly an equal trade-off in my opinion.

    Regardless, I am very concerned about what might be causing your current condition. You do need to get on top of it as quickly as feasible. Thick (or too "sticky") blood is something that I do focus on.  That is because there is ample evidence that sticky blood plays a major role in the formation of new metastases.

    Finally, when it comes to fruit, try to concentrate on the small colored berries and cherries only.  Grapes and Watermelons are just tasty bags of sugar water - and you know how I feel about that by now.  I rather recommend that you get your Resveratrol (found in the skin of red grapes) in the form of a supplement.

    However, I expect that your particular diet is going to have to be quite specific and tailored to your unique needs.

    Thanks Neil..!!  he question

    Thanks Neil..!!  he question I did not ask, is if a reduction in Vitamin K may be a good idea for those of us on the Chemo drugs that are known to have blood pressure issues..?  Seems like there may be some benefit to be had naturally...

    Be Well All..!!

    Ron

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