Curcumin and broccoli supplements

Jenny2

Has anyone been allowed to take curcumin or broccoli supplements during cancer treatment. I read that the broccoli sprout supplements can be effective at killing stem cells but am not sure if that is based on real science.

I am healing from a hysterectomy for StageIV serous endometrial cancer and doing research to see if I can minimize side effects and help the chemo kill rate. Any suggestions are welcome:)

NoTimeForCancer

Hi Jenny. Please be careful as there are lots of people who play on the emotions of those going through cancer treatment. My sister told me about asparagus and I had to ask, "then why can I but if for 1.79 a pound?"

The truth is taking care of yourself and eating healthy is going to be a good idea. I would both ask your doctor and see if they have a dietician you can talk with to help make good decisions to help you during and after treatment.

Hugs dear.

Forherself

Welcome Jenny2. It is hard to sort through all the information to find meaningful treatments. I don't know the source of your suggestion, but killing stem cells is not a good idea. I read some stem cells are theorized to turn into cancer cells but only a theory. We do use stem cells for cell regeneration.

One thing I have read that helps lower incidence of recurrence is Metformin. I am type II diabetic and take it. I was diagnosed 7 years ago with no recurrence though I was early stage I was serous type. After my blood work was normal my doctor asked me if I wanted to stop the Metformin and I told her about studies suggesting it lowered recurrence. The next time I saw her she said she had read those studies and agreed with me. I still take it. It can be taken by non diabetic patients. Ask your doctor about it. At least the studies were scientific. And we have a member who has studied supplements. I CANNOT remember her name right now. Anyone else remember? Taking control?.

Mercorby

My alternative medicine dr, gave me both (along with a load of other supplements) after I finished with chemo and radiation in 2017. Can't say that they helped with prevention or helped me heal faster, but I don't believe they hurt. I dropped the curcumin because either I had a side effect, or it interfered with something else I've been taking. Dropped most of the other supplements too. Didn't notice any change. I alternate the broccoli supplement (and eat cruciferous veggies) with Indole-3-Carbinol because it's in the same family. Again, I don't know it it's doing any good - I've had two recurrences since I started. The big thing my doctor told me NOT to take was mushroom supplements. They really mess up the blood tests. So, I eat mushrooms because I like them, but don't think they do anything for me cancer or white cell wise.

So, I'm sorry this is a paragraph of non-information. The main supplements I regularly take are olive tree extract (for bone health), ester C, vitamin D (alternate days 2000 because I swim and live in LA), melatonin, magnesium, calcium, fiber, and cranberry (to prevent utis - seems to really work). Hope this helps.

Best wishes.

Jenny2

My oncologist has ok'd the use of Tiger Tail mushroom extract while on chemotherapy. I had read it helps tampen down the side effects of keytruda and actually make it more effective. Will have to ask about the broccoli extract, I forgot at my last appointment. Curcumin is a no no.

Mercorby

Good to know. Thanks for the update.

Jenny2

Wonder what aspect of the blood tests the supplemental mushrooms would effect. I am hoping for a bump up in my lymphocetes, they tend to run low.

Mercorby

I'll ask the next time I see my doctor or nurse.

Jenny2

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1721656#Comment_1721656

Thanks, I look forward to hearing from you:)