lesvanb

Supplements
Hi Julie

I'm giving you more detail than you need because I'm adding supplements for the GI tract plus anti-cancer supplements, but I've been wanting to get this all down in one place as a reference for folks. So scroll down for the supplement list.

***This list is not for during chemo as I kept folic acid out completely and also restricted supplements during infusions.****

Also here is a definition of neuropathy from Medical News today which encapsulates what I've heard from asking a number of health care professionals: "neuropathy is is a collection of disorders that occurs when nerves of the peripheral nervous system (the part of the nervous system outside of the brain and spinal cord) are damaged. The condition is generally referred to as peripheral neuropathy, and it is most commonly due to damage to nerve axons."

Nutrients which support nerve growth, like B vitamins, plus physical activity which increases circulation can relieve peripheral neuropathy when the damaging agent is not present. Acupuncture with e-stim is used at Sloan-Kettering, and I use acupucnture. There is some evidence that infrared therapy can be helpful though some insurance companies like Aetna consider it experimental (mine pays for it). I have found yoga (and specifically Anusara yoga) very helpful because of emphasis on grounding and foot work. I also work out which increases circulation overall. I'm now 5 months from my last FOLFOX tx and am finally noticing less blocky feeling, less clumsiness, less numbness in my feet. I still have pins and needles feeling which goes up into the front of my ankle on my left foot (not right interestingly enough). I still take a 1/2 Vicodin to sleep because of discomfort. My naturopath also has suggested using warming sock technique which I use every night and find relief. I have my partner rub my feet and put on thick lotion like Burt's Bees, and then I use warm water for the socks instead of cold (it will get cold soon enough but there is less shock.) Additionally this helps boost your immune system which is helpful during cold/flu season.

Procedure:

1. If your feet are cool or cold it is important to warm them first. This is very important as the treatment will not be as effective and could be harmful. Warming can be accomplished by soaking in warm water for 5-10 minutes.

2. Next, take a pair of thin cotton socks and thoroughly wet all but the ankle portion with cold water.

3. Place the cold wet socks on your feet. Cover with thick wool socks. Go to bed with plenty of blankets. Avoid getting chilled.

You will find that the wet cotton socks will be dry in the morning. Many patients report that they sleep much better during the treatment.

Below is the current list from my naturopath and I put a star * next to ones specifically for neuropathy and a # for arthritis. I work with my naturopath, acupuncturist, anthroposophical/internal medicine doc, and I inform my medical oncologist who is supportive of complementary medicine. I've settled on a few brands of supplements with my team's advice in order to be assured of quality. Vital Nutrients, Genestra, Seroyal, TwinLab, Life Extension (onsale), NOW brand, Himalaya.

Basic foundation daily
1) Vital Nutrients Acidophilus/Bifidobacter/FOS 1 cap 1-2x/day
2) * Seroyal Liquid B/B12 1 tsp 2x/day
3) Genestra Super EFA liquid 1 tsp 2x/day
4) Vital Nutrients Vit D3 2 caps or 10,000 mg/day (bloodwork monitored)
5) * Immunotec Whey protein 1xdaily (Twinlab is good too)

Specific repair daily/more often than not
1) Vital Nutrients GI repair nutrients 2 caps 2x/day L-glutamine 600 mg, N-Acetyl Glucosamine 400 mg, Arabinogalactan 150 mg, (Western Larch heartwood) Quercitin dihydrate 100 mg, Gamma Oryzanol 80 mg, DGL 80 mg, Lactobacilus sporogenes 50 mg, Gingkgo Leaf 40 mg
2) * Vital Nutrients Glutamine powder 10 mg 2x/day
3) Himalaya Liver Care 1 cap 2x/day Proprietary herbal blend 900 mg, caper bush root, chicory seed, black nightshade plant, arjuna bark, yarrow, Casia occidentalis seed, tamarisk
4) * Vital Nutrients R-lipoic acid 100mg/day
5) NOW or Life Extension COQ10 100mg/day
6) *# Evergreen Flex (NP) TCM herbal formula 3 caps 2x/day

1x/week
1) People's Herbs Five Mushroom formula 1 cap 3x/day
2) ProHealth Thymic Protein 1 packet/day
3) Klaire Labs Vitamin A 1 drop 10,000 IU/day
4) Ultimate Vitamin C 1000 mg/day or increase slowly to 3000 mg/day at first sign of cold

I take in addition
1) Aspirin 1 tab 80 mg or 325 mg/day
2) EcoNugenics Modified Citrus Pectin 5-10 gms/day
3) Vital Nutrients Melatonin 20 mg/evening
4) # Now Curcumin 1 cap/day (I also add Turmeric to food)
5) # Now Quercetin plus Bromelain (also helpful in cold season)
6) * Genestra Alpha-Lipoic Acid 1 cap (350 mg)/day
7) * Now B12 methylcobalamin 1 lozenge 1000 mg/day

I also use a green supplement/food called The Ultimate Meal (www.UltimateLife.com) for the morning as I don't like to eat a full breakfast before I go to work. I'll eat breakfast at 10 and then lunch at 3 and a small snack for dinner when I get home.

I hope this helps and doesn't confuse you more. Just ask if you have questions.

all the best, Leslie