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Taking dietary supplements or herbs during breast cancer treatment

Taking Supplements or Herbs During Breast Cancer Treatment: More Risks Than Benefits...Why Avoid Them?


Breast cancer treatment, whether surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or targeted drugs, is a process that is precisely designed to eliminate cancer cells and control the disease. However, the use of supplements or herbs in conjunction with these treatments without the advice of a medical professional can cause more harm than good and may unexpectedly reduce the effectiveness of the main treatment.

Why should supplements or herbs be avoided during breast cancer treatment?

1. Drug Interactions: The Silent Death That Languishes

Many supplements and herbs can interfere with the way drugs used to treat breast cancer, including chemotherapy and targeted drugs, affecting their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Common examples include:

  • Ginkgo: Has anticoagulant properties, which increases the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.

  • Vitamin E: Also has anticoagulant properties. If taken with anticoagulants or before surgery, it may increase the risk of abnormal bleeding.

  • High doses of vitamin C: May reduce the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs that rely on free radicals to destroy cancer cells.

  • St. John's Wort: A popular herb that many believe helps with depression, it can speed up the activity of a liver enzyme (Cytochrome P450), which can cause some cancer drugs to be destroyed too quickly and become less effective.

2. Anti-inflammatory herbs: A double-edged sword that could be harmful to yourself

Many people believe that anti-inflammatory herbs, such as turmeric, can help alleviate the side effects of treatment. But in reality, inflammation is an important part of the immune response to destroy cancer cells. Using these herbs can interfere with how chemotherapy or radiation works.

3. Weakened immunity: the gateway to infection

Cancer patients undergoing treatment often have a weakened immune system. Some herbs, such as reishi mushroom, while advertised as immune-boosting, may overstimulate the immune system in these patients, causing unwanted inflammation or increasing the risk of infection.

4. Dangers from substandard products: Risk of contamination

The market for dietary supplements and herbs still lacks strict regulation. Many products may be of low quality, contaminated with harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, or even adulterated with modern medicines without specifying on the label.

  • Case Study Example: There have been reports of the presence of steroids in herbal products that claim to treat cancer. Steroids can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infection in cancer patients.

  • Statistics: A study in the United States found that nearly 20% of dietary supplements are contaminated with banned substances or do not meet the requirements listed on the label.

These contaminants can make the liver and kidneys work harder, increasing the risk of organ failure, especially in patients who are already undergoing chemotherapy, which can affect liver and kidney function.

5. Each person responds differently:

It is important to realize that each person’s reaction to supplements and herbs varies. Factors such as genetics, age, underlying medical conditions, and medications can all affect how you respond to these substances. What is right for one person may be harmful to another, so it is important to consult a medical professional.

So how should you take care of yourself during breast cancer treatment?

  1. Always consult your doctor: The key is to maintain open communication with your doctor. Tell your doctor about any supplements or herbs you are taking or plan to take, even those that seem safe, like fish oil or multivitamins.

  2. Balanced nutrition: Focus on eating a variety of nutritious foods from all five food groups, emphasizing fresh vegetables and fruits, unpolished grains, low-fat protein, and good fats such as olive oil or nuts. Examples of appropriate menu items include brown rice, boiled chicken breast, mixed vegetable stir-fry, tofu and minced pork soup, and seasonal fruits.

    1. Appropriate nutritional intake: Eat foods that provide enough energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals to meet the body's needs during treatment. The needs will vary from person to person.

    2. Eat a proper, safe diet that helps relieve side effects from treatment, such as avoiding fried foods to help with nausea, loss of appetite, and changes in taste.

  3. Avoid: If possible, avoid all supplements and herbs during primary treatment unless approved by your doctor.

Wait until the treatment is complete: If you want to use supplements or herbs to nourish your body, you should start after completing all the main treatments and under close guidance and supervision of a doctor.

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