When is it OK to restart antioxidants after radiation?

LoriL

Hello ladies!

I posted this in the Radiation forum, but am also posting it here as you ladies may have more info. for me. 

My radiation nurse advised me to not take the antioxidant supplents that I normally do (Vit C and E, selenium, Acai berry, etc.)  during radiation as they might "protect" the cancer cells along with protecting the normal cells. I read more about this and found that it is somewhat contraversial-some studies agree and some disagree with this theory. Anyway, I decided to stop taking them when I was receiving radiation. I eat tons of fruits and veggies, so was still getting good amounts of antioxidants.

I had my last treatment 3 days ago, and am wondering if it is now OK to restart the supplements? I've read that the radiation continues to kill the cancer cells for a while after treatments are done, so I didn't want to restart them too soon. Anybody know? Thanks much!

Leah_S

LoriL, I used to take large amounts of Vit C (4 grams/.day) since it is a natural antihistimine. I stopped when I started chemo and haven't start again yet because of the rads. Antioxidents are contraindicated because they go after free radicals, and the chemo drugs and the radiation act in the same manner as free radicals in your system (that's the best I can explain it).

Since the rads are still active in your system for about 2 weeks afterwards, I'm planning to start taking them again when I'm 2 weeks out. I can't wait since it's allergy season and my eyes itch like mad. And that's not saying anythng abut the sneezing, the asthma bothering me, the mountains of tissues I go through.....

CONGRATULATONS ON FINISHING RADS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Leah

althea

LoriL, you might be interested in perusing the thread I started in this section last month called 'antioxidants, free radicals and oxidative stress'.  I had a library book by Ray Strand that I found particularly informative and I summarized some of the highlights before taking it back. 

My rads were nearly 4 years ago.  I think I was fed the same story about antioxidants being contraindicated during treatments.  It was a non-issue for me since I was firmly rooted in not being a pill taker and that included vitamins.  I acquiesced and took tamoxifen for 26 months.  I finally got on board with supplements starting last November. 

After reading  Strand's book, I'm definitely a believer in supplements now. In fact, after a VERY looong list of things I've tried to get rid of fatigue since rads, I'm finally feeling like getting out of bed in the morning.  My thyroid apparently got knocked off kilter and not one of my doctors was remotely helpful in addressing the issue.  They're trained to diagnose and manage disease.  Be prepared to cast a wider net to find the information you'll need to find your way back to vibrant health.  ....that's been my experience anyway, but I live at the end of the earth.   

LoriL

Thanks, ladies! I feel pretty good overall, but miss taking my supplements. I think the radiation and lack of my usual supplements is what is making my migraines flare up recently. I haven't had trouble with those for over 2 years! Anyway, I'll wait another week as Leah suggested. Althea- I read your other thread. Interesting stuff!

Leah_S

Which supplements help prevent the migraines from flaring up?

Leah

LoriL

Leah- Magnesium in higher amounts (I take 550mg twice a day) can be helpful in preventing migraines. Since it's not an antioxidant, I continued it throughout radiation. But, my theory with my recent migraine flareup (going on 6 days now!) is that they are being triggered by all of the free radicals and other chemicals that have been released into my system with the massive tissue damage that comes from radiation. Taking my antioxidants and cleansing herbs (milk thistle and dandelion) likely would help clear all of that crap out. But, for now, I'll stick to my good diet and tons of water.

Leah_S

Thank you!

You're probaby right about what's happening to you now. Added stress, both physical and emotional, is probably also a factor.

Leah

Rosemary44

I opened up my trusty Gerson Therapy book to look up migraines (Dr. Gerson healed migraines and went on to other diseases from there), and the book says it's salt.  That's the culprit.  As soon as he stopped all salt, migraines went away for himself and others he treated.  Salt is in everything out there and that's a lot of giving up to do.  I thought I'd pass the info on.  In his time it was easier to give up all salt.

carol1949

My radiolosits had no problem with me taking antioxidants during radiation, as long as I wasn't taking mega doses. So, I just took the normal suggested daily value and increased the dosage after I completed treatment.