The unique characteristic of cancer stem cells allows them to slip under the radar from chemotherapy and increases their aggressive nature. They exhibit pro-survival mechanisms that makes them resistant to modern cancer treatment, yet susceptible to phytonutrients.

Nutrients like the “King of Spices” (turmeric) or piperine found in black pepper, assists in the elimination of H. pylori from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and prevents the release of toxins that promote cancer. Silymarin kills cancer stem cells that give rise to colon and skin cancer by upregulating powerful antioxidant systems like glutathione and SOD (superoxide dismutase) that suppress cancerous activity.

Relying on chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation is not sufficient to remove cancer from the body. Nutrients must be incorporated to kill cancer stem cells. Other powerful nutrients that target cancer stem cells include 6-gingerol, resveratrol, vitamin D3, and EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate).

Nutrient therapy helps to flush out stored carcinogens in the body’s tissue, cells, and detoxifying organs − including the liver and kidneys. The health of these two organs is essential in the purification of the blood, and ensures the passage of nutrients for circulation into tissues. It is especially critical for an individual undergoing cancer treatment to regularly support the detoxification of these organs and avoid the accumulation of drugs.

Any damage to the liver and kidneys increases the toxic burden an individual will carry. This is because of the resulting inability to detoxify carcinogens from the blood and ultimately the entire body. Parsley contains potent nutrients that aid in removing heavy metals from the blood, liver, and kidneys and is also shown to boost immune health and stimulate several antioxidant defenses.

Eating a healing diet rich in plant-based nutrition prevents constipation, nausea, and an assortment of GI disturbances. Nutrient therapy supports the healthy elimination of toxins from the gut and prevents reabsorption of carcinogens back into the body. Nutritional powerhouses that support cellular repair and inhibit oxidative stress required to fight cancer include superfoods like spirulina, seaweeds, lemon, turmeric, ginger, and black or cayenne pepper.

When patients are ill-advised on how to eat a healing diet to fight cancer, chemo drugs wreak havoc not only on cancer cells but healthy cells as well. Normal cells become inflamed and genetically damaged. Organ systems and distant tissue that may have been healthy to start to become weakened and susceptible to new cancer growth.

Adequate nutrition prevents organ systems from becoming deficient in key antioxidants that repair DNA damage, heal cells and support their unique functions in the body. Chemotherapy and radiation damage all cells in the body resulting in common side effects like inflammatory skin conditions, GI upset, mouth ulcers, and diseases of the central nervous system and heart.

The central nervous system has one of the most important roles in the body that influences an individual’s quality of life. Even if a primary tumor is eradicated, secondary brain metastases are common following the occurrence of skin, breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. Secondary cancers that quickly metastasize to the spine typically originate from cancer of the kidneys, prostate, lung, or breast.

Flavonoids like the aforementioned quercetin and antioxidants found in cocoa, fruit, and tea are consistently shown in studies to exhibit neuroprotective benefits. Flavonoids protect neurons from inflammation and trauma by scavenging free radicals, thus supporting one’s ability to retain cognitive function and memory. The ascorbic acid in many citrus fruits protects against oxidative damage from neurotoxins, supports pre-existing neuron function, and stimulates the regeneration of new neurons.

Given the degenerative and systemic problems that arise from cancer, it is vital to support the health of the brain and nervous system with nutrition in the fight against any form of cancer.

Supporting the lining of your gut goes hand in hand with strengthening the immune system to combat cancer. Nutrition is a key factor in preventing inflammatory damage that arises from leaky gut or increased intestinal permeability, malnutrition or nutrient deficiency, autoimmune problems, and the damaging effects of cancer therapy.

When our immune defences are focused on targeting toxins and pathogenic bacteria that leach from the gut causing systemic inflammation, cancer growth is less controlled. Bacterial infections linked to gut inflammation like H. pyloriincrease the risk for cancer in the colon and specific types of lymphoma.

Nutritional therapy provides protection for the gut. It does this by balancing a healthy gut flora, reducing inflammation, improving nutrient absorption, regulating blood sugar, and decreasing side effects like nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy drugs.

Maintaining the health of blood cells is critical in the fight against cancer. Blood cells are responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissue in the entire body and fueling life-giving processes. Blood cells support immunity and the elimination of metabolic by-products like carbon dioxide ensuring that the body maintains a slightly alkaline pH.

One of the first lines of cancer treatment drugs is the use of anthracyclines. Considered a broad-spectrum antitumor drug, it also causes severe toxic side effects including irreversible damage to the heart and cardiovascular system. Nutrients provide a wide range of benefits for protecting the cardiovascular system from trauma.

Nutraceutical compounds found in cruciferous veggies, cherries, onions, berries, pomegranates, endives, and other plant-based foods inhibit degenerative processes from occurring. One of the best known anti-inflammatory agents that protect against cardiovascular problems and limits the toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs on the body is ginger.

Phytosterols support the health of the cardiovascular system by reducing cholesterol levels. They can be found in almonds and pine nuts. Studies also reveal an inverse relationship between beta-carotene levels and cardiovascular disease and cancer. Other important nutrients necessary for suppressing inflammatory damage and repairing tissue of the cardiovascular system include lycopene, B vitamins, niacin, magnesium, and vitamins C, D, and E.