There is no doubt that chemotherapy and radiation have lengthened or even saved the lives of cancer patients. There is also no doubt that these two treatments come with a whole host of problematic side effects.

Some of the most common include nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other side effects include hair loss, mouth sores, skin rash, fatigue, insomnia, and even fertility issues and chemo-induced menopause.

The principal reason these particular side effects occur is that chemo and radiation are indiscriminate. Not only do they kill cancer cells, but they kill normal cells as well. One group of commonly affected cells are those in the GI tract and mouth, hence the digestive issues and mouth sores. The treatments affect the hair cells and cells from the reproductive system as well.

Additionally, bone marrow cells (which are responsible for producing white and red blood cells) are also destroyed. This can result in fatigue, insomnia, anemia, and weakened immunity.
That’s why this IV is formulated with vitamin therapy that not only boosts energy and supports cellular growth but also contains antioxidants to offset the free radical damage that occurs with both chemo and radiation. Specifically, B vitamins, which promote DNA and neurotransmitter production, support mood, support detoxification, and boost energy.

Powerful antioxidants such as alpha lipoic acid, vitamin C, and glutathione work synergistically to offset the oxidation that naturally occurs with both cancer and the chemo and radiation treatments. Plus, vitamin C works explicitly to support white blood cell production, while glutathione also promotes healthy detoxification.

When used in conjunction with an oncology treatment plan, this IV therapy can help alleviate many of the side effects associated with chemo and radiation. Be sure to discuss the use of this IV cocktail, especially the antioxidants, with your oncologist to determine the timing and use as part of an overall treatment strategy.

THE NITTY GRITTY

As chemo and radiation work to erase cancer from the body, they can also wreak havoc with healthy cells, necessitating the need to rebuild cells and surrounding tissue. To do this effectively, your body needs targeted nutrition.

B vitamins are a critical part of this plan, particularly B6, B12, and folic acid, thanks to their role in methylation. Methylation is the switch that turns genes on or off. It is responsible for cell division and growth, DNA synthesis, metabolism, energy production, and more.

When cells are already challenged in their ability to synthesize DNA and RNA, it can be even more problematic if there are issues with the methylation cycle. In fact, the cells that are the most susceptible include bone marrow, lymphocytes, and erythrocytes - the very cells affected by cancer and chemo and radiation.

This is why B vitamins are so critical. Not only do they specifically support healthy DNA methylation, but they can also protect cells from methylation defects.

Antioxidants also protect your cells from poor methylation, in part by fighting free radical damage and offsetting oxidation. When your body is under siege from oxidative stress, it cannot correctly support basic cellular function. By arming yourself with antioxidants, you can quell this oxidation and give your existing and new cells a fighting chance.

As with anything regarding adjunct cancer treatments, you’ll always want to discuss these options with your oncologist, particularly when it comes to antioxidants, as some research has shown that high-dose antioxidant supplements may interfere with chemotherapy or radiation.1 While many experts feel many of these studies had flaws, it is still a discussion you should have with your physician.

References:
1. Lawenda BD, et al. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2008;100(11):773-83.