The following are some of the questions I am most often asked about natural and metabolic approaches to cancer care. The answers below are intended as a starting point. More detailed discussions can be found throughout the individual chapters of this website.
1. Q. What is the best way to get the greatest number of cancer-fighting metabolic pathways working in my favor?
A. One effective strategy is to rotate a variety of natural cancer-fighting options rather than relying on only one or two. Many foods, supplements, botanicals, and lifestyle changes influence different metabolic pathways involved in cancer growth. By rotating these options in a systematic way, you activate a broader range of beneficial pathways while helping turn OFF many of the pathways that support cancer development. See START HERE in the INDEX for more.
Think of it as building a team rather than relying on a single player. Each member of the team contributes in a different way, and together they may provide a much broader metabolic response than any one item alone. As always, discuss any significant changes with your healthcare provider.
To appreciate just how many metabolic pathways are operating in the human body, take a look at the Stanford Metabolic Pathways Chart below. I certainly don’t understand every pathway on this chart, but it reminds me of Psalm 139:14—that we are indeed “fearfully and wonderfully made.” This chart shows just some of the pathways working in your amazing body! https://mededucation.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/FullSubwayMap_V1023_Web.pdf
2. Q. Can tiny structures inside the cells, such as mitochondria, really make that much difference in whether cancer develops in different parts of the body?
A. Yes. Mitochondria make a tremendous difference because they produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy each cell needs to perform its intended function.
When mitochondria are healthy, they use nutrients and oxygen to produce adequate ATP. When mitochondrial function becomes damaged and ATP production falls, the cell may no longer perform normally. Over time, this broken metabolism may create conditions that allow the cell to become cancerous and grow out of control.
For a fuller explanation of mitochondria, ATP production, and the metabolic theory of cancer, see Chapter 1 – The Basics, Mitochondria, Apoptosis, Movement, Stem Cells.
A. Two approaches discussed on this website are Methylene Blue and Red-Light Therapy (RLT). Both have been studied for their effects on mitochondrial function and cellular energy production.
Methylene Blue may help support electron transport and mitochondrial ATP production, while red and near-infrared light can influence cytochrome c oxidase and mitochondrial activity.
These approaches are discussed in greater detail in Chapter 3 – Detoxing and Improving Mitochondrial Function, where you will find the section on Methylene Blue and Red-Light Therapy.
A. Yes. Apoptosis and autophagy are two important processes the body uses to deal with damaged, worn-out or abnormal cells.
Apoptosis is programmed cell death. It allows the body to deliberately eliminate cells that are old, badly damaged or potentially dangerous before they can continue multiplying.
Autophagy literally means “self-eating.” It is the body’s cellular recycling and cleanup system. Damaged proteins and worn-out cell components are broken down so their materials can be reused to build New Cells.
Both processes help maintain healthier cells and tissues. Cancer cells often develop ways of avoiding normal apoptosis, which allows damaged cells to survive and continue multiplying. For that reason, many cancer strategies discussed throughout this website are intended to help restore or promote normal apoptotic activity.
Intermittent fasting is one approach discussed on this website that may stimulate autophagy.
For much more on apoptosis, autophagy and intermittent fasting, see Chapter 1 – The Basics, Mitochondria, Apoptosis, Movement, Stem Cells. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj7N_w2P8c0
6. Q. Are there particular foods and nutrients that may be especially helpful in supporting the body’s defenses against cancer?
A. Yes. A wide variety of foods contain natural compounds that can influence inflammation, immune function, mitochondrial health and metabolic pathways associated with cancer. Some of the important foods and nutrients discussed on this website include extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), turmeric/curcumin, cruciferous vegetables and broccoli sprouts, probiotics and fermented foods, quercetin, Omega-3 fats, citrus fruits, garlic, green onions, herbs, spices and mushrooms.
Rather than depending heavily on one particular food, consider eating a variety of these foods regularly. Different foods contain different cancer-fighting compounds and can affect different metabolic pathways—which fits with the rotation strategy discussed earlier.
Vitamin D3 is also important, although it is technically a vitamin/hormone rather than a food group.
For much more information about foods and nutrition, see Chapter 2 – Food and Nutrition.
For readers who want to dig deeper into curcumin and the many cancer-related pathways it may influence, see this scientific review: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2758121/
A. Yes. Throughout this website I identify botanicals and natural compounds that have been studied against specific types of cancer, including combinations that may work synergistically by affecting several cancer-related metabolic pathways at the same time.
When I provide the name of a physician, scientist, study or compound, I encourage you to investigate the research for yourself. One of the best resources for doing that is PubMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s database of biomedical research.
Search PubMed Simply enter the name of the botanical or compound + the type of cancer you want to investigate. You can also add the researcher’s name or year when I have provided them. Many of these foods, botanicals and their cancer-related pathways are discussed in greater detail in Chapter 2 – Food and Nutrition.
One example discussed is Zeolite, which has been studied for its ability to bind certain substances. Baking Soda is discussed separately for its effects on pH and the tumor micro-environment.
For more information about detoxification strategies, see Chapter 3 – Detoxing and Improving Mitochondrial Function.
For the complete discussion of Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate), including urine pH testing and important precautions, see Chapter 5 – Changing the Cancer Tumor Micro-environment to Kill or Convert It.
A. Methylene Blue (MB) is relatively easy to use, but the dose matters. More is not necessarily better.
On this website I discuss doses in the range of 10 mg to 40 mg, along with sources for pharmaceutical-grade Methylene Blue. Because MB is biologically active and can interact with certain medications—particularly some antidepressants and other drugs that increase serotonin—it should not be treated as simply another harmless supplement. It may also be a reasonable idea to start low say 5 mg and gradually increase the dose. See the warning in Chapter 3 on using it with anti-depressants. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22067440/
Methylene Blue is especially interesting because of its effects on mitochondrial function, electron transport chain and ATP energy production, which is why it fits so well with the metabolic approach discussed throughout this website. For dosage information, precautions, sources and the complete discussion of Methylene Blue, see Chapter 3 – Detoxing and Improving Mitochondrial Function. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28840449/
The two Pub Med studies above do support mitochondrial mechanisms quite well without requiring you the reader to understand complicated biochemistry.
A. Red-Light Therapy, also called photobiomodulation, is being studied and used for a surprisingly wide range of purposes.
Research suggests that red and near-infrared light may help:
Red-Light Therapy works in part by affecting cytochrome c oxidase within the mitochondria, which can improve cellular energy production and signaling.
For much more about Red-Light Therapy and its relationship to Methylene Blue, see Chapter 3 – Detoxing and Improving Mitochondrial Function.
A. Berberine is one important botanical compound being studied for its effects on cancer metabolism, including glutamine and glucose metabolism.
This is important because many cancer cells rely heavily on glucose and glutamine as fuels for their rapid growth. Research suggests that berberine can interfere with several metabolic pathways involved in cancer-cell growth and survival. However, different cancers use fuels differently, so this should not be interpreted to mean that blocking glutamine alone will starve every cancer. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37598753/
Berberine occurs naturally in several plants, including:
It is also widely available as a supplement.
KEY POINT: This is another good example of why I emphasize attacking cancer from multiple metabolic directions rather than relying on one pathway or one product.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39640489/
For the complete discussion of Berberine, glucose, glutamine, dosage and sources, see Chapter 5 – Changing the Cancer Tumor Micro-environment to Kill or Convert It.
12. Q. What two oxidizing agents can be used to kill infecting microbes that may lead to low-grade chronic inflammation?
A. Two significant oxidizing agents discussed on this website are hydrogen peroxide and chlorine dioxide. Both are used for their antimicrobial properties against certain infecting microbes. Reducing persistent infections may also help reduce the chronic inflammation they can produce—one more condition that can contribute to an unhealthy environment in the body.
Chlorine dioxide has also been used as a disinfectant against a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and molds. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17397139/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39256286/
For much more information about both Hydrogen Peroxide and Chlorine Dioxide, including important precautions, see Chapter 4 – Killing Infections and Turning OFF Cancer Pathway Switches.
13. Q. What types of cancer have been studied in connection with lower iodine levels?
A. Iodine has generated particular interest in cancers involving iodine-responsive tissues, including the thyroid, breast, uterus, cervix, ovaries and prostate. Research has investigated iodine’s possible effects on cancer-cell growth and apoptosis, although this does not establish that supplemental iodine can eliminate these cancers in people.
Higher iodine intake may affect the body’s handling of bromide, another halogen that can compete with iodine in some biological processes. Fluoride and iodine interactions have also been studied, although the relationship is more complicated than simply “blocking iodine receptors.” Iodine performs many important functions throughout the body, particularly involving the thyroid and normal metabolism.
14. Q. How does supplemental Iodine help improve metabolism and potentially decrease conditions that may contribute to cancer?
A. Iodine is essential for producing thyroid hormones, which play a major role in regulating the body’s metabolism and energy production. Iodine is also used by tissues throughout the body, including the thyroid, breasts and reproductive organs.
Bromide and fluoride are halogens that can interact with iodine biology. This is one reason maintaining adequate iodine status is important. Some iodine protocols also include companion nutrients such as Vitamins B2 and B3.
Rather than assuming that everyone needs 50–100 mg of iodine daily, the amount should be determined carefully because these are higher than normal nutritional requirements and can adversely affect thyroid function in some people.
For the complete discussion of Iodine, Lugol’s Iodine, companion nutrients, dosage and precautions, see Chapter 4 – Killing Infections and Turning OFF Cancer Pathway Switches. In particular, view the related video between Dr. Ken Berry and Dr. David Brownstein here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oix26uuBfZg&ab_channel=KenDBerryMD
A. The two forms are iodine and potassium iodide. Both are provided together in preparations such as Lugol’s solution because different tissues in the body can utilize iodine in different forms.
Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which help regulate metabolism, energy production and many other functions throughout the body. Maintaining adequate iodine status therefore supports normal metabolic function.
For much more information about Iodine, potassium iodide, Lugol’s solution and companion nutrients, see Chapter 4 – Killing Infections and Turning OFF Cancer Pathway Switches.
A. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts contain compounds called goitrogens that, particularly in very large amounts or when iodine intake is inadequate, may interfere with the thyroid’s utilization of iodine.
However, these vegetables also contain many valuable cancer-fighting nutrients, including sulforaphane, so I would not recommend eliminating them from the diet.
If you are following an iodine supplementation program and are concerned about absorption or utilization, one simple approach is to separate your iodine supplement from large servings of cruciferous vegetables by several hours.
For much more information about Iodine, Lugol’s Iodine, companion nutrients and precautions, see Chapter 4 – Killing Infections and Turning OFF Cancer Pathway Switches.
17. Q. How may Aspirin function as an anti-cancer therapy?
A. Aspirin may affect several important processes within the cancer tumor micro-environment. Research has investigated its effects on inflammation, COX enzymes, NF-κB signaling, prostaglandins, angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors), cancer-cell growth and metastasis (the spreading of cancer). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NQW8y8XppA
Think of aspirin as potentially helping to turn OFF several metabolic switches that cancers may use to grow, obtain a blood supply and spread. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33427041/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37720350/
For much more information about Aspirin and the research behind its possible anti-cancer effects, see Chapter 4 – Killing Infections and Turning OFF Cancer Pathway Switches.
18. Q. Can consuming Coconut Oil, Oranges, MCP (Modified Citrus Pectin) and Vitamin C help work against cancer?
A. These foods and compounds may work against cancer through several different metabolic pathways. Research has investigated their effects on inflammation, apoptosis (programmed cell death), cancer-cell growth, metastasis and the tumor micro-environment. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30942101/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40863333/
Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP), in particular, has been studied for its ability to inhibit galectin-3, a protein involved in cancer-cell adhesion, growth and metastasis. MCP may also help increase the urinary excretion of certain heavy metals. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34959847/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37630724/
These are another good example of why I recommend considering a variety of cancer-fighting foods and compounds and rotating your options. Different substances may influence different metabolic pathways, allowing you to work against cancer from multiple directions rather than relying on only one pathway or one approach.
D-limonene is abundant in the essential oils of orange and other citrus peels. The review found experimental evidence that limonene influences several important cancer pathways, including:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33864293/
For much more information about Coconut Oil, Oranges, MCP and Vitamin C, see Chapter 4 – Killing Infections and Turning OFF Cancer Pathway Switches.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX1nxQEPiOs
A. Cancer tumors commonly develop an acidic micro-environment, partly because cancer cells metabolize large amounts of glucose and produce acids such as lactic acid. Research has investigated whether reducing this acidity with sodium bicarbonate (Baking Soda) can make the tumor environment less favorable for cancer growth and metastasis.
Baking Soda can also alter pH, and laboratory research has investigated how changes in pH may affect organisms such as Candida albicans.
Urine pH testing strips can be used to monitor urine pH, but urine pH should not be confused with the pH of the blood or the actual pH inside a cancer tumor.
For the complete Baking Soda discussion—including the protocol, pH testing and important precautions https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19276390/—see Chapter 5 – Changing the Cancer Tumor Micro-environment to Kill or Convert It.
20. Q. What other items are worth considering as I fight my cancer battle?
A. There are several additional options worth investigating, including Vitamins D3 and K2, Ivermectin and Fenbendazole, Melatonin, Essiac Tea, Bitter Apricot Seeds (Amygdalin/Laetrile), and combinations of certain herbs and supplements that may work synergistically to influence multiple cancer-related metabolic pathways.
Some of these options are repurposed medications, while others are vitamins, botanicals or naturally occurring compounds. They work in very different ways, which again supports the strategy discussed earlier of considering and rotating multiple approaches that affect different cancer-related pathways rather than relying on only one.
These subjects are covered individually in Chapters 4 and 5, where you will find additional information, research, videos, precautions and links.