Chapter 5 – Changing the Cancer Tumor Micro-environment to Kill or Convert it
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate, NaHCO₃)
How Much Do I Take?
Mix 2–3 teaspoons of baking soda with 2–3 tablespoons of either maple syrup, molasses, or honey in 16 ounces of water. You can prepare several bottles at one time and refrigerate them.
Begin by drinking 8 ounces in the morning and the remaining 8 ounces in the evening. START SLOWLY. Gradually increase the amount you drink each day until you reach the desired urine pH goal described below.
What Is the pH Goal?
The goal is to raise your urine pH to 8.0 for 6 consecutive days.
Test your urine 2–3 times each day using pH testing strips. Your urine pH serves as your “speedometer” and tells you whether to increase or decrease the number of ounces you drink from the 16-ounce mixture. Recommended pH test strips include JUST FITTER or BACNUNN, with a testing range of pH 4.5 to 9.0.
Once you determine how much of the mixture keeps your urine at pH 8.0, continue using that amount while checking your urine pH at least once daily to be sure you remain at your target. The pH scale ranges from 1 (extremely acidic) to 14 (extremely alkaline).
How Long Do I Do This?
Follow this schedule:
- 6 days ON
- 6 days OFF
Repeat this cycle 4 times, for a total of 48 days. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, this is a good time to be re-scanned or otherwise evaluated to determine how well you are responding.
Nebulizing Baking Soda
Baking soda mixed with water can also be nebulized for issues involving the oral cavity, throat, sinuses, or upper airway.
Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 quart of water
Place 10 cc (10 mL) of this solution into a nebulizer. Adding 3–5 drops of Lugol’s Liquid Iodine may increase its antibacterial and antiviral activity, particularly if you are dealing with a respiratory or sinus infection.
Why Does a More Alkaline pH Work Against Cancer?
1. Cancer Cells Thrive in an Acidic Environment
One of the hallmarks of cancer cells is that they produce large amounts of lactic acid because they metabolize sugars inefficiently. This creates an acidic micro-environment (generally below pH 7.0) around the cancer cells and tumor.
Cancer cells thrive in this acidic environment and consume sugars at a rate estimated to be about 15 times greater than normal cells. As cancer cells take in these sugars, they also take in the baking soda, which helps neutralize the acidic tumor micro-environment.
This may help correct the metabolic dysfunction that allows cancer cells to multiply rapidly. Cancer cells tend to become dormant at a pH of approximately 7.4 and die at a pH of 8.0 or above. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30729352/
2. Restoring More Normal Cell Metabolism
As cancer cell metabolism begins to normalize, the cells produce more carbon dioxide and less lactic acid.
Over time, this metabolic fuel-burning process may gradually shift back toward a more normal state.
Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) vs. Cancer
1. Promotes Cancer Cell Death (Apoptosis)
Baking soda has been shown to trigger the death (apoptosis) of colon cancer cells. (See Chapter 1 – Apoptosis.)
2. Raises Tumor pH and May Reduce Metastasis
Research has shown that consuming sodium bicarbonate increases the pH within tumors and inhibited spontaneous metastasis (the spread of cancer to other parts of the body) in laboratory animals with breast and prostate tumors.
More than ten years ago, clinical studies evaluated the effectiveness of infusing sodium bicarbonate directly into tumors. These studies found that injecting baking soda into tumors was no more effective than taking it orally. Drinking sodium bicarbonate dissolved in water produced results comparable to the more expensive and uncomfortable procedure of direct tumor injection. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19276390/
3. Published Cancer Research
Research published in Cancer Research found that oral sodium bicarbonate made the environment surrounding tumors less acidic and significantly reduced the spread (metastasis) of breast cancer in mice. Researchers observed reductions in metastases involving the lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and other tissues. Sodium bicarbonate also inhibited metastasis in a prostate cancer model, although it did not work against every cancer tested. Interestingly, sodium bicarbonate did not significantly shrink the original tumors; its strongest effect appeared to be interfering with the ability of cancer cells to spread and establish themselves in other parts of the body. These results are from animal studies, and human clinical trials are needed to determine whether similar benefits occur in cancer patients. https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/69/6/2260/552860/Bicarbonate-Increases-Tumor-pH-and-Inhibits
The researchers also reported: “In every case, the regions of highest tumor invasion corresponded to areas of lowest pH. Tumor invasion did not occur in regions with a normal or near-normal pH.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19276390/
4. University of Arizona Research
In 2013, researchers at the University of Arizona found that sodium bicarbonate treatment reduced the number of circulating tumor cells in the blood of tumor-bearing mice by more than half.
5. Baking Soda and Chemotherapy
One interesting fact is that chemotherapy is often administered with sodium bicarbonate to help protect patients from some of the toxic effects of chemotherapy. Some researchers believe that part of the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy regimens may be related to the presence of sodium bicarbonate. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15713987/
6. Additional Benefits of Baking Soda
In addition to its possible role in changing the tumor micro-environment, baking soda has been studied for potential benefits involving:
- Reducing tumor acidity — Oral sodium bicarbonate has increased extracellular tumor pH in animal studies. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23288510/
- Reducing cancer invasion and metastasis — Preclinical studies found that reducing tumor acidity with bicarbonate inhibited local invasion and metastasis.
- Helping certain chemotherapy drugs work more effectively — Tumor acidity can reduce the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs. Sodium bicarbonate improved the effects of doxorubicin/mitoxantrone in animal models, and a 2022 study found improved effectiveness of Doxil® in a colon-cancer mouse model without worsening systemic side effects. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35988781/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26719539/
- Potentially improving the immune system’s attack on cancer — Tumor acidity can suppress T-cell activity. In animal studies, bicarbonate increased T-cell infiltration into some tumors and improved responses to checkpoint immunotherapies such as anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, baking soda may help change the tumor micro-environment by turning OFF 12 different cancer-causing factors (switches) involved in cancer metabolism.
Most of this research has been conducted in laboratory and animal models, so additional human clinical studies are needed to determine how effectively these findings translate to cancer patients.
7. What Can Damage Cellular Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function?
Many factors have been associated with damage to normal cellular metabolism, including:
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Pesticides
- Mineral-depleted soils gowning mineral depleted foods
- Chemicals used in processed foods
- Chemicals encountered at work and in the home
- Heavy metals
- Molds
- Other environmental pollutants in our air and water
As discussed previously, cancer is believed by some researchers to originate from broken mitochondrial metabolism within the cell. The mitochondria are the cell’s energy-producing components (“powerhouses”). When normal mitochondrial function is restored, the cell may return to a more normal state and resume its intended function within the body. Researchers continue to investigate whether improving mitochondrial function and cellular metabolism may help create conditions that are less favorable for cancer growth.
8. Can I Take Baking Soda While Receiving Chemotherapy or Radiation?
Ask your treating physician before combining baking soda with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Precautions
- Do not allow your urine pH to rise above 8.0.
- Do not use if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.
- Do not use during pregnancy or in infants.
- Always increase the dose very slowly while monitoring your urine with JUST FITTER or BACNUNN pH test strips (pH range 4.5–9.0).
- Use caution if you have liver, kidney, or heart disease.
- Watch for confusion, stupor, hand tremors, lightheadedness, muscle twitching, nausea, vomiting, or prolonged muscle spasms.
- If you miss a dose, do not double the next dose. Simply resume your regular schedule.
- Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, or allergies before beginning this protocol.
- Before taking baking soda internally, talk with your doctor if you are taking medications such as Mandelamine, Nizoral, antacids, tetracycline antibiotics, Sumycin, Achromycin V, demeclocycline, doxycycline, Vibramycin, Monodox, Minocin, Dynacin, or Terramycin.
- One additional benefit of baking soda is that it may assist the body in detoxifying a wide variety of substances, including some heavy metals.
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is much like a bunker-busting bomb! It blasts cancer with shock waves of oxygen and CO₂, increasing cell voltage and raising the pH into the alkaline range without harming the person.
For readers who want to explore this topic further, I recommend the book “SODIUM BICARBONATE” by Dr. Mark Sircus.
Here’s a web address with much more information about the use of sodium bicarbonate for conditions other than cancer:
- Purchase BACNUNN or JUST FITTER pH testing strips with a testing range of pH 4.5–9.0 (available on Amazon for approximately $10–15). They are ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL for monitoring your urine pH and safely adjusting your dose. They are a must have tool and speedometer that helps you know where you are on the pH scale.
- Finally this Clinic use Baking Soda in the cancer protocols. https://www.oasisofhopecancercenter.com/cancer-treatments-therapies/sodium-bicarbonate/
Metformin
Metformin is currently one of the most widely prescribed medications in the world for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Its effectiveness is believed to result primarily from its ability to activate an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).
AMPK functions as the cell’s “fuel gauge.” When cellular energy (ATP) is in short supply, AMPK signals the cell to produce more ATP by burning additional fuel while reducing non-essential activities that consume energy.
In people with Type 2 diabetes, the liver often produces and releases too much glucose, contributing to chronically elevated blood sugar levels. By activating AMPK, Metformin slows the liver’s release of glucose, which is believed to be one of its primary benefits in controlling diabetes. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32897388/
Metformin and Cancer
Interest in Metformin as a potential cancer therapy began after epidemiological studies examined cancer rates among people with diabetes.
People with diabetes generally have a higher risk of developing cancer and often have poorer outcomes after a cancer diagnosis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31360833/ However, researchers found that diabetics treated with Metformin, compared with those taking other diabetes medications, were less likely to develop several types of cancer, including:
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Colon cancer
- Lung cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Liver cancer
Researchers also found that diabetic patients who already had cancer often experienced longer survival when they were taking Metformin than those who were not. So there is genuinely interesting evidence here—but I present Metformin as a promising and actively investigated cancer-related drug, rather than as something already demonstrated to prevent or treat those six cancers. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38291943/
How May Metformin Work Against Cancer?
One reason Metformin may help prevent or slow cancer growth is its ability to inhibit the mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1), a signaling pathway that is chronically activated in many cancers.
Activation of mTORC1 can:
- Increase cancer cell multiplication
- Help cancer cells invade surrounding tissues
- Promote the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) that feed tumors
- Suppress apoptosis, the body’s natural process of eliminating damaged or abnormal cells
Apoptosis is one of the body’s important defenses against cancer because it removes old, worn-out, or DNA-damaged cells before they can become cancerous.
Talk With Your Doctor
If you are interested in trying Metformin, discuss it with your physician to determine whether it is appropriate for your particular situation.
Before considering Metformin, especially if you have pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, speak with a qualified healthcare professional to review the potential benefits, risks, side effects, and possible medication interactions.
For information about possible side effects, visit:
www.drugs.com/sfx/metformin-side-effects.html
Berberine
What Is Berberine?
Berberine is a natural plant alkaloid found in several herbs, including:
- Goldenseal
- Barberry
- Goldthread
- Oregon Grape
- Tree Turmeric
Since many cancer cells depend on glutamine as a fuel source, reducing its availability may help slow their growth and spread. Berberine has been studied for its ability to reduce the amount of glutamine entering certain cancer cells. In laboratory research involving liver cancer cells, berberine reduced the activity of SLC1A5, an important transporter cancer cells can use to bring glutamine into the cell. Because some cancers depend heavily on glutamine for growth and survival, researchers are investigating this pathway as a potential metabolic target. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32021249/
1. Starving Cancer Cells
KEY POINT!
If both glucose and glutamine can be prevented from feeding cancer cells, those cells may be unable to grow, multiply, or spread throughout the body.
Berberine, along with the herbs listed above, may help reduce the availability of glutamine to cancer cells. Berberine may be particularly helpful in cancers involving the liver.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OgWi1H-2Zs&ab_channel=TheBrainwavesVideoAnthology
2. Berberine and Blood Sugar
Berberine (also known as berberine hydrochloride) has also been shown to improve blood sugar control.
Daily doses ranging from 500 to 1,500 mg have demonstrated effectiveness in lowering Hemoglobin A1c, your average blood sugar over the previous 2–3 months. This is reported as a percentage according to a 2019 review of 28 randomized clinical trials. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30393248/
3. Berberine and GLP-1
Today, berberine is widely used as a dietary supplement because of its beneficial effects on:
- Blood glucose regulation
- Weight management
- Glucose metabolism
Berberine is believed to lower blood glucose by:
- Increasing glucose uptake into the body’s cells.
- Increasing secretion of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1).
- Reducing glucose production by the liver.
GLP-1 stimulates insulin release while reducing appetite and food cravings, making it an important hormone in weight management. Because of these similarities, berberine is sometimes referred to as “Nature’s Ozempic.”
Reference Foods high in Berberine: https://www.champion-nutrition.com/what-foods-are-high-in-berberine/
4. Why Carbohydrates Still Matter
VERY IMPORTANT
Even though berberine blocks cancer cells from using glutamine as fuel, it remains important to reduce dietary carbohydrates. When carbohydrate intake is high, your body can manufacture additional glutamine, which cancer cells may then use as fuel for continued growth.
5. Multiple Benefits
Berberine offers several potential benefits because it:
- Improves blood sugar control
- Lowers Hemoglobin A1c
- Restricts glutamine availability to cancer cells
- May help starve cancer cells
Reducing carbohydrates even further enhances this strategy.
Remember, your body can readily use healthy fats as an alternative energy source, and your brain can efficiently burn ketones produced from those fats.
6. Other Natural Compounds That Target Glutamine
Targeting glutamine metabolism may be another promising strategy for slowing cancer growth.
Other natural compounds that may have similar effects include:
- EGCG (Green Tea)
- Quercetin
- Curcumin
- Berberine
- Resveratrol
Always discuss these supplements with your healthcare professional before adding them to your treatment plan.
To learn more about the many ways EGCG may fight cancer, watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEOubSVd0yI
7. Recommended Berberine Brands
After testing 28 brands, the top two were reported to be:
- Swanson Vitamins — 400 mg
- donotage.com — 500 mg
These were found to be among the purest products while also providing good value.
8. Protecting Your Gut Flora
Because berberine may reduce some beneficial intestinal bacteria when taken long term, it is helpful to periodically replenish your gut microbiome especially if you use berberine daily throughout the year.
Consider including foods such as:
- Kefir
- Yogurt
- Other fermented foods
DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) and Cancer
What Is DMSO?
Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is a liquid byproduct of the paper industry. It also occurs naturally in small amounts in certain fruits, vegetables, and grains.
For many years, DMSO has been used by alternative physicians because of its ability to:
- Reduce inflammation
- Neutralize free radicals
- Enhance the effectiveness of certain cancer therapies, including high-dose IV Vitamin C and Laetrile
Because DMSO and the DMSO-Hematoxylin combination remain outside mainstream oncology practice, anyone considering these therapies should carefully review the available evidence and discuss them with a qualified healthcare professional before using them.
How May DMSO Work Against Cancer?
A report published by the Houston Medical Center stated:
“As a treatment for cancer, DMSO returns rapidly growing cells back to their regular form. It also stimulates the tumor-suppressing protein called HLJ1, which reduces the growth of the cancer tumor into adjacent cells and tissues. To put it simply, Dimethyl Sulfoxide arrests the development of cancer.”
Researchers believe DMSO may help fight cancer by:
- Helping rapidly growing cancer cells return toward a more normal state.
- Stimulating the tumor-suppressor protein HLJ1.
- Slowing the invasion of cancer cells into surrounding tissues.
- Reducing inflammation.
- Neutralizing harmful free radicals.
- Enhancing the effectiveness of certain complementary cancer therapies.
DMSO and Conventional Cancer Therapy
DMSO and Conventional Cancer Therapy
DMSO has also been studied for its potential to reduce certain types of tissue damage associated with conventional cancer treatments, particularly radiation therapy and accidental leakage of chemotherapy drugs into surrounding tissue.
In a human study involving women receiving radiation treatment for cervical cancer, 10% DMSO was applied locally before radiation therapy. The researchers reported a reduction in late radiation-related injury to the rectum and urinary bladder compared with patients who did not receive DMSO.
PubMed — Radiation Injury in Cancer Patients https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17407965/
DMSO has also been studied following chemotherapy extravasation—when an intravenous chemotherapy drug accidentally leaks out of the vein and into surrounding tissue. In a prospective clinical study involving 144 cancer patients, topical DMSO was used after extravasation of several chemotherapy drugs. Of the 127 patients who could be evaluated, only one developed an ulcer, and the researchers concluded that topical DMSO may help reduce serious local tissue injury in this setting.
PubMed — Chemotherapy Extravasation
PubMed — PMID 7595748
Important caution: DMSO should not automatically be combined with chemotherapy drugs. Laboratory research has shown that DMSO can chemically react with cisplatin and substantially reduce its cancer-killing activity. Anyone receiving chemotherapy should therefore discuss DMSO use with the treating oncologist before using it internally or topically near the time of treatment.
PubMed — DMSO and Cisplatin Interaction (PMID 18439683):
PubMed — PMID 18439683
Cancer Research
DMSO has been the subject of numerous studies exploring its potential role in cancer research. Laboratory and animal studies suggest that DMSO can influence cancer-cell growth, differentiation, migration, and programmed cell death (apoptosis), although these effects vary considerably depending on the type of cancer and the concentration of DMSO used.
Breast Cancer
DMSO has been investigated in breast-cancer research. In a mouse model of 4T1 breast cancer, researchers found that DMSO slowed tumor growth and altered tumor-associated macrophages—immune cells within the tumor environment—from a more tumor-supporting form toward a more tumor-fighting form.
PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24744794/
Lung Cancer
Researchers studying highly invasive lung adenocarcinoma cells found that DMSO:
- Reduced cancer-cell proliferation.
- Reduced cancer-cell migration and invasion.
- Reduced the ability of cancer cells to form colonies.
- Increased activity of HLJ1, a tumor-suppressor protein associated with reducing cancer invasion and metastasis.
The researchers concluded that these findings warranted further investigation of DMSO-related mechanisms for the development of new anticancer therapies.
PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22529897/
Leukemia
DMSO has a long history of laboratory research involving leukemia cells. Studies using human leukemia cells have shown that DMSO can cause immature cancer cells to differentiate, meaning they begin developing characteristics of more mature, specialized blood cells. DMSO-induced differentiation has also been associated with reduced cancer-cell growth and loss of the cells’ ability to continue forming colonies.
PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2406276/
Another study involving human HL-60 leukemia cells found that treatment with DMSO reduced their ability to multiply and promoted their differentiation toward mature blood cells.
PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2834046/
Important Perspective
These findings are interesting, but much of the evidence supporting DMSO’s direct anticancer effects comes from laboratory experiments and animal studies, rather than large controlled clinical trials in cancer patients. Therefore, these studies should be viewed as promising cancer research rather than proof that DMSO is an established cancer treatment.
https://www.midwesterndoctor.com/p/hundreds-of-studies-show-dmso-transforms
DMSO and Hematoxylin
DMSO has also been studied in combination with hematoxylin, a compound best known for its use as a laboratory and pathology stain.
In a 1972 animal study, researchers investigated a hematoxylin-DMSO mixture as an anti-tumor agent in mice. The study included experimental models involving carcinoma, leukemia, lymphoma, and melanoma.
This early research provides evidence that the DMSO-hematoxylin combination has been scientifically investigated for potential anti-tumor effects. However, this was animal research, and it does not establish that DMSO combined with hematoxylin is an effective cancer treatment in humans.
PubMed — Hematoxylin-DMSO Mixture as an Anti-Tumor Agent in Mice (PMID 4678459):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4678459/
Both products should be pharmaceutical grade.
Important additional information about this combination can be found here:
https://www.midwesterndoctor.com/p/the-forgotten-cancer-cure-hiding
Where Can I Obtain Them?
Pure Pharmaceutical-Grade DMSO
https://dmso.com/collections/all (This company has supplied pharmaceutical-grade DMSO since 1978.)
Hematoxylin (Akersunder) https://www.amazon.com/hematoxylin/s?k=hematoxylin
How to Prepare the Mixture
Dissolve:
- 25 grams of 100% pure Hematoxylin
into
- 75 ml (2½ ounces) of 100% pure DMSO
Stir until all of the Hematoxylin has dissolved and no sediment remains at the bottom.
Store the finished solution in a brown glass bottle for future use.
How to Take the Mixture
For oral administration:
- Place 2 ounces of water into a glass. (Stevia may be added to improve the taste.)
- Add 1 ml of the prepared DMSO-Hematoxylin mixture for every 75 pounds of body weight.
- Drink the mixture on an empty stomach in the morning.
- Do not eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes afterward.
If the initial dose is well tolerated, increase the daily dose by approximately 10% each day, provided no significant side effects occur.
According to Dr. Eli Tucker, the patient’s tolerance level has been reached when increasing the dose produces approximately a 30-minute fever.
If necessary, the fever may be relieved with 50 mg of Benadryl (diphenhydramine).
Important Caution Regarding Stomach Cancer
Historical reports attributed to Dr. Eli Tucker cautioned against taking DMSO-hematoxylin orally in patients with stomach or intestinal cancer. Tucker reportedly believed that rapid tumor destruction could potentially damage or perforate the gastrointestinal wall.
These reports recommended intravenous administration instead of oral administration for these cancers. However, this recommendation has not been established by controlled human clinical trials, and intravenous DMSO-hematoxylin should not be considered a proven treatment for stomach cancer.
The published research on DMSO-hematoxylin remains limited and includes early animal research rather than modern controlled clinical trials in cancer patients.
PubMed — Hematoxylin-DMSO Mixture as an Anti-Tumor Agent in Mice (PMID 4678459):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4678459/
Additional Research
Additional information regarding DMSO can be found at the following websites:
- https://dmso.org/articles/information/jacob.htm
- www.onedaymd.com/2025/04/dmso-for-cancer-forgotten-cancer-cure.html
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3460663/
Although many laboratory and early clinical studies have reported encouraging findings, additional well-designed human clinical trials are still needed to better define DMSO’s effectiveness, safety, and role in cancer treatment.
References
- Houston Medical Center report on DMSO
- International Journal of Oncology (Bladder cancer study)
- Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics (Breast cancer study)
- https://www.cancerdefeated.com/category/articles
Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 (MK-4 & MK-7)
Why Are Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 Included?
Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 work together to support healthy calcium metabolism and bone health. Vitamin D also plays important roles in immune function and normal cellular activity. Maintaining adequate levels of these vitamins may be particularly important during cancer treatment, when maintaining bone health and adequate nutritional status can become more challenging.
A meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials involving 971 participants found that combining Vitamin D with Vitamin K improved measures of bone health, including total bone mineral density.
PubMed — Vitamin D + Vitamin K, Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (PMID 32219282):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32219282/
For the cancer-treatment context specifically, there is also a randomized study in children undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia in which D3 + K2 showed an early beneficial effect on measures related to bone health. I would save that PubMed for the section where you discuss cancer treatment and bone protection, rather than crowding this introduction with it. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33639045/
1. Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is essential because it helps your body absorb calcium from the digestive tract.
During the past decade, vitamin D deficiency has become increasingly common. National survey data indicate that more than 40% of U.S. adults have vitamin D levels below 30 ng/ml, which is generally considered deficient. https://www.cancerdefeated.com/how-one-common-vitamin-stops-deadly-cancers-from-growing
A blood level between 60 and 125 ng/ml is often considered a good therapeutic range.
Many people require 5,000 to 20,000 IU of Vitamin D3 daily to reach that level, although individual needs vary. Once the desired blood level has been achieved, the daily dose can usually be reduced to a maintenance level.
Some researchers have also reported encouraging results using much higher doses of Vitamin D3 in certain cancer settings.
Additional Information
High-Dose Vitamin D3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utfk2LkrmLg
Vitamin D3 and Conventional Cancer Therapy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HCIm5kt8jI
Proper Vitamin D3 levels may also improve the body’s response to conventional cancer treatments for those who choose that option.
2. Vitamin K2 (MK-4)
Vitamin K2 plays an important role in directing calcium to the proper locations within the body.
The MK-4 form available from Life Extension contains 45 mg (45,000 mcg) per capsule.
One protocol recommends taking:
- 3 capsules daily (135 mg total)
- For 3 consecutive days
Because beneficial changes have been reported within a few days, some individuals continue using it as a pulsed supplement, taking it three days each week until the desired results are achieved.
Summary Table of Desired Results
| Desired Result | Description |
|---|---|
| Improved Bone Density | Increases bone mineral content and strength |
| Reduced Fracture Risk | Significant reduction in fracture incidence |
| Enhanced Osteoblast Activity | Promotes bone formation and health |
For additional information:
Life Extension MK-4
Video Explanation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gxrew8iFaY4
Many practitioners also recommend combining Vitamin K2 with 200–400 mg of Magnesium L-Threonate.
3. Why Take Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 Together?
Vitamin D3 increases the absorption of calcium from your diet.
Vitamin K2 (especially the MK-4 or MK-7 forms) activates proteins involved in how calcium is used in the body. These proteins help:
- Support the incorporation of calcium into bones and teeth.
- Help regulate calcium deposition in soft tissues, including blood vessels.
Together, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, and Magnesium help support healthy bones and normal calcium management throughout the body.
The combination effect of vitamin K and vitamin D on human bone quality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
This analysis included 8 randomized controlled trials involving 971 people. The combination of vitamins D and K produced favorable effects on measures of bone health, including total bone mineral density.
PubMed PMID: 32219282
PubMed — Vitamin D + Vitamin K Meta-Analysis
Should I Care Where the Calcium Goes?
Absolutely!
The arteries supplying your heart, brain, kidneys, and other vital organs function best when blood flows freely and are not narrowed by excessive calcium deposits.
Vitamin K2 (MK-4 or MK-7), Vitamin D3, and Magnesium work together to support healthy calcium metabolism. Vitamin K activates proteins involved in regulating where calcium is deposited, including proteins associated with bone formation and limiting inappropriate calcium deposition in blood vessels.
Magnesium alone participates in more than 300 enzymatic reactions throughout the body, including processes involved in energy production, glucose metabolism, protein synthesis, and normal muscle and nerve function.
Healthy blood flow is important for delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body and supporting normal tissue function.
Vitamin K supplementation and vascular calcification: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
This is a particularly good one for readers because researchers combined 14 randomized controlled trials involving 1,533 people. They found that vitamin K supplementation was associated with a modest slowing of coronary artery calcification, although the researchers emphasized that better trials are still needed.
PubMed PMID: 37252246
PubMed — Vitamin K and Vascular Calcification
Recommended Supplements
Three highly rated brands are:
Life Extension MK-4
DoNotAge https://donotage.org/pure-vitamin-d3-k2-magnesium
Sports Research https://www.sportsresearch.com/products/vitamin-d3-k2
Additional Benefits of Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 functions much like a hormone within the body.
In addition to supporting bone health, adequate Vitamin D3 levels have also been associated with:
- A stronger immune system
- Improved resistance to infections such as influenza and COVID-19
- Better regulation of many immune functions
Maintaining adequate Vitamin D3 levels in the 60 to 120 range is an important part of overall health, whether or not cancer is present. Sunlight is your friend. Getting 15 to 30 minutes in the sun when possible does help your D3 production.
Additional Videos
Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 (MK-4) Dosage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTknDvx9gzA&ab_channel=MichiganFootDoctors
Foods Rich in Vitamin K2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2bPHAo4z6Y&ab_channel=DrBradStanfield
Ivermectin and Fenbendazole
What Are They?
Ivermectin and Fenbendazole are well-known anti-parasitic medications that have been safely used for many years in both human and veterinary medicine. In recent years, researchers and physicians have also investigated these medications for a variety of other uses, including viral infections and cancer. Some 123 nations have National policies where Nation wide de-worming for parasites is done annually according to the World Health Organization. It is also interesting to note that those countries that do de-worm for parasite have a lower incidence of cancers than the 61 Nations that do not!
Both medications have also been reported to successfully treat certain skin cancers when applied topically.
Additional information for Ivermectin and Fenbendazole: https://drronehrlich.com/cancer-a-parasite-william-supple/
deeprootsathome.com/insightful-topical-ivermectin-stories-on-skin-cancer-more/
Why Are They Included?
Ivermectin and Fenbendazole are considered repurposed medications, meaning they were originally developed for one purpose but are now being investigated for additional uses, including COVID-19 and cancer.
Researchers have proposed that:
- Ivermectin and Fenbendazole interfere with multiple cancer-related metabolic pathways involved in cancer growth and proliferation.
- SPECIAL NOTE: Fenbendazole and Ivermectin are much more bioavailable and absorption is significantly increased when taken with olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, butter, peanut butter or other high fat foods.
- MUST VIEWS https://rumble.com/v7ccx4e-shocking-84-of-cancer-patients-using-ivermectin-and-mebendazole-healing-.html?e9s=rel_v3_rs https://rumble.com/v7ekzni-their-cancer-was-gone-ivermectin-study-produces-stunning-results-in-200-can.html?e9s=rel_v3_rs
Because cancer cells often rely on multiple metabolic pathways to survive and avoid the immune system, some researchers believe that interrupting several pathways simultaneously may make it more difficult for cancer cells to continue growing. https://onedaymd.substack.com/p/ivermectin-mebendazole-cancer-clinician-decision-support-algorithm
Dr. William Makis on Ivermectin
Dr. William Makis discusses the use of higher-dose Ivermectin as part of his cancer treatment approach in the following presentations.
Additional Dr. Makis presentations:
https://rumble.com/search/all?q=Dr.%20William%20Maki
https://youtu.be/xkT9Anef-JQ?si=jEoXfE1HPKDq-hkc
Dr. Makis discusses dosing ranging from approximately 1–2 mg per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight, depending on the individual clinical situation. So an individual who is 150 pounds could consider taking about 70mg to 140mg of Ivermectin daily while a 200 pound person could consider 90mg to 180mg daily of Ivermectin during their course of care.
Dr. Kathleen Ruddy
Cancer surgeon Dr. Kathleen Ruddy discusses Ivermectin in the following interview and states:
“Ivermectin is safer than a sugar pill.”
Joe Tippens and Fenbendazole
Joe Tippens’ remarkable Stage 4 cancer recovery has introduced many people to the possible role of Fenbendazole in cancer care.
His complete protocol can be found here:
Additional videos:
Dr. William Makis discussing Joe Tippens:
Recommended Products
Many people following the Joe Tippens protocol use MERCK Panacur® (Fenbendazole) granules containing 222 mg per packet.
Fenbendazole is also available in liquid, capsules and economical powder forms.
SPECIAL NOTE: Fenbendazole is much more bioavailable and absorption is significantly increased when taken with olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, butter, peanut butter or other high fat foods.
Additional suppliers include:
https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=30e0766b-7b6a-11d5-a192-00b0d0204ae5
https://shopbplife.com/collections/fenbendazole-powder
Fleet Farm also carries IVERMAX® liquid Ivermectin.
One excellent book containing numerous Fenbendazole success stories is:
CANCER IS A PARASITE — Kill It with Safe Over-the-Counter Anti-Parasitic Fenbendazole
https://books.google.com/books/about/Cancer_Is_a_Parasite.html?id=W6yEEQAAQBAJ
From “CANCER IS A PARASITE”
Shared Traits: The amazing Resemblance Between Cancer Cells and Parasitic Organisms:
Selfish growth and Uncontrolled Replication
Nutrient Theft and Deprivation and Metabolic Warfare
Tissue Invasion, Migration and Spread
Evasion of the Host Defenses by Invisibility and Sabotage
Establishing a Chronic State in the Body
Remaking the Micro environment by Engineering a Supportive Space
These are the points Fenbendazole covers in the attack on cancers
Containing the cancer: Strengthening tissue barriers, inhibiting invasion and metastasis (similar to controlling parasite migration).
Starving the cancer: Targeting metabolic vulnerabilities, cutting off nutrient supply, (similar to distribution of parasite feeding).
Exposing the cancer: Reversing immune suppression, over coming mimicry (similar to breaking up the parasite immune evasion).
Disrupting the niche: Normalizing tumor micro-environment pH, modulating the stroma (making the environment hostile).
Reinforcing Prevention and Early Detection: Viewing cancer as an invasive entity underscores the importance of preventing its establishment (primary prevention) and detecting it early before it becomes deeply entrenched and has extensively manipulated the host environment (secondary prevention)as might be the case with cancer stem cells and metastasis.
Another recommended book:
“Finding Fenbendazole” https://books.apple.com/ca/audiobook/finding-fenbendazole-my-unexpected-path-through-cancer/id1817047944
Vitamin E and Fenbendazole
Some practitioners believe that Vitamin E may increase the effectiveness of Fenbendazole when taken together.
Where Can I Obtain Ivermectin?
Liquid Ivermectin is available from:
valleyvet.com
FleetFarm.com Search for Ivermax
Tablet form (12 mg): alldaychemist.com Delivery generally takes about two weeks. The company provides shipment tracking and has been a reliable source according to many users. Customer Service to Order by phone 1-855-840-0584
Dose Equivalents
Liquid Ivermectin
- 1 cc (1 ml) = 10 mg
Ivermectin is generally reported to be better absorbed when taken with a meal containing healthy fats.
Liquid Fenbendazole
- 1 cc (1 ml) = 100 mg
Because dosing recommendations for Ivermectin and Fenbendazole vary considerably among physicians and published protocols, I encourage you to carefully review the available information, consult with your healthcare provider, and decide what approach is best for your individual situation.
Example Dosage Calculation
Example
Body weight:
70 kg (154 pounds)
Using Dr. Makis’ reported range of 1–2 mg/kg:
Ivermectin
- 70 mg–140 mg
- Approximately 7–14 cc (ml) if using the liquid formulation.
Fenbendazole
Depending on the protocol being followed:
- 222 mg–888 mg
- Approximately 2–9 cc (ml) if using the liquid formulation.
Using a syringe makes measuring these medications easy.
Helpful conversions:
- 1 cc = 1 ml
- 1 teaspoon = 5 ml
- 1 tablespoon = 15 ml
Taking Ivermectin or Fenbendazole with olive oil, avocado oil, butter, coconut oil peanut butter, or other fatty foods significantly increases their bioavailability and absorption.
Melatonin
Why Is Melatonin Included?
Melatonin is often referred to as the “sleep hormone” because of its well-known role in regulating the body’s sleep-wake cycle. However, research over the past several decades suggests that melatonin may have much broader effects, including supporting immune function, protecting mitochondria, reducing oxidative stress, and influencing several metabolic pathways involved in cancer.
Melatonin has also been studied as an adjunct (addition) to conventional cancer treatment. Clinical studies have used different doses, with 20 mg daily being used in several randomized cancer trials. Higher doses have also been investigated, but these should be considered with medical supervision.
Professor Ben Williams, well known for his long-term survival from glioblastoma (brain cancer), also includes melatonin as part of his protocol.
Additional Information
Professor Ben Williams https://www.canceractive.com/article/how-professor-ben-williams-beat-his-brain-cancer
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4SuIUtCSLY
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22271210/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22019490/
Melatonin vs Cancer
Laboratory and clinical research suggests that melatonin may work against cancer through several different mechanisms.
Researchers have reported that melatonin may:
- Modify estrogen receptor activity.
- Trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death).
- Help inhibit metastasis (spread of cancer cells).
- Reduce angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors).
- Improve mitochondrial function and ATP production.
Because melatonin appears to influence several cancer-related metabolic pathways simultaneously, many researchers consider it one of the more interesting natural compounds currently under investigation.
Melatonin and Mitochondrial Function
One of melatonin’s most interesting properties is its ability to support healthy mitochondrial function.
The mitochondria are the energy-producing structures inside every cell and produce ATP, the fuel required for normal cellular metabolism.
Experimental studies have demonstrated that melatonin can:
- Increase ATP production.
- Improve electron transport.
- Protect mitochondrial enzymes.
- Reduce oxidative stress.
- Help preserve ATP production during cellular injury.
One landmark study published by Martín et al. (2002) demonstrated that melatonin increased ATP production in functioning mitochondria while helping preserve ATP production during oxidative stress. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11854034/
Major reviews by Russel J. Reiter and colleagues also concluded that melatonin:
- Accumulates inside mitochondria.
- Protects mitochondrial enzymes.
- Improves electron transport.
- Enhances ATP production.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34707777/
Does This Mean Melatonin Treats Cancer?
Not necessarily.
Many researchers are interested in melatonin because cancer cells often have abnormal mitochondrial metabolism.
Laboratory and animal studies suggest that melatonin may influence cancer cell metabolism differently than healthy cells. While these findings are encouraging, additional human clinical studies are still needed to determine the most effective doses and how melatonin should best be incorporated into cancer care.
Choosing a Dose
If you decide to use melatonin, consider beginning with a lower dose and gradually increasing it as tolerated.
Most people take melatonin in the evening because it promotes sleep.
However, some practitioners have suggested that individuals using much higher doses who experience increased alertness or difficulty sleeping may benefit from taking those larger doses earlier in the day.
Additional Potential Benefits
Research also suggests that melatonin may:
- Support immune function.
- Reduce oxidative stress.
- Help regulate hormone production.
- Influence glucose metabolism.
- Affect cholesterol metabolism.
- Increase the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy and radiation treatments while helping reduce some of their side effects.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22271210/
Additional Research on Melatonin
Plant Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34392562/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8123278/
Cancer Review
https://cancerci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12935-020-01531-1
Review Article
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359598221_Use_of_Melatonin_in_Cancer_Treatment_Where_Are_We
Videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZaJTkGcDeM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKPlgI8oTps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJJN3c4M5F4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8jfagOZRaA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0vC6s9UGpk
Essiac Tea
What Is Essiac Tea?
Essiac Tea is an herbal blend consisting of eight ingredients:
- Blessed Thistle
- Burdock Root
- Kelp
- Red Clover
- Sheep Sorrel (including the root)
- Slippery Elm Bark
- Turkish Rhubarb Root
- Watercress
The History of Essiac Tea
During the 1920s, Canadian nurse René Caisse promoted Essiac Tea as a natural approach to supporting people with cancer.
According to her account, the original formula was shared with her by a patient who had received it from an Ontario Ojibwa medicine man. René Caisse devoted much of her life to making the formula available to others.
She later worked with Dr. Charles Brusch, and together they reported improvements in many patients treated at their clinic in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Why Would I Consider Essiac Tea?
Over the years, many individuals have shared personal testimonies describing improvements in cancer and other chronic health conditions while using Essiac Tea as part of their overall health program.
Although personal testimonials are not the same as controlled clinical trials, they have led many people to investigate Essiac Tea further and decide whether it may have a place in their own health strategy.
One 4-ounce package of the herbal mixture makes approximately one gallon of tea.
Unlike many herbal teas, the herbs are not filtered out. The entire mixture is consumed.
A commonly used amount is:
- Two to three 6-ounce glasses daily depending on the severity of need.
The amount used may vary depending on the reason it is being taken.
Learn More
This company has been producing the original 8-herb Essiac Tea for more than 36 years.
Their website includes the history of Essiac Tea, preparation instructions, videos, and numerous customer testimonials.
https://genuineessiac.com/pages/about-us
Mailing Address
Genuine Essiac
10 Boardman Street
Haverhill, MA 01830 USA
Email: genuineessiac@gmail.com
Telephone: 978-504-9517
Customer testimonials: https://genuineessiac.com/pages/essiac-tea-testimonials
A Final Thought
Like many of the natural therapies discussed throughout this website, Essiac Tea has generated both strong support and strong criticism over the years.
Supporters point to decades of personal experiences and testimonials, while critics note the limited number of large, high-quality clinical trials evaluating its effectiveness.
As with every topic presented on this website, I encourage you to review the available information, and decide for yourself whether Essiac Tea deserves a place in your personal cancer care strategy. NOTE that this tea blend is of the items on the suggested list in the START HERE Chapter of this site.
Bitter Apricot Seeds (Amygdalin / Laetrile)
What Are Bitter Apricot Seeds?
Bitter apricot seeds (also called apricot kernels) are found inside the hard pit of the apricot fruit. They contain a naturally occurring compound called amygdalin, also known as Laetrile or Vitamin B17, although it is not officially recognized as a vitamin.
When consumed, amygdalin can be converted into compounds that include cyanide. Because of this, it is important to understand both its proposed benefits and its potential risks before considering its use.
Why Are Bitter Apricot Seeds Included?
Interest in bitter apricot seeds centers on amygdalin (Laetrile) and its proposed anti-cancer properties.
Supporters suggest that cancer cells contain higher levels of the enzyme beta-glucosidase, which can release cyanide from amygdalin inside the cancer cell. According to this theory, the released cyanide selectively damages cancer cells while having much less effect on normal cells because they contain lower levels of this enzyme.
This proposed mechanism has generated considerable interest for many years, although it remains controversial within mainstream medicine.
Risks and Side Effects
Because amygdalin can release cyanide, consuming excessive amounts of bitter apricot seeds may lead to cyanide poisoning.
Possible symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
In severe cases, cyanide poisoning can be life-threatening. I make it very clear that the intriguing anticancer mechanisms come primarily from laboratory research, while the human evidence has not demonstrated an anticancer benefit. That gives you the reader both sides.
For that reason, anyone considering bitter apricot seeds should:
- Begin with a very small amount.
- Increase slowly, if at all.
- Stop immediately if unwanted symptoms occur.
- Discuss their use with a qualified healthcare professional.
Laboratory testing suggests that each bitter apricot seed contains approximately 20 mg of amygdalin.
Cancer Clinics Using Laetrile
Several integrative cancer clinics, including Oasis of Hope in Mexico, have incorporated Laetrile (Amygdalin) into some of their cancer treatment programs.
Additional information: www.oasisofhopecancercenter.com/cancer-therapies/
Dr. Ralph Moss
Dr. Ralph Moss discusses the early history of Laetrile research and the controversy surrounding investigations conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee9KCGZvVfA&t=1460s
Dr. Moss also hosts The Moss Report, an ongoing podcast featuring physicians and researchers discussing alternative approaches to cancer care.
https://www.themossreport.com/category/publications/podcast/
Frequently Asked Questions
How much amygdalin is contained in one bitter apricot seed?
Approximately 20 mg according to laboratory testing.
How many seeds should I take?
There is no universally accepted dosage.
If you decide to use bitter apricot seeds, begin slowly.
One commonly suggested approach is to start with one seed per hour while observing how your body responds.
If dizziness, headache, nausea, or stomach upset develops, discontinue use or reduce the amount consumed.
Can I combine bitter apricot seeds with Laetrile capsules?
Some individuals choose to use both.
If doing so, they are commonly separated by at least one hour.
Again, increase slowly and discontinue if unwanted symptoms occur.
How much Laetrile should I take daily?
Recommendations vary considerably.
Anyone considering Laetrile should carefully review the available information and consult with a qualified healthcare professional before determining an appropriate dose.
Is Laetrile illegal in the United States?
No. However, the FDA has not approved Laetrile as a treatment for cancer, and marketing it with claims that it treats or cures cancer is restricted.
Can I give Apricot Seeds or Laetrile to my pets?
Some owners report using these products with their pets.
Because animals vary greatly in body size and sensitivity, consult your veterinarian before giving these products to any animal.
Where Can I Obtain Laetrile?
Amygdalin (Laetrile) is also available in 100 mg and 500 mg capsules and tablets from various suppliers.
Additional Resources
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee9KCGZvVfA&t=1460s
The Moss Report Podcast: https://www.themossreport.com/category/publications/podcast/
Apricot Power (Q&A Source): www.apricotpower.com