Vitamin C is often referred to as the "master antioxidant." Vitamin C works together with vitamin E, selenium and zinc to protect bodily tissues. Although vitamin C is not recognized by the FDA as a cancer treatment, it is widely used as a complementary therapy by some of the most successful alternative cancer physicians around the world.
How It Works
Vitamin C is required for more than 300 metabolic functions in the body, including the metabolism of several amino acid proteins and vitamins that are vital to the immune system. This vitamin plays a vital role in protecting cellular structures, including DNA, from damage. It also inhibits the formation of cancer-causing compounds. Some studies suggest that vitamin C may also stop cancer from spreading by neutralizing hyaluronidase, the enzyme that helps the cancer to metastasize, as reported in the book "Prevent and Treat Cancer with Natural Medicine" (2002).
Vitamin C for Cancer
Vitamin C first gained public recognition for the treatment of cancer in 1976 when two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling published his study on vitamin C and cancer. In Pauling's study involving 1,100 terminally ill cancer patients, the group that received 10 grams of vitamin C per day had a 53 percent higher survival rate than the control group that received no vitamin C.
History
Several of history's most successful cancer practitioners included vitamin C as an important part of their therapies. German physician Max Gerson successfully treated many cancer patients with his therapy, which included vitamin C. His therapy is still in use today by some of the leading cancer clinics around the world. Other practitioners of vitamin C therapy have included Dr. Hans Nieper of Germany and Dr. William Kelley of the United States.
Intravenous Vitamin C
When administered intravenously, vitamin C reacts with copper in the blood, generating hydrogen peroxide, which destroys tumors through oxidative reactions. Naturopathic or metabolic doctors often administer this treatment for a reasonable price.
Recommended Intake
If intravenous vitamin C is not available, a natural powder or tablet form can be used. Vitamin C is water-soluble, so it remains in the body for only a few hours. Many of its enthusiasts say you should take vitamin C every few hours throughout the day. Start with 1,000 milligram doses and work up to 4,000 milligram doses. If possible, build up to 15 to 20 grams per day, taking it every two hours. Powder is a good form to use because it can be added to juices.
Warning
Vitamin C should not be considered a stand-alone therapy for cancer. It is not a cure. However, it can be very beneficial in fighting cancer. Always consult with your physician if you are taking medications or undergoing other cancer therapies.
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