Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, the first, being heart disease. Cancer is reported as the cause of 1 in 6 deaths. Currently, there are more than 100 types of cancer. Cancer is an umbrella term used to describe a disease where abnormal cells divide without control and invade nearby tissue.
In the same way there are varieties of cancer, there are also varieties of treatment. Conventional treatments usually include any combination of:
• Surgery
• Medication
• Radiation
Providers may use one or all available methods to cure, shrink, or stop the progressions of cancer.
The standard for treating cancer hasn’t changed much over the years. Most cancers are fought with traditional treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, but some providers have expanded treatment to include alternative methods—one of the methods being the use of IV infusions of vitamin C.
What is vitamin C, and how does it help treat cancer?
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient, also known as ascorbic acid (AA). It is a water-soluble, antioxidant vitamin that is crucial for your bones, skin, and connective tissues. It’s widely known for boosting immunity in our bodies and helping them prevent or fight off illness and damage to cells by free radicals.
Humans can’t produce vitamin C, but it is naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables, including but not limited to
• Guava
• Kiwi fruit
• Oranges
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Kale
Vitamin C is fairly easy to access in your diet, and it can also be taken in supplement form. Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which means it keeps cells healthy. Taking proper doses of vitamin C can help the body prevent illnesses like the common cold, but mega doses are able to battle even bigger illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Intravenous doses of vitamin C have been found to help fight cancer when administered straight to the bloodstream.
Though you can take vitamin C orally, delivering high doses of vitamin C via IV into the bloodstream can help keep it circulating more readily. This is advantageous for cancer treatment since many cancer patients tend to have lower levels of vitamin C in their system. Large doses of vitamin C are toxic to cancer cells but are harmless to natural cells in the body. IV vitamin C can reach 100 times higher concentration in the blood compared to taking vitamin C orally.
IV vitamin C infusion can offset the side effects of cancer treatment
Our bodies have enormous power to heal themselves. They are designed to fight infection and heal wounds. Vitamin C naturally assists in preventing illnesses and promotes healing. When cancer is present, IV vitamin C can assist with reducing the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and reduce inflammation and infection after cancer surgeries. Additionally, vitamin C is said to increase the “rusting effect” or oxidative damage to cancer cells.
Using IV vitamin C concurrently with traditional cancer treatment can help improve people’s quality of life with the side effects of often-times harsh treatments. People receiving IV vitamin C while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation tend to have improved mood and energy, which makes a big difference in their coping skills and day-to-day stamina during cancer treatment.
Other benefits of IV vitamin C infusion
IV vitamin C infusions can help fight cancer, but there are other benefits to getting vitamin C infusions.
Stress Reduction- Vitamin C reduces stress hormones. High-dose IV vitamin C can provide a powerful and beneficial boost that helps reduce stress.
Increased energy- Vitamin C is vital for the breakdown of fat into energy. High doses of vitamin C can help maximize the process of reviving you and giving you more energy than oral doses can provide.
Reduced migraines- Since vitamin C fights inflammation, it is beneficial in fighting chronic headaches and migraines. Used in conjunction with other nutrients, an infusion can help end nausea, pain, and auras.
Collagen production- Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production. High-dose vitamin C can promote healthy connective tissue and higher levels of collagen production. This can help in keeping a youthful appearance as well as prevent some age-related degenerative diseases.
Lower your risk of heart disease- High-dose IV vitamin C can help fight free radicals and inflammation that can contribute to heart disease and benefit patients who have suffered a cardiac event. High-dose infusions post-heart surgery can be beneficial in helping in healing and fighting serious issues like sepsis.
How do IV vitamin C infusions work?
IV vitamin C infusions are delivered intravenously directly to your bloodstream. A healthcare provider will determine the correct dosage and frequency for infusions. It should be expected that you’ll require more frequent appointments in the beginning as you raise your levels. Over time your frequency may change depending on your results, tolerance, and treatment goals. Each patient and their needs are unique, so treatments vary.
Being diagnosed with cancer is a challenge. It erupts a lot of fear and anxiety. Getting the right treatment at the right time can make a big difference in your health and your outcomes. Being aware of all the treatments available helps. Knowing there are traditional and alternative ways to battle cancer is essential. IV vitamin C infusion has been part of cancer’s available treatments since the ’70s and ’80s and remains an integral part of a solid treatment plan.
Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, and you’d like to explore IV vitamin C infusion as a treatment option, we are here to help. Schedule a free consultation with me, Dr. Jen, to share what you’ve been experiencing. I can help you decide what the next steps should be for your health and cancer treatment options.
