Cancer: the most effective dietary supplements

Cancer is a complex disease in which cells evade normal control mechanisms, leading to their uncontrolled proliferation. At the root of this abnormality is a dysfunction in energy production by the mitochondria, the cell's powerhouses, as well as genetic mutations.

Etiology

The causes of cancer are multiple and include genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Genetic mutations, often accumulated over time, can activate oncogenes or deactivate tumor suppressor genes, thereby promoting the development of cancer. Moreover, environmental factors such as exposure to carcinogens (tobacco, radiation, chemicals) and chronic infections can also play a major role. There is also a metabolic theory of cancer, proposed by Dr. Schwartz, which emphasizes the cellular energy imbalance as a triggering factor. Under normal conditions, healthy cells use their mitochondria to produce energy by burning glucose with oxygen. This process generates energy units called ATP, as well as water and carbon dioxide. However, in cancer cells, this mechanism is disrupted: even in the presence of oxygen, they opt for a less efficient form of energy production called anaerobic glycolysis. This process does not completely burn glucose but partially degrades it, producing little ATP and a large amount of lactic acid. This metabolic dysregulation favors the rapid proliferation of cancer cells and contributes to tumor development.

Some statistics

The most common types of cancer include lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, followed by breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. Statistics show an increase in the incidence of these cancers over time, largely due to population aging and improved detection. However, mortality has slightly decreased thanks to advances in treatments.

Drug treatments

Cancer treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and more recently, targeted therapies and immunotherapy. These approaches aim to eliminate or destroy cancer cells, reduce tumors, and control the spread of the disease. • Surgery : Used to physically remove tumors, especially when the cancer is localized. • Radiotherapy : Uses radiation to destroy cancer cells. • Chemotherapy : Employs cytotoxic drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. • Immunotherapy : Enhances the immune system so that it recognizes and attacks cancer cells. • Targeted therapies : These treatments target specific abnormalities in cancer cells, such as genetic mutations, to attack them more precisely while sparing healthy cells.

Natural approaches

Metabolic approaches seek to correct the fundamental energy imbalances of cancer cells by specifically targeting their altered metabolism. There are also traditional remedies that may be of interest as adjuvants: • Methylene blue, for example, is being explored for its potential role in modulating mitochondrial respiration. It could act as an "electron recycler" in the mitochondria, thereby improving energy production and reducing the proliferation of cancer cells. This molecule, long used in medicine for other indications, could interest oncological research because of its potential effects on tumor cells. • Intravenous vitamin C, administered at high doses, is being studied for its pro-oxidant properties when used at high concentrations. Contrary to its antioxidant role at low doses, high-concentration vitamin C can generate free radicals in cancer cells, inducing oxidative damage that contributes to cell death. In addition, it may potentiate the effects of chemotherapy by increasing oxidative stress in cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. • Melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland, is also being explored for its potential anticancer effects. In addition to its sleep-regulating properties, melatonin has been shown in some studies to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. It also appears to favorably modulate the immune system, thereby increasing the body's ability to fight cancer cells.

Prevention

Cancer prevention is mainly based on lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, reducing exposure to carcinogens, and a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and low in fast-acting sugars. Supplementation with vitamin D and other essential nutrients may also play a protective role by maintaining good immune function and reducing chronic inflammation.