Learn the 5 supplements that every woman with breast cancer should be taking.

Are you interested in getting the most out of Radiation?

By Dr. Jenn Simmons, MD

The Best and Worst Supplements During Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer
Radiation therapy is a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer (especially metastatic breast cancer in hard-to-reach areas), but it can also come with both short- and long-term side effects like fatigue, skin irritation, normal tissue damage, and inflammation. Many women undergoing radiation wonder: Are there supplements that can help? And are there ones that might interfere with treatment?

The answer, as my friend Lisa Nichols would say, is Yes Yes! Certain supplements can enhance your body's ability to heal, reduce side effects, and support overall wellness, while others might reduce the effectiveness of radiation therapy by neutralizing the oxidative stress that kills cancer cells. Knowing the difference is key to getting the best results from your treatment. If you are going to go through the hardship of radiation, I want you to get the most out of it with the LEAST amount of damage.

Why Supplements Matter During Radiation:
Radiation works by creating oxidative damage to destroy cancer cells. The challenge? It can also impact healthy cells, leading to inflammation, cellular damage, immune suppression, and side effects like radiation burns or fatigue. The right supplements can:

💗 Reduce inflammation and support healthy cell recovery
💗 Minimize side effects like skin irritation, nausea, and fatigue
💗 Strengthen the immune system and improve energy levels
💗 Support overall healing and recovery

But beware! High-dose antioxidants and certain nutrients may counteract radiation’s effects, potentially reducing its effectiveness against cancer cells. If you are going to accept the risks and side effects of radiation, I want you to get the most out of it!
Let’s break down which supplements are beneficial during radiation therapy—and which ones you should avoid.

Beneficial Supplements During Radiation:
These supplements can support your body through treatment, reduce side effects, and promote faster healing.

1️⃣ Curcumin (Turmeric)
💗 Why? Reduces radiation-induced inflammation and protects healthy cells.
💗 Bonus: Turmeric may also enhance the effectiveness of radiation by increasing cancer cell sensitivity.
2️⃣ Melatonin
💗 Why? Supports immune function, improves sleep, and may enhance tumor response to radiation.
💗 Bonus: Has anti-cancer properties and protects normal tissues.
3️⃣ Omega-3 Fatty Acids
💗 Why? Reduces radiation induced inflammation, helps with fatigue, and supports brain and heart health.
4️⃣ L-Glutamine
💗 Why? Helps prevent radiation-induced gut damage and reduces nerve pain.
5️⃣ Probiotics
💗 Why? Maintains gut health, reduces radiation-induced diarrhea, and supports immune function.
6️⃣ Vitamin D
💗 Why? Enhances immune function and may improve radiation response.
7️⃣ Mushroom Extracts (Reishi, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps)
💗 Why? Support immune function, help with energy levels, and reduce fatigue.

🔴 Supplements to Avoid During Radiation:
These supplements may interfere with treatment and should be used with caution or avoided entirely.

1️⃣ Certain Antioxidants (Low Dose Vitamin C, Vitamin E, NAC, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Glutathione)
💗 Why? Radiation works by creating oxidative stress to kill cancer cells—high doses of antioxidants may neutralize this effect.
💗 Guidance: Small amounts in food are fine, but avoid high-dose supplements during treatment.
💗 Note: High-dose Vitamin C (over 10 grams daily) is a prooxidant and can be used during radiation treatment.
2️⃣ Iron Supplements (Unless Deficient)
💗 Why? Excess iron fuels cancer cell metabolism and can increase oxidative stress.
3️⃣ High-Dose Folic Acid & B12
💗 Why? May promote cancer cell proliferation in some cases.
💗 Guidance: Stick to methylated forms if needed, and only in small doses.
4️⃣ Excess Calcium Supplements
💗 Why? May increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.

🔹 Summary: What to Take & What to Avoid During Radiation:🔹

💗 Curcumin (Turmeric) 🔴 High-Dose Vitamin C & E
💗 Melatonin 🔴 NAC & Alpha-Lipoic Acid
💗 Omega-3 Fatty Acids 🔴 High-Dose Iron
💗 L-Glutamine 🔴 Folic Acid & High-Dose B12
💗 Probiotics 🔴 Soy Isoflavones (High Dose)
💗 Vitamin D 🔴 Excess Calcium
💗 Mushroom Extracts
💗 Aloe Vera & Calendula (Topical)

Get your radiation support bundle here!

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Want More Support for Your Breast Cancer Journey?

Navigating breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer treatment can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you want to learn more about how to optimize your treatment, reduce side effects, and support your body during and after radiation, we’re here to help!

Schedule a discovery call to learn about the Breast Health Blueprint:

👉 Click here to book your call
Your health is in your hands—let’s create a plan that empowers you!

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