Did I mention that we where told to not have any Antioxidants? Yep none, he was allowed to get them in foods, but that is it. Antioxidants are nutrients that can slow oxidative damage to our body's tissues. Antioxidants can help prevent cancer and a range of other health problems

 So hear is a simple list below:

Vitamin A and Carotenoids, which are found in carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kale, collards, cantaloupe, peaches and apples.

Vitamin C, which is found in citrus fruits, green peppers, leafy green vegetables, strawberries and tomatoes.

Vitamin E, which is found in nuts and seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil and liver oil.

Selenium, which is found in fish, shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic.

Flavoniods and polyphenols, which are found in soy, red wine, purple and red grapes, pomegranates, cranberries and tea.

Lycopene, which is found in tomatoes, pink grapefruit and watermelon.

Lutein, which is found in dark green vegetables such as kale, kiwi, broccoli, brussels sprouts and spinach.

Lignan, which is found in flax seed, oatmeal, barley and rye.

Reishi Mushroom!!

 I love Reishi Mushrooms, They really are an amazing medicine. The king of mushrooms. Its another adaptogen Herb. Remember an Adaptogen herb helps us deal with the negative effects of stress — such as increased inflammation, depleted energy levels, damaged blood vessels and various types of hormonal imbalances. Reishi helps improve liver function. Just think all the processing your Liver has been doing in normal life. Now that there is chemo in the mix, you need to support your liver.

 

Studies have repeatedly shown that reishi mushrooms have antioxidant abilities that allow them to strengthen the body’s defenses against cancer, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, allergies, infections.  Its an “immune modulator" which restore hormonal balance, bring the body back to homeostasis. 

A new friend that I had met this last summer. Contacted me via facebook and wanted to help. She made a few tinctures for Elijah. I'm always so blown away when a kind spirit reaches out to help someone they hardly know. One thing that I have learned is to except kindness from others. I've always been the one to give, I'm now learning to be the receiver. I still give and will continue to do so. Now I will be able to allow my self to receive.  

I've had Elijah to do two dropper-fulls of the tincture 3 times a day. If you don't have a tincture you can find it in capsules. I've also given him the capsules from Host Defense Paul Stamets company, and Myco-Immunity Powder from Health force. (Which was also given to me from several friends)  Always do what your comfortable with doing. Please seek out knowledge. Learn everything you can for you or your family's health.  

Omega 3s fatty acids (FAs) are an important and key nutrients, involved in normal growth and development of various human tissues. Besides Omega-3s being good for your brain, heart, eyes, skin. They are thought to reduce inflammation in the body. And a variety of cancers have been linked to chronic inflammation.  Omega-3s also seem to restrict tumor cell growth, and may cause cancer cells to self-destruct. 

I found this from a Science article: "Docosahexanoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oils, has been shown to reduce the size of tumors and enhance the positive effects of the chemotherapy drug Cisplatin, while limiting its harmful side effects."

 

So eat some fish, if you or your child doesn't like fish. Use a supplement. Make sure you find a clean source of Omega-3s. I was lucky to receive a three bottles for Elijah through my work. If you are vegan/vegetarian there are Algae Omegas out there.   

This is one that he used and has 1120 mg omega-3 per serving. Elijah didn't have any what people call brain fog. I think this is one of the the things that helped him.

I'm sure you heard of Bone Broth.  Its seems I hear about it everywhere. You get nutrients that will support your immune system, good digestion, and brain health. Its not trendy. Its been around for along time.

I think grandma was right…That chicken soup WAS really good for the soul. Hey it always made us feel better when we were sick. There is more to that though. There are over 19 easy-to-absorb, essential and non-essential amino acid. Bone broth contains collagen, which can stop the spread of cancer. Bone broth helps to reduce inflammation. It also helps heal the gut. At least 80 % of all immune system cells reside in your digestive system. Regularly drinking bone broth assists the body’s natural detoxification pathways by helping the digestive system remove waste. It strengthens the liver.

After all that info no matter if you have Cancer or not you should incorporate Bone Broth into your diet. I made it super easy for my 14 year old. I use it to make Soups. There is a need to detox our children when they are going through rounds and rounds chemo, this is one easy way to begin supporting their bodies own ability to detoxing. Simple easy steps to support your child or yourself. 

Here is the way I make mine. I either use a chicken carcass (what is left over from the whole chicken) or I get two pounds of bones. I always use a good source.  I cut up a whole Onion skin and all throw that in with Garlic of coarse (4-8 cloves) 2 carrots, 2 celery,  Thyme,or Cilantro or both (whatever herbs you like, I've used Bay leaf as well) Two Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar and Water to cover the ingredients. I use my crock pot on low for  24 to 48 hours. You can do it for 2-4. I like to do it longer. Sometimes I've also added Astragaulas Root (1Tablespoon) Strain, let cool.  It will become gelatinous. You can  then poor into jars to keep in freezer or use in whatever you make. Hey use it  to cook your rice, or make a soup.

I love Chlorophyll!! I've been giving Elijah this since we found out. Chlorophyll is responsible for the absorption of light in the process of photosynthesis, which creates energy. Chlorophyll blocks carcinogenic effects within the body and protects DNA. Helps Fight Cancer! It helps the livers health and therefore the body’s natural elimination of potentially harmful toxins. Chlorophyll seems to slow the rate at which harmful bacteria reproduce, making it beneficial for wound healing and preventing infections. I still use ChorOxygen Chlorophyll from Herbs Etc.






So eat your Green veggies!! Raw or lightly cooked is best. Below is a great reference on the top Chlorophyll foods.

One of the things I felt most important for me during this whole time, was Aswagandha. Aswagandah is a Ayurvedic Herb. I knew I was going through stress. I didn't want to get sick I had my whole family to take care of. Aswagandha can help alleviate these symptoms and support an energetic and rejuvenating sense of wellbeing.

Aswgandha can help:
~Protects the immune system
~Helps combat the effects of stress
~Improves learning, memory, and reaction time
~Reduces anxiety and depression without causing drowsiness
~Helps reduce brain-cell degeneration
~Stabilizes blood sugar
~Helps lower cholesterol
~Offers anti-inflammatory benefits

One of the formulas that I took during this time was Hero's Blend Spagyric Tincture by Portland Ashwagandha farm. This one is my most favorite.

The other formula that I took was Himalaya's Aswagandha. Both I really love and could tell was helping. Aswgandha also helps with your response to stress. Its an Adaptogen. Supporting adrenal function helping you overcome adrenal fatigue and chronic stress.

We go back up to OHSU on February 9th  to do a CT/PT scan. We won't have the results till the 14th (day after Elijah's 15th birthday) when we meet with his Oncologist to look at it and discus what might be next. I'm hoping and praying that the only thing that Elijah will have to do is a scan every 6 months then every year.