Since my breast cancer diagnosis in 2009, I have been on a strict regime put together by my holistic doctors to help build my immune system. I believe that this regime, coupled with lifestyle and dietary changes is enabling my body to fight off cancer.

Since both my husband and I were diagnosed with cancer last year (he with kidney cancer, me with breast cancer), we decided to take control of our lives and completely change our lifestyles. We have cut out all processed foods, dairy, meat and refined sugar. We have found that we not only feel better, but we have also lost a substantial amount of weight. We are no longer the chubby couple we were a year ago. We have both dropped about 50 lbs each.

There are many supplements out there that claim to fight cancer. Some of them have shown clinical effectiveness and some are snake oil. The trick is to determine the difference between the two. It is best to work with a holistic MD when fighting a disease such as cancer. It is a tricky disease and potentially life threatening. It should not be undertaken without the guidance of a solid medical team.

Recently, Life Extension organization released an article about the benefits of resveratrol in fighting cancer. This is a supplement that both my husband and I have been advised to take. Life Extension is such a wonderful organization devoted to alternatives and doing important exposes. They also produce and sell high quality supplements. Check out their website at: www.lef.org.

Here is what Life Extension had to say:

“Derivatives of resveratrol -- found in red wine grapes -- may impede cancer cell development, U.S. researchers said. The National Cancer Institute has teamed with a biotech firm to examine the potential benefit of resveratrol among cancer patients. Dr. Bryan C. Donohue of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Shadyside Hospital, says early-stage clinical trials now under way are examining resveratrol's effectiveness among patients with heart disease, cancer, dementia and a host of other modern illnesses. In the meanwhile, some people simply looking for greater energy, enhanced clarity of thought and advanced overall well being are already benefiting from resveratrol supplementation, Donohue said. "I have had occasion to introduce hundreds of patients to daily resveratrol supplementation, ranging from healthy adults interested in health maintenance and prevention to more elderly individuals with specific health concerns," Donohue said in a statement. "People have experienced greater energy, increased exercise tolerance, crispness and clarity of thought and a general bounce in their overall level of well-being."”

We have felt the benefits of resveratrol too. It is one of the nutritional supplements we take that has many health benefits and is available from many sources. When considering any dietary supplements, always check the labels carefully. Be certain that it does not contain hidden ingredients that you do not wish to take.

I recently read the label of a common drugstore brand and was flabbergasted by its contents. The list was a mile long and included everything from added color to preservatives and a host of other unwanted ingredients. Look for pure brands that are not loaded with fillers. These have the best effect and don’t pose the potential for damage due to the ingestion of undesirable contents.