Q: My sister 41 years old has been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. The doctors at Rosewell Park Cancer Institute have diagnosed chromosome mutation, a lot of abnormal red cells and her bone marrow has been damaged but so far there is not a single cancer cell. Please be kind enough in particular about what kind of food/nutrition she should take in order to stimulate her immune system and also to repair the damaged bone marrow. And what vitamins should be taken to support the system.
A: There is some indication that defects in DNA methylation may an underlying cause. Therefore supplements such as S-adenosoyl methothine (SAME) may prove useful. If the red blood cells are abnormal, then this can lead to increased ability to transfer oxygen. This is the case with sickle cell anemia in which added EPA and DHA improve the red blood flexibility and enable greater oxygen transfer. In order to stimulate the immune system, the Zone Diet represents a balanced calorie-restricted program that decreases inflammation and therefore should be of use in this condition.