How to Use GCP and AHCC in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer

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posted on 15 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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If you’re dealing with prostate cancer, it makes sense that you’re looking into a variety of treatment possibilities. One option is GCP (genistein combined polysaccharide), which is a soy-based nutritional supplement. You can also take an AHCC (active hexose correlated compound) supplement, derived from shiitake mushrooms. While both are easy to purchase and consume, the research is not conclusive on how effective these treatments are. Talk to your doctor about whether GCP or AHCC is right for you.

Steps

Taking GCP Safely

Talk to your doctor about the benefits of GCP. Meet with your doctor and ask questions about GCP. It is possible that it could extend the life expectancy of some patients, particularly those who have used drug therapy to lower testosterone. Ask your doctor if they think you might benefit from these supplements. Ask your doctor if they have read the most up to date research on GCP. Most of the testing so far has only been done on mice, not humans. Only plan to use GCP if your doctor approves.

Purchase GCP at a health food or natural health store. GCP is most commonly available in capsule form. It is widely available at health food stores and in many other places where you purchase vitamins. Ask a store employee or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also purchase GCP from many online retailers.

Ask your doctor for the proper dosage information. Since there isn’t enough substantial research, it’s difficult to know what the proper dosage of GCP is. A common dose is 1000 mg twice daily. Ask your doctor if that is right for you, or to recommend how many capsules you should take and how frequently you should take them. Read the guidelines on the packaging and ask your doctor if they are right for you. You should also follow directions such as whether or not to take with food.

Do not take GCP if your chemotherapy includes tamoxifen. It is possible that GCP can lessen the effects of tamoxifen. Either avoid taking GCP, or ask your doctor about the possibility of an alternative chemo regimen.

Trying AHCC as a Supplemental Treatment

Ask your doctor if AHCC is right for you. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the possible benefits of AHCC. It is possible that AHCC has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which means that it could help fight cancer. It might also help improve the function of the immune system, which is especially helpful if you’re undergoing chemo. Talk to your doctor about whether AHCC could be a useful supplemental treatment. Make sure that they are up to date on the most current research, as there aren’t definitive results yet.

Purchase AHCC online or wherever you buy vitamins. These supplements are widely available, so you have plenty of options. You can find these capsules online or purchase them at drugstores, box stores, and health food stores. If you have any questions, ask an employee or pharmacist.

Talk to your doctor about the appropriate dosage. A lot of variables go into the correct dosage, such as age, health, and other factors. For this reason, it’s important to ask your doctor for the specific dosage that is right for you. A typical dose might be 3 capsules daily. Make sure to also follow any relevant directions on the packaging. When in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take the recommended number of capsules on an empty stomach. These supplements are most effective if you take them without food and not near any meals. Take your recommended dose at a time of day when you haven’t just eaten and are not getting ready to eat.

Watch out for possible side effects. AHCC supplements are natural, but they can still have side effects. Diarrhea and itching are the most common. Talk to your doctor if you experience either of these, or any other changes to your health after starting AHCC.