Health Tips

Dr. Vliet’s Health Tip: Sulforaphane ~ A Powerful Anti-Cancer Natural Medicine

© by Elizabeth Lee Vliet MD and Kathy Kresnik

For the last six years, I have been warning the public about the cancer risk from mRNA COVID shots being unleashed that actually suppress our natural God-given cancer-fighting mechanisms, such as turning OFF the P53 tumor-suppressing gene, along with others.   I have watched with alarm and sadness as some of my own patients who went ahead and got the COVID shot, suddenly were diagnosed with an aggressive cancer a year or so after the COVID shot, even though they were previously healthy, had no family history of cancer, and no particular cancer risks…except getting the COVID mRNA shots!

These cancers have been very different from cancers I’ve seen over my career in earlier years, before the launch of the mRNA COVID shots. Canadian oncologist, Dr. William Makis, coined the term “Turbo-cancers” and I agree.  The cancers I’ve seen in patients after the COVID shot(s) have been more aggressive, appeared suddenly as late stage cancers when diagnosed, and were less responsive to traditional treatments. Patients with these turbo-cancers are dying at higher numbers and sooner than in the past. For many reasons, including this devastating rise in aggressive cancers, I have described these gene therapy agents as bioweapons because of their deliberate toxic design, now exposed by multiple experts from around the world.

Emerging data from studies around the world now confirm the alarming rise in cancers and other adverse health consequences following launch of the COVID shots.  A recent study caught my attention because it clearly confirmed what we have suspected all along: people who received mRNA vaccines potentially have a higher chance of developing certain types of cancer, compared to those who did not get the vaccines.

This major South Korean study involving over 8.4 million individuals demonstrated the very concerning link between mRNA vaccines and cancer and highlighted elevated cancer risks post-vaccination with COVID shots.  During the years 2021-2023, the Korean National Health Insurance database showed significantly higher hazard ratios for the following cancers one year after vaccination.

What does a “hazard ratio” mean? It means the risk of getting the disease compared to controls. For example, if the hazard ratio (HR) for lung cancer is 1.533, it means vaccinated individuals in the study were about 53% more likely to get lung cancer than unvaccinated people over the following year. The HR of 1.351 for thyroid cancer means a 35% higher risk, and so on.

Here are the results from the South Korean study: 

  • Prostate cancer (HR 1.687) – 68.7 % higher risk in vaccinated people
  • Lung cancer (HR 1.533) – 53.3% higher risk
  • Thyroid cancer (HR 1.351) – 35.1% higher risk
  • Gastric cancer (HR 1.335) – 33.5% higher risk
  • Colorectal cancer (HR 1.283) – 28.3% higher risk
  • Breast cancer (HR 1.197) – 19.7% higher risk

Are these hazard ratios significant?  Most definitely yes! In medical research, a hazard ratio above 1 means there is an increased risk. The closer the number is to 2 (or higher), the stronger the association.

For example, the prostate cancer HR of 1.687 suggests almost a 70% higher risk, which is substantial. However, it’s important to remember that hazard ratios show a statistical association. HR alone does not necessarily confirm a direct cause. But it does show that people who got mRNA vaccines had a markedly higher risk of developing many types of cancer compared to those who didn’t get the COVID shots.

These increases in Hazard Ratios for so many cancers are large enough to be taken very seriously.  This increase cancer risk for people who got the COVID shots should dictate that all physicians do earlier and more intensive cancer screening in people who got the COVID mRNA shots and who are exposed to the mRNA through shedding. 

I also think all physicians need to be much more aggressive in guiding patients on integrated cancer-prevention strategies as I have been teaching in my own medical practice for many years.  We have also been teaching these cancer-prevention strategies in our Truth for Health Foundation programs for the last five years, as a core mission of our public charity.

MORE EVIDENCE: Turbo cancer is a real threat

I did a six part series in the fall of 2023 on “Turbo Cancer: Innovated Treatments Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You”, archived on our website.  I have great respect for and give the credit to Dr. William Makis in Canada for coining this term and for his tireless work reporting on the sudden and aggressive nature of cancers post-pandemic, especially in younger individuals and developing innovative treatment protocols he has shared with the world.  Both Dr. Makis and US critical care specialist Dr. Paul Marik, have spent thousands of hours researching repurposed older medicines effective against cancers and teaching patients and doctors around the world about their discoveries and successful protocols. We presented in our six-part cancer series a compilation of this research and my own digging into the medical literature for options to share with patients. I hope you will access those resources to help keep you healthy!

Based on the work of these researchers and my own extensive research I developed the Truth for Health Store’s Cancer Risk Reduction Formula that includes powerful nutrients to help reduce risk for cancer, support on going cancer treatment and protect healthy cells, and post treatment to go after cancer stem cells and help lower risk of recurrence.

Dr. Vliet’s Cancer Risk Reduction Core Nutrient Formula includes:

  • TruSulforaphane
  • TruResveratrol
  • TruBerberine 5X
  • TruInositol Complex
  • TruImmune Boost
  • TruOmega Pure
  • And several of our Resilience Formula daily supplements that support a strong immune system

As the first in this series of powerful cancer-fighting nutrients, today’s health tip focuses on sulforaphane, a biologically active, yet highly reactive and unstable compound found in cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli, broccoli sprouts, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, collard greens, bok choy.

Cruciferous vegetables have become known as a true “super food.” Sulforaphane in particular is well known in cancer circles as an “anti-cancer” nutraceutical for several critical reasons based on its actions to

  1. support the immune system,
  2. provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions
  3. help with detoxification at the cellular level
  4. support cellular metabolism, and cell-life regulation.

These benefits are found with all cruciferous vegetables and are attributed to their naturally occurring phytochemical – glucoraphanin, also known as sulforaphane glucosinolate (SGS), which is a precursor building block for isothiocyanate sulforaphane, more commonly called just sulforaphane (SFN).   I will explain the importance of this distinction when I discuss sulforaphane supplements and why I chose TruSulforaphane as my recommended source for my patients.

But first, let’s explore the many health benefits of sulforaphane.

Health benefits: Cruciferous foods/Sulforaphane supplementation

KEY TAKEAWAY: Cruciferous vegetables and sulforaphane supplements support detoxification, cardiometabolic health, estrogen metabolism, gut and immune function, and have meaningful chemopreventive and antiinflammatory effects.

Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, are rich in glucosinolates, fiber, vitamins A/C/K/folate, and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and trace elements. They’re consistently associated with lower risk of several chronic diseases in cohort data, especially CVD and cancer.

  • Cancer risk reductionDiets high in cruciferous vegetables and SUPPLEMENTING with sulforaphane are linked to lower incidence of breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, bladder and pancreatic cancers in several observational studies.
  • include inducing phase II detox enzymes, enhancing carcinogen excretion, and reducing DNA damage. According to advanced research by Dr. Paul Marik, sulforaphane supplementation provides cellular defense, reprogramming and enhances cellular resilience through several key mechanisms:

Nrf2 activation → strengthens antioxidant defenses in immune cells. Sulforaphane is a potent Nrf2 activator, upregulating phase II enzymes (e.g., glutathione S‑transferases, NQO1) and increasing glutathione synthesis. This enhances cellular defense against oxidative stress and supports detoxification of carcinogens, air pollutants, and xenobiotics.

Detoxification pathways → reduces inflammatory and carcinogenic burden. Sulforaphane increases carcinogen detox, reduces DNA adduct formation, modulates apoptosis and cell cycle, and can influence epigenetic regulation in cancer‑related pathways.

HDAC inhibition → promotes tumor suppressor gene expression. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) is a gene silencing enzyme (turns off protective genes) and HDAC inhibition can halt uncontrolled tumor growth and trigger cancer cell death by restoring expression of these protective genes.

Targeting Cancer Stem Cells (CSC) → disrupts a key driver of immune resistance. Cancer stem cells (CSC) are a subpopulation of tumor cells with stem-like properties that drive tumor initiation, metastasis, and therapy resistance. CSCs also actively suppress the immune system increasing risk of recurrence.

Sulforaphane also acts as a resilience enhancer, allowing immune cells to function in a hostile tumor microenvironment (TME).

  • Cardiovascular and metabolic health – Higher intake of cruciferous vegetables and sulforaphane supplementation are associated with lower cardiovascular mortality and improved blood pressure and lipid profiles from fiber, potassium, antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory effects. Endothelial function and blood glucose regulation are also enhanced, which may reduce risk or progression of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
  • Detoxification and antioxidant defense – cruciferous vegetable intake and sulforaphane supplementation upregulate Nrf2‑dependent phase II detox enzymes and support glutathione synthesis. This improves handling of xenobiotics (e.g., air pollutants, dietary carcinogens) and decreases oxidative damage in various tissues.
  • Estrogen metabolism and hormonerelated cancers – These vegetables aid in the elimination of potentially detrimental estrogen metabolites and appear to have a role in protecting against estrogen‑sensitive cancers (e.g., breast) through glucosinolate‑derived compounds. Some data on mechanisms and clinical measures suggest more favorable ratios of estrogen metabolite occur with high intake of cruciferous vegetables, though results are not uniform.
  • Gut health and microbiome – cruciferous vegetables provide both soluble and insoluble fiber that feed beneficial microbes, improve stool bulk, and support regularity. Sulforaphane has antimicrobial and microbiome‑modulating effects that help create a more favorable gut bacterial profile.
  • Immune and inflammatory modulation – cruciferous vegetables and sulforaphane supplementation contain antioxidants (vitamin C, E, carotenoids) and isothiocyanates that support immune cell function and help maintain immune competence with aging. Higher intake is also associated with lower systemic inflammatory markers and better outcomes in conditions tied to chronic inflammation, including cancer.
  • Weight, metabolic and mental health – High‑fiber, low‑calorie cruciferous vegetables improve satiety and help support weight management. Some studies link higher cruciferous intake with lower obesity rates. There is also emerging data that suggests a correlation between sulforaphane‑rich intake and reduced depression scores due to anti‑inflammatory and neuroprotective mechanisms.
  • Micronutrient and pregnancy support – Cruciferous vegetables also supply folate which is important for neural tube development, plus vitamin K, calcium and other minerals supporting bone and vascular health.

KEY POINTS for Optimal Sulforaphane Supplementation:

The most evidencebased way to take sulforaphane is to use a stable product of broccolisprout–derived glucoraphanin + myrosinase.  Most high‑quality products provide glucoraphanin (as a precursor) plus myrosinase to generate sulforaphane in vivo, which mirrors how the compound is produced from broccoli sprouts.

Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate – a sulfur-containing organic compound that is biologically active when glucosinolates are broken down by the enzyme myrosinase. Myrosinase is essential for the generation of sulforaphane and needs to be present. “Sulforaphane” by itself is chemically unstable; which is why I recommend precursor‑based products, such as TruSulforaphane, over “pure sulforaphane”.

Recent research has led scientists to better understand the crucial role of the enzyme myrosinase (from mustard seeds) added to glucoraphanin, which actually enhances the bioavailability of sulforaphane 3-4 fold. Scientists have also identified Vitamin C as a strong activator for myrosinase enzyme activity.

This is why I have included TruSulforaphane in our Truth for Health store. TruSulforaphane™ has been uniquely formulated to provide the optimal 4:1 ratio of glucoraphanin to myrosinase, with vitamin C included for maximum bioavailability. If you are taking sulforaphane or glucoraphanin supplements, consider changing to our exclusive professional formula that contains these important cofactors—myrosinase and vitamin C—for maximum bioavailability and effectiveness.

A modest but consistent daily dose (roughly 50–100 µmol, ≈10–20 mg sulforaphane equivalent – one capsule of TruSulforaphane contains 30 mg), taken once daily with food and at a regular time you can adhere to is the best way to take it.

Sulforaphane from Food + Supplements is Ideal

I recommend maintaining (daily) cruciferous intake (esp. broccoli sprouts, lightly steamed broccoli) and layering the supplement on top for dose consistency in order to leverage the benefits of the concentrated bioactive supplement with food’s other nutrients and fiber. For optimal antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-boosting benefits, from your foods, continue reading my (bonus) simple guide for preparing, cooking and eating your cruciferous vegetables!

CAUTION: Individuals taking blood thinners or those on a medically restricted diet should ask their clinician before making major diet changes. Cruciferous foods are rich in vitamin K which can promote clotting.

Interestingly though, sulforaphane supplements have the opposite effect, acting as an antiplatelet and anticoagulant agent, which is helpful for those with elevated D-Dimer due to the COVID shots or COVID illness. So it’s important to tailor the approach to what is best for you, in consultation with your personal health professionals, and using the appropriate lab tests to guide your decisions.

BONUS GUIDE: Getting the Most Sulforaphane From Cruciferous Vegetables

Best method: Chop, rest, steam

  • Chop or shred broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, or Brussels sprouts into small pieces.
  • Rest raw vegetables 30 to 45 minutes before cooking so sulforaphane can form.
  • Steam vegetables lightly for 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.  There is no evidence to suggest that using a microwave oven for lightly steaming your vegetables for 1-3 minutes with low water causes any measurable decrease in sulforaphane levels or overall nutrient quality. In fact, multiple peer-reviewed studies indicate that this gentle method preserves nutrients well and can maintain or even support sulforaphane formation compared to boiling or overcooking.
  • Avoid long boiling or overcooking because this lowers sulforaphane potential.
  • Add a pinch of mustard powder after cooking vegetables, especially if they were cooked longer than planned; mustard provides myrosinase that can help form more sulforaphane.

Easy ways to eat more

  • Broccoli sprouts are one of the richest food sources of sulforaphane precursors. You can grow these at home and harvest as needed.
  • Raw slaws and salads preserve myrosinase naturally. I regularly chop my broccoli crowns into tiny pieces for a nice little crunch that is easy to eat. Add shredded cabbage as another layer of greens and finely chop cauliflower again as added crunch and a nice salad topper.
  • Light steaming is usually better than boiling for retaining sulforaphane potential. But make sure to retain your cooking water in refrigerator to use as a vegetable broth for soups, cooking beans, or using in stir frying.
  • Thorough chewing also helps activate the process.

Three simple recipes
1) Steamed broccoli with lemon-mustard finish

  • 2 cups of chopped broccoli
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • Directions: Chop broccoli and let it sit for 30 to 45 minutes. Steam for 3 to 4 minutes, then toss with olive oil, lemon juice, mustard powder, and salt to taste.

2) Crunchy cabbage slaw

  • 2 cups of shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Directions: Mix all ingredients and let the slaw sit 10 minutes before eating. Raw cabbage keeps its natural myrosinase, which helps sulforaphane formation when chopped and chewed.

3) Broccoli sprout topper

  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup broccoli sprouts
  • 1 teaspoon raw sunflower seeds
  • Squeeze of lemon
  • Directions: Add broccoli sprouts to salads, soups after cooking, or avocado toast just before eating. Using sprouts raw helps preserve myrosinase activity and sulforaphane potential.

Helpful reminders

  • Aim to eat cruciferous vegetables several times per week, daily is even better!  I actually aim for having broccoli at least 5 times a week.
  • If these foods cause gas or bloating, start with small portions and increase gradually.

As you put all the pieces together that I have described today, I encourage you to consider our other natural medicines with our top quality, cGMP-compliant professional formulas: TruMitochondrial™ Boost,  TruNAC™, Tru BioD3, Tru B™ Complex Full Spectrum, TruZinc™, TruC with BioFlavonoids  (Natural sourced Vitamin C with complete Bioflavonoids), and TruProBiotic™ Daily to replenish critical bifidobacteria depleted by COVID shots, viral illnesses, and antibiotic therapy.

All Truth for Health Foundation Products Meet or Exceed cGMP Quality Standards, the highest quality standard for supplements sold in the USA. For more information, references from studies are listed in the Product Data Sheets for each product, available on our website.  Check us out at www.TruthforHealth.org Click on tab for Store.  OR www.shopTruthforHealth.com

CAUTION:  As always, we urge you to avoid supplements without checking knowledgeable sources to evaluate your medical situation, proper lab tests to verify what is needed, and to make sure to avoid adverse interactions with prescription medicines and other supplements you take.  Under medical practice regulations, we are unable to answer individual medical questions or make specific individual supplement recommendations for people who are not established patients of Dr. Vliet’s independent medical practice (www.ViveLifeCenter.com).

To Your good health and improving resilience!
Elizabeth Lee Vliet, MD

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