Treatment FAQ

how to naturally help with chemo and radiation treatment

by Seamus Berge Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Herbs and Other Supplements
  1. Ginger can help you manage nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. ...
  2. Zinc may help prevent taste changes, a side effect of radiation, chemotherapy, and some pain medicines.
  3. Astragalus might ease the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting, if you have colorectal cancer.
Nov 8, 2020

Full Answer

What are some natural treatments for chemotherapy?

Some treatments that are theorized to help in conjunction with chemotherapy include: MSM/LIPH and MSM/Vitamin C – MSM/LIPH and MSM/Vitamin C. Coconut water – Coconut water is the water inside of “young coconuts,” which have not had their shell harden yet.

How to Detox Your System after chemotherapy or radiation?

Natural Ways to Detox Your System After Chemotherapy or Radiation. Dandelion: Many herbs are known to stimulate detoxification in the body. Dandelion is one, used in traditional Chinese medicine as a powerful liver tonic. Try a daily cup of dandelion tea, some dandelion greens (full of nutrients), or this smoothie recipe.

What supplements should I take to support my chemotherapy or radiation?

Along with some basic dietary guidelines, there are five key supplements that can be used to support any form of chemotherapy or radiation. In addition, it is important to take coenzyme Q10 if you are taking doxorubicin (Adriamycin) or any other chemotherapy agent known to damage the heart. What are the general dietary guidelines to follow?

How can I neutralize the effects of radiation?

Baking soda helps neutralize the effects of radiation, sesame is great for de-stressing, and vinegar helps soothe joints and tendonitis. (Find recipes here .) Water: It’s the most natural way to flush toxins out of your body. Drink at least 7-8 glasses a day, preferably purified.

image

How can I help someone going through chemo and radiation?

What you can do: VisitsAlways call before you visit. ... Schedule a visit that allows you to give physical and emotional support for the caregiver, too. ... Make short, regular visits rather than long, infrequent ones. ... Begin and end the visit with a touch, a hug, or a handshake.Be understanding if you are asked .More items...•

How can you minimize the effects of chemotherapy?

How to Manage the Side Effects of ChemotherapyCounter Chemo-Induced Fatigue With Exercise. ... Take Medication to Quell Nausea and Vomiting. ... Consider Using a Cooling Cap to Minimize Hair Loss. ... Beat Mouth Sores With Ice Chips. ... Wash Your Hands Often to Avoid Infection. ... Tell Your Doctor About Tingling in Your Hands or Feet.

How can I reduce the side effects of radiation?

Radiation therapy side effects: 5 tips to copeGet enough sleep during radiation therapy. ... Treat skin exposed to radiation with TLC. ... Maintain a well-balanced diet. ... Commit to physical activity. ... Get the support you need.

How do you stay healthy during chemo and radiation?

What Else Can I Do to Stay Healthy?Staying away from tobacco. ... Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink.Protecting your skin from overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun and avoiding tanning beds.Eating lots of fruits and vegetables.Keeping a healthy weight.Being physically active.

How can I reduce my chemo side effects naturally?

Herbs and Other SupplementsGinger can help you manage nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. ... Zinc may help prevent taste changes, a side effect of radiation, chemotherapy, and some pain medicines.Astragalus might ease the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting, if you have colorectal cancer.More items...•

What foods boost immune system during chemo?

10 Foods to Eat During ChemotherapyOatmeal. Oatmeal provides numerous nutrients that can help your body during chemo. ... Avocado. ... Eggs. ... Broth. ... Almonds and other nuts. ... Pumpkin seeds. ... Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. ... Homemade smoothies.More items...•

What vitamins are good for radiation treatment?

Some supplements, especially antioxidants, may change how radiation therapy works. Antioxidants include vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, and selenium, among others. Many people take antioxidants during treatment hoping they can protect normal tissues from treatment side effects.

What herb is good for radiation?

The results obtained from in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that several botanicals such as Gingko biloba, Centella asiatica, Hippophae rhamnoides, Ocimum sanctum, Panax ginseng, Podophyllum hexandrum, Amaranthus paniculatus, Emblica officinalis, Phyllanthus amarus, Piper longum, Tinospora cordifoila, Mentha ...

Which is harder on the body chemo or radiation?

Since radiation therapy is focused on one area of your body, you may experience fewer side effects than with chemotherapy. However, it may still affect healthy cells in your body.

What are the best foods to eat after radiation treatment?

After surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, extra protein is usually needed to heal tissues and help fight infection. Good sources of protein include fish, poultry, lean red meat, eggs, low-fat dairy products, nuts and nut butters, dried beans, peas and lentils, and soy foods.

What vitamins should I take while on chemo?

Selenium, folic acid and probiotics have been found to be safe for use during chemotherapy treatment.

What foods should I avoid during radiation?

Avoid raw vegetables and fruits, and other hard, dry foods such as chips or pretzels. It's also best to avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods if you are experiencing these symptoms. Your care team can recommend nutrient-based oral care solutions if you are experiencing mucositis or mouth sores caused by cancer treatment.

How to treat radiation?

Take care of the skin in the treatment area. Avoid wearing tight clothes, especially over the treatment area. Protect the treated area from the sun, heat, and cold. You should also talk to your doctor about how to deal with specific side effects resulting from radiation therapy.

What is the best treatment for radiation?

Other research in animals shows that the herb ginkgo biloba may help shield against organ damage resulting from radiation therapy. And although aloe vera is often touted as a natural remedy for radiation-induced skin changes, a 2005 research review concluded that there is not enough evidence to suggest that topical aloe vera is effective in preventing or minimizing radiation-induced skin reactions. 4 

How to protect yourself from radiation side effects?

To guard your health and protect against side effects during radiation therapy, the American Cancer Society recommends the following strategies: Get plenty of rest and practice good sleep hygiene. Follow a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Take care of the skin in the treatment area.

How is radiation therapy administered?

A form of energy released in particles or waves, radiation therapy is often administered by a machine that aims radiation at your cancer. Radiation may also be administered internally, through radioactive substances placed inside your body. Because radiation can sometimes harm normal cells in the targeted area, the treatment may produce certain side effects.

What is radiation therapy?

on November 01, 2019. There are a number of side effects associated with radiation therapy (also referred to as "radiotherapy" or "radiation"), a type of cancer treatment that helps kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

How long does it take for side effects to subside after radiation?

Although most side effects tend to subside within two months of completing radiation therapy, certain side effects (such as infertility) may not set in until six or more months after you've finished your radiation treatment.

Does radiation cause skin changes?

Because radiation can sometimes harm normal cells in the targeted area, the treatment may produce certain side effects. While skin changes (such as itching, peeling, and blistering) and fatigue are common among all patients receiving radiation, other side effects tend to vary depending on the bodily area being treated.

How to improve nutritional status during chemotherapy?

The following dietary suggestions can help improve nutritional status in cancer patients: Eat small frequent meals (every 1-2 hours).

What supplements are good for radiation?

A high potency multiple vitamin and mineral. Regular consumption of “greens” drinks. Maitake D- or M,D-fraction. Proteolytic enzymes.

Why do cancer patients have anorexia?

Because of the problem of nausea and vomiting sometimes caused by cancer itself, as well as many chemotherapy agents and/ or radiation therapies , many cancer patients develop anorexia – the loss of appetite or desire to eat.

Does chemotherapy damage hair follicles?

One of the problems with chemotherapy is that it is active against all dividing cells whether cancerous or not. This means that cells lining the intestines, in the bone marrow and in the hair follicles, all of which are also continuously dividing, will also be damaged by chemotherapy.

Does chemotherapy cause side effects?

Nonetheless, chemotherapy can produce a wide range of undesirable side effects. Which side effects will occur has much to do with the type of chemotherapy, the dosage and timing of the treatments, the general health of the patient and the history of prior chemotherapy. One of the problems with chemotherapy is that it is active against all dividing ...

Can chemotherapy cause nausea?

For many people the very thought of chemotherapy evokes frightening images of debilitating nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness. However, newer medications have made most chemotherapy regimens much better tolerated than in the past. Nonetheless, chemotherapy can produce a wide range of undesirable side effects.

Should you use antioxidants after chemotherapy?

One of the most controversial recommendations to support chemotherapy (as well as radiation therapy) is the recommendation to use antioxidant nutrients during the active phase of the treatment. While there is little concern with using antioxidant nutrients after the completion of a course of chemotherapy or radiation treatment the concern ...

What are some treatments that are theorized to help in conjunction with chemotherapy?

Some treatments that are theorized to help in conjunction with chemotherapy include: MSM / LIPH and MSM/ Vitamin C – MSM/LIPH and MSM/Vitamin C.

Can you use natural cancer treatments with chemotherapy?

It is important to discuss how one may use natural cancer treatments in conjunction with to being on chemotherapy. When choosing to go this route, it is imperative to work with your oncologist and/or cancer care team to be sure all treatments are compatible ...

Can you use coconut water before chemotherapy?

It is an electrolyte, it oxygenates the blood, it restores the ANC count, white blood count, hemoglobin, platelets, etc. It is suggest that you must use fresh “young coconuts” and extract the coconut water. Using MSM or DMSO prior to chemotherapy administration – DMSO is suggested to open the ports of cancer cells to allow ...

How to get rid of radiation?

(Find recipes here .) Water: It’s the most natural way to flush toxins out of your body. Drink at least 7-8 glasses a day, preferably purified.

How to get rid of toxins in your body?

Try a combination of kale, spinach, carrot, cucumber and a bit or ginger and parsley. Exercise: It gets the heart pumping, which circulates blood, moving toxins out of the body. It also encourages perspiration, which decreases toxins, and makes you thirsty, so you’ll drink more water.

What organs are involved in removing toxins from the environment?

The intestines, liver, and kidneys are all involved, whisking away toxins from the environment, stress, and the food you eat-waste products that, if left in the body, can build up and cause problems-and flushing them out where they can no longer pose a threat. If you’ve been going through chemotherapy or radiation treatments, however, ...

What is the best way to detox your body?

Fiber: It “sweeps” the digestive tract clean, and speeds up elimination, which means waste products are in your body for a shorter amount of time. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole-grains. Dandelion: Many herbs are known to stimulate detoxification in the body.

What are some ways to flush out toxins?

Try a combination of kale, spinach, carrot, cucumber and a bit or ginger and parsley.

Does aloe vera help with radiation?

You let us know that we can persevere, and we can continue to enjoy life. So glad to hear that aloe vera helped you reduce the burning from the radiation. I found it very helpful during my dad’s cancer treatments, as well. Very glad to hear you’re using yoga and meditation to support your healing.

How to get relief from cancer?

Other Ways to Get Natural Relief. Cancer treatments can bring on anxiety, stress, pain, nausea, and vomiting. Research shows these drug-free methods may help. Massage: One study of 1,290 cancer patients found that pain, anxiety, fatigue, and nausea dropped by half among those who got massage.

What is the best treatment for cancer?

Guarana, a natural stimulant found in a plant native to the Amazon basin, has also been found to help with chemotherapy-related fatigue, especially in breast cancer patients. Acupuncture. This form of traditional Chinese medicine involves putting very thin needles into your skin to improve your body’s energy flow.

What to do when you're sick of taking medicine?

If you’re sick of -- and from -- taking medicine, you might look to natural remedies to ease your symptoms. These aren’t just herbs and vitamins. They can also include massage, acupuncture (a treatment in which tiny needles prick your skin), and more. Your doctor might call this CAM, which is short for complementary and alternative medicine.

How to help women with breast cancer?

One study found it improved the quality of life for women with breast cancer. Aromatherapy: You heat scent-infused oils to make a room fragrant, add them to your bathwater, or use them in massage. This technique may help ease nausea, pain, and stress.

Does zinc help with cancer?

Zinc may help prevent taste changes, a side effect of radiation, chemotherapy, and some pain medicines. Astragalus might ease the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting, if you have colorectal cancer. But it also stops some medicines from working like they should. Glutamine could help reduce at least two side effects ...

Does Rick Simpson oil help with cancer?

Rick Simpson Oil for Cancer. Turmeric and Cancer. Therapy Dogs for Cancer Patients. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation may save your life. But they also cause side effects that range from mild ( dry mouth) to severe (vomiting). If you’re sick of -- and from -- taking medicine, you might look to natural remedies to ease your symptoms.

Can you take vitamin E while on cancer treatment?

Even though vitamins claim to improve health, many cancer doctors (oncologists) say you should avoid most of them while you’re in treatment. St. John’s wort, often used for depression, can cause some anticancer drugs to not work as well as they should. Antioxidant pills like vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, and beta- carotene can interfere with how well chemotherapy and radiation work.

What can I eat to help with chemotherapy side effects?

You can take a daily probiotic supplement or eat foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut to boost your natural intake of probiotics. Keep reading for more natural cures for chemotherapy side effects from our readers below. References: ...

How to help your body cope with chemo?

While chemotherapy treatment is often unavoidable, you can utilize natural remedies to help your body cope with the side effects of chemo and other cancer treatments. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and to get regular exercise to preserve your energy levels. Additionally, you can use supplemental treatments, such as ginger, baking soda, ...

Why is it important to take probiotics with chemotherapy?

Probiotics. It is especially important to maintain your immune system to combat the various side effects of chemotherapy . Probiotics serve as a supplement to the natural “good bacteria” in your body, so they support immune health and prevent illness.

How long does chemo last?

Cycles may last one day, several days, or even a few weeks or more. Typically, patients are given a rest period between cycles during which their bodies can recover and their blood counts return to normal.

How long should I fast before chemo?

Before the chemo, fast for 2-3 days, which causes all the normal cells of the body to slow way down but not the cancer cells, so they suck up much more of the chemo than the rest of the cells. Reply. Replied by Tassi. (California, US) 04/08/2014.

What is the purpose of chemo?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) define chemotherapy as the use of drugs to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and cancer cells; however, the term is most often used to refer to cancer-killing drugs.

What are the best ways to treat side effects of chemotherapy?

If you find yourself in the position of needing chemotherapy, be sure to eat enough calories and protein and consider trying natural cures for chemotherapy side effects like ginger, baking soda, caraway seed, acupuncture, and probiotics.

What is the meaning of the saying "The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and a scented massage

He was referring to the value of aromatic plants in health and wellbeing.

What is the best aroma for throat infections?

Excellent antibacterial/disinfectant properties that can be used to soothe throat infections. Cinnamon - This familiar warm aroma is a great mind and body revitaliser, helping to alleviate exhaustion, depression and weakness. Assists in digestive issues.

How are essential oils extracted?

Essential oils are in the plant and are extracted by distillation (steam, steam/water and water) or expression (also known as cold pressing). However, essential oils are constantly changing their chemical composition in the plant and helping the plant to adapt to the ever-changing internal and external environment.

Does helichrysum oil help with scars?

HELICHRYSUM oil has a powerful, rich, floral, tea-like scent that comforts, lessens the effect of shock, phobias and improves the flow of energy through the body. It helps promote. cell growth, heal scars and skin tissue. Either of these work for healing wounds.

How to recover from radiation?

Eating nutrient-dense meals is a factor in recovery from radiation therapy. Eating high-calorie, low-nutrient meals will not give the body what it needs to heal and as a result, will slow-down recovery time. Choose fresh and colorful foods for your diet. Here is a list of foods to include:

How to develop a diet for radiation?

Each radiation therapy patient reacts differently to treatment but here are the basic guidelines to develop a diet while undergoing radiation therapy for cancer: Pay attention to your side effects and how they affect your appetite. Discuss the changes with your doctor. Plan ahead for changes to your diet.

Why do radiation patients need a higher calorie diet?

Calories: Some radiation patients need a higher-calorie diet to make sure that the food they are able to eat provides the body with enough energy to promote healthy tissue growth. Protein: Protein helps maintain muscle and supports a healthy immune system — both critical functions needed during radiation.

What is the best way to treat cancer in 2021?

May 23, 2021 / in Tips / Matthew C. Ward, MD. Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that shrinks and destroys cancer cells. During radiation, it’s important to eat well. This keeps the body and its immune system strong, giving it the nutrients it needs to promote the regrowth of healthy tissues.

What to do if you have radiation?

Tell your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects from your radiation therapy. 2. Be Prepared Stock Up On Healthy Foods. Another ingredient to a healthy diet during radiation therapy is to plan ahead.

How to prepare for a therapist?

2. Be Prepared – Stock Up On Healthy Foods 1 Stock up your pantry with diverse and healthy foods. 2 Prepare and store healthy meals in your refrigerator and freezer before you begin therapy. 3 Always have your favorite snacks available at work or on the go.

Why do radiation patients need protein?

That’s why many radiation patients also have high protein diets. Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins and minerals also help keep the immune system strong and support healthy tissue repair. Maintaining adequate levels can be important. You should discuss with your doctor whether vitamin supplements are recommended.

How to eliminate toxins after chemotherapy?

The fastest way to eliminate the toxins after chemotherapy is to sweat. In a 2011 study, noted in the Archives of Environmental and Contamination Toxicology, “Many toxic elements appeared to be preferentially excreted through sweat.

What organs are open for chemo?

Your elimination organs include: Colon. Kidneys. Lungs.

What is the most important thing to know after cancer diagnosis?

One of the most important factors after your cancer diagnosis is to realize the emotional, mental, and spiritual connection to what may have caused an imbalance. Dr. Ryker Geerd Hamer paused to reflect, and he discovered the correlation between the traumatic experience of losing his son and his physical ailments.

Why do people use a syringe for energy?

Because they learned that by opening their skin pores and allowing their skin to breathe at maximum capacity, they had more energy. The other major benefit of this therapy is that it stimulates the lymphatic system which is made up of small lymph nodes located throughout your body.

Is cancer an emotional rollercoaster?

You’ve already discovered that having cancer is an emotional rollercoaster ride because of the constant doctor appointments, dealing with family members, and your own personal realization of what just happened to you.

Is sweating a way to eliminate toxic chemicals?

Presumably stored in tissues, some toxic elements readily identified in the perspiration of some participants were not found in their blood serum. Induced sweating appears to be a potential method for eliminating toxic chemicals from the human body.”. [ 2]

image

Side effects

Image
Chemotherapy side effects are a common concern among people with cancer. Although chemotherapy aims to wipe out cancer cells and stop them from multiplying, it can also affect healthy cells, resulting in a number of symptoms. Side effects and their severity vary from person to person and depend on the type and …
See more on verywellhealth.com

Prevention

  • Although research on the potential benefits of natural remedies and alternative therapies is still quite limited, some studies suggest that certain remedies may be helpful in preventing or treating side effects. Here's a look at key findings related to common side effects: There's no sure way to prevent peripheral neuropathy from chemotherapy. A study published in the European Journal o…
See more on verywellhealth.com

Adverse effects

  • Some chemotherapy drugs can cause nausea and vomiting, which may start within the first few hours after treatment and last approximately 24 hours. In some cases, symptoms may start more than 24 hours after treatment and last a few days (known as delayed nausea and vomiting).
See more on verywellhealth.com

Research

  • Later studies published in the Annals of Oncology and Supportive Care in Cancer did not find that the addition of ginger helped to reduce nausea severity. For a research review published in 2017, scientists sized up 12 previously published studies (with a total of 1419 participants) and found some evidence that acupressure (a pressure point therapy commonly used in traditional Chines…
See more on verywellhealth.com

Management

  • Inhaling the aroma of ginger essential oil may not alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea in children, according to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing in 2018. Study participants inhaled ginger essential oil, a placebo, or a control and were assessed before and after chemotherapy. Ginger aromatherapy did not significantly decrease nausea.
See more on verywellhealth.com

Mechanism of action

  • The topical application of ice (known as \"cryotherapy\") is thought to prevent mouth sores in people receiving fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy. Oral cryotherapy involves cooling the mouth with something cold like ice, ice-cold water, popsicles, or ice cream. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the mouth, lessening the amount of chemot…
See more on verywellhealth.com

Administration

  • Studies involving fluorouracil have typically involved the application of cryotherapy for 5 to 10 minutes before administering the drug, for 15 to 35 minutes during administration, and up to 30 minutes after administration.
See more on verywellhealth.com

Risks

  • Although oral cryotherapy is a simple, low-cost intervention, it isn't right for everyone. For example, it may not be recommended for people taking certain types of chemotherapy such as oxaliplatin. You should consult your doctor before trying oral cryotherapy. The National Cancer Institute urges people undergoing chemotherapy to talk with their doctors about their side effects and how bes…
See more on verywellhealth.com

Symptoms

  • Certain chemotherapy drugs affect the nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Some people may feel these symptoms in their hands and feet, while others may experience muscle cramps and fatigue. Although less common, some people experience dizziness, blood pressure changes, or bowel and bladder symptoms.
See more on verywellhealth.com

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9