Treatment FAQ

what vitamins or drugs to avoid after radiation treatment

by Esteban Feeney Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

During radiation therapy, patients should not take these supplements in doses greater than what is in a multivitamin:
  • Theanine.
  • Silymarin.
  • Vitamin C/Emergen-C.
  • Vitamin E.
  • Vitamin A/Beta-carotene.
  • CoQ10.
  • Quercetin.
  • Turmeric/Curcumin.

Do vitamins interfere with radiation?

Taking small amounts of antioxidants does not affect your radiation treatment. Small amounts of antioxidants like those found in food and some multivitamins are safe. Continue to eat foods as a part of your usual meal planning.

Can I take vitamin C after radiation?

Avoid vitamin C if you're on radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Vitamin C can interfere with these treatments and decrease their effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're taking acetaminophen (paracetamol®). Vitamin C can increase the side effects of this medication.

What can you not do after radiation treatment?

If you get radiation therapy to the head or neck, you need to take good care of your teeth, gums, mouth, and throat. Here are some tips that may help you manage mouth problems: Avoid spicy and rough foods, such as raw vegetables, dry crackers, and nuts. Don't eat or drink very hot or very cold foods or beverages.

Can cancer patients take vitamins?

Your doctor may prescribe a supplement if you have or may develop a vitamin deficiency caused by treatment. For example, certain cancer therapies weaken bones and can contribute to the development of osteopenia or osteoporosis. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D to support your bone health.

Does radiation Affect vitamin D?

Conclusions. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased severity of radiation-induced acute proctitis. Investigating the underlying mechanisms of this association and evaluating the effectiveness of vitamin D therapy in preventing radiation-induced acute proctitis is warranted.

Can you take turmeric with radiation?

Turmeric is likely safe for most people, but it should be avoided during chemotherapy, radiation or blood-thinning therapies.

What vitamins should I take during 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.

How long is your immune system compromised after radiation?

Within the T-cell population a subset with helper/inducer phenotypes, detected by Leu-3a antibodies, was significantly reduced even 10-11 years after irradiation. T-cells with suppressor/cytotoxic phenotypes, stainable with Leu-2a antibodies, however, had already recovered 5-6 years after irradiation.

How long does it take to fully recover from radiation therapy?

Most side effects generally go away within a few weeks to 2 months of finishing treatment. But some side effects may continue after treatment is over because it takes time for healthy cells to recover from the effects of radiation therapy. Late side effects can happen months or years after treatment.

What is the best vitamin for cancer patients?

Vitamin D is one of the most studied supplements for cancer prevention and treatment right now. Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E , and beta-carotene contain antioxidants once thought to help prevent cancer.

Is vitamin D good for cancer patients?

Vitamin D may decrease tumor invasiveness and propensity to metastasize, leading to reduced cancer mortality. Higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels at diagnosis have been linked to longer survival in cancer patients.

What should you 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.

What vitamins should you take after radiation?

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.

How can I boost my immune system after radiation?

Those treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, are known to lower your immune response....Sleep Well. Aim for 7 hours of sleep a night. ... Eat Smart. ... Get Moving. ... Manage Stress. ... Stay Away From Illness.

Can you take antioxidants during radiation?

Although further studies are needed, the preponderance of evidence supports a provisional conclusion that dietary antioxidants do not conflict with the use of radiotherapy in the treatment of a wide variety of cancers and may significantly mitigate the adverse effects of that treatment.

How do you overcome fatigue from radiation?

How to manage fatigueTake regular breaks.Plan activities for the time of day when you tend to feel more energetic.Ask family and friends for help (e.g. with shopping, housework and driving).Take a few weeks off work during or after treatment, reduce your hours, or work from home.More items...

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