A diagnosis of cancer presents a difficult battle not only with the disease, but also with the side effects of treatment. To destroy cancer, chemotherapy and radiation basically poison the body—which can bring on a host of miseries. Treatment may be essential, of course... but its side effects can be minimized with natural therapies that strengthen and support the body.
A recent study in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found that 86% of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients incorporated complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into their treatment. To discuss which CAM therapies are most effective, I contacted Roberta Lee, MD, vice chair of the department of integrative medicine at the Continuum Center for Health and Healing at Beth Israel Medical Center.
Dr. Lee recommended looking at life after cancer diagnosis as three separate phases—pretreatment, active treatment and posttreatment—because different CAM approaches work best during different phases. Important: Before trying any complementary therapies, ask your oncologist which ones are safe and appropriate for you.
BEFORE TREATMENT BEGINS
The focus now is on ensuring that you will be as healthy and strong as possible, physically and emotionally, when treatment begins...
Work with a dietitian who specializes in oncology nutrition. Visit www.OncologyNutrition.org (a practice group of the American Dietetic Association) for a referral. Dr. Lee recommends lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fish... low-fat organic chicken breast if desired... no red meat... and plenty of water.
Consider strengthening supplements. Dr. Lee suggested folic acid and vitamin B-12, which help with proper cellular division and tissue recovery... vitamin D, which is good for immune regulation, bone health and mood... and probiotics, which help optimize immune function and reduce production of cancer-promoting chemicals. Ask your doctor about dosages.
Learn relaxation techniques. An analysis published in Psycho-Oncology found that, when learned prior to rather than during cancer treatment, relaxation techniques were significantly more effective at reducing anxiety. Studies show that progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery can improve cancer treatment–related nausea, pain, depression and anxiety. Practice a relaxation technique for 15 to 20 minutes daily, Dr. Lee suggested.
Exercise appropriately. Gentle movements (simple stretches, leisurely walks) help you stay calm and centered. As for more vigorous workouts, listen to your body—this is not the time to exhaust yourself.
If you work outside the home, plan ahead. Calculating how long a leave you can afford and making arrangements now for your duties to be covered in your absence will give you less to worry about during treatment and ease your transition back to work afterward.
DURING TREATMENT
The primary consideration now is to avoid any CAM therapies that might lessen the effectiveness of your cancer treatment, Dr. Lee emphasized, so your doctor may instruct you to discontinue certain herbs and supplements. However, the following CAM approaches generally are safe during cancer treatment...
Try acupuncture to minimize hair loss. Chemotherapy drugs attack cells that are in the process of reproducing—but the drugs can’t distinguish between rapidly dividing cancer cells and normal cells. In the body, hair follicle cells are among those that multiply fastest, which is why many patients experience hair loss. Acupuncture helps stimulate hair growth at a cellular level and reduces the stress that can exacerbate hair loss, Dr. Lee said. Bonus: Acupuncture can ease chemo-related dry mouth.
Drink herbal teas for digestive woes. Because digestive tract cells also multiply rapidly, chemo patients often develop gastrointestinal troubles. Dr. Lee suggested drinking chamomile tea, ginger tea and/or slippery elm tea as needed to reduce nausea and help smooth over any ulcerations in the intestinal tract. To ease cramping, try fennel tea.
For nerve damage, consider glutamine. Ask your doctor about supplementing with this amino acid to relieve tingling, burning or numbness from chemo-induced neuropathy.
Soothe skin with massage. Skin exposed to radiation treatment often becomes sensitive, warm and red, as if sunburned. For relief, Dr. Lee suggested trying gentle massage with oils... acupressure... reiki (an energy healing technique in which the practitioner’s hands are placed on or above certain spots on the patient’s body)... or reflexology (massage of pressure points on the feet). To find a practitioner who works with cancer patients, check the Society for Oncology Massage (www.s4om.org).
Make each bite count. You probably won’t feel like eating much during treatment, so focus on foods that are easy to digest and nutritionally dense, such as protein shakes, soups and whole-grain breads. Avoid high-fat, spicy or acidic foods likely to aggravate nausea.
Do gentle yoga. An analysis published in Cancer Control linked yoga to improvements in sleep quality, mood, physical function and overall quality of life.
Ease emotional distress. Teas made with valerian, chamomile or hops flowers are calming, as are meditation and massage. Also consider hypnosis, which can help you process and release fear. Referrals: American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (630-980-4740... www.asch.net, click on "Public" and "Member Referral Service").
AFTER TREATMENT
Once chemo and radiation are over, attention shifts to restoring your health...
Have your doctor assess your nutrient levels. Chemotherapy can deplete nutrients... blood tests can reveal whether a special diet and/or supplementation is appropriate to support your recovery. Ask your doctor and/or dietitian about magnesium... vitamin D... folic acid... and vitamin B-12, which, in addition to the aforementioned benefits, helps with mood and memory. Also discuss milk thistle, which helps your liver get rid of lingering toxins from chemotherapy.
To encourage hair growth, continue with acupuncture. Folic acid and vitamin B-12 also can help with this, as can zinc and biotin, Dr. Lee said. Ask your physician about dosages.
As strength returns, gradually increase physical activity. Dr. Lee suggested tai chi, Pilates and yoga, which are not too taxing. Benefits for recovery: Exercise relieves stress, fortifies your body against further illness and improves overall well-being—all of which make it easier to get on with your life.
No comments:
Post a Comment