Cancer treatment can affect the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, bladder, and nervous system in different ways, causing a variety of side effects that can interfere with your treatment regime. Dietary supplements and herbs may be used to help control cancer-related side effects. Here are some examples:

• Nausea: Ginger, as a capsule, in tea, candied, or in real ginger ale, may help ease nausea.
• Diarrhea: Glutamine powder (an amino acid) may help minimize diarrhea.
• Constipation: Fiber supplements, herbal laxatives (e.g., Smooth Move tea), essential fatty acids, and stool softeners may help ease constipation, along with a high-fiber diet and hydration.
• Peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling in the hands and feet): L-glutamine (an amino acid), fish oil, herbs, and vitamin complexes (e.g., Vitamin B6), may help protect the nervous system and repair nerve damage.
• Weight loss: Fish oil may help stabilize lean body cell mass lost during weight loss.
• Fatigue: CoQ10 and other vitamin and nutrient combinations, herbs and antioxidants may help combat fatigue.
• Cardiotoxicity (heart damage): L-carnitine (an amino acid) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may help support the heart muscle.
• Cytopenia (low blood counts): Fish oil and other supplements and herbs may help raise blood cell counts.
• Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage): Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or L-carnitine (an amino acid) may help improve kidney function.
• Mucositis (mouth sores): L-glutamine mouth rinse or baking soda/sea salt mouth rinses may help improve the healing mechanisms of the mouth.
• Anxiety: Inositol (part of the Vitamin B-complex) can have calming effects and may help reduce anxiety.
• Sleep disturbances: Melatonin can help promote a healthy sleep pattern (Note: Patients with hematological malignancies, such as lymphoma, leukemia or myeloma should not use melatonin).

NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE PROVIDER REGARDING THE USE OF SUPPLEMENTS AND OTHER NATUROPATHIC REMEDIES DURING CANCER CARE.

10 Tips for Using Supplements & Herbs During Cancer Treatment

• Do not self-prescribe. No matter how informed you are, it’s important not to self-prescribe dietary supplements, especially during cancer treatment. Natural does not always mean safe; and vitamins, minerals and herbs can have a biochemical effect on your body. Use supplements and herbs only under the guidance of your cancer team.
• Consult with a qualified ND. Naturopathic clinicians have expertise in natural therapies. Yet, some people without formal training call themselves naturopaths. It’s important to consult with a qualified naturopathic clinician who graduated from a four-year accredited naturopathic school with a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree.
• Use supplements safely. Some supplements may interact with your cancer treatments or other medications. A naturopathic clinician is aware of potential drug/herb/nutrient interactions and can make appropriate recommendations. A naturopathic clinician can also monitor your supplement intake throughout your treatment and make adjustments based on your symptoms.
• Use high quality supplements. Differences in quality and purity exist among dietary supplements. Some products may not contain the level of ingredients promised on the label, or may contain contaminates. It’s important to use supplements and herbs that have undergone rigorous and extensive quality assurance testing and that meet the regulatory specifications.
• Make sure your care is coordinated. If you are seeing several different providers in different locations, make sure they are communicating with each other about your cancer treatment. Your naturopathic clinician and oncologists should work together so your conventional treatment is being supported by an appropriate supplementation plan.
• Explore fully-integrated treatment. An integrated approach to cancer treatment enables you to control side effects using a combination of therapies. In addition to dietary supplements and herbs, a cancer treatment plan that includes nutrition support, rehabilitation, pain management, and psychological counseling helps to address all aspects of healing.
• Insist on individualized care. Cancer affects each person differently. Even the same type of cancer can grow at different rates and respond differently to the same treatments. Your supplement plan should be based on your individual needs, including factors like your medical history, diagnosis, treatment regime, current symptoms, and anticipated side effects.
• Communicate with your cancer team. Keep your cancer team informed about any new side effects you are experiencing. Your cancer team may need to adjust your treatment schedule, medications, or supplement plan accordingly. It’s also important to take your medications and supplements as directed by your cancer team.
• Eat smart and stay hydrated. A supplement plan goes hand in hand with a healthy, well-balanced diet. It’s important to give your body a constant supply of nutrients to use as fuel during the healing process. Choose whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. A dietitian can design a nutritious meal plan for you.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Naturopathic medicine supports whole person wellness and healthy lifestyle habits. It’s important to get enough rest, exercise regularly and reduce stress. A rehabilitation therapist can determine the right type and level of physical activity for you. A mind-body therapist can suggest relaxation and guided imagery techniques.

NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE PROVIDER REGARDING THE USE OF SUPPLEMENTS AND OTHER NATUROPATHIC REMEDIES DURING CANCER CARE.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is a network of cancer hospitals unlike any other.

CTCA doctors focus on the treatment of patients with many forms of cancer, including complex and advanced cases. They work as a team, alongside cancer treatment experts across multiple disciplines, to keep patients strong in body, mind and spirit.

CTCA care team members listen to patients and provide clear, well-defined choices. They work together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan based on each patient’s unique diagnosis and needs.

Using the latest technologies and advanced tools to fight cancer, our cancer experts provide a powerful combination of treatments. While our oncologists help patients fight cancer, other clinicians provide supportive therapies to help patients tolerate treatment, manage side effects, and enjoy a better quality of life.

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I hope this information has helped you in some way. I will check in with you again next month.