Throat Cancer Treatments — Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine for Throat Cancer

Fighting throat cancer takes a team effort and a comprehensive approach. It is not as simple as receiving traditional throat cancer treatments alone. In addition to following a carefully designed treatment plan, you also need to get plenty of rest, eat right, exercise, and manage the treatment-related side effects that arise. 

Naturopathic medicine, also called “naturopathy,” can help support you as you receive traditional throat cancer treatments. Naturopathic medicine aims to use the healing power of nature to maintain and restore health. Naturopathic practitioners are specialists in natural health care who use natural, non-toxic therapies to support the whole person. Their goal is to create a healthy environment both inside and outside the body.

When used appropriately during traditional throat cancer treatment, natural medicine may provide several potential benefits, such as helping to:

• Strengthen the immune system
• Reduce the side effects of treatment
• Enhance nutritional status and digestion
• Reduce fatigue
• Improve quality of life

Naturopathic Medicine for Throat Cancer at CTCA

The Naturopathic Medicine Department at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) focuses on the healing power of the body and nature to fight throat cancer. The naturopathic medicine team is comprised of naturopathic practitioners who have Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.) degrees. The naturopathic medicine team has extensive experience with a wide array of natural products and therapies.

Upon your arrival at CTCA, your naturopathic practitioner will conduct an assessment and develop a personalized plan to support you as you undergo traditional throat cancer treatments. This plan will include personalized natural therapies—backed by scientific research— to fortify you before, during and after your treatment. The goal is to lessen the potential side effects of throat cancer treatment, without decreasing the effectiveness of conventional treatment.

Botanical Medicine (Herbs, Minerals, and Vitamins)

Many plant substances are powerful medicines. Their organic nature makes most botanicals compatible with the body's own chemistry. This means they can work gently and with few toxic side effects. For throat cancer patients who may not be able to eat enough, nutritional supplements can be beneficial. However, it is important to remember that while some vitamins, minerals, herbs and other therapies may be helpful, others may have no effect, or could even be harmful to your body.

The Naturopathic Medicine Department at CTCA is continually researching the latest supplements and will help you choose wisely from the myriad of options available during your throat cancer treatment. Your naturopathic practitioner will monitor your supplement and vitamin intake to make sure your supplements are appropriate for you, and to ensure safety from potential drug-herb and drug-nutrient interactions.

If you have difficulty swallowing pills, some of the nutritional, herbal and homeopathic supplements are available in both liquid and powder form. For instance, your naturopath might recommend Slippery Elm Bark, which is an herb from a plant that is dissolved in liquid. It coats the throat and stomach and helps with swallowing difficulties that throat cancer patients often encounter during treatment.

Homeopathic Medicine

Homeopathy uses specially prepared remedies to address throat cancer symptoms based on the concept of "like cures like." Your naturopath may recommend homeopathy to help respond to throat cancer symptoms such as post-surgical recovery, nausea, constipation and diarrhea.

Clinical Nutrition

The naturopathic medicine team also works closely with the Nutrition and Metabolic Support Department to address your nutritional needs during throat cancer treatment.

Physical Medicine

Physical medicine can help with throat cancer neck pain, swallowing difficulties, speech problems, and other issues. The Oncology Rehabilitation Department at CTCA provides physical and occupational therapy, as well as speech and language pathology, to address your physical and functional needs.

Psychological Medicine

The Mind-Body Medicine Department at CTCA provides counseling, stress management techniques, guided imagery, and other therapies to address your emotional and psychological needs during throat cancer treatment.

Education in Natural Therapies

Aside from personal consultations with your naturopathic practitioner, you will have access to educational classes as well during your throat cancer treatment. Programs include information about vitamin and mineral supplements, natural remedies, nutritional guidance, lifestyle changes, stress management techniques and strategies for long-term prevention of recurrence.

Next Topic: Oncology Rehabilitation for Throat Cancer