What we put in our bodies is so important, especially when battling a disease, sicknesses, or cancer. Of course, there are treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgeries, and more, but what about the basic nutrients that our bodies need to stay strong during these times of sickness? There are countless supplements and herbs out there for different purposes. Therefore, we would like to shed some light on the specific kinds that could be incredibly beneficial to those battling health conditions, including cancer.
There is a large amount of physical and emotional distress a person battling cancer goes through, so it is crucial their bodies get the extra support it needs. The side effects of undergoing a treatment like chemotherapy can include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, weakness, hair loss, skin problems, memory loss, risk of infections, nerve problems, and more. Therefore, when going through treatments to fight cancer, immune support and preventing side effects is needed to keep the body strong.
Although boosting our immune systems isn’t the answer to end cancer, it can help lower your risk of getting cancer, and decrease the side effects of cancer and cancer treatments. Usually, infections are one of the most significant complications for patients who are fighting cancer.
Of course, depending on the situation and condition, some supplements may interfere with the treatments, and we always recommend consulting with your doctor first.
It is important to choose wisely about which supplements and herbs you want to help assist you in your journey, and here is a list to help you get started:
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is often overlooked but is one of the most supported supplements for cancer prevention and treatment. Numerous studies have demonstrated that vitamin D secosteroids prevent the growth of many cancer-derived cell lines. By preventing progression through the cell cycle, it can help drive the cells to a more differentiated phenotype. In other words, vitamin D can help with your immune system, prevent cancer cells from forming, and promote cellular differentiation. This decreases cell cancer growth, stimulates cell death, and reduces tumor blood vessels from forming.
Green Tea: We already know green tea is filled with health benefits, but can it help fight or prevent cancer? Green tea contains substances like polyphenols that have anti-cancer abilities. Cancer cells rely on growing networks of blood vessels to continue their rapid growth rate. Green tea properties are believed to have the ability to help slow or prevent this growth. However, since green tea may take 10 cups a day to provide this ability, professionals recommend taking a green tea extract for its powerful effects.
Mushroom Extracts: Extracts in mushrooms have been used in traditional Asian medicine for thousands of years, and recent studies have been urging more discussions on the effectiveness of this powerful herb. Phytochemicals from the Ganoderma lucidum mushroom have been shown to prevent the growth of some cancer cells, including forms of breast cancer. Other fungi that show effectiveness in preventing cancer growth include reishi, shiitake, maitake, and Coriolus or turkey tail.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants can be found in many whole foods like fruits and vegetables, so there is no surprise that antioxidants can be beneficial to cancer patients. These phytochemicals have been found to also fight free radicals that can contribute to the development of cancer cells. Antioxidants may be a controversial topic towards their role in cancer prevention due to the uniqueness of certain conditions and what can and cannot help with symptoms.
Ginger: Nausea is one of the most common side effects patients experience when undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Some patients have found that a daily supplement of ginger significantly reduces the symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
Iron: Another widely common side effect that cancer patients experience is severe fatigue. Cancer treatments as a whole can have the possibility of damaging cells in your bone marrow and lead to iron deficiency anemia. This is a cause for concern because iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, and taking iron supplements can help ease fatigue that is ultimately caused by a lack of iron in the body.
L-Glutamine: Nerve damage is a common side effect of some prescriptions, including drugs like paclitaxel. This drug can be used to treat a lot of different types of cancer, and L-glutamine has been found to help prevent or treat pain, numbness, and tingling. When taken daily, it has been shown to reduce the peripheral neuropathy connected to oxaliplatin, which is also another chemotherapy drug that is commonly used.
Although many supplements can help ease cancer symptoms or prevent cancer, it is always essential to make wise decisions based on your specific diagnosis and treatments. In addition, some supplements may interfere with certain treatments, so it is vital to discuss concerns with your doctor beforehand. If your doctor confirms certain supplements are safe, it is also important to purchase supplements without any harmful fillers and additives that aren’t helpful for your health in general.
We are always striving to help make your life healthier and chemical-free. So feel free to browse our hand-selected supplements and herbs that can help bring you to a more conscious lifestyle in your journey
