Natural Ways To Curb The Cancer Treatment Side Effects

ByAbhitha Ahilya

Cancer patients may have some side effects from the treatment procedures, like chemotherapy and radiation. These side effects are pretty common and can be devastating times. As much as chemotherapy aims at destroying the cancer cells, it also affects the healthy cells.

Different cancer patients experience other side effects, and their severity also varies. The difference in the severity depends on the type of chemotherapy and the patient’s dose. However, there is hope for the cancer patients as Adelaide cancer center has come up with natural ways to deal with the side effects of the treatments they undergo.

Some natural products such as bioactive components, crude extracts and herbal formulas have been proven to treat and prevent cancer. Some chemotherapy side effects are mouth sores, muscle problems, hair loss, stomach pain, nausea and constipation. Below are some natural ways cancer patients can deal with the side effects of cancer treatments.

  • Ginger

Some patients become nauseated and vomit immediately after chemotherapy. The feeling can last up to 24 hours, or it can go for days after treatment. The natural way to deal with nausea is using ginger. Ginger is commonly known to alleviate nausea for patients undergoing chemotherapy. The patient needs to take the regulated ginger dosage orally as inhaling the ginger essential oils don’t have many effects.

  • Acupressure

Acupressure is a pressure point therapy that is common in traditional Chinese treatment. Applying acupressure have a high possibility of reducing acute nausea and a delayed one as well. However, acupressure is not effective when it comes to frequent vomiting in a patient.

  • Oral Cryotherapy

Oral cryotherapy is a remedy used for mouth sores, also known as Oral Mucositis. It is a process whereby ice is applied to the mouth to prevent sores. This type of remedy is only viable for cancer patients that are using fluorouracil chemotherapy. The patient can use ice-cold water, a Popsicle, or even ice cream to cool their mouth.

What happens is that the cold temperatures of the ice constrict the blood vessels reducing the blood flow in the mouth. When the blood flows into the mouth is reduced, it, in turn, reduces the amount of chemo drugs reaching the mouth hence no sores. Studies have shown that using oral cryotherapy has a significant effect in reducing mouth sores.

Using oral cryotherapy may be a low-cost natural way to deal with the side effects of treatment, but it is not suitable for every cancer patient. It may not be a recommendation for some patients taking certain chemo drugs like oxaliplatin. It is always best to consult with your Oncologist before you start using the natural remedies. That way, you will know which remedy is best for your condition and which ones are dangerous for you.

  • Topical Vitamin E

Vitamin E, when applied in the mouth, may help reduce mouth sores. The remedy is most viable for oral cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant and concurrent chemoradiation. Vitamin E helps get rid of mouth sores; however, it doesn’t help prevent new sores from developing.

  • Honey

Using honey has been proved to reduce weight loss and delay the development of mouth sores in cancer patients. However, constant use of honey may cause teeth cavities. Therefore, it is advisable to use a mouthwash that contains fluoride after each use.

  • Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a natural remedy used to help prevent peripheral neuropathy, mostly in women. The remedy is most effective in patients with stages I to III of breast cancer as they receive a weekly dose of paclitaxel. The procedure has been tested, and the results are pretty promising during chemotherapy.

  • Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is also known to work for most people. All you need to do is to infuse your bath water with fragrant or scented oils. You can also use the scented oils for massage or heat the oils in your room. Doing this will help reduce stress, pain and nausea.

  • Hypnosis

You can have a trained practitioner come to your place, and they will put you into a deep state of concentration. Concentration will help you focus your mind on something different other than the pain you are feeling. This remedy may help ease anxiety, nausea and stress on chemo patients.

Conclusion

 Dealing with cancer and the side effects that come after the chemo can be pretty painful. It is best to have a support system that you can rely on to help you each time you feel overwhelmed. Cancer patients are also advised to consult with their Oncologists at Adelaide cancer center about the side effects and how best to deal with them. Some natural remedies may be good and work for those undergoing chemo. On the other hand, they may interfere with the treatment and may even cause harm.