Naturopathic Support During Cancer Treatment
When necessary, life-saving treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation can bring hope to those who require them. At the same time, they can cause enormous amounts of discomfort. In my experience helping cancer patients, I have found the following nutritional support and natural techniques can help heal and provide comfort to those undergoing treatment.
Gut health
While research on the microbiome is really just getting started, a recent study1 indicates that some chemotherapy drugs tend to seriously derail digestive flora and metabolism. Probiotics can help support intestinal flora that are killed with the chemo drugs. They help maintain the proper pH for enzymes and digestive functions to work properly.
Chemotherapy drugs act on cells that are actively replicating, effectively targeting cells that are splitting too quickly. Unfortunately, our hair, skin, and intestinal lining cells are also continuously replicating and this makes them a target, too. Taking glutamine powder or whey protein powder can contribute to reinstating intestinal lining affected by chemotherapy drugs. Take as a powder in water or juice, or make smoothies with whey protein.
Nutrition
When appetites wane, focus on high caloric density. Good options include smoothies with protein powders, vegetables and some fat like coconut oil or olive oil; soups with protein, legumes, vegetables, quinoa, brown rice or barley for amino acids and B vitamins; and roasted vegetables with generous olive, avocado or coconut oil to boost calories and beneficial fat for cell repair.
Remember to juice with twice as many vegetables as fruit to provide natural enzymes, clean up the inflammation from treatment, and provide vitamins and minerals to repair damaged cells.
Finally, avoid poorly digested foods such as wheat and cow dairy products. These can contribute to intestinal cell damage. Stay clear of high sugar foods and artificial sweeteners – all have some carcinogenic potential.
Pain relief
When seeking to minimize or soothe discomfort, there are several naturopathic products that can ease anxiety, reduce inflammation, and promote well-rested sleep. Rescue Remedy spray or drops are gentle flower essences that help to calm your mood and soothe your nervous system when feeling overwhelmed.
For muscle pain and inflammation, castor oil applied topically on the affected area with some flannel and a warm water bottle on top is great for relieving muscle tension, aching joints and upset organs. Homeopathic arnica tablets are also effective relief from discomfort and trauma. Homeopathic medicine doesn’t interact with medication and is safe for all children, adults and animals. You can find blends for nerve pain, insomnia and anxiety, as well.
Another mode of naturopathic pain relief is energy work, like Reiki, therapeutic touch, reflexology, and craniosacral therapy – all effective ways to approach inflammation, nervous system performance and immune health.
Remember to always check with your physician before beginning any wellness protocol during therapy. If you would like further assistance establishing non-drug healing or comfort practices, feel free to reach out to me to set up an appointment!
Lynn Mikel’s experience and education help her formulate individualized treatment approaches, including diet assessment, education for your specific symptoms and underlying causes. She graduated from Bastyr University with a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine in 2002 and has an extensive background in the medical sciences, psychology, and counseling. For more information, visit drlynnmikel.com.
References
1. Montassier E, Gastinne T, Vangay P, Al-Ghalith GA, Bruley des Varannes S, Massart S, Moreau P, Potel G, de La Cochetière MF, Batard E, Knights D. Chemotherapy driven dysbiosis in the intestinal microbiome. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015 Sep;42(5):515-28. doi: 10.1111/apt.13302. Epub 2015 Jul 6. PubMed PMID: 26147207.






