Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Some tips to help deal with the effects of chemotherapy and radiation

Undergoing conventional cancer treatments can create a number of side effects. Here are a few, naturopathic ideas to try to reduce these.

Nausea ? Small frequent snacks can be helpful to abate nausea. For example, crackers and hummus, porridge or stewed fruits.? Avoid fried, rich and processed foods.? If smells makes you feel sick, try eating things cold. Create a relaxing environment to eat in, for example play music or have a nice view. Always rest after eating. Ginger has been shown to be as effective as pharmaceutical anti-nausea meds, so add it liberally to your cooking. Alternatively, infuse grated ginger in hot water add honey and sip frequently. Or find a compounded tablet. Sipping apple juice or peppermint tea quells nausea for some.

Diarrhoea ?To prevent dehydration try to drink a glass of fluid every hour. Consider fermented drinks such as organic kefir, miso soup or rejuvelac. Avoid drinks that are very hot, very cold, caffeinated, soft drinks or containing artificial chemicals. Avoid fatty foods. Add psyllium husks to your diet to help slow transit time and bulk up stools.

Constipation ? Ensure you are hydrated sufficiently. Choose organic fruit and vegetables.? Organic prunes, apricots and apples are particularly remedial for constipation. Try high fibre cereals and wholegrains.? Avoid processed foods high in sugar, wheat and preservatives.? Reduce alcohol and caffeine.? Magnesium in spinach, Brazil nuts, almonds, apricots, sultanas and artichokes can also help.

Kidney and Bladder ? some anti-cancer drugs irritate the bladder so drink plenty of fluids and choose liquid or soft foods like soup, broth, soft fruits and fruit sorbet. Cranberry juice is particularly good to prevent bladder infections. The hair (silk) from corn on the cob, can be infused in water to soothe the urinary tract if irritated. Corn is a food traditionally very helpful for the kidneys.

Chewing and Swallowing ? Mouth ulcers are common during conventional treatment so avoid highly seasoned, acidic or dry foods. Add gravy or sauces to make food easier to swallow. As many ulcers are associated with fungal infections, consider reducing refined sugar intake. Try swilling a light organic vegetable, seed or nut oil in the mouth for 4-5 minutes to soothe the pain.

Malabsorption ? If you are having chemotherapy, your ability to absorb vitamins and minerals can be reduced. Consider digestive enzymes, enzyme rich foods, smoothies and soups. Simultaneously, it?s important not to exceed recommended dietary intakes (RDI) of any nutrient in case they interfere with the treatments effect. Discuss this issue with your doctor.

Feeling full ? During treatment it?s common to feel full after the smallest amount of food. The best approach is to eat the most nutrient rich foods available, in small quantities, often.? Snack on activated buckwheat, soft organic fruits, miso soup, sprouted legumes, soaked almonds, goji berries and other ?super foods?.

Loss of appetite ? A common side effect of therapy is reduced interest in food due to pain, nausea or depression.? Think in terms of energy and vital nourishment to bolster you and nibble on regular small amounts of nutrient dense food or drink. The appetite can be stimulated by nice aromas. Try to eat or drink something nourishing every 3-4 hours to keep your energy balanced. Consider snacks like smoothies, avocadoes, vegetable juices, organic broths and soups.

If in doubt, always work with open-minded, well educated health professionals and your own intuition and insight to figure out the best approach to optimizing your health.

Copyright Sally Mathrick ? please cite www.sparklewell.com.au if using this information

Source: http://www.sparklewell.com.au/2012/12/some-tips-to-help-deal-with-the-effects-of-chemotherapy-and-radiation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=some-tips-to-help-deal-with-the-effects-of-chemotherapy-and-radiation

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