Supplements and Alternative Medicine for Mesothelioma Patients
The following post was brought to us by the Mesothelioma Center
When the body has all of the necessary nutrients to work with, it can function at its most optimum level.
Unfortunately, many diets do not provide adequate vitamins and minerals. In the case of mesothelioma patients, appetite loss or difficulty keeping food down can also prevent the patient from getting proper nutrition from their meals. For these people, dietary supplements can be an easy way to get cancer-fighting vitamins into their system!
Even for people who eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet, supplements can be a natural way of relieving unpleasant conditions associated with mesothelioma treatment. Certain supplements can be used to reduce a patient’s need for drugs that counteract side effects of therapy.
Some of the most beneficial supplements for mesothelioma patients include:
- Vitamin C – protects the watery parts of healthy cells from cancer-causing free radical damage
- Vitamin A – inhibits the development of cancerous tumors
- Vitamin E – stimulates the immune system; protects healthy cells from damage during radiation therapy
- Garlic – reduce the risk of post-treatment infections
- Ginger – curbs nausea
- Nutmeg – helps limit diarrhea during or after chemotherapy.
Although whole foods are the best sources of nutrients, quality dietary supplements do exist. When looking for a supplement, be sure to check for fresh, filler-free supplements that are labeled “USP” in accordance with the U.S. Pharmacopeia’s standards. Be sure to follow the outlined dosing guidelines and remember to take them on a regular basis to reap the maximum benefits.
Alternative Therapies for Mesothelioma
In addition to supplements, many patients ask their doctors for other natural therapies they can use as part of their mesothelioma treatment plan.
Like vitamins, some of these alternative therapies can improve the body’s own ability to fight off the cancer. Homeopathy, massage and acupuncture have been thought to stimulate the body’s natural healing functions, and some cancer centers even offer these as complements to their traditional treatments.
Other alternative therapies can relieve symptoms of mesothelioma without the use of pharmaceuticals. Yoga can help relieve pain while stimulating a decreased appetite. Meditation can help relieve cancer-related anxiety and chiropractic care can help with stiffness and poor mobility.
Whether supplements, alternative therapies or both peak your interest, be sure to discuss all new treatment approaches with your oncologist before implementing them into your life.
Author bio: Faith Franz is a writer for the Mesothelioma Center. She combines her interests in whole-body health and medical research to educate the mesothelioma community about the newest developments in cancer care.