Natural Ways To Combat The Side Effects Of Breast Cancer Treatment
While it is important to work with your doctor to come up with the best breast cancer treatment plan for your specific case, you'll also want to be proactive in implementing a few natural strategies to combat the side effects that cancer treatments are known for. These strategies provide much needed relief and may eliminate the need for additional drugs to treat such reactions as nausea and joint pain.
Ginger
According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, 70 percent of cancer patients suffer nausea as a result of their treatments. The center goes on to recommend ginger to combat the nausea. There are several different ways a patient can take the ginger, which makes it an excellent, all-natural choice. If you prefer, you can purchase the ginger in pill form, or you can use it to make a refreshing cup of tea. Another option is to pick up soda that contains ginger. It is important to note that some sodas bare the name ginger ale, yet contain no real ginger. Make sure you read the ingredients list before buying yourself a bottle.
Aloe Vera
Should your breast cancer treatment involve the use of radiation, you'll want to pick up a bottle of pure aloe vera gel. The National Center for Biotechnology Information shared a study of 60 cancer patients, 38 percent of which had breast cancer, who used aloe to treat their radiation-induced dermatitis. The study concluded that the use of the aloe vera did reduce the amount of dermatitis that patients experienced. Aloe has been used for centuries to treat burns and heal skin, so it makes sense that this plant would also have a positive effect on cancer patients.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Some women are prescribed aromatase inhibitors as part of their breast cancer treatment. One of the biggest side effects of this treatment is joint pain. Dr. Nalini Chilkov of The Huffington Post reports that when glucosamine and chondroitin are used together, they do an excellent job relieving joint pain and stiffness so that patients can continue on with their treatment.
Coconut Water
Another side effect of chemotherapy is an increased risk of dehydration. In addition to making sure you stay hydrated with traditional water, you'll also want to start adding a few glasses of coconut water to your diet. The Hope 4 Cancer Institute lists coconut water as having the same concentration of salt as our cells and blood, lots of potassium, and important vitamins and minerals that will keep your body properly hydrated. The institute points out that you need to get your coconut water directly from the fruit and not from a can or bottle.
For more information and help, talk with your doctor about breast cancer treatment.