Cancer & Naturopathic Medicine

Overview of the practice of Naturopathic Medicine

 

We are all at risk for developing many varieties of cancer. Even given the fact that there have been many technological advances in the treatment of some cancers, it is still the second leading cause of death in the United States. With the use of naturopathic therapies to compliment conventional cancer treatments, naturopathic treatment can enhance the effectiveness by improving overall health, reducing or eliminating debilitating factors that promote the growth of cancer, and improving the success of chemotherapy and radiation while reducing their side effects. Naturopathic treatment is patient specific, treatment specific, and tumor growth specific. By capitalizing on the strengths of naturopathic treatment combined with conventional medical treatment, the cancer patient can greatly improve their chances of surviving the cancer treatment, eliminate the growth and prevent future reoccurrence.

 

 

Naturopathic and holistic treatments are geared more to the individual needs of the patient, it is more beneficial, if at all possible, to have an experienced naturopathic physician or holistic doctor determine which naturopathic therapies are most appropriate. The situation, of course, is best when all naturopathic, holistic, Alternative and allopathic physicians collaborate to develop the proper treatment path for the patient.

 

Cancer Treatment & Nutrition

 

Nutrition plays an extremely important part not only in the prevention of cancer growths, but also in its treatment. Scientific study shows that nutrition and physical exercise are two very important parts that can be modified to change the direction of cancer cell growth, prevent it from forming, and halt its progression. Keep in mind, you are what you consume. Poor nutrition provides an optimum environment for cancer development and growth. By changing their lifestyle the human body can naturally strengthen its cancer defense mechanisms. Proper nutrition and physical activity supports the immune system, deprives cancer cells, and sends micro- and macronutrients to support healthy cell activity.

 

Cancer needs nourishment to grow and it uses the food that a person eats. As a result, many cancer patients suffer from malnutrition. In fact, many die not from cancer directly, but from malnutrition. For this reason, it is generally recommended that the diet consist of 25–30% protein, 40–50% carbohydrate, and 20% fat. A guideline for an appropriate caloric intake is 16–18 calories per pound of body weight (e.g., a 150 lb person would eat 2400–2700 calories daily). Eat small, frequent meals and chew food thoroughly.

 

A healthy diet does not guarantee a life free from cancer but greatly reduces our likelihood. Other risk factors such as environmental exposer, genetics, lack of spirituality, and lifestyle are contributors in development of cancer. The following recommendations can help reduce the risk of developing most cancer growths.

 •Eat fresh, unrefined, unprocessed, and hormone-free consumables. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, soy, beans (legumes), cold-water fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, halibut, and mackerel), olive oil, green tea, garlic, onions, yams, tomatoes, shitake mushrooms, almonds, ginger, curry, nonfat yogurt, seaweed, and fiber. Eating organically grown foods both plant and meat helps reduce exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and hormones, which will increase our risk of developing cancer.

•Stay Away from refined sugars (the preferred food of cancer cell growth), dairy products, refined processed foods, fried foods, food with unnatural or no nutritional value e.g. junk foods, caffeine, excessive use or consumption of alcohol, nitrates, and food coloring. Diminish high-fat (e.g., saturated and trans fats) foods, particularly meat, which has been associated with colon, rectal, prostate, and endometrial cancers.

•Eliminate food sensitivities. Use an elimination diet to determine food sensitivities. Specialty testing by a naturopathic or holistic doctor can be extremely helpful in learning what food sensitivity we may suffer most from.

•Consuming 50% of body weight in water daily in ounces (e.g., a 140 lbs. person would drink 70 Oz of water). Drink spring or distilled water; avoid chlorine and fluoride which are known carcinogens. Do not consume mineral enhanced water because our mineral absorption should come from eating a good serving of leafy green vegetables fruits and nuts.

 

 

Cancer and Taking Dietary Supplements

 

Unfortunately we are not able to consume enough varieties of food daily to digest the vast amount of nutrients and minerals that our body needs to maintain our optimal health, so it is recommended that we use dietary supplements to enhance our dietary requirements.

 

• Take 2 grams of cod liver oil daily – Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

•Fractionated citrus pectin Take 6 grams, 2 times daily. MCP interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells. It can be used long term (also called modified citrus pectin or MCP).

• Take 2 tsp. of Glutamine in juice 3 times daily. Glutamine provides the most amino acid in the body and is a very important nutrient for gastrointestinal processes and immune system functions.

•Try to drink at least 1 quart daily of Green Tea. Where caffeine may not be tolerable, use a standardized caffeine free extract.

•Purchase a high-quality vitamin mineral dietary supplement product and take one serving size daily (this will differs from brand to brand).

 

 

Cancer & Homeopathy

 A well planned homeopathic remedy process and usage can help transition the body and mind toward healing. A trained homeopathic practitioner is needed to identify and provide a potent, constitutional remedy.

 Miscellaneous Natural Treatments & Cancer

 

 

•Acupuncture is used in treating nausea, pain, and for the relief of stress.

•Aromatherapy and Essential oils are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and pain.

•Bach flower remedies with Flower essences are used to treat emotional areas of cancer such as grief, despair, and lack of confidence.

•Using Dry brushing to detoxify the body by improving circulation of the lymph glands and blood. Done one takes a bath, You stroke the skin with a dry brush toward the heart.

•Massage therapy—Used for treating pain, relieving stress, improving blood and lymph flow, and the stimulation of the nervous system.

• Meditation and Relaxation, Widely used to reduce high blood pressure and relieve chronic pain, stress, and anxiety.

•Physical and fun activity such as Yoga, tai chi, aerobics, walking, swimming

• imagery, visualization

•Mental and Spiritual Support groups

•Therapeutic touch

 

 

Support for Presurgical Preparation

 

Measures may be taken, starting at least 2 weeks if not sooner before surgery, to prevent surgical complications, reduce pain and swelling, speed healing, support the immune system, and reduce or prevent the spread of cancer cells.

 •Avoid products that reduce clotting (increase bleeding)—Aspirin, gingko, and vitamin E. Also avoid hypericum (St. John’s wort), valerian, and kava.

•Flaxseed oil—Take 1 tbsp daily to decrease healing time.

•General nutrition recommendations—Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, tobacco, caffeine, sugar, and fried foods. Increase fiber, protein, vegetables, bioflavonoids, essential fatty acids, and water.

•Fractionated citrus pectin (also called modified citrus pectin or MCP)—Take 6 grams (1 tsp powder) daily to help prevent the spread of cancer cells.

•Vitamin A—Take 25,000–50,000 (5000 during pregnancy) IUs daily to support healing and immunity.

•Vitamin B complex—Take 50–100 mg daily to support healing.

•Vitamin C—Take 2000–5000 mg daily to support immunity, reduce bruising and swelling, and provide antioxidant activity.

•Zinc—Take 60 mg daily to speed healing, promote tissue healing, and support immunity.

 

 

Postsurgical Procedure Support

 

These steps may be taken, continuing for 4 weeks after surgery, to prevent surgical complications, reduce pain and swelling, speed the healing process, support the auto immune system, and reduce or prevent the further spreading of cancer cells.

 •Bromelain—Take 400 mg 3 times a day away from meals to reduce inflammation, reduce thrombophlebitis, and increase effectiveness of antibiotics.

•Curcumin—Take 400 mg several times daily for pain.

•Homeopathy—Take over-the-counter homeopathic remedies for physical trauma according to product directions.

•Presurgical support—Continue to follow recommendations.

•Protein shakes—Drink daily for an easily absorbed source of amino acids.

•Vitamin E—Take 800 mg daily to reduce thrombophlebitis, support immunity, and reduce adhesions. Because vitamin E is an antiplatelet aggregate, it should not be taken until surgical bleeding has stopped.

 

We are currently servicing clients in the following areas of Metro Atlanta GA area needing assistance with dealing with health problems using naturopathic, holistic or alternative medicine. Many of our clients are from Alpharetta GA, Marietta GA, Cummings GA, Buford GA, Roswell GA, Sandy Springs GA, Woodstock GA, Lilburn GA, Suwanee GA, Duluth GA, Lawrenceville GA, Norcross GA, Kennesaw GA, Gainesville GA, TN, SC and AL.