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The Anti-Cancer Arsenal

When we think about addressing cancer from a natural perspective, it is important to consider two major principles... enhance the immune system and decrease inflammation. In addition, it's important to consider nutrition and supplements that have been researched and have been clinically proven to support these treatment principles.

The Essentials for Health and Wellness

Nutrition is the very foundation of our health and well-being. What we put into our bodies plays a direct role in the way our cells, organs, and overall system functions. Proper nutrition plays a key role in healing almost any internal disorder and is critical for someone who's undergoing treatment for cancer. Here are a few foundational vitamins and supplements that will support your overall health and wellness.

Enhance Immunity

The immune system protects the body against illness and infection. It can also help the body fight against cancer. Both cancer and the treatment for cancer can weaken the immune system, making one more prone to opportunistic infections. Here are a few products that can help support the immune system before, during, and after treatment.

Improve Anemia

Anemia is a deficiency in red blood cells and/or the nutrients necessary to make red blood cells. There are six different kinds of anemia, each having their own characteristics and traits. In the field of oncology, the two most common forms are aplastic anemia (insufficient red blood cells) and iron deficient anemia (causing a decreased hemoglobin level).. Anemia can be caused by both the disease and treatment. These supplements are the nutritional building blocks your body will need to improve your red blood cell count and hemoglobin level.

Improve Fatigue

Fatigue is probably the most common complaint for those diagnosed with cancer. Both the disease and treatment can cause fatigue. While there can be a number of underlying mechanisms causing the fatigue, it’s important to support the body with the right nutrients for blood and energy production, which can improve fatigue.

Manage Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

Hot flashes and night sweats can be the symptom of cancer or the side effect of treatment. While there are many supplements and herbs that can relieve hot flashes and night sweats, it's important to avoid supplements and herbs with phytoestrogen and phytoandrogen properties if one's cancer is hormone dependent. Supplements supporting neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers in our body, have shown to be safe and effective for some in alleviating hot flashes and night sweats.

Treat Peripheral Neuropathy

Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major complaint for those receiving chemotherapy for various cancers. CIPN can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the fingers and feet. If severe, one can lose tactile function in their hands, causing difficulty with such tasks as writing, buttoning a shirt, or even opening a jar. He or she may also lose sensation in their feet, causing difficulty and instability when walking.

Manage Pain

Pain can be difficult to manage, especially when it's related to cancer. Here are a few supplements and topical solutions that can help reduce pain and the need for both prescription and OTC pain medications.

Treat Dry Mouth and Mouth Sores

Mouth Sores (also known as oral stomatitis) can be a side effect of some IV and oral chemotherapies as well as immunotherapies. Swishing daily with a mixture of L-glutamine powder and water can be effective in the treatment and prevention of this condition.

Prevent & Treat Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can be a common complaint for those undergoing conventional cancer treatment. Besides being uncomfortable, nausea can pose a more serious problem, causing loss of appetite and weight. Vomiting can cause a loss of vitamins and minerals in the body that are necessary for physiological function.

Promote GI Harmony

GI complaints can be the number one side-effect of conventional cancer treatment. Symptoms can include gas, bloating, abdominal pain, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. The integrity of our digestive health plays a key role in our overall health, immunity, and ability to fight certain cancers.

Treat Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be a common complaint for those undergoing conventional cancer treatment. Besides being uncomfortable, diarrhea can cause a loss of vitamins and minerals in the body that are necessary for physiological function and cause a loss of weight.

Treat Constipation

Constipation can be a common complaint for those undergoing conventional cancer treatment. Besides being uncomfortable, constipation can cause gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Prevent & Treat Bone Loss

Bone loss is common as we age, primarily because of the decline in hormones we produce. Certain drugs for hormone-based cancers will rapidly advance the process of bone loss so it’s important to be proactive. Giving our bodies the necessary nutrients for bone support and bone building should be considered when starting on drugs like anti-estrogens, aromatase inhibitors, and GnRH antagonists.

Protect the Body During Radiation

Radiation Treatment can be damaging to the body. The most notable side effects are fatigue and burning, peeling, or blistering of the skin. Here are some products that can help.