More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles
Natural Therapies and Cancer Helpful Or Harmful?
Many patients have questions about combining natural therapies with cancer treatment and what options they have in safely integrating herbs, therapeutic diets and nutritional supplements with their conventional care. “Can I take green tea while on chemotherapy?” “Does all sugar feed cancer?” “What foods will benefit me the most?” “I have completed conventional treatment, what next?”
To answer these questions, it is best to see a naturopathic oncologist, a licensed practitioner who is trained in the safe and evidence-based use of natural medicine in cancer care. It is vital that natural support be applied to cancer care safely, as natural therapies can have side effects and can interfere with conventional treatment. Some herbs and nutrients, for example, have shown negative interactions with chemotherapy and are best avoided during that time.
Naturopathic oncology isthe application of the philosophy, principles and science of naturopathic medicine to the field of cancer care and treatment. Naturopathic oncologists commonly use diet and lifestyle interventions, herbs, nutritional medicine, homeopathy, detoxification and counseling. Naturopathic medicine is licensed in Maryland and those that specialize in cancer have additional training, designated as Fellows of the American
Board of Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO). You can find a FABNO-designated naturopathic doctor in your area at http //www.fabno.org/membership.html.
The use of natural therapies can be helpful at any stage of the cancer process to help reduce risk factors, prevent recurrence, heal from surgery, and reduce side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Diet and lifestyle interventions as well as certain nutritional supplements have been studied and shown to be beneficial to patients with cancer. These therapies may help to strengthen the immune system, boost energy levels, ease digestion, promote sleep and improve overall well-being.
Some examples include
Ginger, as a capsule, tea or essential oil (topical use) may help ease nausea
Fish oil may help stabilize lean body cell mass lost during weight loss
Turmeric and green tea have been studied and shown to have some anti-cancer properties
Natural therapies can also help support survivorship and reduce risk of recurrence, once conventional treatment is completed. Research has shown the importance of diet and lifestyle in cancer prevention and the world of natural therapies has even more to offer. No matter how informed you are, it's still important to seek expert advice on the most appropriate choices for your health. Consult with a naturopathic oncologist and communicate with your cancer team to ensure you have fully-integrated treatment that best serves you.
