Naturopathic Cancer Support

Naturopathic medicine is powerful because it removes obstacles to healing and supports the body’s overall journey towards wellness. These qualities make it effective as an adjunctive medical option to conventional cancer treatments, such as medication, chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, all of which can place stress on the immune system and overall health. Naturopathic cancer support, or Naturopathic Oncology, ulitizes various Naturopathic medicine modalities to help support patients as they undergo cancer treatments.

Based on the seriousness of a condition, standard medical care tends to primarily focus on treating the disease state. In naturopathic medicine practice, however, the individual as a whole remains in focus, which means that the side effects and other imbalances that occur alongside cancer therapy can be supported in order to improve the individual’s quality of life. During and after cancer therapy, quality of life can be different for each person. Some people are nauseated, unable to eat, exhausted, or have serious pain. Some people are at peace with the physical symptoms but immobilized by their inability to walk, visit friends or family, and enjoy their hobbies. Naturopathic methods have the unique ability to improve an individual’s health reserves and quality of life throught the development of a unique, individualized plan for each patient. This approach allows patients to live with vitality in whatever condition they find themselves in.

Studies have found that integrative cancer therapy, which includes Naturopathic cancer support or Naturopathic Oncology, is a growing area of oncology that can improve results by reducing negative side effects, improving quality of life, and, in some cases, potentially decreasing the amount of medication needed for cancer treatment.

Naturopathic medicine can help with lifestyle support such as stress management, sleep support, strength/stamina. A naturopathic approach may also use nutrition or supplements to improve quality of life and diminish the side effects of certain drugs. Each person is unique despite staging and diagnosis. As an example, the amino acid, glutamine, can protect and repair the gastrointestinal tract from certain medications and/or chemotherapy damage. However, glutamine as a supplement may not be helpful for every individual and in some cases could be harmful. Additionally, Omega-3 fatty acids can help boost nutritional status as well as reduce the pain and other inflammation symptoms associated with cancer treatment, but when used inappropriately they may be contraindicated with certain chemotherapy regimens. Each person is different and their individual needs will likely change from week to week based on their health condition.

Naturopathic Treatment During Chemotherapy and Radiation

Naturopathic Oncology care is particularly helpful for offsetting the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. It can help alleviate appetite loss, nausea, constipation, diarrhea and fatigue while simultaneously supporting the effectiveness of chemical and radiation treatments. The goal is for the patient to continue thriving regardless of the condition they are in. Ultimately, oncologists and naturopathic doctors have the same goal: survivorship. As part of the patient’s care team, they work collaboratively for the best interest of the patient. All throughout the United States, there are various hospitals and medical centers that have integrated in-patient and out-patient facilities for oncological support with supportive naturopathic services due to its effectiveness and the role it plays when treating the whole person.

Due to intense side effects, chemotherapy and radiation can cause a patient to feel a loss of control over their health. Naturopathic treatment can help them reclaim that control by focusing on personal areas such as lifestyle, diet, herbs, and nutritional therapy. This approach can support them holistically, both in physical and emotional ways. Ultimately, patients must be the ones to fight against disease. In this fight, maintaining a healthy outlook is key.

Rebalancing After Treatment

Naturopathic support can help in the removal of toxic waste that builds up in the body after conventional cancer treatment, whether it be medication, chemotherapy, or radiation. Other natural treatments, such as massage, Chinese medicine, and nutrition can also help the patient rebalance and rebuild overall wellness. After cancer treatment it is vital to support normal immune function. Cancer can occur as a result of a complicated set of processes where the body fails to identify or kill cancer. Additionally, after chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or a combination of these, the immune system has likely become further suppressed. Secondary cancers do occur in some cases, often stemming from the specific therapies used for the original or primary cancer. In all of these situations, support is needed for the immune system and for overall repair. This suuport can be achieved through naturopathic therapies that support a new pattern of health.