House Acupuncture & Herbs

I’d like extend a big welcome to our guest blogger, Kate Flaherty – she is involved in outreach work to educate patients and families about complementary care and alternative medicine options during traditional cancer treatment.  Visit her blog, What Kate Ate, to learn more.

Quality nutrition is crucial for those in cancer treatment because the treatment itself can have an adverse effect on appetite. Getting the necessary vitamins and minerals can be tough but not impossible. Taking in the right foods is absolutely vital for those undergoing treatment for cancers like mesothelioma.

The side effects of traditional treatment will affect the way that a patient is able to eat. Waves of nausea can be frequent and difficult to handle. This is why it is imperative to eat the right foods when you are able to. Of course there may be good days when you want to treat yourself to something outside your nutritional regimen, but building upon a solid nutritional foundation can improve overall health and lead to an improved prognosis. As with anything, portions in moderation can be observed. Just remember that what you put into your body is going to be used to help repair the damage that is being done by the treatment and cancer itself.

Different foods can cause different reactions. Let your physician know if you start to suffer from stomach cramps, diarrhea and general upset stomach. Many physicians will recommend low fiber foods. Although this is generally recommended for all patients, it especially helps for those experiencing diarrhea. Though a cancer treatment team will recommend specific diet suggestions, some generally good options during treatment are:
 
· Eggs
· Lean proteins
· Tofu
· Shellfish and fish
· Peanut butter (creamy)

Try to avoid processed foods. Although convenient they will not do any good for the body. Fruits and vegetables with pesticides can do a lot of harm, so try to stick to organically grown produce. 

It is important to remember that a person having treatment for cancer has different nutrition needs than those who are not. A patient’s main goal should be to keep their strength up. Although treatment is designed to kill off the cancer cells it also hurts some of the good cells.

The best time to begin eating healthier is before you begin treatment. This will give your body time to strengthen itself. It is no secret that caner treatment takes its toll on the body. By being proactive you are giving yours the best possible care before treatment begins.

For further information, an excellent resource for nutrition before, during and after cancer treatment is the National Cancer Institute.

--Thank you for all the good information!  In addition to a healthy diet, many people find acupuncture and herbs very helpful in dealing with side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, swelling, and pain.  Similar to the way a healthy diet gives your body the raw materials to heal and stay supported during treatment, herbs can also be integral to support your body through the process of cancer treatment.  What has been your experiences with trying to eat well while undergoing cancer treatments?  What has been your experiences with Chinese Medicine in treating nausea and other side effects?