Cancer treatments have come a long way. Every day, healthcare professionals are getting an inch closer to finding the cure for Cancer. Until then, humanity has to fight this deadly disease with all the hope and strength we have. There have been significant improvements in patients who used naturopathy techniques to keep the side effects of Radiation and Chemotherapy, the two major treatments for Cancer in check. With the amount of progress made in cancer treatment methods over the years, people are not scared when the doctor says those spine-chilling three words, “You have Cancer!”
Let’s dive right into how naturopathy can help aid individuals with cancer.
Can Naturopathy Cure Cancer?
It is not yet proven scientifically that Naturopathy can cure cancer. Even though we still do not have a viable cure for cancer, there are ways to slow it down. It is pointless to believe in myths spreading online about how Pineapple can magically cure cancer or how the people in the Tropic of Cancer are more prone to Cancer. Myths can get really funny, don’t you think?
So the answer is clear: Naturopathy cannot cure cancer.
Can You Replace Chemotherapy with Naturopathy?
A very big “NO”.
Chemotherapy and radiation are the only ways we know of killing cancer cells. Naturopathy is just another tool to alleviate cancer symptoms by synchronising with the healing effects of other medical procedures.
How Does Naturopathy Help with Cancer?
If there is no cure for cancer, you might wonder “Then, how exactly does naturopathy help with cancer?”. Naturopathy treatments battle cancer by reinforcing the balance between your body, mind and soul through dietary changes, nutritional counselling, supplements (herbal or vitamin) and lifestyle modifications.
Here are some ways Naturopathy helps treat cancer:
Reducing Side Effects of Chemotherapy & Radiation
Chemotherapy and radiation are difficult treatments to endure. A well-known side effect of chemotherapy is hair loss, as it targets rapidly dividing cancer cells but also affects other fast-growing cells, like those in hair follicles.
This effect on healthy cells can lead to a range of side effects, including nausea, diarrhoea, nerve damage, cognitive impairment, fatigue, and weight changes.
To suppress these side effects, incorporating care from a naturopathic doctor alongside your oncologist’s treatment can be beneficial. Nutrient supplementation, such as omega-3 oils, ginger, and glutamine, may help reduce the severity of these side effects, making the treatment process more manageable.
Helps With Pain And Nausea
There is no doubt that cancer treatments can be extremely painful. However, integrating naturopathic treatments like acupuncture with it can help by stimulating specific points on the body with thin needles, reducing pain and nausea while relaxing your body. This process releases natural painkillers like endorphins and improves blood flow, which can help improve sleep and overall well-being.
Weight Management
Cachexia is the official term for weight loss during cancer treatments. Cancer patients tend to lose weight rapidly due to the harsh treatments they are put through. A naturopathic doctor can support them in maintaining a healthy weight during treatment by recommending a nutritious diet and monitoring their weight regularly.
Helps with Maintaining a Healthy Immune System
The basic principle of naturopathy is to allow your body to heal itself by the influence of natural medicine. Naturopathy has been proven to provide a better immune system to individuals. Chemotherapy damages white blood cells, compromising your immune system.
Intravenous vitamin C (IVC) treatment can enhance immune markers and potentially boost the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic drugs. It has also been shown to help reduce side effects in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Typically, patients can receive this treatment 1-2 times per week, depending on their chemotherapy schedule, cancer stage and doctor’s advice.
Helps Recover From Surgery
In some cancer cases, surgery may be necessary to remove tumours. Recovering from surgery could be challenging and can leave your body in a weakened state.
Naturopathic treatments can support healing after surgery, helping your body recover quickly. Before surgery, it’s always advised to build up nutrient reserves and avoid anything that could slow recovery.
Surgery can cause anxiety for many people, but naturopathic doctors have solutions to help ease this anxiety. After surgery, the focus shifts to replenishing nutrients and supporting collagen formation, which speeds up your recovery.
Helps During Remission
Naturopathic medicine supports the body’s natural healing processes. It treats the whole person, not just a specific illness or disease, promoting overall wellness and balance.
After completing cancer treatments, supplements, specialised diets, and fasting can help bolster the body’s recovery and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. These methods focus on enhancing the immune system, detoxifying the body, and restoring nutritional balance, which are crucial for long-term health and well-being.
FAQs
- What is the role of Naturopathy?
Naturopathy plays an important role in a lot of medical conditions. It focuses on the balance of the mind, body and soul to prevent diseases by living a healthy life. The chances for illness are reduced greatly while enhancing the body’s ability to heal itself, all while teaching individuals how to take care of themselves and their families.
- How can a Naturopathic help Cancer?
While individuals undergo cancer treatments, Naturopathic doctors support them by managing symptoms, reducing side effects of chemotherapy and radiation and improving their overall well-being. Their support continues even for patients who survived cancer by providing suggestions for a better lifestyle and eating habits.
- What is naturopathy recommended for?
Naturopathy is extensively practised to treat problems relating to digestion, respiration, allergies, chronic fatigue, emotions, migraines, skin conditions, menstruation and menopause. It provides long-term satisfaction as naturopathy treats the whole body, not just the symptoms.
- What is the most difficult Cancer to cure?
The types of Cancer with the lowest survival rates are Pancreatic Cancer, Brain Cancer and Liver Cancer. This statistic may vary from person to person depending on their immunity system, treatments received and the power of their will to live.
Conclusion
Naturopathy offers significant support for cancer patients, especially in managing the side effects of conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. By incorporating natural remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications, naturopathy can enhance the quality of life for those battling cancer. It is important to understand that it is not the cure and its benefits must be addressed.
Always consult your oncologist and a qualified naturopathic doctor to ensure a safe and effective treatment plan.
