MAILBAG: Ease sickening chemo side effects NATURALLY
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted October 4, 2022
“My wife has been struggling through chemo treatments. Is there anything that can be taken or done to help relieve the side effects?”
Mitch from Grand Rapids, MI
Hi Mitch,
This is a tricky question. Many natural things that could be used to help reduce common side effects should also be avoided during chemotherapy (chemo) because they can interfere with the treatments.
For example, B vitamins could ease certain side effects, but some chemo drugs work by blocking B vitamins.
That’s why you should ALWAYS talk to your doctor before making any changes to your current routines. And that includes starting any new natural solutions.
I like to make sure anyone going through chemo is getting enough nutrition. I usually suggest foods that are easily digested and absorbed, such as a smoothie. The smoothie should contain a powdered multivitamin and a good source of protein (I like whey).
I also always recommend drinking plenty of water to help protect the kidneys and flush the chemo drugs out of the body.
Other side-effect-easing options you can discuss with your doctors include:
- Gut Support: The cells of the digestive system take a beating during chemo. But studies show that maintaining a healthy gut during treatment could help ease symptoms by metabolizing chemotherapy toxins. I typically suggest choosing a good probiotic at a minimum. Other gut-health-supporting options include the amino acid glutamine and the herbs licorice and slippery elm.
- Medical Mushrooms: Mushrooms can stimulate the immune system and have been tested alongside standard chemo. Some mushrooms can counter cancer-treatment side effects, including nausea, anemia, lowered resistance, and bone marrow suppression.
- Epsom Salt Baths: An Epsom salt bath is a great way to ease the muscle aches and pains that are common during cancer treatment. Use about two cups of the salts in a bath and soak for at least 15 minutes before getting out. Saunas and steam rooms can also help with muscle pain and may provide detoxification benefits through sweating.
- Ginger: The herb ginger can help relieve chemo-induced nausea. Consider sipping on homemade ginger ale or ginger tea. Ginger supplements are also available. And simply smelling ginger essential oil can help too.
- Marijuana: If you have access to medical marijuana, you may want to consider trying it. Research has shown marijuana can help reduce the nausea and vomiting that often accompany chemo. There’s also evidence it can help ease nerve pain. And the herb can stimulate appetite and fight weight loss.
Don’t forget the importance of rest during cancer treatment. Take frequent breaks and consider short naps whenever you feel fatigued.
P.S. Digestive issues ranging from nausea to stomach cramps are common during chemotherapy treatment. However, recent research has revealed a surprisingly effective way to SOOTHE these chemo symptoms. And it won’t break the bank! Click for all the details.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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