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.
View More Free Articles
REAL Drug-Free Back Pain Relief
Recently, I’ve had several exasperated people ask me, “Is back pain something I just have to live with?” I battled chronic back pain for years, so I completely understand why some folks feel so hopeless about finding relief. In fact, I used to think I was doomed to a life of pain and limitations, too....
Mailbag: When to Worry About Memory Lapses
“I’ve been experiencing some memory lapses recently, and I’m worried it might be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. My mother also had it. What symptoms should I look out for?” – Ann Hi Ann, It’s important to recognize that some degree of memory loss is a normal part of life. Our brains constantly process and...
The Unforeseen Link Between Your Gut and Your Waistline
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many of us start thinking about shedding those extra pounds… We dust off our gym memberships, stock up on salad greens, and vow to finally fit into those shorts from last year. But what if I told you that the key to achieving a healthy weight might...
Defy Aging with the Sunshine Vitamin
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do for your health, it’s to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. I can’t stress this enough. And if you think vitamin D is only good for beefing up your bones, think again. Because while vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, recent research has revealed that this...
Detox Your Drinking Water with a Microplastics Purge
We’re surrounded by plastics. They’re everywhere, from the obvious plastic shampoo bottle to the not-so-obvious clothing on our backs. From the moment we get up in the morning until we slide beneath the sheets at night, we are in contact with them. Heck, some bedsheets contain plastic fibers, so you may ALSO be exposed while...
The TRUTH About Word Finding Troubles
Picture this. You’re having a lively conversation with a friend, and suddenly, find yourself grasping for a word that’s just out of reach. You KNOW it’s in there somewhere, hiding in the recesses of your mind. But no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to pin it down. When you have trouble word...
FDA Finally Admits “BANNED” Soda Ingredient is Unsafe
I’m not a soda fan for MANY reasons. I wrote an entire book on the dangers of sugar, for example. And research links soda drinking to fatty liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s. And the diet stuff is no better. Fake-sugar-filled diet sodas cause “metabolic confusion,” and artificial sweeteners are...
Discover WHY We Accidentally Overeat (and How to Stop)
Picture this… You finish eating a nice meal feeling just fine. But then, 20 minutes later, you’re groaning and clutching your belly because you feel uncomfortably stuffed. If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. Most of us have had this happen. Science reveals why accidental overeating occurs… and what we can do to avoid...
Find Exercise Exhausting and Painful? Try THIS Natural Fix
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: “You need to exercise.” And sure, you know how vital it is to healthy aging. But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels nearly impossible to get moving—especially when you know you’ll be sore for DAYS after. However, hold on to your seat because I’ve...
Mailbag: Unsteady on Your Feet? Now What?
“I’ve been having trouble with my balance lately and have fallen a couple of times. Could this be related to osteoporosis or another underlying cause?” – John Hi John, It’s always concerning when someone experiences balance issues or falls. While osteoporosis can contribute to an increased risk of falling, several other underlying causes should also...