Mailbag: The TRUTH About Cell-Killing Chemo

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted September 26, 2023

“Why does chemo also destroy good cells?”

Martha from Kansas City, MO

Hi Martha,

We tend to think of “chemotherapy” as a single treatment. But the truth is, there are various types of chemotherapies. And they work in different ways.

In general, chemotherapy destroys healthy cells, not just the cancerous ones, because it’s a non-specific or slash-and-burn therapy.

That means it’s a generalized poison directed at fast-growing cells, NOT at specific kinds of them.

Many chemotherapies work by blocking a cell’s ability to create new cells. And to understand why this approach works, we need to think back to high school biology.

You might recall that all the cells in our body replace themselves. But they do it on their own unique timelines. For example, the cells in your skin last only a few weeks before they’re replaced. But your bone cells can last for years.

There are steps that EVERY cell takes in order to mature and reproduce regardless of how long their timelines are. And scientists have learned how to block some of those steps with different chemotherapy chemicals.

Unlike those long-lived bone cells, cancer cells are typically FAST-growing, replacing themselves rapidly. So, when a doctor administers a chemotherapy agent, chances are high that the cancer cells are in the process of growing and dividing.

And when the chemicals successfully block that growth cycle, the cells die.

But any OTHER fast-growing cells can get caught in the chemo crossfire.

This is why people on chemotherapy often lose their hair, for example. The cells that create hair reproduce rapidly, making them more likely to be killed off by chemotherapy. While slow-growing bone cells are far less likely to be affected by the chemicals.

Other rapidly growing cells that often fall prey to chemotherapy are found in the gut and immune systems. That’s why it’s common for folks who are fighting cancer with chemotherapy to suffer from digestive problems and weakened immunities.

If you or a loved one is battling chemo side effects, natural solutions could help. I shared some tips on those last year right here in Living Well Daily. If you missed that post, you’ll find it RIGHT HERE.

P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? CLICK HERE to submit your question and get featured in the weekly mailbag!

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 By Dr. Scott Olson, ND