Mailbag! Weird Cancer Treatment Side Effect SOLVED
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 19, 2021
I’m a cancer survivor, and I had to undergo the usual radiation and chemo treatments. I noticed that some days my equilibrium is off. Could this be a holdover from the treatments? What would you recommend to make it go away?
–Tina from Concord, NH
******
Tina,
Unfortunately, loss of equilibrium is a lot more common than you might think. It can be either a result of treatment or from the cancer itself.
People lose their sense of balance if the cancer is located in certain parts of the brain, but this is a less frequent cause.
More often, mainstream cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery disturb the balance center in your brain called the vestibular system.
The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and responsible for both balance and spatial orientation (knowing where you and your body are in relationship to the world around you). This network of nerves communicates with a part of your brain called the cerebellum.
And as it turns out, chemo drugs can cause damage to BOTH parts of this network.
Not only that, chemo drugs can also harm nerves throughout the body, which can cause numbness and tingling in the toes and hands. This loss of feeling then causes balance issues.
The good news is that many of these problems can be temporary, and they will improve when you stop the drugs. And thankfully, there is a lot you can do to help yourself out.
Dr. Scott’s Cancer Neuropathy Aids:
- Rest. As you’ve probably noticed, your symptoms are worse when you’re stressed or haven’t gotten enough sleep. Make sure to take it easy… you’ve been though a lot!
- Anemia. This can also be a cause of your loss of balance. Anemia is fairly common in women, especially if you’ve undergone chemo. Have your blood tested and see if you need to be taking iron.
- B vitamins. B vitamins are essential for nerves to function properly. I suggest a B-complex that contains many different types.
- Ginkgo. This herb is well known to help increase micro-circulation (the growth of small blood vessels in your brain). It can help bring blood, nutrients, and oxygen to your vestibular system.
- Fish oil. These fatty nutrients are needed for nerve cells to work properly.
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions 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 Free Articles
50-Cent Nutrient Puts the Brakes on Aging
Scientists discovered a remarkable “anti-aging” solution hiding in plain sight. It isn’t some exotic compound from a remote rainforest or an expensive laboratory creation. It’s a nutrient you can find at any pharmacy for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. The trouble is, most seniors aren’t getting enough of it, which researchers...
The Hidden Brain Risk Lurking in Your Living Room
If you’re reading this while settled into your favorite chair, you might want to consider standing up… New research uncovered something that might surprise you. Sitting too much can literally shrink your brain. But it gets worse… We all know being sedentary isn’t good for our health. However, researchers at Vanderbilt University uncovered something alarming....
“Biohack” Your Life Like a Billionaire?! Here’s How
You’ve probably seen the headlines about the billionaire who spent millions on “biohacking” to try to make himself younger. He measures hundreds of biomarkers and pops dozens of pills daily. And he’s undergoing experimental treatments that cost more than most folks’ houses. It may have left you wondering if regular people like you and I...
Do THIS Daily to Improve Strength, Flexibility, and Endurance
For any couch potatoes out there… I have some exciting news. If you’ve been avoiding exercise because you hate the gym or don’t have the time, that might be about to change. A groundbreaking study reveals how a few simple moves, done daily in your own home, could dramatically improve your fitness—even if you’ve skipped...
Mailbag: A Post-Prostate Cancer Blueprint for a Better Recovery
“My son just got his prostate removed because of cancer. He is doing well and recovering. My question is there any information you can forward with regards to his lifestyle? Are there things he should not eat, things he should be eating, is social drinking a risk, any vitamins that should be on his list?...
The Stroke-Boosting Threat Lurking in YOUR Arteries
We want to take a moment on this Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and selfless commitment to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten, and their legacy lives on in the country they helped preserve. I’ve warned you...
20-Minute AM Hack Will Revolutionize How You Wake Up
If you feel like you’re in a fog for the first hour after your alarm goes off, you’re not alone. Mornings can be rough. That groggy, disoriented feeling isn’t just annoying—it’s a real physiological phenomenon called “sleep inertia.” And it can drag on for up to two hours after waking, even if you’ve had a...
Weekly Habit QUINTUPLES Your Cancer Risk
Everyone knows that sugar-sweetened sodas aren’t going to win any nutrition awards. That’s not news. But now, a disturbing new study suggests these soft drinks hide a deadly secret. A regular soda habit could do far more damage than just expand your waistline or raise your diabetes risk. The new research reveals these sugary treats...
Unlikely Duo Naturally SLASHES High Blood Pressure
Some things just naturally belong together—such as peanut butter and jelly, salsa and chips, or two peas in a pod. But there’s an unlikely pair that researchers say could do wonders for your heart health. A comprehensive new study from the University of Surrey has revealed that compounds found naturally in tea and chocolate can...
The Surprising Link Between Jaw Tension and Anxiety
Ever catch yourself clenching your jaw when you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for an important phone call? Well, it might tell you something important about what’s happening “upstairs.” Turns out, that jaw tension isn’t just annoying—it’s a direct hotline to your anxiety levels. And most of us don’t even realize we’re doing it. I’ve...