Alternative Medicine And Cancer

Alternative Medicine And Cancer
By Renee Hubbard

One of the most frequent uses for alternative treatment
is in the management of chronic ailment. Alternative cancer
treatment systems work together with conventional treatments for
illnesses like cancer. Most of the chronic conditions are
considered incurable and treatment is aimed at slowing the
progress of the disease and alleviating symptoms.

Most official bodies of medicine that handle chronic illness
maintain the position that giving information on alternative
cancer treatment is the best approach. Therefore, you'll
discover information on the American Institute web site,
as well as on government health information web sites,
concerning the use of alternative therapies, continuing clinical
trials and ways that alternative treatment like massage,
herbal medicines and other similar therapies can have a positive
impact on treatment or ease the painful side effects and
symptoms of cancer, chemotherapy and radiation.

Of particular note, the following alternative treatment
and therapies are used in treating cancer:

Nutrition Based

The specific recommendations for diet depend on the variety of
cancer, but The American Society and the National Cancer
Institute both offer the following guidelines for diet and
nutrition for patients:

1. Consume natural, whole foods.
2. Whole grains are better than processed food.
3. Eat no less than 5 servings of fruit and vegetables in your
daily diet.
4. Take a high quality multivitamin supplement to support your
immune system.

Herbal Remedies

Exact herb combinations are dependent on the specific type of
cancer, but various herbal medicines have been shown to aid
nausea discomfort that is associated with chemotherapy. Ginger
root and fennel seed are some of the best known herbal remedies
that can help with nausea.

Additionally, teas and herbal remedies containing gingko
biloba, red clover, Quercetin and turmeric have been know to
support and strengthen the immune system. If you decide to
utilize herbal therapies, make sure that your physician knows
precisely what remedies you are taking to prevent drug
interactions.

Acupuncture and Massage Therapies

Massage and acupuncture therapies can be useful in alleviating
symptoms and controlling pain and nausea associated with
treating cancer. These therapies may be used in conjunction with
conventional therapy, or after completion of conventional
therapy.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy has been shown to be effective in alleviating some
nausea and helping with pain control after surgery and
chemotherapy.

Meditation Based Therapies

Meditation and yoga therapies

are know to be helpful in
promoting a better quality of life and personal well-being.
Other mind-body alternative treatment therapies could
also be helpful in managing depression and other emotional
problems that can result from dealing with diagnosis and
treatment of cancer.

Prevention

There is considerable evidence that proper diet and good
nutrition can help prevent from actually developing.
Foods such as cruciferous vegetables and fruits which are high
in antioxidants are seen to have a beneficial effect on the
immune system and can slow and/or prevent the growth of cancer
cells.

The American Society and the National Institute
do not recommend nutritional supplements for the prevention or
treatment of nor do they recognize them as an alternative
cancer treatment. Instead, they strongly support a healthy,
balanced diet with an emphasis on whole, raw and natural grains,
fruits and vegetables, and lean meats, low fat and few processed
foods.

These alternative treatments, plus the conventional
treatment that the patient should receive from their health care
provider, may help to improve their long term survival rate.
While not a replacement for proper treatment, these
alternative treatments can be beneficial for the patient
and their continued fight against cancer.

About the Author: Renee has a weblog devoted to the science of
alternative treatments. You can find more information at
http://alternative-cancer-treatment-advice.blogspot.com/

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link:
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