More Complementary Health Articles
Integrative Cancer Support
If you are diagnosed with cancer there are health treatment programs which may enhance the body’s ability to fight cancer and help the traditional cancer treatments work more effectively. The goal of integrative, holistic medicine is to work with the patient as the center of the medical team and combine both traditional and complementary treatments to restore the patient to a better state of health.
Whereas traditional medicine will focus on treating the tumor, the holistic approach is to focus on the patient. The integrative medical approach endorses the conventional recommendations for necessary surgery, for example, to remove a tumor, then places the focus on supporting the patient with safe, complementary therapies.
With respect to cancer, the integrative physician would provide support and specific therapies in conjunction with the primary care physician to enhance the patient’s quality of life while undergoing treatment.
The body’s ability to heal may be enhanced by safe, non-invasive therapies:
- Proper nutrition
- Stimulation and support of the immune system
- Detoxification
- Vitamin and mineral supplements
- Enzyme therapy
- IV vitamin/mineral therapy
- Herbal therapy
All these therapies can work to strengthen the immune system and modulate cell division. These are non-invasive, non-toxic options that have little risk of harm to the patient and may improve the quality of life by increasing energy, appetite, and strength while fighting the disease.
Non-Toxic, Non-Invasive Therapies
The goal of the integrative physician is to support the body’s fight against cancer, strengthen the immune system, and change the environment of the body so that is does not support the growth of cancer. The patient is supported with safe, non-toxic therapies and recommendations to modify the diet, detoxify the body, correct nutritional deficiencies, stimulate the immune system, and make lifestyle changes to enhance wellness and to spiritually embrace wellness.
Healthy nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are important to support the body as a patient undergoes chemotherapy or radiation. An important thing to do is to eliminate sugar, processed foods, white flour, and hydrogenated fats. Studies have suggested that our modern diet of high sugar and highly processed foods can contribute to an environment within the body that is more friendly to cancer growth.
The goal is to support the immune system through our diet with healthy, nutrient dense foods, good fats, vitamin rich vegetables and fruits, lean meats and fish, and other whole foods.
Proper nutrition can enhance the immune system and help patients through the negative side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
Detoxification of the liver and bowel may also be helpful in enhancing the immune system.
Nutritional deficiencies must first be detected from blood work and then corrected with IV and/or oral supplements. This also will help the patient tolerate chemotherapy and radiation better.
The immune system should also be stimulated with a course of IV vitamins, minerals, herbs and glyconutrients.
Make Lifestyle Changes
- Proper daily exercise
- Stress reduction through exercise, mediation, family support
- Cessation of smoking
- Psychological support
- Positive affirmation
