While chemo and radiation can be lifesaving, they often come with a host of side effects that can be debilitating. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to just suffer through these side effects. There are many natural ways to combat these side effects and improve your quality of life during treatment.

Nausea and mucositis (mouth sores): Chemo can damage the lining of the gut, leading to inflammation and irritation, which can cause nausea and mouth sores. L-glutamine can be an effective option to soothe the gut. Several clinical trials show that taking glutamine may decrease the occurrence and severity of mouth sores. Additionally, demulcent herbs such as DGL and slippery elm can also help. And of course nutrition plays a key role as well. Easy-to-digest foods are recommended such as soups, smoothies, rice, oatmeal, bone broth, squash, and sweet potatoes. Ginger is an herb that can help reduce inflammation and soothe your gut that you can add to your smoothies and soups. Here is a good anti-inflammatory soup recipe we often recommend for patients going through cancer treatment and/or for gut healing.

Neuropathy: Numbness, tingling, and nerve pain affects up to 70% of patients with cancer. This can be due to chemo damaging nerve cells (neurotoxicity), disruption of nerve cell metabolism, and inflammation and oxidative stress. In the conventional world, this is managed with pain medications. However, there is so much we can do naturally to promote a more effective and efficient healing process of the nerves. Natural therapies such as alpha lipoic acid (ALA), acetyl-l-carnitine, and B vitamins can be helpful. Acupuncture can also be quite helpful.

Cancer/chemo related cognitive impairment (aka “Chemobrain”): Brain fog, poor memory, and poor focus are common symptoms associated both with chemo AND the cancer itself.

40% of anticancer drugs induce oxidative stress, which can lead to cognitive impairment. This is where antioxidant polyphenols come in, such as EGCG (green tea extract), curcumin (turmeric extract), quercetin, ginkgo.

Neuro-inflammation is also at the root of brain fog and poor memory associated with cancer. Green tea, curcumin, and fish oil can be potential interventions to target the neuroinflammation (or “brain on fire”).

Fatigue: It’s estimated that up to 90% of patients with cancer experience fatigue. It is important to conserve your energy, prioritizxing activities and taking breaks. Recognize your body is working hard to heal. It’s ok (and necessary!) to rest. With that said, there are some effective natural therapies to help improve your energy level. For example, Reishi mushroom has been shown to be effective for cancer-related fatigue. It can also help relieve anxiety and depression. Fueling your body appropriately and addressing any nutritional deficiencies also play a major role in addressing cancer-related fatigue.

Chemo and radiation can have a significant impact on the body. But by incorporating natural therapies into your care plan, you can reduce your symptoms, improve your quality of life, and enhance your overall outcomes. Remember, integrative cancer care is not about replacing conventional treatment, but about complementing it with evidence-based natural therapies.

Keep in mind that everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s essential to work with a qualified healthcare practitioner to develop a personalized plan that meets your needs and does not conflict with your conventional care plan. We do not recommend you start any of these therapies until you meet with a qualified health care professional.

Our integrative cancer care doctor, Dr. Jennifer Havens, can work alongside your oncology team, check drug-herb interactions, make dietary and supplement recommendations, and discuss ways to improve your quality of life and enhance survivorship. Let us know if you have any questions. We’re here to help! (You can email info@lakesidenaturalmedicine.com with any questions).

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.