CANCER: NATURAL TREATMENTS TO COUNTERACT THE SIDE EFFECTS OF RADIATION THERAPY
Burning and Scarring
Diet
Eat foods rich in vitamin E, Â complex, beta-carotene, essential fatty acids, zinc and germanium.
Eat plenty offish (salmon, sardines, tuna, cod and mackerel), tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, salt-free tomato paste and powder, berries, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, grains, wholesome soups and nuts and seeds.
Vitamins and Nutrients
• Superoxide dismutase, or SOD, administered by injection improves the condition of tissues that have been hardened by radiation therapy.
• Lycopene in large doses helps to protect against scarring and burning. Take double of the recommended dosage, at least 3 to 4 weeks before radiotherapy treatment.
• Vitamin A (50000 IU/day) is needed for tissue repair and mucous membrane protection, or 30 to 60 mg/day of beta-carotene or a carotenoid complex containing alpha-carotene and beta-carotene aids.
• Vitamin E at 600 to 1600 IU/day is needed for healing and to prevent scarring.
Herbs
• Calendula (marigold) successfully treats the damage caused to skin by radiation therapy or exposure. (Calendula ointment applied topically heals wounds smoothly, quickly and perfectly.)
• Aloe vera juice protects against skin injury, helps to prevent burning/scarring and soothes burns.
• Use vitamin E oil externally and internally (break open a Vitamin E capsule and apply directly to the affected area).
Damage to Cells
Diet
• Alkylglycerols (found in shark liver oil) counteract the decrease in white blood cells that occur as a result of radiation treatment.
Vitamins and Nutrients
• Lipoic acid increases white blood cell production.
Herbs
• European mistletoe facilitates the re-growth of red blood cells after radiotherapy.
• Echinacea helps to improve function and production of white blood cells.
• Garlic causes decreased loss of white blood cells.
• Ginseng stimulates resistance and boosts the immune system, improving the function of white blood cells.
Decreased Appetite
Decreased appetite can be due to the killing of the microvilli in the bowel, nutrient deficiencies, stress, anxiety, nausea or vomiting. It is important to address these symptoms first to help improve your desire to eat. Try to keep eating to maintain constant energy levels and to support your body’s healing process.
Vitamins and Nutrients
• To increase appetite use free form amino acid supplements (3 1/2 grams/day).
• Vitamin  complex increases the appetite and maintains energy levels.
• Check zinc levels — low zinc levels can cause lack of taste and appetite. If zinc levels are low take zinc at 80 mg a day plus.
Herbs
• To stimulate a poor appetite use fennel seed, ginger root, ginseng, alfalfa, papaya leaves or peppermint leaves. These can all be made into herbal teas. Alfalfa sprouts assist in stimulating the appetite.
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