Lung cancer is primarily caused by smoking, as well as secondhand smoke. Less common causes are pollution inhalation and asbestos. Symptoms include persistent coughing, coughing up blood, breathlessness, restricted breathing, chest pain, weight loss, pneumonia, lung abscess and chronic chest infection. Holistic treatments are ideal for use as a supplement to conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Alternative treatments often can help the patient deal with the side effects of chemotherapy.
ACCP Guidelines
The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) has recommended massage therapy for lung cancer patients who experience pain and anxiety. The ACCP also includes acupuncture in its guidelines for patients with fatigue, neuropathy, pain, nausea and vomiting because of lung cancer and its treatments.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can help prevent lung cancer, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. A 25-year study found that participants who consumed at least 83 mg of vitamin C a day had a 64% reduction in their risk for developing lung cancer. This was compared to participants who consumed less than 63 mg of vitamin C daily. Vitamin C may also help treat , but it will not cure lung cancer. Often, patients who undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy have depleted vitamin C levels. This is partly because of poor appetite resulting in poor nutrition, and partly because of the huge increase in vitamin C your body requires when undergoing these treatments. Try taking daily supplements of vitamin C, especially if you can't get enough of it from your diet.
Castor Oil Pack
To deal with the side effects of chemotherapy, and also to aid the lungs in detoxifying, try placing a castor oil pack over your chest. Try to do this at least three to four times a week, although daily use is better. After soaking a cloth in castor oil, place it on your chest and put a heating pad over it. You can also use a hot water bottle. Leave the cloth in place for 30 minutes.
Reishi
Reishi mushrooms may help to strengthen the immune system and help the body adapt to and resist stress. You can find reishi formulated as an extract in a supplement at many natural health food stores. Take 150 mg to 300 mg two to three times a day.
Pomegranate Fruit
In 2007, researchers at the University of Wisconsin published a study in Cancer Research that shows encouraging evidence that drinking pomegranate juice can help treat lung cancer. The study was not a human trial; rather the researchers used lab mice. Researchers point to the high amount of antioxidants in pomegranate juice that can help to combat free radicals. Free radicals are generated both by normal metabolism and through exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke. Free radicals are dangerous because they destroy healthy cells, so antioxidants are an important part of a daily diet.
Tags: lung cancer, deal with, deal with side, effects chemotherapy, help treat, help treat lung, lung cancer