Chemotherapy support is essential as this grueling treatment causes many side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue and many more. The overall health depends on the patient’s ability to withstand chemotherapy. Chemotherapy damages many healthy cells along with the cancer cells. This includes all the fast growing cells from the hair follicle, bone marrow, intestines, etc. This tends to weaken the patient’s immunity especially because of the damage to the bone marrow cells. Hence, supportive treatment, supplements and a proper diet is essential to strengthen the immunity.

Many natural remedies protect the body without interfering in the chemotherapy process. Many nutrients in the form of supplementary diet for chemotherapy patients and other medicines like Organic Germanium and Immuno Complex are available. These remedies support cell oxygenation and increase the alkalinity. This helps to destroy the cancer cells by acting as a weapon against them. This also reduces the toxic effect of chemotherapy by preventing the systemic fungal growth that happens after chemotherapy. Fungal growth is responsible for the growth and development of metastasis and cancers coming back after a few months or years.

There are many herbs and supplementary medicines available to reduce the symptoms of chemotherapy. They are used since ages in many countries across the world. Some of them are astragalus, ginger and glutamine.

Astragalus: Astragalus membranaceus or Astragalus is being used since ages in combination with other herbs to strengthen the immunity of the patient. It protects the body against physical, mental and emotional stress. It fights diseases like cancer and diabetes. It contains antioxidants that protect the cells against damage caused by free radicals. It is also used to strengthen the immune system to fight cold, upper respiratory infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, and liver damage.

This herb has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used topically to heal wounds.

Astragalus supplements are used to speed up the recovery process and enhance survival rate for chemotherapy patients. The dried root of the herb is given. Typically to the chemotherapy patients to reduce fatigue, anemia, infections, stress, diarrhea, wounds, gas and bloating.

Ginger : This underground stem, or rhizome of a plant called Zingiber officinale. This has also been used since ages in traditional medicine. It is mainly used to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomting. It is also effective to treat digestion issues, motion sickness, pregnancy induced nausea and certain inflammatory conditions.

Ginger is used in the form of fresh or dried ginger root or steam distillation of oil in the root. It is available in the market in the form of extracts, tinctures, capsules and oils. You can add fresh grated ginger root in tea and drink it to give a kick start to your day. You can use it as a cooking spice or consume ginger bread, ginger sticks and ginger ale as well.

Glutamine: It is an amino acid that is present in abundance in the body. However, stress makes the body utilize glutamine in more quantities than it is produced. Hence, glutamine supplements could be required. Most glutamine produced by the body is stored in the muscles and lungs. It helps in removing excess ammonia and strengthens the immune system. It helps in normal functioning of the brain and the digestion process.

However, prolonged stress due to chemotherapy decreases the glutamine levels. Hence, many cancer patients have low levels of glutamine. Glutamine supplements are recommended to patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. It also reduces chemotherapy-diarrhea. It is naturally present in foods like milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, spinach, parsley and cabbage. L-glutamine is available as a part of a protein supplement or singly in the form of a powder, tablet or a liquid. It should be taken with room temperature or cold fluids as heat destroys glutamine.

Chemotherapy support in the form of a balanced diet, supplementary medicines and a good lifestyle is proved extremely helpful. However, it is essential for you to consult  your doctor before taking any supplements or a special diet. Also, it would be helpful if you find a good oncologist who believes in a holistic treatment.