Detoxification of Chemo Through Natural Foods Washington DC

Detox from Chemo

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By Nancy Lonsdorf, MD

Q. Over the past few years, I’ve had surgery and chemo for cancer. How can I restore my immune and hormonal systems?

A. Although most of the effects of chemotherapy are short-term, some—including fatigue, impaired immunity, hormonal imbalances, and temporary problems with memory, attention, and concentration (recently dubbed “chemobrain”)—can persist for years. To date, not many researchers have looked at the efficacy of treatments to reverse or prevent these long-term side effects. However, it makes sense that approaches that support detoxification, reduce stress, and rebuild immunity will help speed your recovery from both the cancer and its treatment.

Reducing damage to the body during treatment also may prevent side effects down the line. In laboratory studies, researchers found that one traditional ayurvedic herbal formula called amrit nectar protects normal cells from chemotherapy injury. In another small clinical trial, the formula reduced side effects and improved overall strength and well-being without interfering with chemo’s anti-cancer effects. My clinical experience with traditional detoxification approaches from ayurveda, the traditional health system of India, has convinced me that cleansing the body of toxins and rebalancing the body after cancer treatment can help restore optimum health. This type of ayurvedic detox has two phases.
Phase I: During the first eight weeks when your body is recovering strength and stamina, eat a wholesome diet with immune-boosting herbs and spices, drink plenty of pure water, reduce stress, and get extra sleep to enhance your body’s own healing response.

Follow the tips below for optimal detox and recovery during this time.
• Eat organically grown foods, including whole grains, legumes, unprocessed nuts and seeds, and seven to 10 servings of fresh vegetables, fruits, and freshly squeezed juices each day.
• Avoid alcohol, refined sugar, artificial ingredients, cigarette smoke, chemicals, and pollution.
• Cook with turmeric, coriander, cilantro, basil, oregano, rosemary, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, fennel, clove, and saffron to support immunity, hormonal balance, detoxification, and antioxidant protection.
• Take soluble fiber such as psyllium husks to promote elimination of toxins excreted by the liver via the stool.
• Drink eight glasses of warm, pure springwater daily.
• Lower your stress with effective techniques such as yoga and meditation. Research has shown that Transcendental Meditation enhances quality of life in breast cancer patients, reduces stress hormone levels, promotes longevity, and boosts DNA repair.
• Support liver detox and the production of glutathione, the body’s primary defense against most toxins, with plenty of protein in your diet. Nonvegetarians are advised to favor more easily digestible sources such as organic poultry and wild-caught fish that is low in mercury.

Author: Nancy Lonsdorf, MD

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