The heart muscle can be damaged by
chemotherapy; causing problems even years
later. Fortunately there are
well-known heart protective nutrients.
Coenzyme Q 10 is my favorite heart
protection for breast cancer patients
because it has been shown in small studies
to fight the breast cancer. The dose
is rather high at 300 mg. daily.
A multiple vitamin with the RDA of
antioxidants (Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin
E, Selenium, and Zinc) can be used.
High quality is necessary, but not high
levels of these nutrients. This will
increase effectiveness of the drug and
decrease toxicity.
It is time consuming to keep up with the
literature studies so someone like Dr.
Keaton who specializes in Chemotherapy
support is more likely to be up to date with
the literature.
The food choices you make can also help.
If you have nausea your old comfort foods
may be all you tolerate for a day or two.
Do not try new foods or foods you do not
prefer during chemo or you may develop
aversion to them.
Once the nausea is controlled there are many
helpful foods. Green tea is high on
the list of beneficial drinks along with
plenty of water. Highly colored fruits
and vegetables such as blueberries, yams,
broccoli or carrots will help you maintain
your energy.
If you enjoy fish the studies have shown
beneficial outcome if you eat fish more
often. Ground flax meal is helpful as
are whole grains and nuts. You may try
mixing these as a breakfast muesli.
Nausea can be effectively treated with
herbs such as ginger and peppermint,
essential oils tangerine and peppermint
infused into the room, and homeopathic
medicine specific to the case or try Nux
vomica. Acupuncture is extremely
effective and the National Institutes of
Health supports the use of Acupuncture
for the nausea.
