Radiation treatments, also known as radiation therapy, are used commonly to help shrink tumors and destroy cancer cells. The therapy uses X-rays, gamma rays or charged particles to help treat your cancer. Radiation therapy may be a stand-alone cancer therapy, or it may be used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy. Nutritional support may play an important role in reducing the negative health effects of radiation treatments. Ask your doctor if nutritional support is appropriate for you.
Radiation Treatments
Radiation therapy is intended to keep your cancer cells from multiplying. MedlinePlus reports that radiation therapy kills your cancer cells, but many of your normal, healthy cells will recover following this aggressive treatment method. In most cases, your doctor will attempt to protect your healthy cells by limiting the radiation dosage you receive and scheduling your treatments as far apart as possible. When radiation therapy is delivered via external machine, your doctor will shield parts of your body that do not require treatment.
Nutritional Support
Nutritional support, particularly nutritional supplements, may be an effective natural treatment method in combating the negative health effects of radiation treatments. The Bastyr Center for Natural Health explains that radiation therapy causes the production of free radicals, or chemicals that can injure your healthy cells. Nutritional supplements that possess antioxidant action -- including vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, selenium and coenzyme Q10 -- may be especially helpful in reducing the toxicity of radiation-induced free radical formation.
A Helpful Nutritional Supplement
Coenzyme Q10 may be one of the most helpful nutritional supplements in reducing the negative health effects of radiation treatments. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that coenzyme Q10 helps protect your body from harmful radiation and may be particularly helpful if it is used in combination with coenzyme A -- a substance that works with coenzyme Q10 to support your immune system and detoxify your bloodstream.
Additional Information
Radiation therapy is a powerful, and often necessary, treatment method for those battling cancer. If you are undergoing or are about to undergo radiation therapy, ask your cancer specialist about nutritional supplements that may help minimize the negative health effects associated with this treatment method. Nutritional supplements always should be used with the same level of caution applied to conventional therapies, including prescription drugs. Review supplement-related risks and benefits with your doctor before using them.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Radiation Therapy for Cancer
- MedlinePlus: Radiation Therapy
- Bastyr Center for Natural Health: Supplements During Radiation Treatment?
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
