Radiation therapy has been in use as a cancer treatment for many decades. The X-rays of radiation therapy target the DNA of cancer cells, but despite precautions, surrounding healthy tissue is invariably damaged, and side effects occur. The amount and type of damage depends on the X-ray dosage, the area treated and whether the radiation is external via a machine or internal via radioactive substances placed near the tumor. Some nutrients help reduce the collateral damage of radiation therapy and reduce side effects.
Vitamin C
Radiation therapy can reduce immune response if it destroys your immune system's white blood cells or hampers their production. Further, the therapy often damages connective tissues and blood vessels near the areas at which you receive treatment. Vitamin C has strong healing properties because it is essential for collagen production, which your body uses to form and repair connective tissue, skin and the walls of blood vessels. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant, which means that it helps eliminate free radicals, or damaging particles, that form in cells exposed to radiation. Vitamin C boosts the immune system, stimulating the synthesis of immune cells, such as lymphocytes.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A, as retinol or beta-carotene, is also a powerful antioxidant and important for immune system function. Specifically, vitamin A is essential for the production and maintenance of delicate mucous membranes, which line your entire gastrointestinal system. These membranes are sensitive to radiation and can become thin or dry during treatment. Thick, moist mucous membranes are necessary to protect you against pathogens. Oncologists have traditionally discouraged taking antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E because they believed that they interfered with the efficacy of radiation treatment. A meta-analysis of 280 peer-reviewed studies published in a 2007 edition of "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine" concluded, however, that antioxidants and other nutrients actually enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapies, decrease their side effects and protect normal tissue.
B Vitamins
Fatigue and a reduction in red blood cells, a condition called anemia, are common side effects of radiation therapy. Vitamins B-12 and B-9, or folic acid, are crucial for stimulating the production of healthy red blood cells in bone marrow. B vitamins, especially B-6 and B-12, are also central players in your body's cellular metabolism and the breakdown of food for energy. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet during therapy to obtain these vitamins. Eating solid food is often difficult when you're undergoing radiation therapy because of the nausea and reduced appetite that often result. Blending fruits and vegetables makes them easier to consume and can help ensure that your intake is adequate.
Iodine
Your thyroid gland requires iodine to produce hormones and regulate metabolism. All glands, especially your thyroid, are sensitive to radiation. If your body lacks fresh supplies of dietary iodine, it will absorb the radioactive iodine, which accumulates in the thyroid, explains "Human Biochemistry and Disease." Radioactive iodine damages the thyroid, leading to inflammation, mutation and potentially cancer. Be sure to include adequate amounts of iodine in your diet when you're undergoing radiation therapy. You can consume iodine by itself as a supplement or ingest it naturally in seaweed, such as kelp.
Pectin
Pectin occurs in the cell walls of plants and fruits, and it can bind radioactive residues within your body and remove them via urine or feces, explains "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition." As such, pectin is a natural chelating agent for radiation and helps minimize damage to healthy tissues. You can take pectin as a powdered supplement or consume it in apples, especially the skin, guavas, plums and citrus fruits.
References
- "Professional Guide to Diseases: Ninth Edition"; Springhouse Publishing; 2009
- "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine"; Antioxidants and Other Nutrients Do Not Interfere With Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy and Can Increase Kill and Increase Survival, Part 1; C.B. Simone, et al; January-February 2007
- "Vitamins: Fundamental Aspects in Nutrition and Health"; G. Combs; 2008
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
- "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition"; Martha Stipanuk; 2006
