It is estimated that every second oncological patient uses natural methods of cancer treatment - uses the so-called alternative or complementary medicine. The consequences of this vary. Some of the methods are indifferent to he alth, others may support the treatment, but there are also some that can seriously harm the patient.

Cancer is one of the greatest challenges of modern science. It is natural that in the face of such a threat, people look for hope, they are ready to believe anything. And the internet is teeming with "effective" and miraculous treatments for cancer. It offers mysterious substances and magical healing treatments. Without specialist preparation, we are not able to verify which of the provided information is true. Aggressive and very suggestive advertising and the promise of full recovery are tempting despite the high costs. Popular on the Internet - and very expensive - is, for example, systemic hyperthermia, i.e. heating the whole body by a few degrees Celsius. Yes, hyperthermia is used in oncology, but only in conjunction with chemo- or radiotherapy.

Don't reduce your chances

Unconventional methods of treatment include techniques and methods not accepted or little considered by Western medicine. Why? Because they have not been verified by clinical trials. And even if some substances have been tested in laboratories or even on animals, there is still no guarantee that they will work in the same way in humans. However, if you want to use them, be sure to talk to your oncologist about it and do not give up conventional treatment. Unfortunately, it happens that, under the influence of various healers, patients stop taking medications, give up chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Most of these decisions end up with a significant deterioration of he alth.

Know the scale of the risk

A classic example is amygdalin, a substance found in apricot kernels. Amygdalin contains cyanide which is a deadly poison. The effect of amygdalin in the treatment of cancer was tested in mice. In contrast, what works for rodents may not work for humans, and human studies have not been done. Patients who take medications bought online often end up in hospital with symptoms of cyanide poisoning, another hit is capsaicin, found in chili peppers. Patients do withthem tinctures in olive oil and drink. Capsaicin is extremely strong - it irritates (directly eats away) the mucosa of the throat, esophagus and stomach. Its use may lead to erosions, non-healing wounds and, consequently, even to another cancer. There is no evidence that the use of capsaicin can help fight cancer. Perhaps the most dramatic example is the introduction of chickpeas under the skin. Such practices can lead to general infection of the body, even sepsis. Many unconventional methods of "treating" cancer are biologically and medically absurd. So absurd that it seems no one will reach for them. And yet … there are those who believe that through a festering wound, a hole in the leg, cancer will come out of a person.

What to eat in cancer?

Worth knowing

It supports healing

1. Quit smoking

It has been proven that when we do not smoke, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are more effective, and postoperative wounds heal better. Many people think that since there is cancer, it doesn't make sense to quit smoking anymore. Nothing could be more wrong. The toxins in cigarette smoke poison the body and worsen the treatment results. It is worth contacting the Nationwide Telephone Counseling Center for Smokers at 801 108 108, where specialists prepared to support oncological patients work.

2. Acupuncture

This is a proven method to improve the patient's well-being. It does not cure cancer, but it can reduce the effects of chemotherapy. Acupuncture treatments relieve nausea and some aches and pains. If the tumor is located, for example, in the area of ​​the spine, puncturing the appropriate places will bring relief. Scholars from renowned cancer centers also do not underestimate meditation, yoga and prayer. They are even convinced that it makes patients feel better.

3. Marijuana

It can be used to relieve pain, increase appetite, and relieve nausea and vomiting. The latter are often more effective than drugs currently prescribed to patients.

4. Easily digestible diet

It is an important element of cancer therapy. It should be agreed with an oncodietician who will know what nutrients a particular patient needs most, so as not to lead to the destruction of the organism. The general principles of a diet worth following while treating cancer are not a big deal. As many vegetables and fruits as possible, and the least highly processed food.

5. Physical activity

It is very difficult to mobilize for it when the sick person is tormented by nausea, vomiting, he is weakened, he gets tired easily. But in better momentsfeeling good, it is worth going for a walk, and when we do not have the strength for that, you have to do simple exercises, even while lying in bed. Moving the muscles aids healing as it stimulates the immune system to work better.