Abstract
Chemotherapy is the most effective treatment for all types of cancer. But this therapy also causes certain side effects. The administration of strong chemical drugs to retard the growth of cancerous cells may also cause damage to the healthy cells of patients. The side effects of chemotherapy depend upon the type of cancer, its size, location, chemical composition of the drugs used in chemotherapy, and the overall health of the patients. This article will review the various side effects of chemotherapy and discuss how to manage these effects naturally by following a diet, lifestyle, and gentle remedies.
Introduction
Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that can affect any part of the body. It is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Chemotherapy drugs work by targeting the cells that reproduce quickly, which is characteristic of cancerous cells. As cells stop dividing, tumour cells shrink and disappear. These drugs cannot differentiate between normal cells and cancerous cells. As a result, these drugs destroy the healthy fast fast-growing cells of the body, such as bone marrow, digestive system, and hair follicles. The side effects of chemotherapy can be minimised by early diagnosis, drug dosage adjustment, adopting certain diet and lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies.
Side Effects Of Chemotherapy
The side effects of chemotherapy drugs depend upon the constituents of the drug used and the reaction of the individual’s body to that drug. These side effects may include oral mucositis, headache, weakness, fatigue, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, constipation or bleeding per rectum, memory impairment, dry mouth, weakened immune system, kidney problems, etc.
Ayurvedic View On Cancer
Ayurveda describes Arbuda (tumour) for excessive growth of cells. The aggravation of mainly Vata and Kapha doshas leads to the development of malignant tumours. The major cause of developing Arbuda (tumour) is aggravated vata (deranged internal environment), Karma (acquired genetic injury) and svabhava (inherited genetic injury). There are also changes in Dhatu such as Dhatuvriddhi (proliferation of tissues), Dhatukshayam, Dhatudushti (Failure of abnormal cells to undergo apoptosis), and Dhatupaka. When the side effects of chemotherapy are considered from an Ayurvedic perspective, it is suggestive of aggravation of Pitta dosha, especially the group of disorders raktapitta (haemorrhage). The signs of aggravated Pitta Dosha are Mukhpaaka (oral mucositis), osha (hot sensation in body), dava (burning sensation), galpaka (pharyngitis), gudpaka (proctitis), payupaka (urethritis) and abhishandha (conjunctivitis), etc.
Dietary Regimen
- Vegetables: Potato, pumpkin, bottle gourd, peas, broccoli, carrot, cauliflower, ash gourd.
- Fruits: Apple, papaya, pear, melon, blueberries, pomegranate
- Grains and pulses: Oats, whole wheat, millet, brown rice, green moong daal, Masor daal.
- Spices: Ginger, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon.
- Healthy fats: Ghee, olive oil, avocado.
- Beverages: Coconut water, pomegranate juice, pumpkin juice, carrot soup, apple juice.
- Others: Egg, milk, yoghurt, paneer, tofu.
Lifestyle Regimen
Following the Ayurvedic Dincharya regimen, such as Brahmamuhurta uttishthe (wake up before sunrise) will increase the lifespan and maintain the health of the body. Dantadhavan (teeth cleaning) with Khadira, Kashaya (astringent), tikta (bitter), katu (pungent) ras are anti-oxidant and reduce the risk of cancer. Vyayam (exercise) such as Tadasaana (Mountain pose), Vrikshasan (Tree pose), Shavaasana (Corpse pose) etc. will improve the immunity of the body.
Gentle Remedies
- Local application of a paste of Yashtimadhu churna and honey will cure oral mucositis.
- In case of constipation and bleeding per rectum, abhyahana (tub bath) with triphala kashaya followed by external application of jatyadi ghrita gives relief.
- Intake of Haritaki powder mixed with honey cures nausea and vomiting.
- Ginger is used for nausea and vomiting (a common side effect of chemotherapy). It can be used as tea, tincture or capsule.
Ayurvedic Herbs Useful In The Management Of Side Effects Of Chemotherapy
The drugs having tridosha pacifying properties, ojas vardhaka (immunity enhancer), balya (promote strength), brihana (nourishing), ras prasaka (nutrient fluid enhancer), and jeevaniya (vitality enhancing) properties are helpful in the management of side effects of chemotherapy.
1. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
The herb possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may prevent inflammation related to cancer. It impairs the progression of tumour cells at early stages. Also, the antioxidant properties of Amalaki help in the protection of cells from damage.
2. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
The drug referred to as Amrita in Ayurveda, exhibits anti-cancer properties through its bioactive compounds. It inhibits tumour proliferation and blocks angiogenesis. Guduchi is an immunomodulator with antioxidant properties, which improve tissue strength and immunity. It manages the side effects of chemotherapy, such as fever and pain; it may also increase the leukocyte and platelet count.
3. Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
The madhura rasa, guru, snigdha guna, and madhura vipaka of Yastimadhu increase rasdhatu (lymphatic tissue). The herb also acts as rasayana (rejuvenate) and balya (increase body strength). Sodium glycyrrhizate, present in Yastimadhu, possesses anti-ulcer activity and regeneration of cells. It promotes the healing process and subsides the side effects of chemotherapy, such as oral mucositis.
4. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
The herb possesses anti-cancerous properties through its withanolides. It inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells and also induces the death of cancerous cells. It enhances immune defense, protects DNA, and reduces the inflammation and oxidative stress caused by chemotherapy.
5. Triphala
It is the combination of three drugs: Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis). These drugs may induce apoptosis in cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. Triphala suppresses the migration of cancerous cells and possesses anti-metastatic properties.
6. Haridra (Curcuma longa)
It is an antioxidant and possesses anti-mutagenic activity. The component curcumin is responsible for its anti-cancer activity. It inhibits the growth of tumour, induces apoptosis, blocks angiogenesis, and reduces oxidative stress. Haridra is also an anti-inflammatory drug and reduces the inflammation caused by chemotherapy.
7. Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)
Ginger increases immunity and lowers the side effects of chemotherapy by promoting the healing of damaged cells and regeneration of healthy cells in the body. It helps in reducing nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects of chemotherapy.
8. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
It exhibits potent anti-cancerous properties through bioactive compounds like eugenol and ursolic acid. The drug boosts the immune response, the growth of tumour, and reduces oxidative stress. It helps in protecting the DNA and suppresses inflammation, thus offering a holistic approach to preventing cancer.
Herbal Remedies For Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects By Planet Ayurveda
1. Ashwagandha Capsules
These capsules are made up of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). The compound Withaferin A has anticancer properties and can induce cell death and inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. It reduces the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by chemotherapy, thus protecting the healthy cells.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day with warm water after a meal.
2. Guggul Capsules
The capsules are made up of Guggul (Commiphora mukul). The drug inhibits the progression of tumours and reduces their size by inducing apoptosis. It revitalises the cells and rejuvenates them.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day after a meal with warm water.
3. Curcumin Capsules
These are made up of Haridra (Curcuma longa). The herb is a powerful antioxidant that reduces free radicals in the body. It also possesses anti-mutagenic activity and prevents carcinogenesis.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day after a meal with lukewarm water.
4. Tulsi Capsules
These capsules are made up of pure Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum). The leaves of Tulsi contain a high concentration of eugenol, which possesses anticancer activity. It reduces fatigue, nausea, improves appetite, and protects the normal cells against the lethal effects of chemotherapy.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day with warm water after a meal.
5. Chanderprabha Vati
The vati is composed of Shilajit (Asphaltum), sugar (Shakara), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Karpoor (Cinnamonum camphore), etc. Chanderprabha vati reduces the side effects of chemotherapy by its cold (sheeta) potency and pitta-pacifying property. It scrapes and eliminates deep-seated toxins by its lekhana karma. The vati acts as a rasayana, balya, and possesses anti-neoplastic activity (Granthi-arbuda nashaka).
Dosage: 2 tablets thrice a day with warm water after a meal.
6. Kanchnaar Guggul
The product is made up of Kanchnaar bark (Bauhania variegata), Ginger (Zingiber officinalis), Varuna (Crataeva religiosa) etc. Kanchnaar guggul inhibits cell division (antimitotic) and reduces cell proliferation, thus exhibiting a cytotoxic effect.
Dosage: 2 tablets thrice a day with warm water after a meal.
Conclusion
Chemotherapy includes strong chemical drugs which inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. These therapies may also damage the healthy cells and cause certain side effects such as mucositis, hair loss, nausea etc. By following certain dietary and lifestyle regimen these effects can be lowered down.
FAQ
1. What Are The Common Side Effects Of Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy may cause fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, weakened immunity, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite, etc.
2. Can Diet Help Reduce Chemotherapy Side Effects?
Yes, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats supports immunity and reduces inflammation.
3. How Can I Manage Nausea And Vomiting Naturally?
Ginger tea, small frequent meals, and eating foods like oatmeal or rice may also reduce nausea.
4. Can Lifestyle Changes Help With Fatigue Caused By Chemotherapy?
Yes, prioritizing rest, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, practicing gentle yoga or meditation, and pacing daily activities can reduce fatigue and improve energy levels.
