Fatigue is the most commonly reported side effect of cancer patients. The lower energy levels can make day-to-day activities more difficult to perform. Fatigue can manifest in a number of ways, such as a chronic lack of energy, feelings of hopelessness or despair, or disinterest in everyday activities. This is one of the reasons why cancer patients resort to alternative cancer treatment. The methods used in alternative cancer treatment centers are natural and don't rely on medications. The focus is on the root of the problem instead of the symptoms.
In many cases, cancer-related fatigue is associated with either depression, anemia or malnutrition. Finding out the source of your depleted energy is important for determining how to treat it. Any one of these causes can exacerbate the severity of another, which makes it more difficult to recover from fatigue. At an alternative cancer treatment center, all causes are considered to determine the best possible solution.
Anemia takes place when your body is unable to provide sufficient amounts of oxygen to your tissues. Normally, your body is able to maintain an adequate amount of red blood cells. The red blood cells have a protein called hemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from your lungs and tissues. This process is interrupted whenever you have a deficiency of red blood cells.
Oxygen plays a key role in a process called aerobic metabolism. During this process, substances are converted into ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This acts like a fuel source for humans. Without it, our bodies won't be able to function normally. ATP levels decrease whenever oxygen levels fall. As a result, energy levels can't be sustained, which leads to feelings of fatigue.
So why does this occur in the first place? There are a few reasons why you may have a decreased level of red blood cells and/or hemoglobin. Disease is one factor, but in most cases, it's associated with dietary deficiencies. Cancer patients who are undergoing radiation treatment or chemotherapy oftentimes have anemia. Cancer cells are damaged during these treatments. Cancer cells replicate much faster than normal cells, which makes them more susceptible to the effects of radiation or chemo. Blood cells are also affected since they too reproduce quickly. When this goes on for a period of time, it can lead to anemia, and later on, fatigue. This is another reason why alternative cancer treatments are frequently sought.
Nutritional deficiencies can also lead to anemia. Alternative cancer treatment centers help patients create a better diet plan. There are different forms of anemia, which is determined by the abnormal sizes and shapes of the red blood cells. This lets the doctor know which form of treatment is best. When the cells are abnormally large, this is known as macrocytic anemia. When the cells are smaller than normal cells, this is referred to as microcytic anemia.
Cancer patients who have macrocytic anemia typically have insufficient amounts of vitamin B12 and folic acid. Vitamin B12 is important for the production of red blood cells. Deficient patients sometimes receive small intramuscular injections each week, which can help to raise energy levels. Another option for restoring levels of Vitamin B12 and folic acid is to intake more foods that are rich in these nutrients. Some options include:
- Seafood, such as salmon, tuna, clams, lobster and halibut
- Animal products, such as beef, milk and lamb
- Non-animal sources, such as seaweeds, algae and brewer's yeast
Animal sources tend to have the highest amounts of B12, but can present problems for cancer-fighting patients. For instance, consuming more shellfish can be harmful. This is because our oceans are polluted with heavy metals like mercury, which has been linked to cancer development. During alternative cancer treatment, a physician will go over your diet plan, so that harmful foods are avoided.
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Longevity Medical
Longevity Medical Center is the leading provider of naturopathic medicine in Phoenix, Arizona. The doctors of Longevity Medical Center are... (show bio)
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