Here are more details on the supplements I am recommending, with special reference to why they should be part of a program of healing for chemotherapy patients.

Alpha Lipoic Acid—Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant that is made by the body and is found in every cell. Other antioxidants work only in water (such as vitamin C) or fatty tissues (such as vitamin E), but alpha lipoic acid is both fatand watersoluble, which means it can work throughout the body. Antioxidants are used up as they attack free radicals, but research is showing that alpha lipoic acid may help regenerate these other antioxidants and make them active again. (umm.edu)

Biotin—Biotin, a super metabolizer, processes carbohydrates, protein, and fat quickly. Especially good for sluggish systems brought on by some of the side effects of chemo, such as fatigue and constipation.

C0Q10—A highly effective antioxidant that boosts the immune system and protects heart function.

Multi-Vitamin and Mineral—A comprehensive

multi-vitamin and mineral as a general supplemental support. This is especially important given the ups and downs of appetite during chemo.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)—Flush-free niacin is a strong antioxidant and detoxifier, involved in over 50 metabolic processes that turn carbohydrates into energy.

Omega 3/Fish Oil—Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid that is a natural anti-inflammatory and helps with nervous system function. DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid found in fish oils, has been shown to reduce the size of tumors and enhance the positive effects of the chemotherapy drug cisplatin, while limiting its harmful side effects.

Panax Ginseng—A highly effective stimulant especially for mental activity and a general tonic. Specifically, ginseng can help to lessen the effects of “chemo brain,” improving thinking and memory functions.

Follow safety precautions on the package and use responsibly, especially if you have a history of endocrine disorders or high blood pressure. (livestrong.com)

Pancreatin—A group of enzymes that break down protein thus helping to irradicate cancer. This is described more fully on the next page.

Selenium—Selenium works with the body’s natural antioxidant, glutathione. It also works in tandem with Vitamin E to protect the outer walls of cells.

Spirulina—Spirulina is a blue-green algae that grows in warm, watery and highly alkaline environments. It comes in powdered form, also in capsules and tablets. Spirulina is essentially chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, a potent detoxifier and immune system booster.

Vitamin B Complex—The B vitamins (except Bi, thiamine, which can speed cell division) are important especially to help with stress and to keep energy up.

Vitamin C—Vitamin C is water-soluble, which means that it is not stored in the body, and passes through rather quickly. It comes as powder, crystals, or capsules. A great antioxidant.

Vitamin D3—This can slow the growth of cancer cells and boosts immunity.

Vitamin E—Studies have shown that this vital antioxidant can thwart the growth of cancer cells, while at the same time boosting immunity.

Zinc—Zinc, an antioxidant mineral, helps build and repair cells and tissues, and enhances immunity (which is why we take zinc at the first sign of a cold).

Source: The Chemotherapy Diet

Bosivellia serrata

Commonly known as Indian frankincense, Boswellia serrata has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine, currently used worldwide. Numerous research studies found Boswellia to be helpful for degenerative joint diseases because it promotes the regeneration of tissue by improving the circulation in the affected areas. Other studies concluded that Indian frankincense has similar action to NSAIDs, and is therefore useful for reducing the swelling and improving the mobility of the joints in inflammatory’ arthritis.

Turmeric

Another Ayurvedic herb widely used in Indian cuisine as a spice, turmeric is another great herb to manage arthritis, and perhaps even more researched than Boswellia. Curcumin, the pigment that gives turmeric its yellow colour, is also the spice’s active ingredient. Clinical studies have found that turmeric is as effective as steroid drugs for decreasing inflammation, and also has similar efficacy to NSAIDs. It is also a powerful anti-oxidant, supporting the immune system and acting as an anti-aging herb.

One placebo-controlled study published in June 2010 in Panminerva Medica found that the participants who received turmeric extracts experienced an almost 60 per cent decrease in joint stiffness and pain, significant increase in mobility, and low levels of inflammatory⁷ markers, compared with those who took the placebo. These researchers also noted improved emotional wellbeing and reduced need for painkillers in the group treated with this herb.

Ginger

Scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory⁷ herb, equally or even more effective than NSAIDs, according to scientific studies. Ginger helps relax the muscles, decreases pain and stiffness, and also promotes the repair of the joints. It is useful for both osteoarthritis and inflammatory’ arthritis. Ginger can be used as a food and can also be applied locally to the painful joint.

One study published in a 2006 issue of Indian Journal of Rheumatology recommends the use of ginger for patients w’ho cannot tolerate conventional drugs, as it was found to be as effective, yet safer, than the conventional drug, indomethacin.

Other medicinal herbs are supported by hundreds of years of use and numerous scientific studies. White willow and devil’s claw- are said to be especially useful for rheumatoid arthritis, while licorice, feverfew, cayenne and yucca can be used for both osteoarthritis and inflammatory⁷ joint diseases.

Planning a gluten free diet for your child may seem restricting at first, but what you have to realize is that eliminating gluten in the diet doesn’t need to compromise the variety, palatability, and most importantly, the nutrient content of the food you serve.

As we now know gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Other hidden gluten sources include malt, which is a barley derivative, and hydrolyzed vegetable protein. Oats by themselves do not contain the protein, but because its component is very similar to gluten, it may nonetheless cause symptoms in a gluten-intolerant child. Most processed foods contain grain, so reading the information on the nutritional labels is very important. Be wary of foodstuff containing ingredients like starch, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and plant protein. These are possible sources of gluten, and it is best to contact the manufacturer to verify its gluten content.

That said however, lifestyle adjustments must be done to exclude most bread and cereals. The key word here though is ‘most’, because there are breads available in the market now which are gluten free. These are mostly made with potato or rice flour, and are labelled 100% gluten free. Pastas often contain wheat, which makes it a no-no for the gluten free diet. Rice noodles are helpful alternative though, and are equally filling.

Rice is a very good item to include in a gluten free diet and most children enjoy rice. It is easy to prepare, and can be paired with meat, seafood, eggs, or vegetables. Rice is common to Asian cuisine, so meal plan inspiration may be drawn from that. Corn, potatoes, and tubers are not only gluten free; they are also cheap and tasty.

Parents dealing with a gluten intolerant child should know also that a big positive is that they can offer virtually any fruit, vegetable, bean, and meat product in existence, provided that it is natural and unprocessed. Grocery shopping can prove to be a challenging task at times though because most conveniently prepared and readily available food products available in the market – including readymade meals, sauces, and soups – are gluten sources.

Food preparation will therefore take more thought and patience at the outset. For instance, serving chicken soup will take significantly more effort than opening a can: one has to list and

assemble the ingredients piecemeal, substitute gluten containing ingredients with gluten free ones, and follow a general recipe. The child’s health and wellbeing, though, will definitely make up for the effort, not to mention the satisfaction gained from cooking up something entirely from scratch. However, like I said at the beginning, do not make life hard for yourself if you are a really busy mum or dad because you do not have to be creating new meals ever}’ day. Be sensible; keep calm and use the totally safe and easy options when you need to; just think through the process of what you are using and how you will prepare it.

Caring for a child with a gluten free diet requirement can be confusing at first, but you don’t need to figure it out all by yourself. Talking with a dietician helps a lot in planning balanced meals, and speaking with the child’s teacher may help in their diet compliance when at school. Most importantly, talk to the child. Help them to understand that their restrictions do not mean deprivation, and back this up with delicious gluten free dishes and treats. Happy cooking!

One thing is for sure, the Paleo Diet has been getting some serious attention lately, but many people are still confused as to what the whole diet entails.

So we thought it was time to make a quick guide that explains it all in a simple to understand manner.

A basic breakdown of the Paleo Diet

The ‘Paleo Diet’ is a way of eating that revolves around consuming natural foods like our Paleolithic ancestors.

Nothing processed, nothing “junk” related, and nothing fake – just REAL and pure food.

Caveman style!

It differs considerably from most of the conventional selections that people have gotten accustomed to eating these days, as the

typical industrialized diet resembles something that our ancestors surely did not eat.

The Paleo way of eating/living is supported by the fact that human evolution has played a huge part in how we (modern humans) should be eating today.

But you see, that’s the main problem here – most of us aren’t eating in accordance with our genetic code, as we’ve all strayed very far from our true and natural roots.

And yes, many will argue against this, but many also believe that we (modern humans) have fallen far from our original family tree.

Humans were thriving on a high protein, high fat diet for millions of years, (that is until farming came into the picture about 10.000 years ago), and this is when things started to change drastically.

Some good changes, and some bad…

This is also when farmed grains began entering the human diet – to some; this marked a pivotal moment in the declination of “human health.’’

We definitely don’t think that the advent of agriculture is a horrible thing, but it did change the way we go about our food consumption, so it’s worth acknowledging on some level.

Sure, different foods became more widely available, and more people were (and still are) able to eat without going hungry, but these were new additions to our already optimal diets.

All of the sudden, farming had changed how people eat, and many will argue that it changed for the worse.

Again, there are pros and cons to consider…

There are food supplements that some people take regularly, sometimes several times a day.

Evening Primrose Oil

This is easy to find in health food shops and drugstores for the treatment of conditions ranging from PMT to eczema. Its key ingredient is gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which has been ingredient is gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which has been known for nearly 100 years to have a great effect on building up cells and reducing cholesterol levels.

The cell generation aspect of GLA has been very interesting to people with MS because the brain and nervous system are composed of approximately 60% fat, of which a large proportion is derived from essential fatty acids of just the type evening primrose oil contains.

Evening primrose oil is well worth a try if you can find an economical source (probably via health food shops rather than chemists or drugstores). Be sure that whatever you buy also includes Vitamin E, since without it evening primrose oil can do more harm than good.

Sunflower and Safflower Oil

Unlike evening primrose oil, sunflower and safflower oils can be used as part of a daily diet, rather than taken in capsule form like a typical medicine.

They are widely available in the supermarkets and while they do not contain the same GLA as evening primrose oil they contain another “essential fatty acid”. U.K. trials in the 1980s of a diet rich in linoleic acid showed that in many cases the downward spiral of disability was slowed or stopped altogether, especially for newly-diagnosed people who did not have much disability to start with.

Packaged Solutions

For a more sophisticated collection of supplements I recommend you contact a local supplier of Usana products. Because MS is usually slow-moving in its development and cure you may have to commit to follow at least a six month course with Usana but I have seen impressive testimonials from MS patients who have made this investment and have had great results.

Alternatively, look out for blends of some of the best fatty acids, including flax, sunflower, evening primrose and sesame oils, and maybe add oils from the germs of rice and oats.

Warning

If you are thinking of boosting your intake of any fat, including essential fatty acids and unsaturated fats, remember the target of keeping a balanced diet, which should be low in total fat and include 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

As with all diet plans, apart from some emergency weight loss diets, make any changes to your daily routine steadily. Do not try for a rapid increase in sunflower or safflower oils if you have already lost your appetite, or are ttying to lose weight.

In any case, it is not a good plan to increase your linoleic acid intake without making other changes to your diet. If in any doubt, ask your GP to refer you to a dietician.

Herbs

In addition to boosting your intake of Essential Fatty Acids make sure you benefit from the healing properties of herbs. Cannabis isn’t the only herb that can help – just the best known and least legal. Other herbs can reduce the need to add salt to foods, they also contain many minerals and vitamins, while their scents can be used to help relieve stress, aid sleep and can be added to baths to relieve aches and pains etc.

PH Balance

The theory is that the body’s natural balance between acid and alkaline must be respected in what you eat. Many orthodox scientists are not convinced about this, but the idea you should follow a balanced diet, drink plenty of fresh water and eat plenty of fresh vegetables has obvious benefits. So you will not be losing anything by aiming for a balanced diet, even if you are not convinced by the sales patter that often comes with products based on this idea.

This herb may also cause liver cancer as it contains estragóle. It is a chemical that, when used for long-term, can increase your risk of suffering from liver cancer. It is also not advisable to use it as oil because of the estragóle content.

You need to be careful when using it if you are pregnant and breast feeding. Although it is safe in food amounts, larger dose can be unsafe to you and to your unborn child.

And if you have serious kidney conditions, like kidney failure, you should not use it as a medicine as your kidneys might have difficulty in eliminating it from your body.

The proper dosage of basil may vary depending on your age and health condition. Because there is no sufficient clinical data that can determine the right dosage for medicinal purposes, you must consult your physician first before taking this herb.

Basil may be a natural product but it is not necessarily safe when taken for long term. If you are using a supplement that contains such herb, you need to follow the manufacturer’s directions found on the product label. You should also consult your physician before starting to use this herb or supplement with basil.

Trying to keep your nasal passages clear at all times. One of the things we tend to do at a time of head cold is to breath through our mouths. This is a reflexive action as the nose passages are blocked due to congested phlegm. However, breathing through the mouth or especially if you sleep with your mouth

open can lead to a dry mouth condition triggering a sore throat conducive situation. The best home remedy for sore throat is therefore proper rest and keeping your nasal passage free of phlegm to help you breathe through them. Rest conserves the energy in your body and builds reserves to fight off the infection.

Gargling is another proven home remedy for sore throat. Some of the popular gargling choices are lukewarm salt water, turmeric, Listerine, sage and raspberry tea.

Collect two teaspoons full of dried raspberry leaves and steep them in one cup of boiling water for about ten minutes. Strain the contents and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes before gargling. This remedy is also good for controlling high temperatures.

Blend a teaspoon of turmeric powder with cup of warm water and gargle two to three times a day. You can also add a pinch of salt to the mixture for good measure. Provided you can swallow, another option is to prepare a cup of warm milk and mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder before drinking it.

Mix some salt with warm water and gargle at least four times a day. You can use Listerine also for gargling in the same manner.

A teaspoon of sage mixed in a cup of boiling water is also an effective gargling choice for sore throats. Make sure the water is warm when you gargle. Make sure that you do not swallow any of the remedies that are intended for gargling as they might cause unwanted repercussions like vomiting. You should also remember to keep the bottle or glass you use for gargling out of reach of other members in your house.

Cayenne Pepper Gargle In the early stages of a sore throat, you can gargle with cayenne mixed with warm water every 15 minutes until it goes. You must be patient with this method. This will sting your tongue a bit when spitting it out. Try to avoid breathing through your mouth while you are gargling the mixture. To avoid harsh coughing while you are gargling, breath deeply, hold your breath, then take a sip of cayenne pepper. Gargle and spit the mixture and breath normally. When the throat and larynx are irritated, try not to swallow much of the mix.

You can get a good pesticide free mix from a good health food store. Cayenne is an excellent cure for ulcers and many other health conditions, it is also loaded with vitamins and nutrients. Tty gargling before you go to bed or when you wake up because of your sore throat.

For those who are sensitive to the spiciness, cover your lips with Vaseline before gargling. Try to keep your tongue up by the roof of your mouth when sipping. Use a clean cold wet washcloth while gargling and wipe your lips. Rinse the washcloth every time to remove the pepper. A cloth dipped in ice cube water works very good.

Coffee, alcohol, sugary juices and soda

Cutting out these categories can be a challenge for some people, which is why it makes sense to start early to reduce withdrawal pangs. All of these can contribute to toxin build-up in the body, so it’s important to focus on water, water and more water during your detox diet.

• Processed foods

Just read the list of ingredients on your favorite snack-brand cookies and you’ll see why processed foods are out during a detox. With ingredients you can’t even pronounce, processed foods are hard on your system, so get rid of the chips, candy and anything else that is processed.

• Wheat (gluten)

Gluten in wheat is a significant challenge for the digestive system and wreaks havoc on many people’s systems; more and more people report gluten allergies and sensitivities. Enjoy other grains that are easier on your body.

• Dairy

Dairy products contain both allergens and hormones that can create mucus in the body and lead to a variety of other health issues. Avoid all dairy products during your detox, including yogurt, ice cream, butter and cheese during your detox diet. You can try almond milk or hemp milk instead of regular milk. While eggs are not banned on this detox diet, they aren’t emphasized.

• Sugar

Sugar is present in a surprising number of products, including ketchup, barbeque sauce, bread and many popular snacks. Sugar is also very toxic for the body, so you’ll be removing all sources of sugar, including white and brown sugar, honey, corn syrup and honey from your diet during the detox. You will still be able to enjoy natural sources of sugar in fresh fruit.

• Saturated fats

Cut out the red meat and also avoid cold cuts, canned meat, sausage and pork during your detox. These meats are difficult for your system to break down and process and are high in unhealthy saturated fats.

• Soybean products

Soybean is another common allergen, so avoid soy products, including soy sauce, soy milk and anything else that contains soybeans during your detox.

Review your list of foods to eat and foods to avoid, plus your sample three-day menu as you make your grocery list for your detox.

Preliminary research suggests that lavender oil may lessen the intensity of lower back pain. Lavender aromatherapy when used in combination with acupressure may offer temporary relief of lower back discomfort. Larger studies are needed to substantiate these early findings.

Therapeutic massage with lavender oil may diminish pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA,) according to a small study. However, participants in the study took more pain relievers after the massage which may have contributed to the improvement. There is not enough concrete evidence to recommend lavender aromatherapy to ease RA pain.

Placing a few drops of lavender oil in bath water slightly reduced perineal pain after childbirth according to UMHS. The perineum is the area between the vulva and the anus. Pain relief was not “statistically significant” according to researchers. The analgesic effects of lavender may be due to a component called 1,8-cineole or eucalyptol. Eucalyptol is a liquid C_joH_j80 with a strong, aromatic odor of camphor — a waxy, white or transparent solid — that occurs in other essential oils including eucalyptus, rosemary and cardamom.

Adding a few drops of lavender oil to your bath or applying it directly on the affected area may help ease pain in women who underwent a an episiotomy after childbirth, reports MayoClinic.com. An episiotomy is a surgical cut made at the opening of the vagina to aid delivery and prevent rupture of tissues. Lavender oil may also diminish discomfort if a woman experiences a vaginal tear during delivery.

This leads to a breakdown of the dermis, the layer under the surface of the skin, and swelling of the fat cells underneath which then push their way to the surface. The fat cells directly under- neath the top layer of skin give the “orange peel” look of cellulite. Due to the structural differences in the skin and fat cells of men and women, women are nine times more likely to have cellulite, although many athletic women have little or no cellulite.

Exercise, gentle massage, healthy diet and supplements can all play a part in reducing cellulite. You should try and eat more lean proteins such as organic poultry or fish and lots of organic fruits and vegetables. Good cellulite- fighting foods include: kelp, fennel, rosemary, ginger, garlic, whole grains and raw fruits and vegetables including apples, oranges and pomegranates.

Supplements that may also be supportive are:

Essential fatty acids

Especially

Omega 3 as these will help balance cholesterol levels and promote good circulation.

Gotu Kola Centella asiatica extracts may also be useful as studies have demonstrated impressive results in several studies on the treatment of cellulite. This herb is thought to enhance connective tissue integrity, improve lymphatic drainage and improve lower leg circulation.

L- Carnitine may also be useful. This important amino is vital in fat metabolism, speeding up fat breakdown and helping the body to remove toxic ketone bodies, left over from fat metabolism.

Horse Chesnut The anti-infl ammatory and anti-swelling properties of Horse Chesnut, make this herb a useful ajunct in the treatment of cellulite.