Tag: Holistic

  • Holistic, CAM, and Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Holistic, CAM, and Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s impaired immune response attacks its own joints. It can cause significant pain, swelling, and disability.

    Many people prefer looking for treatment options beyond the standard medications used to treat RA that include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologics.

    Holistic medicine has emerged as one potential option. This type of healthcare focuses not only on treating the condition but more widely on preventing a flare-up of the disease and on improving your overall well-being. This article will discuss holistic care and detail the treatments available for rheumatoid arthritis.

    Tim Platt / Getty Images


    What Are CAM Therapies?

    Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is any treatment outside the typical treatment norms of Western medicine. Western medicine is the type of medicine practiced in the United States that includes a healthcare professional treating patients with treatments such as medication, surgery, or radiation. CAM therapies are meant to be an adjunct to (used in addition to) the usual care. Alternative therapies (which usually are not recommended in Western medicine) are meant to replace standard treatments.

    Under the CAM umbrella is a wide variety of potential treatments, some more beneficial than others. Not all should be immediately dismissed, however. Research shows that there are several promising complementary treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. These include but are not limited to supplements, herbal medicines, and dietary changes.

    The Overlap With Holistic Medicine

    Holistic medicine focuses on many aspects of your well-being, including the physical, social, mental, and spiritual components. While it incorporates evidence-based complementary therapies, this style of treatment also strives to achieve a more global focus.

    Taking a holistic approach to care means treating the patient as a whole, rather than addressing the individual symptoms of a disease.

    CAM Works Alongside Your Medication

    While your initial research on certain CAM treatments may be promising, it is important to keep two things in mind.

    First, CAM therapy is meant to complement, not replace, traditional RA medications. The rheumatoid arthritis drugs commonly prescribed by your healthcare provider have much evidence supporting their benefits. Because of this, medications are usually the central focus of any treatment strategy.

    Second, contact your healthcare provider before you begin any new treatment. Many CAM therapies can negatively interact with rheumatoid arthritis medications and lead to harmful side effects.

    Using your prescribed medications and only alternative therapies approved by your healthcare provider gives you the most effective long-term symptom management strategy.

    Integrative Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

    Integrative treatment of rheumatoid arthritis means using a holistic outlook to treat symptoms and improve overall well-being at the same time. This approach frequently includes both complementary treatments and mainstay medications and therapies. The following are some of the most commonly utilized holistic treatments for RA.

    Acupuncture

    Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles into various regions of the body. This ancient Chinese form of medicine is purported to help RA symptoms by inhibiting inflammation, relaxing your muscles, and improving blood flow in the area being treated. These potential benefits are still very hypothetical, however.

    While the evidence for this holistic treatment is still limited, one 2018 review of the research showed that people with RA who had acupuncture had improved daily function and quality of life scores. Importantly, acupuncture had no adverse effects when combined with typical Western medical treatments.

    Tai Chi

    Tai chi is a form of martial arts that may help with rheumatoid arthritis. This exercise involves gentle, rhythmic movements and poses that are thought to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and slow the damage to your joints.

    While some initial research has shown small improvements in function after participating in tai chi, the present evidence is limited and lacks quality. It does appear, however, that the risk of harmful side effects in people with RA is minimal.

    Diet and Supplements

    Making dietary changes has the potential to improve some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. For example, one study found that following the Mediterranean diet (which limits red meat and emphasizes fruits, vegetables, beans, fish, and olive oil) can lead to lower pain levels in people with RA.

    Eating a balanced diet also plays a huge role in maintaining healthy body weight. This limits the strain on joints affected by your condition and may decrease your overall pain levels.

    Several types of supplements have also been suggested as possible holistic treatments. This is because people with RA have been shown to have lower levels of several different molecules in their body, including vitamin D and selenium.

    Unfortunately, research has not reported that supplementation has led to any appreciable benefit. There is some evidence, however, that the use of the supplement glucosamine may improve pain in people with this disease.

    Use Caution

    Mixing herbs or supplements with traditional RA medications can lead to potentially harmful side effects. Because of this, it is important to speak to your healthcare provider before adding a substance to your daily regimen.

    Herbal Medicines

    Several types of herbs have shown promising effects in people with rheumatoid arthritis. For example, cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a vine-like herb that can potentially regulate the faulty immune response in people with this disease.

    Other herbs, like rosehip and Andrographis paniculata, have also demonstrated the ability to reduce inflammation levels or decrease disease activity in people with RA.

    Ginger and turmeric are also frequently recognized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The evidence to support their use with rheumatoid arthritis, however, is still fairly limited.

    CBD and Arthritis Pain Relief

    Recently, the medical use of cannabidiol (CBD) has exploded in popularity. This substance, an extract from the marijuana plant, is nonpsychoactive (not affecting perception or behavior) and has been suggested as a possible treatment for arthritis pain.

    Physiologically, CBD has been shown to activate anti-inflammatory receptors in the body. The substance has also been proven to have analgesic or pain-relieving potential.

    Unfortunately, the benefits of using it to treat rheumatoid arthritis are still unproven. To date, there is minimal evidence proving that CBD alone improves pain or alleviates inflammation in people with RA. Because of the relatively low risk of side effects, it may be worth discussing CBD with your healthcare provider.

    Holistic RA Providers

    Holistic RA providers specialize in treating RA while also ensuring that your overall well-being is addressed. This type of physician is typically well versed in the benefits and evidence behind many different complementary therapies that may be used for rheumatoid arthritis.

    Services

    In addition to offering typical treatments for RA, holistic doctors are also able to refer you to a wide variety of ancillary therapies. In fact, some holistic clinics may even offer some of them in the same building. These wellness-based services might include:

    Cost

    The cost of holistic care varies widely depending on your insurance coverage. Also, while care provided by a rheumatologist (a physician specializing in arthritis care) is commonly covered by most insurance plans, insurance benefits for ancillary holistic treatments like acupuncture or chiropractic care are usually more limited.

    It is worth noting that flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs) usually are able to be used for many complementary therapies. Be sure to speak to your insurance carrier to gain more insight into your benefits.

    Where to Find Them

    The Internet is a great resource for locating a holistic RA doctor in your area. It is important, however, to ensure that your physician is a board-certified rheumatologist. This helps confirm that they are a specialist in treating this type of disease and have the training necessary to address your symptoms.

    The American College of Rheumatology’s website offers a search feature to help you locate care closer to you.

    CAM Pros vs. Cons

    CAM therapies have several potential advantages. Many of these treatments can improve your RA symptoms when used along with Western medicine.

    These holistic therapies may also address aspects of your well-being (mental or spiritual) that may be overlooked by traditional medicine. In addition, many CAM treatments are relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of more standard medical care.

    There are some potential drawbacks to complementary therapies, however. Many holistic treatments are not strictly regulated by government agencies. Because of this, there is a likelihood that the benefits of these services are being exaggerated.

    In addition, this lack of regulation increases the risk of potential side effects and makes the quality of the treatment you receive more variable. Finally, insurance coverage for CAM therapies usually is lacking, making these options less accessible to many people.

    Summary

    Holistic medicine aims to address your overall well-being instead of simply treating the symptoms of a disease. This approach commonly includes both traditional medications as well as complementary therapies.

    There is some research showing that certain holistic interventions may help to alleviate the pain, inflammation, and disability associated with RA. It is important, however, to speak to your healthcare provider first to ensure each treatment is safe and helpful in your situation.

    A Word From Verywell

    Rheumatoid arthritis is an unpredictable and often frustrating disease. Because of the toll it can take on your body, it is not unusual to look into alternative treatment options.

    While RA is most effectively managed with medication, taking a holistic approach can help ensure that the other areas of your well-being are also being looked after. If you are interested in pursuing complementary treatments for your disease, be sure to have a discussion about holistic medicine with your rheumatologist.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Does holistic treatment for RA help with inflammation?

      When used as an adjunct to more traditional treatments, several holistic interventions may help with inflammation. These include herbs like rosehip or Andrographis paniculata. Dietary modifications that reduce the intake of fried or sugary foods may also decrease inflammatory markers in the body.

    • What’s the most common herbal remedy for RA?

      Many different herbal remedies have been suggested for treating RA symptoms. Among the most effective are cat’s claw and rosehip. Ginger and turmeric may also help with inflammation, though the research is still limited for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

    • Can you experience arthritis pain relief without prescription drugs?

      Medications are still considered to be the gold standard for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. That said, certain nondrug options may also offer pain relief. These include dietary modifications, the use of certain supplements and herbs, and participating in regular aerobic exercise and strengthening.

    • What are free CAM therapies for RA?

      While the evidence supporting them is still somewhat limited, participating in tai chi, yoga, or mindfulness may be beneficial and inexpensive if you have RA. Instruction on these complementary therapies is available for free on the Internet. In addition, many local community and nonprofit centers for older adults offer free or discounted classes.

  • World Hypertension Day 2022: 5 holistic ways to healthy lifestyle

    World Hypertension Day 2022: 5 holistic ways to healthy lifestyle

    By Sidhharrth S Kumaar

    Hypertension is a worldwide overall health trouble. It accounts for the dying of about 8 million persons globally each and every calendar year. However, our super active schedules, lack of physical training, and absence of strain administration tools are only introducing to the raging figures. 

    Also recognized as higher blood stress, hypertension is a silent killer. It reveals several to no indicators. Individuals struggling are not even aware of this issue right until they undergo lifetime-threatening difficulties these types of as heart attack, kidney failure, or stroke. Aside from these health and fitness problems, it also leads to other long-term problems like dementia and arrhythmia. 

    To raise awareness about this approaching hazard, Earth Hypertension Working day is celebrated every single 12 months on the 17th of May well. The day reminds us to preserve our blood tension in check, go for frequent appointments, and adopt particular life style steps that hold the sickness at bay. 

    When modern-day-working day science follows a “remedios” solution, that is, curing a dilemma right after it occurs, our loaded historical lifestyle preaches a “preventive” method by which you can love a lengthy, healthy, and content existence totally free from the problems of ever struggling from hypertension. By pursuing the basic alternatives talked about underneath, you can help you save your self and your liked kinds from the threat of large blood pressure

    5 Holistic Methods to Healthy Life style

    It has been a reality that “prevention is greater than cure” for ages. Even if we are unable to prevent it, then early prognosis and intervention unquestionably assistance lower its effect on the self. A holistic life-style can be an excellent source to stop it and as a nutritional supplement to allopathic medications to enrich its result.    
    Some of the holistic techniques could be: 

    Customized Yoga:  Yoga is incredibly effective for prevention and improving the consequences of remedy. There are many asanas in Yoga that can assistance lower hypertension issues. These incorporate Uttanasana or standing ahead bend pose, Viparita Karani or legs-up-the-wall pose, Adho Mukha Svanasana or downward-dealing with doggy, Paschimottanasana or seated forward bend pose and Setubandhasana or bridge pose. These can effectively support maintain superior blood strain less than test, and frequent practising can lessen its amounts and gradually keep ordinary blood strain. Yoga poses selected dependent on DoB and Name of a individual improve compliance by particular person, major to a much better final result. 

    Individualized Meditation: Meditation has little by little and steadily obtained reputation. In addition to prescription drugs and other methods, meditation has commenced getting to be a preferred selection. The peace technique has attained people’s focus and is now currently being employed. The only critical matter taking into consideration meditation is that it demands willpower and frequently allocating time to it each individual working day. Meditation can help obtain restful alertness that can be instrumental in reducing blood force. The correct system for practising meditation is sitting down in a quiet place with eyes closed. Relax your entire body and muscles and chant OM or any prayer you like. If your ideas interfere, let them pass and return to your prayer yet again. Meditation picked based mostly on DoB and the person’s name can, in convert, greatly enhance its in general affect on the person’s life. 

    Customized Seem/Songs Treatment and Binaural Beats: Sound Remedy is a one of a kind noninvasive system that employs a neurotechnology recognised as large-resolution, relational, resonance-based mostly, electro encephalic mirroring or HIRREM to review brain activity. In the course of the remedy, scalp sensors are employed to read brain activity. These are then transformed into tones mirrored in the mind employing earbuds. This way, the brain sees its exercise in a mirror. Scientific tests showed that persons who made use of sound treatment continually witnessed a appreciable reduction in their blood strain and migraine signs and symptoms. In our pilot research at NumroVani, binaural beats picked based mostly on the day of beginning and name of the human being improve the high-quality of existence and support protect against the condition. 

    Crystal treatment: Crystal treatment has healing houses for various conditions and employs crystals and stones. There are practically 12 styles of crystals recommended for running hypertension better. These crystals include things like Amethyst, Bloodstone, Black Tourmaline, Charoite, Kyanite, Malachite, Sodalite, and many others. These crystals assistance take care of unique aspects of hypertension and should really be employed according to the have to have. These crystals can be worn as jewelry, carried in a pocket or purse. It is necessary to decide on a crystal based on the date of birth and name to have no unwell outcomes on other areas of lifetime. 

    Healing by Figures

    Figures and electricity are two faces of the identical coin. Inscribing particular sequences of figures on the still left palm with a blue pen is a superior selection in preventive care. For instance, a single can inscribe codes these as “11 84 744” and “88 63 292” for controlling their blood strain. 

    Conclusion

    Hypertension is not a solitary sickness as an alternative, it is a silent ailment which can act as a cause for many other sicknesses which noticeably effects the existence of the person and the money wellbeing of the family as properly. To stop it, one should really adopt just about every holistic evaluate individualized as per day of start and name. Like a person goes to get a preventive health and fitness checkup carried out, it would be an excellent notion to get an feeling from an Astro numerologist each individual 12 months near your birthday to know illnesses which could affect you in the time period and adopt a life style to prevent it to the ideal extent doable.

    (The writer, Sidhharrth S Kumaar is Founder of NumroVani, and Astro Numerologist, Spiritual Enterprise & Personalised Wellness Mentor. He is a renowned identify in Astro numerology. Sights expressed are individual and do not replicate the official posture or plan of the Monetary Specific On-line. The write-up is for informational needs only. Make sure you consult health care experts and health and fitness professionals in advance of setting up any remedy, treatment and/or remedy.)

  • How Can You Start Your Career with a Holistic Medicine Degree?

    How Can You Start Your Career with a Holistic Medicine Degree?

    If you’re intrigued in pursuing a career in holistic medicine, a diploma in this industry will help you do just that. Holistic overall health practitioners may possibly gain upwards of $80,000 per 12 months, relying on their expertise and education and learning.

    Holistic and option drugs is becoming extra well-known as a viable option to conventional care. Regular healthcare treatment plans may well also be employed with a entire-human body overall health technique. For most persons, a combine of regular and complementary treatment options is employed to manage fantastic overall health everyday. Right here are some suggestions to assist you get begun now if you are interested in a job in holistic wellness.

    Learn About Holistic Drugs and How You Can Make A Job In This Area

    The initially stage in figuring out your employment possibilities is to discover much more about the holistic medical degree plans you are interested in. The therapeutic system in holistic medicine can take the whole personal into account. Chiropractic, dentists, therapists, and fitness instructors are amongst the several well being treatment experts that use holistic strategies in their operate. Since holistic drugs treats the full individual, it isn’t quick to distinguish concerning what’s called holistic and what’s considered normal medicine. In most circumstances, holistic medication includes a mix of standard and alternative therapies.

    Decide on a Proper System

    To get a degree in holistic medication, select a college or university that satisfies your desires. Other than standard education, some universities will solely supply complementary and choice medicine classes as a specialization. In advance of deciding on a application, it’s vital to know what the program’s goals are. There are a lot of alternatives and versions in holistic medicine diploma packages. The edge of selecting a plan that incorporates general education courses is having a bachelor’s diploma upon graduation. Obtaining a degree like this will let you to apply your know-how to a extensive vary of professions.

    A bachelor’s diploma in science with a concentration in substitute medication from Everglades University is an excellent starting up stage for many pre-med and healthcare-related occupations. With this diploma, you can also get a foot in the door in the choice drugs industry.

    Pick Specialization

    This suggestions is vital in analyzing your expert route. Before deciding on a college or university, you really should think about two major paths.

    • The Pathway to Alternate Therapies
    • Appropriate for people pursuing non-medical occupations
    • As a nutritional supplement to other majors, it is a superior healthy.
    • This plan focuses on promoting normal well being and very well-being
    • If you’re fascinated in pursuing a career in the professional medical market, this software is for you.
    • Examine of biology, chemistry and physics at the best stage
    • Scientifically dependent

    Your specialties will be afflicted by the observe you pick out. Several people today decide on to specialize in Chiropractic, Massage, or Psychology as they advance in their careers. Acupuncture, nourishment, and herbal medicines are other spots of expertise.

    Be Geared up to Often Master

    Everyone who appreciates lifelong finding out would thrive in a holistic clinical software. Getting a enthusiasm for improve and progress is crucial in this industry. The alternative drugs fields are very best suited to these who prosper on alter and discovering.

    Maintaining an eye on how your do the job advantages the individuals you’re doing the job with is an necessary portion of your profession. You are going to be in a position to use your motivation to assist other individuals in strengthening professionally as perfectly.

    Adapt and Expertise

    It’s important to hold understanding and increasing your horizons though continue to in college. An internship or palms-on mastering chance is an outstanding method to grow your abilities in a unique occupation.

    A education program really should encourage you to do the job, volunteer and understand throughout your training. The extra you know about your occupation, the much easier it will be to make your mind up which specialty is ideal for you.

  • 5 Morning Routines Tips for Holistic Heart Health

    5 Morning Routines Tips for Holistic Heart Health

    By now, you most likely know that trying to keep your heart healthy is as critical as holding the relaxation of your method experience fantastic and performing effectively. But when it comes to your ticker, it surely doesn’t harm to get some holistic heart health tips from a cardiologist about the ideal means to go about performing so. Mona Shah, MD, a cardiologist who’s also educated in holistic integrative medicine, several life style things enjoy a purpose in heart overall health, such as food plan, exercise, sleep, and pressure amounts.

    This is why seeking at all the factors that influence your heart well being, not just, say, cardiovascular fitness or cholesterol amounts, is so crucial. Enter: holistic integrative medicine.

    What is holistic integrative drugs, particularly?

    It’s an strategy to treating the individual that’s perfectly-rounded and informative, as it appears at the whole person when diagnosing and treating—their diet regime, stress amounts, sleep consumption, training schedule, vitamin ingestion, supplements and a lot more, in purchase to lessen their possibility of coronary heart sickness and other complications later in daily life.

    “Many instances people are just offered remedies with out truly seeking at the fundamental leads to of inflammation, blockages, diabetes, superior blood strain, significant cholesterol, and much extra, which can all guide to heart illness,” Dr. Shah points out. “There are undoubtedly conditions where we require medication, but how best to integrate these two different methods [medication and lifestyle changes] is what I most strongly feel in.” Not only does she think it for her clients, but she procedures it herself by starting up her day with particular rituals geared toward holding her thoughts and human body balanced.

    Dr. Shah’s early morning routine to market holistic coronary heart health

    “The early morning is a great way to start off habits that can established the tone for the working day, as all as well often we get out of mattress with our listing by now going through our minds of all the things we need to do and worry amounts start out to climb,” suggests Dr. Shah. “I am not a morning person at all, but this early morning regime has been these an vital favourable alter I’ve made in my daily life that everyone can do.”

    “After I get my boys out the doorway to faculty, I have about 2030 minutes for myself in advance of I will need to get ready for function,” she suggests. Here’s how she spends it.

    She beverages h2o with turmeric and lemon on waking up

    “I start off with a big glass of heat water with lemon and turmeric as there are so several health added benefits that turmeric supplies, and drinking warm h2o is so soothing as the first thing to drink,” claims Dr. Shah. Additionally, turmeric can improve intestine wellbeing and get the digestive approach going, and it is anti-inflammatory, which strengthens the immune technique.

    She procedures gratitude

    Following ingesting her water, Dr. Shah writes down three matters that she’s grateful for to endorse emotions of positivity and stop strain stages from mounting as the day starts. “Stress by itself is a big hazard component for heart ailment, so simple respiratory techniques, meditation, yoga, or journaling, even if it is for five minutes a working day, helps,” she says. “Writing in a gratitude journal and demonstrating kindness releases a multitude of ‘happy’ hormones that can lessen heart condition danger. Gratitude’s been proven to increase quality of lifestyle, lower cortisol levels, lessen despair, and make improvements to immunity, so never skip it.”

    Then she meditates for 5 minutes 

    “I just take gradual breaths in as a result of my nose and usually say some mantra like ‘I am’ when I am respiratory in, and I will visualize like coming into my heart ahead of respiration out,” Dr. Shah states. “With that breath out, I may possibly say ‘at peace’ and envision adore heading out into the world.”

    She Wakes Up the Overall body With a Brief Yoga Flow 

    “I then do a few yoga poses, for instance sun salutation, to get my overall body going right before I get in the shower, as yoga has a multitude of health positive aspects, together with lowering tension amounts, bettering blood stress, and improving upon immunity and swelling,” she suggests.

    To start off your working day saluting the sun like Dr. Shah, see how to complete the yoga movement underneath: 

    In common, exercise can help lessen heart sickness chance, regulate bodyweight, lessen stress amounts and enhances our psychological state—Shah claims that even just going for walks 30 minutes a working day might improve temper, tame anxiety, and defend the coronary heart. So sense cost-free to swap yoga for any exercise routine that helps make you truly feel excellent. Reward points if it will get your blood pumping.

    She delays eating breakfast for a couple of hours 

    “I generally observe intermittent fasting so moreover black coffee with a dash of Stevia, I don’t take in my initial food until finally 11 a.m. or midday,” says Dr. Shah.“The foodstuff we consume is the variety a person way to decreased swelling and heart condition threat. I am vegetarian, so the evening just before I will usually make right away oats with sprouted gluten no cost oats and unsweetened almond milk, blueberries, chia seeds, hemp hearts, and a dash of cinnamon powder and Stevia.” More suggestions involve full grain toast topped with either avocado, chia seeds, and crumbled feta smoked salmon and Greek yogurt nut butter and berries or hummus with an egg and greens.

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  • Ayurveda tips: Nutrients to add in diet, food to exclude for holistic lifestyle | Health

    Ayurveda tips: Nutrients to add in diet, food to exclude for holistic lifestyle | Health

    Well-known in the Indian subcontinent in which its historic roots are embedded, Ayurveda is an choice medicine program which believes that the full universe is composed of five things namely, vayu (air), jala (h2o), aakash (room or ether), prithvi (Earth) and teja (hearth). Maintaining the thoughts, body and spirit in balance, Ayurveda claims to avert illness more than treating it and aims to maintain overall health and wellness by emphasizing eating plan, organic therapies, exercise, meditation, respiration, and physical therapy.

    Stressing on the significance of a healthier dietary food plan, Ayurveda professional and co-founder of Ayushakti, Dr Smita Naram, shared, “Healthy meals habits enjoy a essential role in the progress of an specific and are required for all round holistic growth and life-style. Commencing from as early as breastfeeding to previous-age, the food we consider will help us develop the proper behaviors.”

    Health and fitness suggestions for young ones:

    Given that the child really should be fed adequately from childhood to avoid potential overall health complications, breastfeeding is 1 of the most critical components of the early stage of daily life as a result, the mother is advised to have nutritious foodstuff to make positive the child receives the ideal volume of nutrition. Dr Smita adds, “Feeding neatly proper from the start out not only can help the little ones to continue being nutritious but can exclude so a lot of health and fitness problems in the foreseeable future. Young ones should be taught to have options for breakfast, as a substitute of obtaining bread butter they can have chickpea crepe (chilla), boiled eggs, ragi porridge and protein shake built from nutritious fruits and veggies.”

    One’s age, life style, health issues and household historical past all add to their diet plan chart when expanding up. Furthermore, often consult with a nutritionist or well being professional when it comes to next a diet diet regime.

    Dr Smita gushes, “Ayurveda, getting a 5000-calendar year-outdated historical health care science, has always focussed on the quality way of life of nutritious dwelling and from the begin it has had a distinctive emphasis on “Ahara” (food plan) and “Anna”(food) that final results in great effectively-becoming of an unique. Healthy and quality foods nourishes one’s brain, soul, and overall body.” If you want to retain a balanced life style amid Covid-19 pandemic and further than, Dr Smita spills the beans on the vitamins to incorporate in your day-to-day diet program and the food objects to take out for your all round holistic enhancement and way of living. 

    Nutrients to incorporate in an adult’s everyday diet plan:

    1. Significant fiber grains

    2. Millets

    3. Cooked veggies

    4. Beans and lentils

    5. Eggs

    6. Fruits like papaya and pomegranate

    7. Mung beans

    8. Also add a lot of spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, coriander and cumin to the food stuff.

    Exclude:

    1. Uncooked foodstuff

    2. Foodstuff that are significant in irritation like sugar and sour foodstuff

    3. Processed meat

    4. Meals designed with white flour, cheese and butter.

    The health care crisis that we all have been dwelling through as we wrestle to battle the Covid-19 pandemic, has highlighted an urgent will need to be extra knowledgeable of the value of our and our beloved one’s overall health. With shifting times, it has come to be even far more critical to keep a nutritious way of life that bridge the bodily and mental health and fitness gaps brought on by the ongoing pandemic.

     

     

  • Alternatives to Chemotherapy: Holistic Options and Research

    Alternatives to Chemotherapy: Holistic Options and Research

    When you are diagnosed with cancer, you may be looking to take control of the situation by researching all the treatment options available. You may begin to look into alternatives to conventional treatments like chemotherapy.

    In some cases, complementary therapy can help ease symptoms caused by the cancer or side effects caused by cancer treatment. But little is known about the effectiveness of using alternative treatments as the sole treatment for cancer.

    Before you decide on a treatment plan, you should speak to your cancer team about the options you have available.

    This article explores alternatives to chemotherapy.

    Morsa Images / Getty Images


    The Problem With Chemotherapy 

    The number of patients who make the decision not to use chemotherapy as a cancer treatment is not well known. Studies have reported rates of less than 1{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} for patients who refused all conventional treatment and 3{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} to 19{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} for patients who refused chemotherapy partially or completely.

    But why would anyone choose to not go ahead with chemotherapy if it was recommended by their oncologist? The side effects can be numerous and include:

    • Fatigue
    • Hair loss
    • Easy bruising and bleeding
    • Infection
    • Anemia (low red blood cell counts)
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Appetite changes
    • Mouth, tongue, and throat problems such as sores and pain with swallowing
    • Skin and nail changes such as dry skin and color change
    • Urine and bladder changes, and kidney problems
    • Weight changes

    The side effects and degree to which they’re experienced vary largely from person to person and are dependent on the type of chemotherapy drugs received. 

    Chemotherapy vs. Radiation 

    The major difference between chemotherapy and radiation is the way the treatments are delivered. Chemotherapy is delivered through an infusion into a vein or medication port, or it can be taken orally. With radiation therapy, beams of radiation are focused on a specific area in your body.

    Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy X-rays (or proton beams) to destroy cancer cells. Short-term side effects of radiation therapy often include redness (like a sunburn), inflammation of the area which receives radiation, and fatigue.

    Potential Benefits of Alternative Medicine 

    Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard medical care. People with cancer may use CAM to:

    • Help cope with the side effects of cancer treatments, such as nausea, pain, and fatigue
    • Comfort themselves and ease the worries of cancer treatment and related stress
    • Feel that they are doing something to help with their own care
    • Try to treat or cure their cancer

    You may hear the term “holistic medicine” referred to in cancer treatment. Holistic care treats the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. That typically means a combination of conventional and complementary medicine.

    What Is CAM for Cancer?

    The prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients has been rising over the last few decades. The terms “alternative” and “complementary” are used to describe many kinds of products, practices, and treatments.

    Alternative therapy refers to non-standard treatment used in place of standard treatment, while complementary therapy usually means methods used along with standard treatment.

    Alternative and complementary therapies are often appealing because they use your own body, your own mind, or things that may be found in nature. But sometimes these methods wrongly claim to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer even when they have not been proven to work through scientific testing.

    Some complementary methods have been studied and shown to help people feel better under a doctor’s care. Examples might include meditation to reduce stress, or acupuncture to reduce pain and nausea.

    Alternatives to Chemotherapy

    Chemotherapy is not the only way to treat cancer. A variety of different treatment options are available, some that may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.

    Medical

    • Surgery: With a few exceptions (such as blood-related cancers like leukemia), when surgery is an option, it offers the best chance to cure a cancer or at least significantly reduce the chance that it could recur.
    • Targeted therapies: These are medications designed to target cancer cells specifically. As such, they are often less harmful to normal cells. Many of the more recently approved drugs for cancer are targeted therapies, and more are being evaluated in clinical trials.
    • Immunotherapy: This is an exciting new approach to treating cancer. There are many different types of immunotherapy, but the commonality is that these drugs work by either altering the body’s immune system or by using products of the immune system to fight cancer.
    • Active surveillance: Also called watchful waiting, this may be all that’s needed for certain types of cancers. Your doctor may recommend this approach if the cancer is at an early stage and is growing slowly or not at all.

    Holistic 

    Complementary and alternative therapy may include a wide range of treatments, including:

    • Herbal and dietary supplements and vitamins: One large study found the CAM most commonly reported was vitamin use, with 66{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of patients reporting use of at least one vitamin. Other herbal preparations included green tea, ginger, chaga mushroom, curcumin (turmeric), flaxseed oil, and probiotics. Some herbal medicines may be safe, but others can have severe and dangerous side effects or might interact with other cancer treatments you are taking.
    • Spirituality: Many patients with cancer rely on spiritual or religious beliefs and practices to help them cope with their disease. This is called spiritual coping.
    • Diet: There’s no diet that can cure cancer. There’s also no good research that shows that any eating plan, like a vegan diet, for example, can lower the chance of cancer coming back.
    • Acupuncture: Some studies suggest acupuncture may help with mild pain and some types of nausea.
    • Art therapy: This is a type of mental health care which, according to the American Art Therapy Association, seeks to improve or restore a patient’s functioning and sense of well-being, and may enhance their quality of life.
    • Biofeedback: This uses monitoring devices to help people gain conscious control over physical processes that are usually controlled automatically, such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, sweating, and muscle tension.
    • Massage therapy: This can increase alertness and decrease stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, according to some studies.
    • Meditation: This may have several benefits for people living with cancer, including reduced anxiety and depression, reduced stress, greater energy, and a decrease in chronic pain among other symptoms. 

    Some CAM therapies have undergone careful evaluation and have been found to be generally safe and effective. However, others do not work, may be harmful, or could interact negatively with your medicines.

    It is important to talk to your doctors before trying any CAM therapy.

    Pros and Cons 

    Pros

    • Some CAM therapies are proven to help with the side effects of cancer and its treatment.

    • Some may help manage the emotional side effects of living with cancer.

    • Lifestyle changes such as healthy diet and exercise may be beneficial for body and mind.

    Cons

    • Some CAM therapies do not work, may be harmful, or interact negatively with other medication.

    • CAM has not been scientifically proven to “cure” or “beat” cancer.

    • Refusing conventional medicine may shorten life expectancy.

    Many people with cancer are afraid to discuss CAM with their doctor. It’s true that many doctors may not know about the uses, risks, and potential benefits of unconventional treatments. But this doesn’t have to stop you from discussing these with your doctor.

    You can approach the topic in a number of ways:

    • If you’re thinking of alternative treatment, let your doctor know what you’re considering. Ask them about any studies on this method and what options you might still have if the alternative treatment doesn’t work.
    • Look for information from respected sources that you can trust regarding the potential benefits and risks of the treatment you are thinking about.
    • Make a list of questions, and bring it along to your appointments with any other information you want to talk about.
    • Listen to what your doctor has to say, and try to understand their point of view.

    Once you have all the information, you can make a truly informed decision.

    Cancer “Cure” Myths 

    Cancer is not a single disease, but an umbrella term for more than 200 distinct diseases, all with their own mutations and treatment needs. If a product or therapy is claiming to cure cancer, these claims need to be considered carefully.

    Thousands of websites offer alternative therapies for cancer. The Federal Trade Commission has developed a list of claims that should make you suspicious of a website:

    • Claims of a “scientific breakthrough,” “miraculous cure,” “secret ingredient,” or “ancient remedy”
    • Claims that a product can cure a wide range of illnesses
    • Stories of people who’ve had amazing results, but no clear scientific data
    • Claims that a product is available only from one source, especially if you must pay in advance
    • Websites that don’t list the company’s name, street address, phone number, and other contact information (It may exist only offshore, away from U.S. laws and regulators.)

    Cancer is frightening, but accurate information is important—and organizations like the American Cancer Society have research-backed information available about treatments.

    A Word From Verywell

    If you have cancer and are interested in herbs, acupuncture, or other alternative treatments, talk to your doctor.

    There are many complementary methods you can safely use along with standard treatment to help relieve symptoms or side effects, ease pain, and improve your quality of life. Speak to your doctor so you can choose methods that don’t cause harm and won’t interfere with your cancer treatment.

    If you are looking to decline all conventional cancer treatments, you need to be aware of the pros and cons of doing so.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Is chemotherapy the only cancer treatment option?

      Chemotherapy is only one of many treatment options for cancer. Your treatment will depend on the type of cancer you have, the stage of the cancer (how far it has spread), and your overall health. Other treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and complementary medicine.

    • What is the survival rate of fighting cancer without chemotherapy?

      Survival rates are based on statistics that researchers have collected over many years about people with the same type of cancer. But each cancer and each patient is different, and chemotherapy is only one type of treatment, so this is difficult to predict.

    • How effective is holistic cancer treatment?

      Holistic care treats the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. That typically means a combination of traditional and complementary medicine. For instance, a holistic way to treat cancer could include chemotherapy and acupuncture.

      Complementary therapy has been found to be effective when used in combination with traditional therapy.