When I was
attending the BMT Infonet Symposium in April, I had the pleasure of hearing Dr.
Mary Hardy, an integrative oncologist from Los Angeles speaking on care of the
cancer patient through complimentary alternative medicines (CAM). Dr. Hardy
believes that cancer patients can maintain maximal wellness at any stage of the
cancer journey using the most effective least toxic therapy possible. Additional
integrative therapies further empower the patients. Cancer patients have multiple
options to enhance their cancer journey; acupuncture, nutrition, dietary
supplements and herbs, exercise, yoga, relaxation strategies, psychosocial
support and aromatherapy.
Dr. Hardy
confirmed what we have been hearing recently that inflammation caused by
improper diet produces an adverse metabolic state conducive to illness. Eliminating
certain foods leads us back to health. Try to reduce saturated fats, animal
proteins (especially red meat), alcohol and eliminate sugary foods and heavily
processed foods. Eat complex carbohydrates, not white foods, more vegetables (2
servings of vegetables to each 1 fruit), cold water fish (avoid mercury), beans
and lentils, good vegetable oils and nuts. As far as sugar goes the type, form,
and presentation of the sugar is important. Liquid sugars (juices) are bad,
fructose is extremely bad and excessive fruit is bad too.
If you want to know what supplements and herbs
to use, look at Dr. Mary Hardy’s website: www.drmaryhardy.com
Relaxation
therapies include things such as yoga, mindfulness technique, music and art
therapy and aromatherapy.
Finding a
good CAM provider is very important. The CAM provider should have appropriate
credentials, answer questions and be willing to talk to your medical team. Avoid
therapies that are too good to be true, include secret ingredients or are too
expensive. There should be more than anecdotal evidence.
These are
some of the many ways that you can take control over your cancer.
