While living with ovarian cysts is one challenge, dealing with the symptoms of ovarian cancer is another. Are you constantly tired, stressed and in pain? Do you experience abdominal discomfort too often? For those of you undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, there are a few simple home remedies that might help.
Ovarian Cancer – A Brief:
Among the cancers affecting the female reproductive system, ovarian cancers have the highest frequency. When ovarian cancer is detected in its earliest stages, the survival rate is the best. Unfortunately, more than 80% cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, making survival rates very poor. Women undergoing vigorous ovarian cancer treatment experience symptoms such as bloating, backache, abnormal vaginal bleeding, indigestion, loss of appetite, fatigue, pelvic pain and weight changes.
Let’s take a look at the following home remedies that can help treat ovarian cancer:
1. Ginger:
Good news is ginger kills cancer cells. Research has proven the fact that ginger eradicates abnormal ovarian cancer cells (1). Not only that, it can prevent the cancer from building resistance to treatment.
Besides ovarian cancer, ginger has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It can prevent several cancers from developing in the body. Cancer patients are advised to take ginger on a daily basis, possibly two to three times a day. It can be taken as tea or in any other manner you prefer. Alternately, the crushed juice from ginger can be mixed with coconut or olive oil and massaged on to the abdominal area.
2. Green Tea:
Green Tea has multiple benefits, one of which is slowing the progression of cancer. The antioxidants obtained from consuming green tea build the immune system, gearing up the body’s defenses to fight the cancer better. A single cup of the refreshing drink causes apoptosis (2) or cell death of ovarian cancer.
Moreover, having one or more cups of green tea is preventative towards cancer. Those women falling under a high risk of developing ovarian cancer can take a proactive step and include green tea in their diet.
3. Mushrooms:
Mushrooms are known to have an adverse effect on cancers. Researchers have found that mushrooms and their extracts inhibit cancer cell growth (3). Eastern herbal medicine also stands by these tested principles, as mushrooms were seen to benefit the health of cancer patients.
Certain mushrooms like Ganoderma lucidum are particularly effective in treating ovarian cancer and help the body fight the disease better. Mushrooms also work along with radiation and chemotherapy by reducing the symptoms of cancer. Mostly, one can expect a turnabout in lowered resistance, anemia, bone marrow suppression and nausea (4).
4. Soy Foods:
Soy-based foods are an easy way to keep the cancer at bay. Ovarian cancer is also kept away if you include soy beans in your diet. A study conducted on Chinese women suffering from ovarian cancer showed that an everyday intake of soy food had an adverse effect on the cancer (5). Soy products, found in items such as soy milk and tofu, contain isoflavones. These components reduce stress that the body undergoes during radiation and chemotherapy.
5. Flaxseed:
Since ovarian cancer is the worst of all gynecological cancers, experts swear that flax seeds are the best preventative method it. (6). Women who ate flaxseed considerably reduced their risk of developing the cancer, and cancerous growths were found to decrease in severity.
Flaxseed is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and phytoestrogen lignans (7). They help in preventing the cancer from further spreading to other organs. As the best vegetable source of these components, women can keep it high on their list of health foods.
6. Gingko:
Gingko is a herb that has a very important role in DNA repair. It is one of the most natural and easy ways to ensure you reduce any possible risk of developing ovarian cancer. According to research, Ginkgo biloba had cancer preventive properties on ovarian epithelial cells having the BRCA1 gene mutation (8). The herb worked by acting on DNA repair, tumor suppression, and cell proliferation.
Extracts from Gingko are also used in medicines for a variety of purposes including memory disorders, sexual disorders, and glaucoma. The Gingko Biloba tree is one of the oldest species of trees in the world, with each tree living for as long as a thousand years (9).
7. Sunlight:
Sunlight is your daily dose of vitamin D. Popular research will stand by the fact that vitamin D deficiency is a pandemic that needs to be corrected. Apparently, women in the northern regions of the globe are more susceptible to ovarian cancer compared to those in the other regions. This is because sun exposure is a major source of vitamin D, which in turn plays a role in cancer prevention (10),(11). Accordingly, ovarian cancer patients were found to have lower levels of the vitamin.
Take frequent walks in low-intensity sunlight to absorb plenty of goodness from it. Women suffering from ovarian cancer symptoms would do well to gear up on vitamin D, as it also helps improve bone strength.
8. Peppermint Tea:
One of the symptoms of ovarian cancer is an upset stomach. To find a little relief from the nausea, have peppermint tea. Alternately, ginger tea is also a good option to ease the discomfort. Eating candy or gum can also sometimes help.
9. Water:
Another major problem faced by ovarian cancer patients is diarrhea or constipation. To make the issue easier to handle, one needs to have proper intake of water. For those with diarrhea, taking small but frequent sips of water is necessary. On the other hand, constipation should be dealt with plenty of fluids.
10. Exercise:
Mild exercise is necessary to manage the energy levels, as a woman undergoes a lot of stress due to ovarian cancer. Sleep problems are very common with this condition. For this reason, a daily exercise regimen coupled with regular sleep time helps to alleviate the symptoms naturally.
For anyone at risk or those suffering from ovarian cancer, it is important to keep yourself stress free. Have a balanced diet, get plenty of rest and surround yourself with caring people.And if you liked the post, please share your comments in the space below.
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