The Stages of Cancer: Treatment and Side Effects

By Virginia Pipolini

Many of us have an inkling of information about cancer treatment and side effects. This article is in response to numerous requests for more details regarding the stages of cancer, the treatments prescribed, and ways to avoid side effects. Please remember, always consult your doctor or health practitioner regarding dietary changes before implementing any new diet.

Cancer takes it time to become know in the body. The stages of cancer are determined by the number of cells involved and the spread of those cancerous cells to other parts of the body. Stage zero begins with a few cells localized in one area. In the next three stages, I, II, and III, the cancerous cells begin spreading to nearby organs and increase in their rate of growth. In stage IV, often referred to as terminal cancer, the affect is now metastases, affecting many other organs and tissues.

What are some of the Treatment methods used for Cancer? Surgical: laser or instruments to remove/cut out cancerous tissue. Radiation: high doses of radioactive materials to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. Chemotherapy: chemicals/drugs to stop the growth or limit the rapid reproduction of cancer cells. Immunotherapy: nutrients or drugs to stimulate (or suppress) immune responses. Transplants: bone marrow or stem cells to remind the body of what healthy cells are like.

There are many possible side effects in any cancer treatment protocol. Of the more common side effects reports often include nausea, slow healing, loss of hair, changes to nails, digestion issues, pain, loss of smell or taste, weight change, fatigue anxiety and stress.

There are additional side affects that are not as common. Those can include allergic reactions, changes to blood pressure, shock, serious infections, seizures, and visual changes. The more long term problems stemming from cancer treatment are mental problems, increased malignancies, and especially in treatment through chemotherapy, heart attacks. The most profound and permanent affect to cancer intervention therapies is death of the person.

What are the two best ways to downsize side effects? First we have diet. Diet is the more potent preventative treatment. The recommended diet is high in protein and calorie, with plenty of liquids, given in several small meals throughout the day. Include lean meat, preferably no red meat, and lots of vegetables. Whole grain/fiber, non-acidic fruits, juices, smoothies, yogurt, cottage cheese, and of course clean water.

Important procedures on the list of the top two greatest aids in reducing those debilitating side effects is energy healing. These include but are not limited to reiki, therapeutic touch, healing touch, quantum healing, and others. The benefits? There are reports of decreased mental, physical and emotional stress and strain. Others state there is a balancing of the body processes, and increased healing response.

Things To take into account: Many people with cancer have their sense of smell, taste, or appetite affected (or things taste metallic). Be creative with favorite/comfort dishes, or new ones, and/or use wood or plastic utensils to cook or eat with. Prepare food in smaller amounts, vent odors, make sure the foods are easy to digest (generally not raw), and have hard candies available to stimulate saliva/digestive processes. Add a splash of juice to water to make it more appealing/palatable.

And last, but not least, when doing energy work on someone with cancer, be gentle; don't overwhelm them, and give them time to respond. You can serve in an important role as a caregiver, practitioner, healer or friend.

7 Herbal Ingredients in Stop Smoking Herbs

By John K Lam

Since long time ago, herbs had been used for helping people quit smoking. Report has showed that these herbs are exerting varying effects which will ease the process of smoking cessation. Most of them can be found in capsule, dried bulk or liquid extract form. For use as one to the ways quit smoking, you need to follow the directions on the label carefully.

The following herbs are the most common herbs that use as stop smoking aids:

Lobelia - which is a common herb that people used to calm the mind and relax the body. It also can use by people to control their cravings for nicotine. It helps smokers to quit smoking easier as it can make the cigarettes taste very bad.

St. John's wort - people used it to promote a positive mental attitude-something people often need help with before becoming a non-smoker.

Black Cohosh - which is usually used by women to stay hormones balanced during their monthly cycle. However it can be used as a safe sedative which relieves nervousness and anxiety that make it useful for the restlessness, irritability and nervousness associated with quitting smoking.

Blue Vervain - which can be used to calm the nerves and has been referred to as a natural tranquilizer. Normally, it is used for insomnia.

Catnip - which has a soothing and relaxing effect on the digestive system and helps to relieve diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion, upset stomach and headache. Catnip also has antispasmodic properties that make it useful for abdominal cramps as well as chronic coughing. Catnip is also good for alleviating sleeplessness. Catnip's antibiotic and astringent properties are also beneficial for treating colds and bronchial infections.

Hyssop - which has the ability to help with clearing mucus congestion in the lungs associated with COPD. It also has been known to alleviate the anxiety and even hysteria that is sometimes associated with smoking withdrawal.

Korean Ginseng - which is famous in stimulating energy and helping the body to deal with stress. It helps alleviate the fatigue and anxiety related to quitting smoking by using the property in the ginseng. It is helpful to smokers as their bodies adjust to the absence of nicotine as it can help to reestablish balance in the body's systems.

Each of the stop smoking herbs that mention above plays an important role during your quit smoking process. Although they can be purchased separately, some stop smoking herbs have been produced in the market to complement each other and together so that they can provide the maximum benefit during nicotine withdrawal.