Question:
I’m currently undergoing chemotherapy.
Is it safe to take any vitamins and supplements or undergo any other treatments during chemotherapy?
-Rosalie, Sydney Australia
Answer:
Naturopathic support during chemotherapy is very valuable.
In many cases, it reduces the side effects of the chemo (nausea, hair loss, fatigue), assists the body in eliminating the chemotherapeutic drug once it has completed its job and in some cases, it even improves chemotherapy efficacy.
However there ARE some combinations of vitamins that should be avoided during chemotherapy. Please consult a naturopathic doctor about vitamins to avoid.
The timing of naturopathic support is also important, as treatments on chemotherapy days will be different than days with no chemotherapy.
Dr. Jean-Jacques Dugoua, or Dr. JJ, as he is affectionately known, is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND), the Director of the Liberty Clinic and a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto. He is also a researcher at Sick Kids Hospital (Toronto) and a published author.
You can read more of his work at www.askdrjj.com.
Latest posts by Dr. Jean-Jacques Dugoua (see all)
- Beating Exhaustion: How to Fight the Winter Snooze - December 6, 2010
- Ease arthritis and fight painful joints with chicken soup - September 28, 2010
- Are vitamins or supplements safe during chemotherapy? - September 20, 2010
