Effects And Benefits Of Alternative Cancer Treatments For Breast Cancer

There is no doubt that breast cancer is a frightening diagnosis for any woman or man. From the moment those two words are uttered, feelings of uncertainty and fear begin to mount. Uncertainty about the future and whether there's a way to better the chances of survival collide with feelings of life without one or both breasts. Concern about surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy treatment, as well as whether or not survival is possible at all, is what usually swirls through the mind of any person moments after hearing those two dreaded words.

But there is a silver lining around this dark cloud of bad news. The good news is that tremendous advances in cancer detection and traditional as well as alternative cancer treatments have taken place over the past few decades. As a result, the prognosis for surviving breast cancer, and even avoiding radical surgery, has never been better.

Following the advice and course of treatment recommended by your doctor is of utmost importance. But interestingly, many men and women diagnosed with breast cancer report that their symptoms have been improved, and in some cases reversed, by pursuing one of the many medically-approved alternative breast cancer treatments available today.

Of course, no "one-size-fits-all" alternative cancer treatment exists so finding the right one requires the advice of a physician who is trained in alternative cancer therapies. These physicians take a holistic approach to treating breast cancer. Simply stated, they'll decide on one or more alternative breast cancer treatments depending on the specific type of breast cancer and the stage of the disease.

Perhaps the most essential alternative cancer treatment involves making specific dietary changes in order to boost the body's ability to combat malnutrition. Malnutrition is a common consequence of breast cancer, responsible for up to 40% of all cancer-related deaths. Proper nutrition also helps people suffering from the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment by reducing nausea and hair loss, boosting the immune system, and combating the symptoms of organ toxicity.

Only a trained physician who understands the role of proper nutrition in alternative breast cancer treatments can make specific dietary recommendations. However, the general guidelines below typically form the basis of any beneficial physician-approved nutritional plan.

Medical and nutritional research now proves that Zinc is an essential ingredient for anyone seeking alternative cancer treatments. Zinc supports the immune system by increasing antibody production and providing essential nutrition to the macrophage, a critical cell that plays a pivotal role in the immune system.

Foods that are high in Zinc include:

• Oysters
• Red meat
• Poultry
• Beans
• Nuts
• Whole grains
• Zinc-fortified breakfast cereals
• Dairy products

The body absorbs Zinc better with a diet that is high in animal protein than one that is high in plant protein.

Vitamin A is another essential ingredient in nutrition-based alternative cancer treatments. This vitamin contributes to the support of the immune system by assisting in the development of T both-helper (Th) cells and B-cells.

Foods that are high in Vitamin A include:

• Milk
• Margarine
• Eggs
• Beef and chicken liver
• Vitamin A-fortified breakfast cereals
• Carrots
• Cantaloupes
• Sweet potatoes
• Spinach

Selenium is a trace mineral used by proteins to make antioxidant enzymes called selenoproteins. These selenoproteins combat cell damage caused by free radicals; key contributors to the development of cancer as well as heart disease. Only a small amount of Selenium is required by the body.

Foods that are high in Selenium include:

• Brazil nuts
• Walnuts
• Light tuna packed in oil
• Beef
• Turkey
• Fortified oatmeal
• Enriched whole wheat bread
• Long grain white rice
• Eggs
• Cottage cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Vegetables grown in Selenium-rich soils, as well as animals that have been fed grain grown in Selenium-rich soils are also good sources of this essential element.

Besides food, it's possible to get the required amounts of Zinc, Vitamin A and Selenium by taking food supplements and vitamin pills. Remember though, there is more to consider than these three nutrients when developing nutritional-based alternative breast cancer treatments.

Introducing these nutrients in the wrong quantities, or overlooking other essential ingredients when developing alternative cancer therapies, can actually negate the otherwise beneficial results of a good nutritional plan. That's why it's so important to consult a medical professional who specializes in alternative cancer treatments.

For more information on physician-guided alternative breast cancer treatments, visit http://www.newhopemedicalcenter.com/breast-cancer.aspx