Turmeric Reduces Side Effects of Radiation Treatment

(Newswire.net — October 27, 2016) Orlando, FL — Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Individuals who suffer from the condition typically resort to various treatments, including radiation. Unfortunately, radiation treatment doesn’t come without a price due to the potential side effects it may cause.

Turmeric may potentially help reduce the side effects associated with radiation treatment. Turmeric has been used for thousands of years to potentially help fight a range of conditions. It is even a popular natural alternative in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.

According to statistics, 60,000 individuals are diagnosed with head and neck cancer, such as cancer of the pharynx, tongue, mouth, oral cavity, and thyroid. Radiation therapy is considered to be the standard of care when it comes to addressing these types of cancer.

Radiation treatment involves 50 to 70 rays of radiation for 5 to 7 weeks. Exposure to 8 rays of high-energy radiation in a single dose in a span of two weeks has a 100% mortality rate. This is why radiation oncologists break up the total dose into smaller fractions.

One of the most devastating side effects of this treatment may be oral mucositis, which involves the destruction of tissues. It could also lead to functional problems impacting the oral cavity, which effects nutrition and is painful. It may also contribute to systemic and local infections as well as a reduction in one’s quality of life.

This treatment may also lead to lethal problems. It could potentially turn cancer cells that are non-tumorigenic into tumor-initiating ones. Using turmeric is believed to be significantly helpful for head and neck cancer sufferers who are under radiation therapy.

In a randomized, single-blinded, controlled clinical trial, the researchers had participants suffering from head and neck cancer who were required to have 70 rays of radiation. They randomly assigned 80 eligible participants to receive turmeric gargle during the period of chemo/radiotherapy treatment.

It was found that the turmeric group experienced delayed and reduced radiation-induced oral mucositis levels. The unique spice was found to be effective in decreasing intolerable mucositis and body weight. The researchers concluded that individuals with head and neck cancer who are undergoing radiation therapy may potentially experience a delay and reduction in the severity of mucositis.

Turmeric is an inexpensive, safe, and natural alternative, and it may be an excellent addition to the diet of individuals who suffer from the condition and are undergoing radiation therapy. It may be conveniently consumed through curcumin supplementation.

Curcumin is the phytochemical found in turmeric, and it is popularized by the unique substances it contains. Some of its ingredients are believed to contain antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-carcinogenic properties.

(http://amazon.com/tumeric-supplements/dp/B00VSVKJ8I)