Compounds in ginger are known to calm the digestive system, but clinical data are lacking. Some studies support the short-term use of ginger for chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting and motion sickness. However, ginger supplements should not be used around the time of surgery because of blood-thinning effects.
Meanwhile, ginger has been reported to have a cytotoxic effect against human breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231). The ability of ginger to inhibit cell growth was due to the presence of [6]-gingerol as it hindered the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in the human breast cancer cells (35).
Unwashed fresh fruits and vegetables, especially leafy vegetables that can hide dirt and other contaminants. Unpasteurized fruit juice or cider. Raw sprouts like alfalfa sprouts. Raw or undercooked beef (especially ground beef) or other raw or undercooked meat and poultry.
It is therefore prudent and advisable to avoid the concomitant use of anti-cancer drugs and herbal products, especially echinacea, garlic, ginseng, grapefruit juice, milk thistle, and St John's wort.
You may also want to avoid cold drinks and frozen treats like smoothies and sorbet with certain types of chemotherapy, as they can cause discomfort if you have chemo-related cold sensitivity. It's fine to take a nutritional supplement if your doctor prescribes it.
For most people the side effects were worst in the first few days after treatment, then they gradually felt better until the next treatment. Some said the effects were worse with each successive treatment. Most side effects don't persist and disappear within a few weeks after the end of treatment.
Turmeric is likely safe for most people, but it should be avoided during chemotherapy, radiation or blood-thinning therapies. See our Nutritional supplements Chart for information on which supplements help or hurt.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart conditions, and people with diabetes should not take ginger without talking to their doctors. DO NOT take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin.
Slattery says research shows that ginger is safe for most people to eat in normal amounts — such as those in food and recipes. However, there are a couple of concerns. “Higher doses, such as those in supplements, may increase risk of bleeding,” she cautions.
In terms of managing delayed CINV in breast cancer patients, ginger was also statistically significant. The authors concluded that ginger may be helpful in lowering both acute and delayed CINV in breast cancer patients. Since there were no serious side effects, ginger is thought to be safe.
Data from early-phase trials on the use of curcumin formulations to ameliorate cancer treatment–related effects have demonstrated (a) improved oxidative status in patients who received chemotherapy and radiation therapy, (b) delayed onset and severity of mucositis, (c) reduced severity of radiation dermatitis and (d) ...
Or, your cancer might stop you from easily absorbing nutrients from your food. So your doctor might prescribe a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement. Most people use supplements alongside their cancer treatments, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Turmeric and Cancer
Some studies suggest the curcumin in turmeric has a variety of health benefits, including fighting cancer cells. Some lab studies have found it might work against lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancers. Others suggest that curcumin might help chemotherapy work better.
Short, planned delays in chemotherapy for good-risk GCT patients (less than or equal to 7 days per cycle) appear to be acceptable since they may prevent serious toxicity in this curable patient population. Delays of longer than 7 days are strongly discouraged except in extraordinary life-threatening circumstances.
Sickness caused by chemotherapy can start within a couple of hours of starting your treatment and only last a day or so. Or it can come on more than 24 hours after the start of treatment. This is called delayed onset nausea and vomiting and usually lasts about a week.
Some raw foods can contain germs that can hurt you when cancer or treatment weakens your immune system. Ask your health care provider about how to eat well and safely. Eggs can have bacteria called Salmonella on their inside and outside. This is why eggs should be cooked completely before eating.
Products that are acceptable include those that are fermented such as cheddar cheese, acidophilus milk, buttermilk, yogurt, sour cream, low lactose milk (i.e. Lactaid), or those that are milk/lactose free.
Sometimes, chemotherapy drugs may cause mouth sores as a side effect. Patients who experience this may want to avoid citrus all together because the acidity of citrus fruits can be painful or irritating. It's also worth mentioning that grapefruit can interact with some common prescription medications.
Be careful when you have dairy products: All milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy should have the word pasteurized on their containers. Do not eat soft cheeses or cheeses with blue veins (such as Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola, and Bleu).