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How To Detox Your Body After Chemotherapy & Radiation
Although your body does a great job of detoxing all on its own – at least when you’re healthy – when you’ve been through chemotherapy and/or radiation, your body is overloaded with chemical residues. It is important to detox after chemotherapy and/or radiation to get that residue out of your body – and you’re going to feel so much better if you do.
An overload of toxins is known to cause bloating, fatigue, headaches, poor memory, aching muscles, a suppressed immune system (which is the very thing you’re relying on to keep you well), even halitosis (bad breath). Toxic buildup within the body can also be a problem if you have had lymph nodes removed because our lymphatic system acts as another method of waste removal, and this toxic buildup can worsen the side effects of lymphedema.
Once chemotherapy and radiation are finished and these strong treatments have done their work, the body is filled with toxins. Radiation can damage healthy cells and create toxic buildup and if you think about it, even cancer cells themselves become toxins as they wither up and die from the treatments. The body does its best to get rid of all this, but as I said – after these therapies, it struggles to do so.
Make sure you’re strong enough to undergo cleansing – you need to give yourself at least two weeks after your therapies end before undertaking any cleansing. And possibly longer if you really grew weak from them. Consult with your physician or naturopath before embarking on cleansing. The sooner you get started detoxing, however, the better you will feel. Even if you are too weak, you can still increase your water intake, do some gentle exercise and begin juicing.
At the very least, consider these 10 things to help get you started in the right direction.
How To Detox Your Body After Chemotherapy & Radiation – 10 Tips
1. Colonic Hydrotherapy – Colonic hydrotherapy can be of assistance not only after chemotherapy but also during to help alleviate the terrible constipation that often results from chemotherapy. Your medical staff may argue the efficacy of chemotherapy (I had one nurse tell me that we are designed for wastes to move ONE way and we shouldn’t go against that!) but it really helps tremendously. I went through a course of colonic hydrotherapy post-chemo and found it to be a gentle and effective method for toxin cleansing – it is, in fact, the very best thing you can do to cleanse the colon. There’s nothing new about colonics – Egyptians were using it for constipation centuries ago. If you’d like to read one person’s experience with it, click here.
2. Drink Plenty of Water, Herbal Tea – This is the most natural way to detox your body after chemotherapy. Make sure your drinking water is filtered (and preferably not obtained from plastic water bottles) to help keep you safe from herbicides, pesticides, and other assorted nasties that our water can often contain. We used to hear that drinking 8 glasses of water per day was essential, however, newer studies have shown that as long as you are sipping away on water all day you are probably getting what you need. Put in a slice of lemon for some additional flavor, cleansing qualities and antioxidant protection. Herbal teas are also wonderful to help the cleansing process, particularly dandelion tea which is a liver tonic.
3. Juicing, Juicing, Juicing – It seems like I am always touting the benefits of juicing organic vegetables and fruits but their importance for health cannot be overstressed. Make sure you have a great juicer though, as not all juicers are designed to keep the living enzymes within your expensive organic produce alive! Here’s a great one, this is the one I use and love. Live juices can help to heal, rejuvenate, and flush away toxins. Fresh vegetable and fruit juices are the cleansers, energizers, regenerators, and blood builders of the human body. Try any combination of beet (great blood cleanser), kale, spinach, carrot, cucumber, apple, ginger and pineapple (both great anti-inflammatories, so that makes them anti-cancer as well). Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are full of antioxidants and help to cleanse the blood of impurities. See my page Diet and Cancer for some data on why certain veggies and fruit are good for cancer. I have loads of articles on my website about the benefits of juicing, so be sure to check them out as well.
4. Circulate Your Blood – Something as simple as bouncing on a rebounder (one of those mini trampolines) for 10 minutes a couple of times per day helps to get your heart pumping, blood circulating and toxins flushing out of your body. Best done BEFORE a meal or juicing, however! Walking, cycling, hiking, dancing, yoga – all of these are great to get the body moving and detoxing. Make sure you drink plenty of filtered water after exercising.
5. Fiber – Fiber helps to grab onto toxins in your digestive tract. Fiber soaks up toxins rather like a sponge, speeds up elimination, helps with cleansing. Natural fiber is available from fruits, vegetables and whole grains, however there are also plenty of fiber products on the market which you could add to your health regimen. One particularly good one is freshly ground organic flaxseed, and psyllium is another.
6. Herbal Medicine – There are many herbs and essential oils which will assist you in detoxing after chemotherapy and radiation. Dandelion root is a particularly good herb for liver cleansing. I would definitely recommend seeking the advice of a qualified naturopath before using herbal medicine, however, because they are specifically trained in herbal medicine and since herbs can sometimes have drug interactions you would want the best guidance possible for your particular needs.
7. Eating Organic Food – Because at this stage you are working towards detoxing and keeping well and healthy, your best bet is to avoid processed and sugar-laden foods as these will not assist the detox process. Eating plenty of organic fruits, vegetables and lean meats like fish or organic chicken (if you’re a meat eater) is much more conducive to keeping your system clear of any further toxins.
8. Epsom Salt Baths – There is something so restorative about a hot epsom salt bath! Hot water opens the pores and assists perspiration to take toxins away. Epsom salt is actually magnesium sulfate, and these two minerals help generate enzymes that clean up the body. Use at least 1-2 cups in the bath. To make it a totally revitalizing experience, add lavender essential oil for its calming effects, or ginger which also helps to open the pores and is a good natural anti-inflammatory. If you don’t have epsom salts, baking soda (in the same amount) is also useful and it helps to neutralize the effects of radiation. You can use a cup of each, as well in your detox bath. This is another place where water filtration is important because if you live in an area where the water is highly chlorinated you are soaking all that chlorine up into your body through the skin. Chlorine certainly has carcinogenic potential, according to several studies [1] [2] [3] [4]
9. Detox Your Household – You might not think about this, but if your body and skin care products are laden with toxins you are taking all of those into your body via the skin as well. If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin or hair. I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention the importance of using organic body products and cosmetics when you are detoxing your body. There are several good brands out there, contact me if you need help finding good ones.
10. You Must Rebuild Your Immune System – Since your immune system is your first line of defense against cancer and all other diseases, you must rebuild it because the chemotherapy and radiation treatments will have blasted the hell out of the very thing you are relying upon to stay well. Yes, your body may eventually do this on its own, but the process is generally quite slow and we don’t want to give any open doors to stray cancer cells. Here’s my page on how to build immunity quickly so that it’s very strong: 8 Ways To Build A Super Strong Immune System.
If you would like help in learning more specifically how to safely and effectively cleanse your tissues and organs of toxins from chemotherapy, radiation and even surgery, I have created a powerful how-to course to teach you. It is a collaborative project with naturopath Judy Seeger, the Cleanse Queen herself! For more information, click here.
References:
[1] Assessment of the Carcinogenic Potential of Chlorinated Water: Experimental Studies of Chlorine, Chloramine, and Trihalomethanes – https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article-abstract/85/10/817/1024456
[2] High Organochlorine Body Burden in Women With Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer – http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.975.5525&rep=rep1&type=pdf
[3] The association of drinking water source and chlorination by-products with cancer incidence among postmenopausal women in Iowa: a prospective cohort study. – https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.87.7.1168
[4] Case-control cancer mortality study and chlorination of drinking water in Louisiana – https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/abs/10.1289/ehp.8246169
If you would like my help with getting through breast cancer in an inspiring and ultra-healthy way, please sign up for my free e-newsletters on the right, and/or “like” me on Facebook (Marnie Clark, Breast Health Coach). It is my honor and my goal to help you through this, so that you are better than before, thriving!
Hi I am a 5 year survivor of breast cancer had chemo and radiation for 3 months followed by 5 years Femara. I eat a healthy diet but seem to come down with every virus going. I have been juicing and drink lemon water daily but wen I start an exercise program I come down with viral illnesses that leavw me with muscle aches joint pain headaches and gut problems. Any help wld be appreciated.
Hi Kaye,
Thanks for your message, it was really good to hear from you. I assume from your email address that you are somewhere in Australia? I would HIGHLY recommend getting yourself off to a naturopath. It sounds very much like your immune system has taken a big hit with the therapies you went through for breast cancer and is having trouble rebounding. A good naturopath will be able to recommend some herbs and supplements that will help you strengthen your immune system. Do you need a recommendation? If so, what city are you in?
xox Marnie
Dear Marnie,
Could you please recommend a good naturopath in Victoria, Melbourne? Thank you very much.
Joni,
I’ve heard good things about the naturopaths who work here: http://www.sanctuarywellness.com.au/
Let me know how you go!
Warmest regards, Marnie
You may want to talk to your doctor about reacting to the femora. I had a very adverse reaction not only to the last chemo I had, but to the femora I was on to help prevent cancer from returning. Nearly killed me! I had muscle aches and pains that never seemed to go away, then gradually got worse, until every muscle, every bone, every joint was throbbing, stinging and burning. Tests showed my blood is a toxic river flowing through my body. Milk Thistle is helping the issue along with baking soda water.
Hi Vicki,
It is true that Femara can cause the side effects you were suffering. Not everyone has all of the problems you mention, but some certainly do. I believe there are much more holistic ways to stay well without the toxicity of these drugs. If you’d like some help with that, let me know.
Warmest regards,
Marnie Clark
HI Kaye,
I just completed 6 months of chemo for colon cancer stage IV. I used the Ten complete super tonic by dragon herbs (bought on Amazon). this is an herb concoction that is used in China after surgery and during chemo to boost the immune system. It was referenced in the book LIfe over Cancer, written by an MD from the Block Center for integrative Cancer care. My labs were relatively stable throughout treatment, a bit bouncy in the beginning when I wasn’t taking it-so seemed to help. I also highly recommend the book.
I have just finished chemo and radiation for endometrial cancer. During my treatment, I worked out on the treadmill, crosstrainer, and when I wasn’t doing chemotherapy when I wasn’t allowed to swim, continued on the cross trainer. I found that even on low days, this kept the chemicals moving through my system and I reduced any numbness in my fingers and toes. I maintained my strength, even though my energy hasn’t returned and it was recommended that it will take up to a year to regain some of most of it. I saw a naturopath who has put me on a program that is of a cleansing nature but does not involve drastic changes, as I am already a vegetarian and have a fairly balanced diet that includes organics most of the time. I did not go through too much “chemobrain” and kept doing puzzles, both Sudoku and crosswords as well as cryptic. This kept my mind functioning through the treatment. I have, however, developed Macular Degeneration and will have to deal with this side effect. I did not get sick during the process either. I hope this helps a bit – it worked for me. I look forward to my continued recovery and have remained positive for the most part. My physician says she is amazed that I have maintained this disposition and she credits it to my recovery. I believe it kept me going.
Ruth,
Thanks so much for your comment and for sharing this part of your journey with us. It just illustrates how important it is to be proactive with your self-care during treatments for breast cancer and what a positive difference that can make. Well done, Ruth! Thanks again –
Marnie
Dear Marnie,
As of yesterday I just finished a 6 week treatment of both chemo and radiation for tongue cancer. I have to use a G-Tube for nutrition until the swelling goes away and the burns/mouth irritation. Can’t wait to feel better and eat normal again. I know sugar is bad and I believe it promoted the tongue cancer. I have never smoked and never was a heavy drinker.
Some people tell me not to detox too soon because the radiation is still doing its job in the treatment of it all…Thank you for your knowledge and insight.
Tina
Hi Tina,
Oh, my dear – I can just imagine how badly you want to feel better and I am hoping that happens for you soon. Yes, sugar is a problem for your immune system – have you seen my page “8 Ways To Build a Super Strong Immune System”? Just hover your mouse over my “Diet & Cancer” page, you will see it listed under that. I would recommend starting there and begin building a bullet-proof immune system so that cancer can’t get a toehold in your body anymore! If I can help you with any of my suggestions on that page, I am glad to assist!
Sending warm thoughts your way,
Marnie
Many health professionals feel that the mineral Clinoptilolite zeolite is the best and most efficient way to detox and remove radiation from the human body after chemotherapy! This is because the zeolite with its cage like structure grabs and holds onto the radiation all the way out of the body without re-releasing any radiation back into the body to recontaminate it and make you feel sick as many other detox products do. For more information on zeolite including on the only ingest able detox zeolite for human consumption see the website at http://www.zeolite.com.
Hey Marnie, Noted your comments on detox & the 8 steps. I have throat cancer and begin treatment next month.Never smoked & social drinker.Liked your advice.Thankyou, Denis (Australia)
Denis,
Thanks for your comment, much appreciated. If I can help you in any way, please let me know. I wish you well in your healing journey.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
hi Marnie. Thanks for your information.I am currently on chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Have been doing chemo on and off for 2 years. I’m also seeing a naturopath. I was wondering if it’s best to wait until all chemo treatment is done to detox or to be doing some detox thing while I’m getting the chemo. My naturopath thinks I should be doing the detox all along the way as I have gotten very sick from the chemo in the past.will this keep the chemotherapy from being as effective in fighting against the cancer or will it make it more effective?
Hi Marian,
I agree with your naturopath, it’s best to do some detoxing along the way – I have sent you a private email with a bit more information. Basically, however, for the sake of others reading this reply, some gentle detoxing along the way is very helpful. I found a combination of juicing, acupuncture, Chinese herbs (always under the care of a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor) to be very effective while I was going through chemotherapy. I’m not aware of any specific research about detoxing while undergoing chemotherapy but I have heard that certain herbs make the chemo more effective. And certainly, if you are reducing the toxic burden on your body and feeling better, that’s a very good thing. I always felt it was better not to be a toxic waste dump!
Hope that helps –
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Hello! I had Hodgkin lymphoma during my pregnancy 9 years ago. I recieved 6 chemo during my pregnancy and 6 after I delivered followed by 30 days of radiation. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism a few years later and have suffered a lot from it. I have seen a few naturpaths and have had no luck with a good vitamin, herb, and mineral regimen. Any advice…PLEASE help me! I want to complete detox my body. THANK YOU!
Hi Lee –
I have sent you a private email in answer to your comment. Please let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Marnie
Helli Marnie. I am at the end of chemo. 2 more to go , then radium . There after 6 months of Herceptin. I have nasty blemishes on my face. What do you suggest I use for the blemishes. And does the numbness of fingers ansd the feet normally go away after chemo. I had 4 cycles of the red devil and an having 12 taxol.
Hello, thanks for your comment. I hadn’t heard of blemishes being caused by chemotherapy but I do know a lot about the numbness of fingers and toes, it is called chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The one thing that appears to help this quite a bit is acupuncture, I have written an article about that, see: https://marnieclark.com/help-for-chemotherapy-induced-peripheral-neuropathy-cipn/ Have a look at that article, there are a lot of suggestions within it. I used acupuncture all during my chemotherapy treatments – and it helps to have begun this before chemo begins – or at the beginning – but you should get onto it right away. I hope this helps and please feel free to sign up for my free newsletters and e-books, you can do that from any page on my site. They are full of my best information on healing from and preventing breast cancer.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
I had several severe reactions to the second type of chemotherapy they tried to give me. I believe I came close to dieing from it. I only had one full dose of it and that was after stopping the treatments for an hour and the nurse kept a constant watch over me. It was then started back at a slow drip.. The next scheduled treatment was started as a slow drip but after about five minutes I had another reaction of struggling to get my breath and became very red and hot. At that point they stopped all chemotherapy treatments . They did keep me the remaininer of the day for observation.. My surgeon had sent me to Physical Therapy as soon as I was healed enough for them to work with me. I receive lymphatic massage therapy and for a while some light treatments for the neorophathy . The light treatments reversed the neuropathy amazingly. In about a months time I no longer needed the walker to get around and was able to use my hands without the severe pain.
Charlotte,
I’m sorry to hear you had such a bad experience with chemotherapy. It’s clear that your body was allergic or highly sensitive to the particular drug(s) you were given. It’s great that you were offered lymphatic massage, it can be such a great healing therapy. I hope that you are now well and all healed up.
Warmest regards,
Marnie Clark
Drink plenty of water and take milk thistle
I have just been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and had a lumpectomy with two sentinal lumph nodes removed for biopsy. The tumor was caught early (7mm) and is estrogen & progesterone fed, which means I will be placed on anti-hormone meds. Waiting for the biopsy to confirm staging of the cancer, which will dictate my treatment of radiation and potential chemo. I am overwhelmed with all the information to digest and brace for the outcome of the recent biopsy; praying that it has not spread to any other part of my body. I want to prepare and maintain my system to withstand the comimg challenges. Review of your detox information appears to provide a stable beginning.
Hi Linda,
Thanks for your comment. I have answered your message privately via email. Am sending blessings your way and please know that I will help you at every stage of your journey should you wish me to.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Hi Marnie
What is a fast and effective detoxification for my had who has lung cancer. He stopped his chemo over 6 months ago and is weak and now losing weight fast. We are trying to fi d something to help build his immune system while juicing and eating organic food and vegetables. Do you have any suggestions for us.
A desperate daughter,
Jackie
Hi Jackie,
I have just sent you a private email responding to your question. Please let me know if I can assist you.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer 15 cm tumor. Not spread to lymph nodes. Halfway through chemo. Just started radiation. Have been juicing and eating liquid diet. Any ideas on detox? Any ideas with medical marijuana. CBD?
Cheryl,
Thanks for your comment. I highly recommend everything on this page for purposes of detoxing and rebuilding your immune system (which is crucial because the chemo and radiation will be working against it). I’m sorry, I do not have any personal experience with medical marijuana. I wish you the very best and if I can assist you with anything specific, just let me know.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Hi, I have used CBD oil made by Coyne during my radiation treatment to strengthen my vertebrae as I have bone cancer( multiple Myeloma) The day I started it was the day all my side effects stopped. I used 3 drops a day. I still continue using it as my cancer is not curable medically as yet. I also use 8 grams of Curcumin by “Doctors Best” ( order through Amazon) which has boosted my immune system, supported my organs while on Chemo( Velcade) and it has made my Chemo more effective. I have not been ill at all through all my Chemo treatments. Pray this helps you too. Regards Wendith
I would add regular short juice fasts or a prolonged juice fast.
Talitha,
Yes, juice fasts are very good, I would just add that if a person is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation at the present time, they should do this under the care of an integrative oncologist or naturopath to ensure that they are well enough to do this.
Thanks for your input.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
i was on chemotherapy finished the last round in August 2013 for hodgkin s lymphoma is there any thing i can use to cleanse my system and regulate my menstruation i have seen my periods twice from the time i finished chemotherapy until today
Tabisa,
I would need much more information about you and your level of health to accurately provide you with information such as you are seeking. Feel free to send me a more detailed health history via the “Contact” button on my website.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
I was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive lobular and ductal breast cancer currently undergoing chemo 2nd round tomorrow would like to know more about detox to help me alomg
Grace,
I would be happy to help you. Have you signed up for my free newsletters and e-books? They are full of my best info on healing from breast cancer and you can email me for more direct support when you need it.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Hi Mrnie,
Thank you for doing this. It’s amazing.
My friend who is an 65 year-old omnivore is about to start chemo. I am vegan (not a crazy one though).
I’ve been talking to her for years about cleansing but you know how it is.
My question: do you think it is wise to do chemo AND juicing at the same time? Should she wait with the chemo and do cleansing first? Or chemo first and cleansing later? Since, as I see here – and i have to admit, i haven’t thought about it, one should be cleansing AFTER chemo as well.
Please share our thoughts. Thank you!
Danielle
Hi Danielle,
I apologise for the delay in responding to you. With regard to going through chemo and juicing at the same time, that’s what I did and I can highly recommend it. They’d be pumping the drugs into my system and I’d be sipping on freshly prepared juices, I didn’t even wait to get home. This procedure kept me very well indeed – I was detoxing as I went. Highly recommended. I was taking all kinds of supplements though too and making use of Chinese herbs and acupuncture. If your friend has time to build up her immune system before chemo starts, that is a good thing as well. But if they are keen to get started and she is a willing participant in the chemo, then chemo first, juicing as she goes, and cleansing afterward. That’s my best recommendation. Your friend is fortunate to have someone who cares for her. Please let me know if I can assist in any way.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Hi Marnie, I’m going through chemo arbiter moment for primary mediastinal lymphoma. Can you recommend some organic makeup products? Particularly foundations. I
Hi Amanda,
I can definitely help you with organic makeup. This is the product I am using, and have been for ten years. They are absolutely excellent products, I love them. Hope this helps and feel free to contact me again if you have further questions. http://www.miessence.com/healingfirst/en/category/4/cosmetics
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Hi Marnie,
I’m about to finish a 5 month chemo treatment for breast cancer, and I was looking for a good detox regiment when I came across your page. I am glad chemo is coming to an end and I want to cleanse my system asap. What would you suggest? And thank you for being there to answer our questions, God bless you.
Dear Sylvia,
I found all ten of the things I mention in this article to be of equal importance when wanting to detox and rebuild your body after chemotherapy. If need help with any of the items on the list, let me know. Have you signed up for my free e-newsletters and e-books? You can do that on any page of my website. Wishing you all the best with your healing regimen.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Hi I ve finished 12 chemos and 15 radiations , for Hodgin lymphoma stage 2 must go to Hematologist 29 May .Feeling very fatigue is drinking juice two times a day spinach , carrots,apple,ginger,beet.Is there anything I can do more to help with the fatigue I am 39 years old.Regards Wanda.I do take Epson salt baths also.
Dear Wanda,
I think I answered you in a private email, but I also wanted to answer you here so that other people could read our messages. It sounds pretty grueling, what you’ve been through. I hope this finds you feeling better. To answer your question, well done on the juicing, that will help your body detox itself. All of the suggestions on this page are helpful – do as many of them as you can or feel like doing. They will all help you. I wish you well and if I can be of some assistance to you, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Hey, Marnie. First I’d like to thank you for this awesome blog. Very helpful.
So I have a concern; last week on 06/18/15 I was exposed to heavy radiation from a CT scan.
I never thought CT scans had so much radiation until I took actions into my own hands and decided to explore answers.
So my question that I have for you is: will attempting to detox a week later after exposure be effective towards the radiation? Is there a certain time after radiation exposure that detox will not be effective? I would greatly appreciate your help.
Hi Guillermo,
Thanks for your comment and I’m glad you found the article to be helpful. I’m not any kind of a radiation expert, I’m sorry that I cannot definitively answer that question for you. I do know that people subjected to a heavy dose of radiation can suffer problems for years (think Chernobyl) but I am not sure whether you were exposed to what is considered to be “heavy radiation” via your CT scan. I did an online search and found a helpful article for you: http://talkabouthealth.com/how-long-does-it-take-for-radiation-toxicity-to-leave-the-system-when-treatment-ends Go ahead and do some of the suggestions in my article, they will certainly not harm you and should definitely help to minimize toxicity.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Just finished 12 ABVD chemotheraphy sessions for stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and my veins are so hard and my body feels fatigued… Any suggestions on how to remove the toxins as quickly as possible. I have a 11 month old Who needs my care and attention.
Hi Enida,
I apologize for the delay in responding to you, I was away for a quick break. Actually detoxing quickly might not be a good idea as a rapid release of toxins into your system can make you feel pretty awful. I recommend using some of the gentle detoxification ideas on my webpage (here it is again if you need it: https://marnieclark.com/how-to-detox-your-body-after-chemotherapy-and-radiation/ ) and if I can help you with anything, let me know. Sending hugs to you and your baby today.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Unique. But I think Milk thistle and more combination of herbs as extract like bhui amla kalmegh punarnava ghritkumari makoi kuti and more herbs could do detoxification the liver and tulsi leaves and Gurch the best immunomdulator as per Ayurved text books for the body.but take under guidance and consult of selected dosages by Ayurved drs.
Hi, I’m currently going hi doseage of chemotherapy for leukemia “ALL”. I’m very concerned on how the chemo will affect my organs any tips weather I should start detox now or until after the last treatment? It’s 8 treatments and about 2 years of lower dose chemo. I’m on the 4th cycle just as we speak. But in in the process of a bone marrow transplant but it’s still pending. By the way I’m 31 yrs old with not past medical problems. Thanks.
Dear Daniel,
I certainly can understand your concern about the effects that your chemo regimen may have on your body. I hesitate to recommend anything in the way of detoxing for you just now, particularly since you are about to undergo a bone marrow transplant. You absolutely must check with your oncologist before undertaking any natural therapies because you do not want to take anything that could compromise your treatment. You could probably do the epsom salt baths and I would certainly recommend acupuncture for you to help ease the effects of the chemo on your nerves. But please do check with your oncologist about anything else you may wish to do.
Wishing you all the best in your healing quest,
Marnie
I have a couple of questions. I was going to do the Puriam 10 day cleanse but my oncologist told me today that she recommend against it. I had stage 2 or 3 triple positive breast cancer (since I had chemo before surgery they could not really officially properly stage me but I was closer to 3 than 2) with lymph node involvement and have been off chemo for 2 months but I am still on Herceptin. I am about to start 6 weeks of radiation next week. Do you have advice about Puriam and Isagenix type cleansing products? Is it possible to detox while still on Herceptin? Is there any point in detoxing while actually on radiation? How many months should I wait before I detox? I will listen to my oncologist and skip the detox for now but do you have any rule of thumb for when its ok to do a nutritional cleanse? Thank you!
Dear Renee,
Thanks for your message. I am unfamiliar with the particular cleanses you are asking about, however, it has been my experience that it is better to wait until after your treatments have finished to do any cleansing — with the exception of making yourself fresh green juices, which will help to gently detox as you go along, and doing the epsom salt baths – both of those things are great to do while undergoing radiation. Get into the more rigorous cleanses once your radiotherapy regimen has finished. With regard to detoxing whilst on Herceptin, you should definitely ask your doctor about that. If they say okay, I do have some good suggestions for you. You might like to subscribe to my free e-newsletters, they are full of my best information on getting healthy again and staying that way. You can sign up from any page on my website. I’d be honored to help you in your health quest.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Hi Marnie,
I am currently starting chemo for breast cancer (er/pr- and her2+++)
I have only had one treatment and am having the worst time with painful constipation. The following week. The nausea was horrible so I had to take the nausea meds regularly. I was wondering if it was a good idea to do salt water flushes weekly while I was on chemo? I am also juicing and taking probiotics.
Thanks!
Anna,
I feel for you! I would strongly recommend you tell your oncologist about the constipation and see what they recommend. Juicing and probiotics will help you, and so will drinking plenty of water but I’m not sure salt water flushes are the best thing for you right now. I would be more inclined to have you find a herbalist and have them make up a herbal concoction to help you “go”. I have the recipe that I used in this article, I hope you find this useful: https://marnieclark.com/natural-remedies-for-chemo-related-constipation/
Wishing you healing and sending hugs,
Marnie
Hello Marnie
I have read all your wonderful advise to everyone and being diagnosed with this horrible desease is so daunting.
I had breast cancer in 2004 followed by radiotherapy for 6 weeks. I was not offered any tomoxifin or anything.
In 2010 I got it again this time on my breast bone. I underwent another 6 weeks of radiotherapy and letrazol.
I’ve been having checks since but in September of this year my blood marcas increased so I had a pet scan and they found 3 lessions if mastitis.
I have just found out by another tac scan that I have lesions on my liver.
I am now on chemo tablets and feel awful.
I did not know for all this time how so important it is to cleanse the liver after all these toxic drugs.
My question Marnie is what can I do to cleanse my liver while taking these tablets. I’m going to look into acupuncture as you have suggested as well. Any advice would really help me as I’m feeling very low right now and have no one to help me.
Thank you for listening
Best wishes
Hi Shirley,
Thanks for your comment. I have sent you a private email with some more information.
Warmest regards,
Marnie Clark
Hi, Marnie…I was diagnosed with Stage 3A Ovarian cancer, just had my 3rd chemo. tpday, 3 more to go (weekly)…I just took a 40 minute epsom salt bath – would it have been better to wait until after chemo. treatments? I’m feeling strong, I want to beat this!!
Dear Pam,
The epsom salt bath is a wonderful way to not only unwind but to help your body detox. Please enjoy them whenever you wish. If I can assist you with any coaching or information, I’m happy to help. Wishing you all the very best.
Warmest regards,
Marnie Clark
Can I use flax seed while on chemo for post op breast cancer gad a mysectomy of left breast remove 14 lymph nodes only one was affected just a little bit said the doctor doing great
Andrea,
Sorry for the delayed response. You most certainly can have flaxseed while on chemotherapy. It is safe and very helpful for so many different reasons. Check out this article: https://marnieclark.com/fatigue-in-breast-cancer-survivors-linked-to-inflammation/ In particular read the 15 best reasons to take flaxseed, and have a look at all the great research on flaxseed benefits. Hope this helps!
Best regards,
Marnie
I’am a 66 yr. old woman. diagnosed with breast cancer, non invasive, got in time. two surgery’s later and 18 rounds of radition, only followups to deal with now. I’m left tired , and not much desire to eat much. I want to detox, I’ve heard so much about it. but I’am afraid to try so soon, finished treatments( June 1st 2016) I want some adivise, please. & thankyou
Can you explain the differences between juicing and smoothies (where all the fruit/veggis are pureed in a blender)? So far I’ve been drinking smoothies with a combination of fruits and vegetables, however, your article and other recommendations have strongly suggested juicing. Thank you for this website!!!
Donna,
Sorry for taking so long to respond. Thanks for your kind words about my website. I do have an article on my website that will hopefully help to answer your question: https://marnieclark.com/the-benefits-of-juicing-for-breast-cancer-which-juicer-or-blender-to-use/ I think both juicing and making smoothies is a good idea. With juicing you get all of the nutrients and enzymes but not the fiber. So everything is absorbed quickly. With smoothies you also get that important fiber which helps to slow down absorption of fructose from any fruit you might be using, but you also get the nutrients and enzymes. It’s your call, really, but I’m a big fan of doing both. Hope this helps!
Warmest regards,
Marnie Clark
for juicing organic vegetables, with a vitamix, or a juicer, is one better than the other, or are they about the same?
Nick,
I get asked that question a lot. To answer, I’ll refer you to this article: https://marnieclark.com/the-benefits-of-juicing-for-breast-cancer-which-juicer-or-blender-to-use/ Hope that clarifies things a bit for you!
Warmest regards,
Marnie
So helpful, thank you so much
I enjoyed this article. I’m currently battling stage IV rectal cancer and have two more rounds of chemo therapy. I’m looking for a healthy detox after treatment to boost my system. I’ve been on and off chemo for the past 5 years as well as completing 28 days of radiation and multiple surgery’s.
Colon had been clear for the past 4 years, but it metastasized to the lungs ( in all lobes) that I’ve been fighting to clear. I’m beginning to look into a holistic path to fight this disease. Getting tired of the chemo and all it’s side effects. Any ideas or studies on how to cleanse the lungs?
Becca,
I think the very best use of your time and money would be to go and visit a Functional Medicine Doctor. They look very deeply into the body – right into your genes – to see what is going wrong and why you may not be healing. Often it is just a matter of a few genes that aren’t doing what they are supposed to and by adjusting your diet and supplements, and sometimes with pharmaceutical drugs they can get a complete response. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t heal from Stage IV cancer. It can be done! Another thing I would definitely spend time with is aromatherapy. By inhaling medicinal grade essential oils (not those cheap ones at the health food shop), you can directly influence the health of your lungs. Which ones? Nearly all of them have some form of action against cancer. See my list on my page: https://marnieclark.com/breast-health/essential-oils-for-overall-health-and-specific-health-problems/
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best.
Best wishes,
Marnie
I could really use some help, my body is full of chemo, toxins. How can I speed up the detoxification process. I drink a lot of water but from plastic water bottles. I’m at a loss any suggestions?
Hi Anna,
Thanks for your patience with my response. One of the best things you can do for yourself to eradicate chemo toxins and keep your body clear of other toxins is to take my course, Chemo Cleanse System. This course has been carefully put together with the help of a talented naturopath who has years of experience helping cancer patients to safely and effectively detox. Here’s the link to the information on my course: https://marnieclark.com/how-to-courses/chemo-cleanse-system-2/
If you have any questions, please contact me at info@marnieclark.com
Best regards,
Marnie