Tag Archives: Chocolate

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Research, Immunotherapy, Living with Cancer

Keep an Eye on Your Thyroid While in Being Treated with Immunotherapy

Keep an Eye on Your Thyroid
Keep an Eye on Your Thyroid

Immunotherapy treatments for cancer provide an alternative to radiation and other traditional forms of treatment, but they can lead to a higher risk of thyroid problems in some patients. A recent study conducted by Dr. Paul G. Walfish and colleagues at Mount Sinai Hospital showed an association between certain immunotherapy approaches to metastatic cancers and a greater risk of painless thyroiditis syndrome.

Thyroid Symptoms to Watch For

Painless thyroiditis syndrome, also known as silent thyroiditis, occurs when your thyroid gland becomes inflamed. It typically causes your thyroid gland to become overactive at first, which is a condition called hyperthyroidism. After a few months, your thyroid can become underactive, leading to hypothyroidism. Thyroiditis is treatable, but it can cause complications when you’re undergoing immunotherapy. Catching it early can help reduce this risk.

You might not experience any signs of hyperthyroidism, but it’s still important to know what symptoms to watch for. Common symptoms include:

  • Higher sensitivity to heat
  • Sudden unexplained weight loss
  • Irregular heartbeat, palpitations or rapid heartbeat
  • Nervousness or irritability

If painless thyroiditis syndrome advances to hypothyroidism, you might notice the following:

  • Higher sensitivity to cold temperatures
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Joint or muscle soreness

When you’re undergoing immunotherapy, one of the most important cancer care tips to follow is watching for any signs of an overactive or underactive thyroid. If you notice any, let your doctor know right away so you can have your thyroid tested and treated promptly if needed. This can help lower the risk of additional complications during your immunotherapy treatments.

For more information on types of immunotherapy for cancer, please contact Issels®. Our medical experts can help you choose the right treatment for your condition.

Cancer Survivors, Living with Cancer

Five Tips to Keeping Healthy After Cancer Treatment

Immune System Building Foods
Tips for After Care

Cancer after care is a vital aspect of ensuring you or a loved one lives a happy, healthy life for years to come. Here are just a few of the best cancer after care tips to help cultivate a long and fulfilling life.

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Get into the habit of enjoying a wider variety of fruits, vegetables and other foods rich in vitamins. Selecting low fat alternatives when buying milk or butter can also help reduce weight gain, cholesterol and overall promote better well-being.

2. Stay Active

Along with proper diet, exercising on a regular basis is an excellent way to promote better health during cancer after care. Morning or evening walks, running and bicycling just a few days a week can have a very positive impact on your health.

3. Avoid Alcohol or Tobacco

It is extremely important to avoid tobacco products or alcohol during cancer after care. Any dangerous, potentially habit forming substances can present a major obstacle to living a healthy life following cancer treatment.

4. Visit the Doctor Often

Keeping in touch with your doctor on a regular basis is integral to successful cancer after care. Do not hesitate to discuss concerns, recent changes in health or issues with medication you may be encountering.

5. Keep a Good Attitude

Having a good attitude tends to put everything into perspective, often changing the way we see the world around us. Remaining optimistic will certainly improve health, alleviate stress and promote better cancer after care.

If you would like to learn more about alternative cancer treatments and today’s best cancer after care programs, Contact Issels® today about any questions you may have on if the Issels Treatment® may be right for you.

Alternative Cancer Treatment, Cancer Research

Chocolate Does Your Body Good!

The hidden health benefits of dark chocolate.
The hidden health benefits of dark chocolate.

Even cancer patients who are focused on healthy eating and improving nutritional intake should partake of a bit of Valentine’s Day chocolate from last week’s festivities. A bite of chocolate doesn’t just excite our taste buds; chocolate contains potent antioxidants that work to promote good health.Researchers are discovering that chocolate has positive metabolic benefits that may outweigh its weight-boosting potential. If you choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate, which contains more sugar and fat, you tip the health- balance even further in your favor.

The health benefits of eating dark chocolate are:

  1. Works to free your body of anti-oxidants that cause aging and a cause for cancer.
  2. Contains theobromine which has been shown to harden tooth enamel.
  3. High in potassium, magnesium, and copper – trace minerals your body needs.
  4. Helps to control blood sugar.
  5. Can work to lower your blood pressure
  6. Increases blood flow to your brain and heart.

You can read more about the benefits of eating dark chocolate in this article at WebMD to understand more about the role this simple sweet can play to positively impact our bodies even at the metabolic level.

Cancer patients may want to consider adding dark chocolate sweets to their diet, albeit in small quantities, throughout the week. Not only will this provide for an occasional treat, but these small treats may unlock the “hidden” health benefits that dark chocolate carries. Don’t consider these small sweet treats bad for your new healthy eating plan, but that they may actually be a benefit for your special dietary needs.