Understanding the Use of Alternative Medicine for Thyroid Cancer

The thyroid is a butterfly shaped endocrine gland located in the front of the neck. It regulates growth and metabolism by secreting T3 and T4 hormones. There are approximately twenty thousand new cases of thyroid cancer in the United States every year. There are four different types of thyroid cancer. The most common types are papillary and follicular thyroid cancer and these are generally easy to treat. Medullary and anaplastic thyroid cancers are rarer and more difficult to treat.

Conventional medical treatments for this type of cancer include chemotherapy, the use of radioactive iodine and sometimes the complete removal of the thyroid. If the thyroid is removed the patient will need to take regular doses of Thyroid hormone in order to survive. As well as considering conventional treatments people with this disease should also keep an open mind to thyroid cancer alternative medicine.

It is very difficult to fight any illness if your attitude towards it is negative. Becoming depressed and giving in will not improve an individual’s chances of recovery. The therapeutic disciplines of alternative medicine are designed to help the patient remain mentally and emotionally strong. Therapeutic practices used to treat thyroid cancer are no different from skin cancer alternative medicine. In fact they are suitable for people with all forms of cancer. Therapeutic treatments include yoga, meditation, massage, relaxation techniques, acupuncture and aromatherapy. These thyroid cancer alternative medicine practices help the patient to feel that they are doing something to fight back.

Thyroid cancer alternative medicine also comprises taking responsibility for your physical health in terms of diet, exercise and home care. For example, following a diet that includes plenty of whole unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, fiber, whole grains and healthy fats is a significant part of thyroid cancer alternative medicine. It is also a good idea to avoid eating junk food or processed food products that are high in fat and bad cholesterol. Thyroid cancer patients may also wish to consider trying a detoxification diet to clean out the colon, liver and kidneys. Of course these dietary amendments work when combined with regular exercise.

There are various herbs and supplements that can be used as a part of thyroid cancer alternative medicine too. For instance green tea, olive leaf, ginseng and vitamin C can be taken to boost immunity and there are also Chinese herbal formulas that some people have found helpful. Remember that the key to successfully and safely using thyroid cancer alternative medicine is to work with your doctor and include them in all of your decisions.