Tea Reducing Inflammation Caused by Cancer Treatment
As a third grader, I found out my friend’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was heartbroken to receive the news of her diagnosis, but I remember thinking to myself that since she was such a strong and resilient person, I had no doubt she would make it through. When I got home from school that evening, I hugged my mom extra tight and made sure to say, “I love you,” gaining newfound gratitude for the health of my family. It made me realize that happiness can turn to sadness in the blink of an eye. Fortunately, she did survive thanks to her strength and the treatment, entered remission, and is now living a full and healthy life. As I thought about cancer and my family and friends, the above story came to mind. The bodies of cancer patients are compromised not only by the disease spreading like wildfire inside of them, but also by the treatment, which puts a substantial amount of stress on the body leading to an increase in inflammation. So, I started to research how certain teas can help reduce inflammation caused by cancer treatment.
Two of the most common cancer treatments, chemotherapy and radiation, are known to cause debilitating side effects in nearly every patient that undergoes the typical standard of care. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause fatigue, nausea, and bowel issues, among other afflictions. Since chemotherapy travels throughout the body, it can affect healthy and functional cells as well, killing every fast-growing cell in sight. This triggers a pro-inflammatory response called cellular senescence or a blocking of the cell cycle, as the body attempts to heal itself. Therefore, chemotherapy results in “persistent local and systemic inflammation” throughout the body during treatment. Certain radiation also generates a pro-inflammatory environment, which causes damage to the small and large intestines, also known as radiation enteritis.
These symptoms can extend past treatment, and lead to a lifetime of chronic pain and inflammation. Luckily, there is a direct link between the consumption of certain kinds of tea and the relief of these side effects. Before taking any tea recommendations, patients should first check with their doctor or pharmacist to be sure that consuming a considerable amount of a specific ingredient will not cause more harm than good.
Green tea seems to be the most highly regarded type of tea by cancer researchers that mitigates the side effects of chemotherapy. Studies have shown that the combination of chemotherapy drugs and either green tea extract or tea polyphenols can both enhance the treatment experience and reduce the damaging side effects of these drugs on patients. It also limits the damage caused by free radicals, highly reactive molecules that can damage cells. Overall, the antioxidant properties and nutrients rid the body of toxins, and would therefore be helpful to consume between chemotherapy sessions to aid in the restoration of a patient’s immune system.
Other types of tea that reduce treatment-based inflammation are ginger tea, Rooibos tea, Earl Grey tea, and peppermint tea. Most teas are rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, and therefore work to relieve chronic inflammation in the body. Ginger tea is known to alleviate some of the most common cancer-treatment symptoms, soothing the stomach to relieve nausea, reduce inflammation, and facilitate digestion. Ginger contains gingerols and shogaols: two beneficial compounds that are specifically proven to be anti-inflammatory. Rooibos tea, a herbal tea with plentiful antioxidants, prevents the presence of too many unstable molecules in the body, also known as oxidative stress. It specifically targets inflammation in the gut, increasing the antioxidant capacity of the body to eliminate any unwanted materials. Earl Grey tea contains bergamot oil, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, especially to fight digestive issues. Finally, the soothing effects of peppermint tea can help to ease an unsettled stomach post-treatment.
There are many tea options that can diminish the pain and discomfort of treatment side effects. Despite these beneficial properties, teas should not be considered medical drugs or used as the only treatment for cancer.
Reflecting on a story from my past motivated me to spread awareness of the beneficial properties of tea for cancer patients. Unfortunately, the universal fight against cancer continues in the hope that someday a cure can be found. In the meantime, please think of tea as a natural remedy to soothe, heal, and strengthen the body.