Lymph is clear fluid which carries wastes drained from the circulatory and immune systems. Lymph nodes are clusters of small sacs that are found in the neck, under the armpits, and in the groin. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to filter lymph and blood and to help fight infections via the production of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) which keep the immune system primed.
Lymphoma is a term for tumours, which are usually malignant, derived from lymphocytes and arise in the lymph nodes or other lymphoid tissues (lymph vessels, thymus, tonsils, bone marrow spleen).
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma can essentially be asymptomatic in the beginning and often the first sign of lymphoma is a painless swelling (pea-sized) of any one of the lymph nodes, fevers, chills, night sweats, lack of energy and weight loss. These symptoms may be confused or mistaken for the flu or glandular fever and the differential diagnosis is that the symptoms do not subside but continue on after two weeks or months or even years.
In regards to supporting the immune system before or after treatment, Naturopathic medicine aims to support and there are many nutrients which are important, these include:- Anti-oxidants such as Vitamins A, C, E and Zinc help to build immunity and also protect healthy cells from being destroyed during radiation therapy/ chemotherapy.
- Cancer is an opportunistic problem that survives and thrives in an acidic environment, it is therefore beneficial to alkalise the blood stream to hopefully reduce any aggravation or spreading of the cancer.
- Herbal teas such as Green Tea, Chamomile, Peppermint and Ginger may help with any nausea, digestive complaints and also protect healthy cells if you decide on medical treatment of the lymphoma.
- Chinese Medicine has used Reishi Mushrooms, Shitake Mushrooms and Maitake Mushrooms in cancer therapy as a trophorestorative for immune function. They are also protective to the liver if you decide on orthodox medical treatments, they stimulate phagocytes (destroy unhealthy cells), induce interferon (activation of immune cells) and are anti-tumoural in action. The brand Fusion Health manufacture a supplement called Astra 8 Immune Tonic which contains many of these herbs.
- Other herbs to assist in immune function, provide anti-oxidants and cleanse and build blood are Astragalus, Olive Leaf extract, Grape Seed, Milk Thistle, Curcumin, Atractylodes, Red Clover, Green Tea and Polygonum.
It may be beneficial for you to see a Naturopath professionally so that they can tailor make a herbal tincture specific for your needs. If you decide to use herbal medicine to help increase immunity and health please inform your GP and specialist as any interactions between medications and herbs needs to be monitored.
Increase the following foods to alkalise the blood:- Fresh fruits (organic where possible) e.g. apples, berries, pineapple, honey dew etc
- Fresh vegetables (organic where possible) e.g. green leafy vegies, carrots, etc
- Green Barley powder is a blood cleanser and alkaliser
- Lean protein sources - tofu, legumes, unsalted raw nuts and seeds and nut butters, and fish
- Hydration - drink at least 2 litres of filtered water daily and fresh vegetable juices
- Wholegrains and complex carbohydrates brown rice, rye, oats, millet etc and breads free of yeast and wheat
- Oils such as cold pressed olive oil, olives, avocado, unsalted raw nuts and seeds
- Use herbal teas to help promote liver function, some suggestions are Dandelion, Burdock, Chicory, Peppermint, Chamomile and Ginger
- Begin each day with a warm lemon drink, squeeze half a lemon into a small glass of warm water from the kettle.
Avoid or eliminate the following foods:
- Drinks: alcohol, coffee/tea/caffeine containing drinks, soft drinks and cordial
- Fruit: dried fruit and grapefruit and oranges
- Protein: red meat, processed deli meats, peanut paste
- Dairy foods: (small amount natural yoghurt is ok) such as milk, processed cheese, ice cream, cream
- Fats: saturated fats and Trans-fatty acids (margarine, canola oil, deep fried fatty foods)
- Carbohydrates: wheat, refined carbohydrates e.g. white bread, pasta, bakery foods, cakes and biscuits.
- Yeasted breads, foods with a high content of sugar, processed and preserved foods, tinned foods and refined foods.
- Avoid any foods you may be sensitive or allergic to, common allergens are citrus fruits, corn, wheat, nuts and milk products
- Avoid cigarette smoking and the use of recreational drugs.
In regard to your question regarding swimming pools, salt water pools are generally the better option to choose as salt water holds a different pH level, contains minerals, cleansing and less damaging to the skin and respiratory system and has more negative (health giving) ions when compared to chlorinated pools. Salt water pools do still require small amounts of Chlorine chemical to ensure that it is clean and bacteria free by increasing the amount of oxygen in the water.