Coping with Psychological and Emotional Effects of Cancer on Patients and Their Families – The Mind-Body Connection

WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share For thousands of years, traditional healing systems such as those in Chinese medicine have embraced the role of the mind in the treatment and healing of diseases. Fast forward to the last century, we are now witnessing the same paradigm shift in western medicine along with a growing body of empirical science that is in support of this holistic approach towards healthcare. The attention to the mind-body connection is especially relevant in the treatment of cancer because the disease creates intense physical, psychological, and emotional pressure for the patient and their loved ones. Although less often talked about, the psychological and emotional effects of cancer can oftentimes be as overwhelming and debilitating as its physical toll. Emotional Effects of Cancer on Patients Before, during and after treatment, cancer patients are likely to experience a wide range of emotions that are foreign to them; feelings such as being out of control, anger, denial, sadness, fear, guilt, and helplessness. While these feelings are all normal, they can be unpleasant to experience. They can also be intense, and emotions can change rapidly by the day, the hour, or even minute to minute, possibly causing the patient to feel overwhelmed. Emotional Effects of Cancer on Families Family and friends of cancer patients may also experience these intense and complex emotional effects of cancer, depending on the closeness of each relationship. Sudden changes in roles, responsibilities, physical and emotional needs, as well as future plans, can cause feelings of isolation, insecurity, sadness, frustration, anger, and even resentment. For some families, facing the challenges of cancer together can strengthen their relationship. For others, the struggle to cope with the complicated emotions and lifestyle changes can lead them to experience intense and chronic psychological stress, which in turn, may create new problems and worsen existing ones. How do Our Minds and Body React to Stress? Psychological stress, or simply stress, is what we feel when we are under physical, mental, or emotional pressure. When we are under stress, our brain releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in the body. These hormones help us get ready to respond to stress, whether it is to run, fight, or even freeze. While small amounts of stress can be beneficial and healthy to us, excessive and long-term stress keeps the body trapped in a constant state of tension, also known as “fight or flight” mode. This often develops into physical and mental health problems. Image 1. Physical effects of long-term stress include a weaker immune system, and a greater risk of heart attacks, diabetes, and mental health disorders like depressive or anxiety disorders. In cancer patients, long-term psychological stress may influence a cancerous tumour’s ability to grow and spread, and may even affect cancer outcomes [2][3] In contrast, cancer patients who are able to manage their stressors are less at risk of developing depressive disorders, neurotic and adjustment disorders, and substance use disorders, which in turn significantly reduces their risk of premature death. [4][5] The same goes for families and caregivers of cancer patients. Partners of cancer patients, in particular, are expected to bear a large proportion of the stressors and burdens that follow in the course of cancer and are often at greater risk of these negative health outcomes. [6] Specifically, cancer caregiving has been related to increased blood pressure, dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, hypothalamic-pituitary–axis dysregulation, immune changes, and poor health-related behaviours. Those who are able to use effective coping strategies to manage their stressors, such as relaxation and stress management techniques, are more likely to experience decreased caregiver burden, decreased depression, and better adjustment. What You Can Do to Cope with Stress To quote Nido Qubein, “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” If you identify as part of this vulnerable population, then it is important to note that self-care and adequate coping and emotion regulation skills are necessary for the preservation of your health and well-being. Moving forward, the following coping strategies may serve to provide some desired relief. 1) Training in relaxation techniques, and stress management Cancer and its treatment put your body under constant stress and inflammation. Likewise, excessive stress from caregiving duties can result in compassion fatigue and poorer quality of living for caregivers and families of cancer patients. In such instances, mind-body relaxation techniques such as the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT; Image 2) and Tension Release Exercise (TRE; Image 3) can be beneficial in maintaining mental health. By releasing excess stress and tension through EFT and/or TRE you can help support your body’s proper physiological and psychological function. Image 2. EFT relies on fingertip tapping to apply pressure on 9 meridian points to reduce the stress or negative emotion you feel from your stressor, ultimately restoring balance to your disrupted energy. [7] Image 3. Tension and Trauma Release Exercise (TRE) is a somatic-based approach comprised of a series of exercises that safely stimulates your psoas muscles – these muscles are where we often store physical, emotional, and psychological stress in our bodies over the course of our lives. The shaking, or neurogenic tremors, can result in a release of deep tension, stress, and trauma, which helps the body to return back to a state of balance. [8] EFT and TRE interventions are especially good for when You are stressed and anxious You don’t feel like talking about your stress Have difficulty sleeping Would like a way to support mind-body-spirit wellness 2) Talk therapy Negative thoughts and emotions can create stress in our lives by affecting the way we feel, and colouring our experiences so that many other things that we experience seem more overwhelming. Talk therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy have been consistently found to be effective in the treatment of severe stress. [9][10] However, you don’t need to be experiencing severe stress

Exercises For Cancer Patients: It’s More Important Than You Think!

WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share If you are a cancer warrior, you are not alone in wondering how long after you are done with treatments should you start an exercise routine, especially when you may be feeling fatigue and nausea from treatments. The best way to find out is to consult your oncologist and care team! Research found, those who exercised regularly had 40% to 50% less fatigue, the primary complaint during treatment. [1] Today, we will share more on how exercise can help cancer patients and specific exercises for cancer patients to practise. Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients [2] According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guideline 2nd edition, cancer survivors (post-treatment) should engage in regular physical activity to reap the health benefits of it. For adults with breast, colon, or prostate cancer, greater amounts of physical activity help to lower the risk of dying from their cancer. Cancer survivors who are physically active have a better quality of life, improved fitness and physical function, and experience less fatigue. Physical activity also plays a role in reducing the adverse effects of cancer treatment, in particular, some cancer patients are at increased risk of heart disease and physical activity can help reduce this risk. As cancer prevention, being physically active significantly lowers the risk of developing cancer. Research shows that adults participating in greater amounts of physical activity have reduced risks of developing cancers of the Breast, Colon, Lung, Bladder, Endometrium, Oesophagus, Kidney and Stomach. Therefore, it is beneficial to engage in exercise at all stages of cancer – pre, during and post-treatment. Recommended Amount And Type Of Exercise For Cancer Patients The following recommendations are general guidelines from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. Cancer patients should adjust the intensity and frequency of activity according to their body condition. If unsure, it is best to consult a professional for an activity plan tailored to each individual’s ability. TCM’s approach towards cancer management is a personalised one which takes into consideration the type and stage of the cancer, the type of western treatment used, and the general body constitution of the patient. Hence, it is best for all cancer patients to consult a licensed TCM practitioner for a treatment and diet plan tailored to their specific needs. That being said, there are still some easily accessible foods that cancer patients can safely incorporate into their own diet during and after chemotherapy/radiotherapy to combat the known side effects of these treatments. a) Cardiovascular Training Cardiovascular exercises are also known as aerobic exercises, these are activities that get your heart pumping. Most people think of running and swimming when it comes to cardio activity but there are many other types of cardio exercises with varying levels of intensity. Always start with low-intensity activities before progressing your way up. The key is to ensure you work out at a pace and intensity that your body can handle. It is recommended to perform 150 – 300 mins of moderate-intensity cardio exercise a week. To meet this, you can opt for moderate-intensity, vigorous-intensity activities or a combination of both. It takes less time to get the same benefit from vigorous-intensity activities as compared to moderate-intensity activities. As a general rule of thumb, 2 mins of moderate-intensity activity counts the same a 1 min of vigorous-intensity activity [2] Pro-tip: It is best to spread out your aerobic (cardio) exercise evenly through the week. For example, the patient can work out 5 times a week, each time doing a 30min session of moderate-intensity exercise. This adds up to at least 150mins/week. Recommended cardio exercises for cancer patients: 1. Power Walking (moderate-intensity activity) Simply pick up the pace, you don’t have to power walk like professional athletes! This is a great option for an easy low-impact cardio workout and is suitable for those with a weaker body. Otherwise, normal walking is also counted as cardiovascular exercise. Even a 10 min walk can benefit your heart health. [3] 2. Hula-Hooping (moderate-intensity activity) https://youtu.be/d9e4R-j0PWI For a family-friendly activity, try hula-hooping with your children! It can provide similar results to other types of cardio activities like dancing. There are weighted and regular hula hoop options – both are a good way to get your cardio workout. [4] 3. Swimming (vigorous-intensity activity) It is a low-impact form of cardio workout that protects your joints and at the same time keeps your heart rate up. It is also a great full-body workout! 4. Trampoline Rebounding (vigorous-intensity activity) https://youtu.be/U8Blm2irGQE Sounds like a child’s activity but it is more beneficial for your health than you expect! Not only does rebounding on the trampoline work your heart, but it also improves your lymphatic circulation. Rebounding on the trampoline can aid the opening and closing of your lymphatic valves simultaneously to increase lymph flow by as much as 15x. [5] With better lymphatic flow, toxins and harmful substances are filtered and cleared by the immune system more effectively which thus improves your immunity. Rebounding on a trampoline also prevents excessive pressure on your joints so that you can work out for a longer period of time without affecting your joints!  Read more about your lymphatic system 5. Cycling (vigorous-intensity activity) A highly versatile form of exercise where you can choose to ride on a flat path or on tougher terrains if you are up for a challenge. Cycling is a good cardio workout that strengthens your lower body (legs, hips and glutes) but at the same time gentle on your back, hips, knees and ankles. [6] We recommend taking your bike out for a ride at the nearby park to enjoy the fresh air. Otherwise, a stationary bike at the gym does the trick too. b) Muscle-strengthening Training Muscle-strengthening activities of moderate/greater intensity involve working the major muscle groups of the body – the legs, hips, back, chest, abdomen, shoulders, and

Yoga for Cancer Patients and Survivors | Pranayama Breathing Technique for Recovery

WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share Cancer can be a terrifying ordeal for many due to the painful treatment regimens, stress and emotional trauma. During the patient’s journey to cancer recovery, they often experience sleep disturbance, anxiety and fatigue on top of the stress of usual life challenges. Today we share more about yoga for cancer patients and survivors as well as practical breathing exercises that cancer patients can do from the comforts of their home! Despite numerous improvements and advancements made in cancer treatment, there is a lack of effective symptom management solutions. Even with pharmacological interventions targeting cancer-related fatigue, the effects of these drugs often vary depending on the individual’s condition. As a form of behavioural intervention, Pranayama (Yogic Breathing Techniques) practice is a great tool that can help ease discomforts that cancer patients and survivors experience – we highly recommend this type of yoga for recovery! What is Pranayama? It is common for us to hear about Yoga, but what exactly is Pranayama? Pranayama is the 4th limb of the eight-field path of Yoga, which works with the mind and the organs of respiration. It is both a physical practice and a form of meditation. When broken down, ‘Prana’ can mean life force or breath, and ‘Ayama’ is control or regulation. Hence, Pranayama can be known as the regulation of breath. The goal of Pranayama is to strengthen the connection between the body and mind as well as promote relaxation and mindfulness. Through controlling the breath, this practice helps supply the body with oxygen while removing toxins, allowing the practitioners to reap physiological healing and health benefits. How can Pranayama help with Cancer? While Pranayama cannot cure cancer, it can help patients cope with the symptoms associated with cancer treatment as well as heal the mental-emotional stress they experienced in their cancer journey. It is a safe and effective way to counteract many of the negative physical and emotional effects of cancer. The goal of Pranayama is to strengthen the connection between the body and mind as well as promote relaxation and mindfulness. Through controlling the breath, this practice helps supply the body with oxygen while removing toxins, allowing the practitioners to reap physiological healing and health benefits. Benefits of Pranayama for cancer patients 1. Relieve Fatigue Based on the British Journal of Cancer, fatigue is one of the most prevalent cancer-related symptoms and it often causes the most adverse impact on the patient’s functional abilities and quality of life. Several studies conducted have shown that an increase in the Pranayama practice is correlated with a decrease in fatigue observed in patients. [1][2] 2. Reduce Stress Battling cancer does not only affect the physical body but also emotional and mental health. Cancer journeys can be stressful and may cause patients to feel depressed and anxious. Pranayama can reduce stress levels by supporting the parasympathetic nervous system, activating what is commonly known as the “relaxation response”. A 2013 study showed that Pranayama can improve one’s perceived level of stress! [3] 3. Improve Sleep When your body is under constant physical and mental stress, it can keep you from falling asleep and staying asleep. Pranayama can help with insomnia and make it easier for cancer patients to relax at night. It is possible to feel Pranayama’s effects with just 5 minutes of practice. According to a study, breathing rates and heart rates slowed down within 5 minutes of Bhramari Pranayama (a breathing technique) practice. This calms the body down and prepares cancer patients for restful sleep. [4] 4. Increase Mindfulness Breathing is something we normally do without giving much thought to it. But when practising Pranayama, it is important for one to be aware of the breath and how it feels. The practise focuses on the present moment, not the past or the future – this is what we mean by mindfulness. Research has shown, those who practice Pranayama display a higher level of mindfulness in comparison to those who do not. They are also able to regulate their emotions better, showing less signs of aggression. [5] So let’s get started on the practice! Today, we will be sharing 3 simple Yogic Breathing exercises that you can do at home to ease symptoms and ailments resulting from cancer or cancer treatments. For cancer patients and survivors who are unfamiliar with the Pranayama practice, consult your doctor before trying these. As everyone’s condition is different, it is important to seek precautionary advice from a health professional. Always remember to listen to your body as you do not want to push yourself to the point of pain or excessive discomfort. Exercise 1: Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing) Benefits: Relax your body and mind, reduce anxiety, induce deeper sleep, and promote overall well-being. How to practice 1. With a thumb, hold down your right nostril to allow inhalation only through the left. Take a deep breath. 2. Close your left nostril with your ring finger and exhale slowly through the right. 3. In the same position, inhale with your right nostril. 4. Close the right nostril with your thumb and exhale slowly through the left. 5. Repeat this sequence for 10 rounds. Exercise 2: Bhramari Pranayama (Humming Bee Breath) Benefits: Relax your body and mind, reduce anxiety, induce deeper sleep, and promote overall well-being. How to practice 1. Sit in any comfortable crossed-leg position with back and neck erect. 2. Keep your tongue to the upper palate and close the lips. 3. Close your ears with thumbs and cover eyes with remaining fingers. 4. Inhale deeply and produce the humming bee sound while exhaling from the throat. 5. Continue this practice for 10 rounds. Exercise 3: Hands In & Out Breathing Benefits: Overcome fatigue, make the mind more active to carry on with your day and promote overall well-being How to practice 1. Sit with your back erect and lengthen the arms in the front

Best Foods To Eat During And After Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy | The TCM Way

WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the two most common cancer treatments based on Western medicine. Though effective, these treatments are also known to cause serious side effects on the human body, some of which manifest in the form of hair loss, fatigue, dry skin, and mouth ulcers. Other serious long-term side effects include damage to important organs in our body, such as the heart, kidneys, reproductive organs, and nerve endings. These side effects may be so debilitating that it prevents patients from completing their cancer treatment. However, there are many ways to alleviate the side effects of cancer and its treatment, one of which is through food! Today, we share some of the best foods to eat during and after chemo- and radiotherapy from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective. How conventional treatments work Simply put, both radio- and chemotherapy treat cancer by killing the cells that grow and divide quickly in the body. However, this process does not discriminate between cancer and healthy cells — normal cells are also destroyed in the process. From a TCM perspective, such damage to healthy cells results in the deficiency of the body’s Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang. As such, it is essential for cancer patients to adopt a diet and lifestyle that can help alleviate these deficiencies and boost the body’s immune system. TCM Approach to Cancer and Food For Cancer Patients https://youtu.be/ii7OFzuGlfg TCM’s approach towards cancer management is a personalised one which takes into consideration the type and stage of the cancer, the type of western treatment used, and the general body constitution of the patient. Hence, it is best for all cancer patients to consult a licensed TCM practitioner for a treatment and diet plan tailored to their specific needs. That being said, there are still some easily accessible foods that cancer patients can safely incorporate into their own diet during and after chemotherapy/radiotherapy to combat the known side effects of these treatments. 1) Foods to Alleviate Yin Deficiency Symptoms (e.g. dryness, hot flashes, insomnia…) From a TCM perspective, when radiotherapy makes use of radiation energy to kill cancer cells, this damages the body’s Yin energy and results in Yin deficiency syndrome. Common symptoms of Yin deficiency include dry eyes, dry skin and lips, constant feeling of thirst, hair loss, hot flashes, hard stools, and even insomnia. In extreme cases, a severe lack of Yin in our body may even topple the delicate Yin-Yang balance in our body, resulting in both Yin and Yang deficiencies. To prevent this, we recommend eating foods such as white fungus, black fungus, wolfberries, and bird’s nest. Consuming these foods on a regular basis is beneficial to the restoration of the body’s Yin and will help alleviate symptoms of dryness and insomnia. 2) Foods to Replenish Qi and Boost Energy (for lethargy, exhaustion, poor immunity) The non-discriminatory nature of chemotherapy (where healthy cells are also destroyed) depletes our body’s Qi, thereby weakening our immunity. Cancer patients who are deficient in Qi may find themselves easily exhausted and more susceptible to illnesses. Foods that replenish Qi include Huang Qi, Cordyceps, Ginseng, and Ling Zhi. Fuss-free 5 ingredient soup recipe for a Qi and immunity boost (Serves 1) Pro-tip: Choose Premium (Wild) Huang Qi They are grown naturally in the wild which means they are free of chemicals and pesticides. Premium Huang Qi also contains a higher concentration of bioactive ingredients which helps to support the immune system and provide antioxidant effects. 3) Foods to Target Blood Deficiency Symptoms (e.g. fatigue, dizziness, hair loss, menstrual irregularities…) Since Qi is needed for stimulating Blood production in TCM, some cancer patients may also experience symptoms of Blood deficiency if their Qi and immunity has been affected by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Symptoms of Blood deficiency include pallor, fatigue, dizziness, hair loss, and even irregularities in menstrual cycles for women. Foods like black fungus, red meat, longan and red date tea are beneficial to patients with Blood deficiencies. Patients with both Qi and Blood deficiencies are also encouraged to consume moderate amounts of lean meats in the form of soup or broth. Add pandan leaves to the brew for extra fragrance – it helps detox too! Apart from eating healthy foods, establishing a healthy lifestyle is just as important for a cancer patient. Patients are advised to get rid of health-damaging habits like smoking and alcohol consumption, and avoid overconsuming processed, sugary, and fried foods. Try these ready-to-boil soup packs that alleviates all of the above symptoms Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is the key to mitigating the negative side effects of chemo- and radio-therapies. Once again, this article serves as a general guideline for cancer patients seeking to improve their diet for cancer support. We recommend consulting a licensed TCM physician for careful assessment and a more holistic and personalized diet plan. If you are a cancer warrior who is looking to support your cancer journey with TCM, call/WhatsApp us at +65 8087 0486 to book an appointment with our bilingual physicians. This article is written by Senior Physician Mei Yun. Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only. Such medical information may relate to disease, injury, drugs and other treatments, medical devices and/or health products. Medical information does not amount to advice, and if advice is needed an appropriate professional help should be sought. The disclaimer asserts that no warranties or representations are given in respect of the medical information, and that the website operator should not be held liable if a user suffers any injury or loss after relying upon the medical information. RELATED TOPICS

5 Strategies For Cancer Patients To Eat Right During And After Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy

WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share A collaboration with Nutritional Therapist Katherine Khoo from Aman Wellness Written by Katherine Khoo Our nutritional status directly impacts our body’s metabolism. Too much or too little of a certain nutrient, affects our cellular metabolism. This is true for all cells, including cancer cells. Our nutritional status plays an important role in preventing cancer development and cancer growth. I know that many people are well aware of the importance of eating right during cancer treatment. However, not many know how to eat right, to complement their treatment. In this article, I will be sharing my take on this question – what is “eating right” for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy? What is an ideal cancer diet plan? I laid out 5 strategies, in partnership with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Physicians from Oriental Remedies Group, to help you plan your diet during and after cancer treatment. 1. Calorie matters Use calorie counting apps to track your calories objectively 📝 For cancer, calories do matter. Numerous studies have shown that dietary energy reductions (calorie reduction) significantly reduces the growth and progression of several types of cancers including mammary, colon, brain, prostate, lung, and pancreas. Calorie reduction is best practised on individuals that are still in relatively good health. It is important to note that calorie reduction is not the same as starvation. Calorie reduction is different from the once-popular Super Low-Calorie Diet, which recommended an intake of only 800 calories a day or less. My recommendation is a slight calorie reduction of 5% to 10%, this reduction has been shown to have a positive effect on cancer. As an example, if a cancer patient’s daily caloric requirement is 2000 calories, then a slight reduction of 100 to 200 calories daily is recommended. 100 calorie reduction is about ½ bowl of rice. Thus, by just reducing ½ bowl of rice daily, a cancer patient could be creating a positive effect on his or her treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine DIY acupressure can aid appetite control It can be difficult for you to control your appetite at times. Physicians at Oriental Remedies Group (ORG) recommend these common acupoints that you can massage in the comforts of your home to help with natural appetite suppression. Acupuncture can also help with anxiety for patients who may still be feeling shocked or anxious about their diagnosis. Acupoint 1 – Hunger point and Stomach point (Ear acupuncture) Source: BMJ Journals Auricular acupuncture was found to be able to suppress Ghrelin production. Ghrelin is a hormone produced by the cells of the stomach. It is often called the “hunger hormone” because its production increases food intake. Blood levels of Ghrelin are often highest before meals and lower after mealtimes. Suppression of Ghrelin production can thus make one feel more satiated by decreasing gastric activity and gastric acid secretion. Both Hunger point and Stomach point are both easily accessible. Stomach point can be found at the point where the crus of helix ends, also known as the 4th zone of the concha auriculae. Hunger point can be found at the lower tip of the anterior free margin of the tragus. These points can be easily stimulated by pressing hard on said point using a finger by using ear beads that can be stuck on to the point for continued stimulation up to a week. Stimulation of the points can be done for 5-10 minutes before mealtime to achieve the best effect. Acupoint 2 – Nei Ting acupoint ST 44 Source: Modern Reflexology Nei Ting acupoint is an important point for purging heat from the Stomach meridian. Heat that accumulates in the Stomach meridian can cause pathogenic Fire leading to excessive hunger. Massage and acupuncture of this point can help purge heat in the meridian and aid in lowering the intensity of hunger pangs. Massage by moving the second and third toe apart using your left hand and rubbing the acupoint using your right index finger. Another way is to soak your feet in warm water, making sure the water level exceeds that of Nei Ting acupoint. 2. Processed vs Unprocessed White bread, biscuits and even instant oats sold in supermarkets are also processed! As much as possible, eat wholesome, unprocessed foods. Avoid all processed foods during this phase. Processing food removes nutrients from the food that your body requires to recover after cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Processed food contains chemicals like preservatives and food colourings are added to increase shelf life and make the product more visually appealing. Various articles and reports have been published stating the dangers of these food additives when consumed in huge quantities. Some of these additives are known to increase the risk of asthma, allergies, inflammation, and cancer. In conclusion, it is best to avoid highly processed food items. There are many local organic farms in Singapore that sell their fresh produce online giving you farm to home options for fresh fruits and vegetables. Source your fresh vegetables, fruits, and even cooking herbs from them! Traditional Chinese Medicine natural herbs can further support your recovery Eat herbs that are high in antioxidants Increased oxidative stress can reduce the body’s antioxidant defence against angiogenesis and spread of cancer cells. Hence, eating a diet with herbs full of antioxidants can reduce this oxidative stress. Common TCM herbs used by cancer patients are Huang Qi 黄芪 (Astragalus) and Ling Zhi 灵芝, both of which are very high in antioxidants. Select high-quality herbs that are free from chemicals and pesticides For example, opt for naturally grown Huang Qi that is harvested from the wild. Naturally grown Huang Qi 黄芪 has a higher concentration of bioactive ingredients that gives the herb its antioxidant, immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory properties. Make it easy for yourself to incorporate herbs into your diet Many TCM herb suppliers have put together convenient herbal soup packs that are easy for busy patients to add to their daily soups. Find a herbal soup pack that is most suited