As it’s been said many times before, cancer sucks. And not just because of the cancer itself, but also because of the treatment. Treatment that destroys cancer cells in many cases, which is good, but it often damages other parts of the body as well. It’s not always immediately either. Sometimes cancer survivors don’t see side effects of radiation and toxic chemotherapy for years. Survivors can experience fatigue, heart disease, thyroid disease and other types of cancer years later.
Fortunately, for me, even after having lymphoma multiple times, I’m still in relatively good shape. However, all of the treatment did impact me in negative ways. For example, after radiation to my chest, I’ve suffered damage to my heart. Miraculously though, I’m not exactly limited on what I’m allowed to do, but my heart disease has caused me problems and has required lengthy stays in the hospital.
So is there anything out there that can reverse any of the side effects of cancer treatment, or at least help survivors become stronger? Is there anything that could possibly support the heart after treatment for cancer?
Well, I’m not a doctor, nor am I a medical professional. However, D-Ribose, a natural sugar that is found in the body and in foods like beef, cheddar cheese, caviar and poultry, has been shown to do incredible things for people with heart disease. One study found that people with heart disease who took a D-Ribose supplement were able to exercise longer than others who didn’t, before having chest pain.
D-Ribose has also been shown in studies to help boost strength, prevent cramping and help those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). And since energy levels can be a major issue for those who have had cancer, D-Ribose sounds like it could be a good option for some survivors, in my opinion.
Note, you should never start an exercise routine or begin taking a supplement without talking to your doctor first. This is especially important if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications. Having said that, some doctors recommend taking 5 to 15 grams of D-Ribose daily. Many will recommend taking 5 grams of the supplement three times a day. But again, please check with your physician before taking any natural supplement.
Also, outside of taking any type of supplements. Personally, getting enough of sleep, working out and eating a healthy diet has helped me tremendously with both my heart and my energy levels.
