Natural treatments for AML: what you need to know

There is no natural treatment option for AML more effective than chemotherapy.

Some studies suggest that natural remedies may slow the growth of cancer or kill cancer cells. However, this research is preliminary, and in most cases researchers have looked at cancer in the laboratory rather than in the human body.

Using natural therapies alongside medical treatment can sometimes relieve symptoms or improve a person’s quality of life during treatment.

However, it is essential to discuss natural or complementary therapies with an oncologist before trying them. This is to ensure that they do not interfere with any other treatment a person is receiving.

Herbal Remedies

Traditional medicine practitioners and herbalists use plants and other natural remedies to treat a variety of symptoms, including those associated with cancer. There is no conclusive evidence that herbs can cure AML. However, research into the potential health uses of plants continues.

Some potentially useful plants include:

Formosan spurge

Euphorbia formosana is a cactus-like plant that practitioners use in herbal medicine. No recent research has tested its use against AML.

However, a 2013 study suggests some advantages. In the laboratory, the study found that the plant root extract was effective in slowing or stopping the growth of leukemia cells.

Avocado B

Avocado B, a lipid found in avocados, may slow the growth of leukemia, a study suggests. article 2017 review previous research. In the laboratory, avocado B induced AML cell death.

In a 2016 study AML cancer cells, researchers found that avocado B could increase the effectiveness of induction chemotherapy drugs.

Feverfew

Research suggests that a chemical found in feverfew, called parthenolide, may kill leukemia cells. However, these studies have primarily focused on feverfew in the laboratory, not in the human body, and most research on the subject is dated.

For example, a older study from 2005 suggests that parthenolide could destroy AML cells, but not normal blood cells. This study took place in a laboratory setting and did not involve human subjects.

A more recent study from 2017 found that modified forms of parthenolide could kill AML more effectively than unmodified parthenolide. Again, this study observed cells in the laboratory.

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine

Acupuncture draws on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), targeting specific points on the body to redirect the flow of energy. TCM also uses medicinal plants to improve health. Practitioners have used it for thousands of years to treat various disorders.

A 2017 study found that people who use TCM along with more typical AML treatments have a longer survival rate. Researchers need to conduct more research to test this finding.

Some research suggests that acupuncture may improve AML symptoms. For example, a 2019 study A study of 60 people with AML who had stem cell transplants found that those who had acupuncture needed less pain medication than those who had sham acupuncture.

The study did not find that acupuncture cures AML. However, this suggests that it could improve quality of life.

Dietary changes

In general, there is no evidence to suggest that changing a person’s diet can provide additional protection against AML. Instead, people should follow safe food handling guidelines, such as washing contaminated surfaces to reduce the risk foodborne infections.

According to Leukemia and Lymphoma SocietySome healthcare professionals recommend a neutropenic diet to help people who have or are at risk of developing neutropenia. Neutropenia is a condition in which a person has low levels of a specific type of white blood cell, making them more vulnerable to infections.

This diet involves:

• avoid raw or undercooked foods
• wash fruits and vegetables
• avoid soft cheeses
• eat pasteurized foods
• avoid buffets or other serving options that may contaminate food

Lifestyle changes

Certain lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of cancer coming back. Smoking is a risk factor for AML, therefore stop smoking could reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

Exercise can improve overall health and therefore alleviate some symptoms of AML. A Meta-analysis 2016 Previous studies of exercise for AML have found that it improves mobility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscle strength in people with AML. However, this did not alleviate mental health symptoms, fatigueor improve quality of life.

Complementary therapies are approaches that people use in addition to medical treatments, while alternative medicines aim to replace medical treatment. Science does not support the use of alternative medicine to treat cancer.

Avoiding medical treatment can shorten a person’s life and prolong their suffering, especially if they avoid all medical treatment, including palliative care.

People who want to stop trying life-prolonging treatments, such as chemotherapy, may choose to try alternative therapies.

However, they should consult a doctor about medications that may reduce pain, even if they want to avoid chemotherapy. For example, a person may try acupuncture and avoid chemotherapy while taking painkillers.

Complementary therapy is the safest natural treatment option since it complements rather than replaces proven treatments.