Natural Strategies and Treatments for Managing Lung Cancer Symptoms

Lung cancer is primarily categorized into small cell and non-small cell types. Rare cases include lung carcinoid tumors, characterized by rapid cell growth. While a definitive cure is unavailable, symptom relief can be achieved through dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and targeted medications.

Dietary Choices

Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and kale are beneficial due to their high content of glucosinolates, folate, flavonoids, vitamin C, fiber, beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These compounds may combat cancer cell activity.

Fruits

Pear and apple consumption supplies phloretin, which may reduce lung fibrosis risk during treatment. Berries like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and cranberries contain anthocyanidins, which inhibit tumor growth and reduce blood clot risks associated with lung cancer.

Herbs and Spices
Ginger, with its active component 6-shogaol, prevents rapid cancer cell spread. Capers are rich in quercetin, a potent antioxidant that hampers cancer growth. Turmeric’s curcumin blocks cancer cells from invading surrounding tissues.

Natural Herbs
Herbs can help alleviate lung cancer symptoms and mitigate treatment side effects. Astragalus enhances immunity and may slow disease progression, while nan sha shen acts as an anti-inflammatory. Relief from persistent cough, chest infections, and fluid retention can also be supported by Glycyrrhiza uralensis root and Poria mushroom.

Medical Treatments
Supplementing diet with prescribed therapies enhances symptom management.

Atezolizumab
Known as TECENTRIQ®, this FDA-approved drug stimulates immune response to target cancer cells effectively.

ZEPZELCA®
This injectable treatment is used for advanced small cell lung cancer, especially when the disease has spread or chemotherapy is ineffective.