Lymphocytic leukemia, more commonly referred to simply as leukemia, is a cancer that attacks the blood and the bone marrow. While the direct causes of leukemia are still unclear, what is known is that it occurs because of a genetic mutation of the blood producing cells within the body. This mutation leads to the production of abnormal white blood cells, or lymphocytes, whose job it is to fight infections and maintain the body’s total health. Lymphocytic leukemia is one of the most difficult cancers to treat, and patients face many challenges when coping with the disease. Because it attacks the blood itself, leukemia is often accompanied by fatigue and a variety of secondary infections that sap the patient’s strength and impede their ability to recover. Fortunately, there are some all natural techniques that leukemia patients can employ to help restore their health and their strength, and give them the energy they need to combat the cancer that is invading their body.
Avoiding Infections
Because lymphocytic leukemia attacks the bone marrow and the white blood cells, people diagnosed with the disease are often prone to frequent infections. These infections are often more troublesome for leukemia sufferers than for otherwise healthy individuals. They tend to linger, and to rob the body of the energy it needs to fight the existing cancer. People with chronic lymphocytic leukemia need to take proactive steps to keep themselves healthy, and to stave off infections. The first step is to eat a healthy diet, rich in fresh organic vegetables, seeds, nuts, avocados and olive oil. An essentially vegan diet is one of the primary building blocks of total health, and it can help people suffering with leukemia improve their immune system’s function and avoid infections. Regular exercise is also an important part of avoiding infections. Taking regular exercise helps to increase lung capacity, improve circulation and oxygenate the blood. Since cancer can not survive in a highly oxygenated environment, regular exercise will not only help to protect against common infections, it well help to fight the cancer itself. It is also advisable that leukemia patients avoid contact with people who have the flu or other infectious diseases, and that they wash their hands thoroughly after any necessary contact.
Avoiding Secondary Cancers
People suffering with lymphocytic leukemia are also often prone to developing secondary cancers. Again, because the health of the body has been compromised, it is more susceptible to a variety of diseases over and above common infections. Certain lifestyle changes can help to reduce the risk of developing these secondary cancers. First, and foremost, it is important to eliminate any habits that may increase the cancer risk. If you are a smoker, now is the time to quit. The consumption of alcohol should also be eliminated. Exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, should also be restricted or eliminated whenever possible.
Fighting Chronic Fatigue
One of the major problems leukemia sufferers face is chronic fatigue. This is not only debilitating in general, it can inhibit the body’s ability to stave off infections and other diseases. Battling the fatigue that accompanies lymphocytic leukemia may be the most important part of coping with the disorder. Again, the first step is to transition to a wholly vegan diet, with an emphasis on organically grown vegetables, seeds, nuts and avocados. Remember, because the immune system is compromised it is vital to avoid possible cancer causing chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. A vegan diet will also help to boost the body’s energy levels, providing the fuel it needs to remain active. Regular cellular exercise is also important. It moves lymph fluid which is where two thirds of your immune cells are located and it also helps detoxify the body because the lymph system is like the sewer system of the body. If you boost the immune system and eliminate toxins and chemicals it helps to keep the body’s energy levels regulated. Chronic fatigue is often caused by ineffectual sleep patterns, and these can be rectified by adopting a regular exercise routine that will help to expend latent energy and reduce stress, allowing the body to rest more effectively come bed time.
Leukemia sufferers face a unique set of challenges. The cancer they are fighting often leaves them susceptible to a wider range of common disorders. But by taking a few all natural proactive steps, it is possible for leukemia patients to reduce their risk for developing infections and secondary cancers, and to overcome the chronic fatigue that so often accompanies the disease.
