Ayurvedic Tips for Colorectal cancer

COLORECTAL CANCER Ayurvedic Tips

Diagnosis of colorectal cancer will be based on regular symptoms and certain investigations for the same.⁴

The following tests are commonly recommended to rule out or diagnose colorectal cancer⁴ -

• Physical examination: For health symptoms
• Complete blood count (CBC): To rule out blood abnormalities
• Other blood tests: To check for liver and kidney health
• Stool tests: To check for any hidden, or occult, blood in the stool.
• Double-contrast barium enema: an imaging test that uses a special substance (barium sulphate) and x-rays to make images of the entire large intestine
• Sigmoidoscopy/Colonoscopy: An endoscope that is used to look inside the colon and rectum.
• Biopsy: remove tissues or cells from the body so they can be tested in a lab.
• Cell and tissue analysis: To look for certain changes or characteristics in the body tissue
• CT scan: used to check if colorectal cancer has spread to other organs

Diet Recommendations (Aahar)

• Eat sattvic ahara (holistic food) and seasonal fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals as much as possible
• Consume milk, fruit juices, butter and fresh cheese, fresh nuts and seeds, sprouts, honey and herbal tea
• Say no to snacks, fast food and ready to eat food
• Reducing the use of microwave ovens/stir frying is advocated over steaming.⁶ Consume less meat, especially red meat may help.

Lifestyle changes (Vihar)

• Perform daily exercises and take long walks
• Meditation and yoga for mental and physical relaxation are very beneficial

 Role of Panchakarma in Cancer Treatment

 Panchkarma not only activates the body’s self-healing ability but also calms the doshas and aids removal of kapha and toxins from the body. In this therapy, body channels are cleansed and nourishment and revitalization of dhatus occur. Specific herbs according to the cause, site of cancer and strength of patient may be used.³