#oncology nutrition

[pharmanucleus1]

Global Oncology Nutrition Market - Nourishing Health for a Brighter Tomorrow

MARKET OVERVIEW 

The term "oncological nutrition" describes the food and nutrition of cancer patients who are under treatment or have finished it. Diet is not only a critical supportive therapy during cancer treatment but also has a substantial influence on many aspects of cancer development. A nutritious diet can speed healing and improve quality of life for cancer patients by assisting them in maintaining their weight and body composition. Proper diet helps cancer patients battle the disease more effectively. Proper diet can help patients better handle the unpleasant side effects of cancer and its therapy. Healthy eating helps cancer patients recover more quickly. 

MARKET SCOPE 

The Global Oncology Nutrition Market Analysis to 2028 is a thorough analysis of the healthcare industry with an emphasis on identifying market trends internationally. The study's goal is to give readers a detailed description of the oncology nutrition market by type of cancer. The report includes important information on the market positions of leading competitors in the cancer nutrition arena and analyses important industry trends and possibilities. 

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MARKET SEGMENTATION 

The market is divided into categories based on the kind of cancer: breast cancer, blood cancer, head and neck cancers, stomach and gastrointestinal cancers, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, and other cancers. 

MARKET DYNAMICS & DRIVER

RESTRAINTS: 

However, during the forecast period, market growth is anticipated to be constrained by complications related to tube feeding and the limited reimbursement associated with this. 

INTERACTION FRAMEWORK 

The study offers a thorough examination of the market, including both qualitative and quantitative data. It offers an overview and prediction of the global market based on several segments. For the five key regions of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA), and South America for the years 2019 to 2028, it also gives market size and forecast estimations. The Cancer Nutrition Market is further broken down into the corresponding nations and sectors in each region. The study includes data on the trends and opportunities that are now present in the region, as well as a worldwide analysis and prognosis for 18 countries. 

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The study examines variables that have an impact on the market from both the demand and supply sides and further assesses market dynamics, such as drivers, constraints, opportunities, and future trends, that will have an impact on the market during the projected period. After assessing the political, economic, social, and technical variables influencing the cancer nutrition market in each of the five areas—North America, Europe, APAC, MEA, and South America—the study also offers thorough PEST analyses for each of the five regions. 

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON ONCOLOGY NUTRITION MARKET 

COVID-19 started in Wuhan (China) in December 2019 and has since quickly expanded around the world. In terms of confirmed cases and reported deaths, the US, India, Brazil, Russia, France, the UK, Turkey, Italy, and Spain are among of the nations that have been most severely impacted. Due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and business closures, the COVID-19 has had an impact on the economies and industries of numerous nations. The closing of several facilities and factories has had a detrimental influence on the production, delivery schedules, and sales of goods on the international market. Only a few businesses have already warned of potential delivery delays and future sales declines. Due to the current pandemic scenario, there is a reduced need for oncological nutrition. Due to restrictions, patients cannot receive their cancer treatment in hospitals. The paper also assesses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global market in light of current market conditions, providing more accurate and reliable estimates. In addition, opportunities for business partnerships and collaborations are being hampered by the international travel bans imposed by nations in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America. 

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MARKET PLAYERS 

The research discusses important market trends for oncology nutrition as well as both organic and inorganic growth tactics. Many businesses are putting an emphasis on organic growth strategies, including product launches, product approvals, and others like patents and events. Acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations were examples of inorganic growth tactics that were observed in the market. These actions have made it possible for market participants to increase their clientele and revenue. With the growing demand for oncology nutrition in the worldwide industry, market players from the oncology nutrition market are predicted to have attractive growth prospects in the future. 

The report also includes the profiles of key companies along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies in the oncology nutrition market. In addition, the report focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, components, and services offered, financial information of the last 3 years, the key development in the past five years. 

[marketprofessional]

"Oncology Nutrition Market Growth: Key Trends and Emerging Products"

Oncology Nutrition Market Overview📊 :

The Oncology Nutrition Market Report is a treasured source of insightful data for business strategists. It provides an in-depth assessment of numerous features of industries like market overview, present progress valuations, historical and future studies, current trends, SWOT valuations, and clients operating in several regions. The study provides valuable information to magnify the understanding, scope, and segments of this report. The report covers a comprehensive analysis of Oncology Nutrition Market segmentation and regional and country breakdowns. This research will offer a clear and exact idea about the whole industry to the readers to make beneficial decisions.

According to Straits Research, the global Oncology Nutrition Market size was valued at USD 1.83 Billion in 2022. It is projected to reach from USD XX Billion in 2023 to USD 3.78 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

This study pinpoints noteworthy trends influencing the trajectory of the Gesture Recognition market's expansion. Within this recently issued report, crucial dynamics encompassing drivers, limitations, and prospects are underscored. These aspects hold relevance for well-established market entities as well as emerging stakeholders engaged in the realms of production and supply.

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Who are the 🏆leading players in Oncology Nutrition Market? 

FMC Corporation

Braun Melsungen AG

Baxter, Fresenius Kabi AG

Danone India

Abbott, Aceto, LLC

Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd

Nestlé S.A.

BioSig Technologies, Inc

Global Health Products, Inc

Hormel Foods Corporation

Mead Johnson & Company

Auris Health, Inc

Moreover, the competitive analysis of the Oncology Nutrition Market brings insight into the product usability profiles of the leading players. Additionally, the analysis highlights features & pricing, and informant reviews of the key products in the market.

Which segments are covered in Oncology Nutrition Market?

By Cancer Type

Brain

Blood

Pancreas

Breast

Neck

Liver

Stomach and Gastrointestinal Cancer

The market is largely fragmented and the vast majority of the players functioning in the global Oncology Nutrition Market are taking steps to raise their market footprint, by concentrating on product diversification and development, therefore making them seize a larger share of the market. The study highlights current market trends and provides a forecast. We also have highlighted future trends in the Oncology Nutrition Market that will impact the demand during the forecast period. Overall, this report is an important resource for businesses seeking to stay ahead of the competition in the Oncology Nutrition Market industry. With its complete analysis of recent developments and the latest emerging trends, it offers valuable insights into the market that can be used to grow effective growth strategies and enhance market positioning.

Access Detailed Segmentation @ https://straitsresearch.com/oncology-nutrition-market/segmentation

Regional Analysis

Largest Market: The Oncology Nutrition Market is dominated by North America, which holds the largest share due to factors such as advanced infrastructure, high consumer awareness, and significant investment in related industries. The region's well-established specific sectors further bolster its leading position in the market.

Fastest Growing Market: The fastest-growing market for Oncology Nutrition Market is Asia-Pacific. This growth is driven by a combination of rising disposable incomes, increasing adoption of specific products or services, and supportive government initiatives. Additionally, the expanding related industries in this region contribute to its rapid market expansion.

Our Report Offers:

– Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments.

– Strategic recommendations for the new entrants.

– Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends.

– Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments.

– Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements.

Buy Now full Oncology Nutrition Market report @ https://straitsresearch.com/buy-now/oncology-nutrition-market/

An international Oncology Nutrition Market research report delves into the competitive landscape of global markets, scrutinizing companies and manufacturers. The report's competitive analysis spotlights the strategic actions undertaken by key players across diverse industries. These actions encompass a spectrum of activities including new product introductions, expansions, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, and recent acquisitions. This comprehensive market report sheds light on a myriad of facets within marketing research, spanning crucial industry trends, market size, estimated market share, sales volume, emerging patterns, product consumption, customer inclinations, historical data, forward-looking forecasts, and meticulous analysis of key players.

Global Oncology Nutrition Market Research Report Forecast 2031

Chapter 1:- Oncology Nutrition Market Overview

Chapter 2:- Economic Impact on Industry

Chapter 3:- Production, Business Opportunities with Potential Analysis

Chapter 4:- Rising Trends and New Technologies with Key Players

Chapter 5:- Oncology Nutrition Market Manufacturing Cost Analysis

Chapter 6:- Technology Progress, Development Process and Downstream Buyers

Chapter 7:- Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders

Chapter 8:- Market Share by Key Countries in These Regions

Chapter 9:- Show the Market by Type and Application, With Sales Market Share and Growth Rate

Chapter 10:- Appendix and Data Source

Click to View the Full Report TOC: https://straitsresearch.com/report/oncology-nutrition-market/toc

Key Questions Answered by Our Oncology Nutrition Market Report

What are the key drivers of growth in the Oncology Nutrition Market, and how do they vary across regions and segments?

How are advancements in technology and innovation affecting the Oncology Nutrition Market, and what new opportunities and challenges are emerging as a result?

Which market players are currently leading the pack in terms of market share and product innovation, and what strategies are they employing to maintain their positions?

What regulatory and policy changes are on the horizon that could affect the Oncology Nutrition Market, and how are market players adapting to these changes?

What are the emerging trends and market disruptors that are likely to shape the Oncology Nutrition Market in the years to come, and what can businesses do to stay ahead of the curve?

How are consumer preferences and behaviors evolving with regard to Oncology Nutrition Market, and what implications do these trends have for market players?

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[yourcancerguru]

​​How to Increase Your Immunity Naturally (By Enhancing Your White Blood Cells and Neutrophil Count)

Introduction

White blood cells and neutrophils are the powerhouse of our immunity. Unfortunately, most forms of conventional cancer treatment (i.e. chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies) can damage the bone marrow, causing an inadequate production of red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells, and neutrophils.  

White Blood Cells and Neutrophils

White blood cells are the central part of our immune system that help our body fight against infection and disease. I like to think of them as our “family of defense.” Just like different members of a family, our white blood cells have different members with specific roles and functions. Neutrophils are one of the family members that is intimately tied to immunity. They provide the first line of defense when we come into contact with a virus, bacteria, fungus, or a parasite. Their primary task is to engulf and neutralize pathogens (that which are harmful and cause disease) through a process called phagocytosis. This rapid response helps contain the spread of infection and initiates an inflammatory cascade, recruiting other immune cells to the area. Neutrophils also release antimicrobial proteins and reactive oxygen molecules to enhance their killing capacity. Together with other types of white blood cells, they are able to create a defense network crucial for fighting disease and maintaining good health.  

Regular Exercise: Physical activity has been shown to boost immune function and support overall health. Engage in regular exercise, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming, as tolerated based on your individual ability and fitness level.

Stress Management: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and negatively impact white blood cell production. It’s important to incorporate stress-reducing activities into your daily routine. Consider incorporating these into your DAILY activities: prayer, mindfulness meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, acupuncture, or spending time in nature.

Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for immune function and overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Here is a previous blog I wrote that might provide some helpful tips, 7 Habits for Healthy Sleep. 

Diet

A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is essential for supporting immune function. Focus on consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Some specific foods that can help boost white blood cells and neutrophils include:

Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits like orange, lemon, and grapefruit are high in vitamin C, which supports the production of white blood cells. *Please note that grapefruit interacts with a number of medications so it’s important to talk to your doctor about this in relation to your specific medications.

Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that play a role in white blood cell production.

Garlic: Garlic contains compounds that have been shown to enhance immune function and increase white blood cell activity.

Berries: Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and acai berries are rich in antioxidants that help support overall immune health.

Mushrooms: Mushrooms have strong immune-boosting properties due to their rich content of beta-glucans, polysaccharides, ergothioneine, and antioxidants like selenium and vitamin C. For thousands of years, mushrooms have been used medicinally. Extensive research has shown that mushrooms are a powerhouse food and supplement for immunity.

Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may help decrease inflammation in the body, thereby supporting the immune system.

Turmeric: Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that boost the immune function.

Green Tea: Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which have been shown to enhance immune function and protect against certain diseases.

Zinc-Rich Foods: Zinc is an essential mineral in the body that helps increase white blood cells. Foods rich in zinc include turkey meat, beef, crab, oysters, fortified cereals, and beans.

Supplements

There are many vitamins, minerals, and natural supplements that can enhance the immune system. As it relates to cancer, here are my top picks based on their ability to enhance the immune system and stimulate the production of white blood cells and neutrophils. Also, I’ve included links to research studies you might be interested in reading.

Vitamin D - Our Vitamin D level is intimately linked to our immunity and bone density.  More importantly, low levels of vitamin D increase our risk for various cancers.

Vitamin D and the Immune System

The Role of Vitamin D in Cancer Prevention

Vitamin C - Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a key antioxidant that helps protect our cells from free radical damage. It also aids in the production of cellular energy, promotes wound healing, and helps increase immunity.

Vitamin C and Immune Function

Intravenous High-Dose Vitamin C in Cancer Therapy Vitamin C in Selected Malignant Neoplasms in Women

Zinc - As mentioned above, zinc is an essential mineral that helps stimulate white blood cell production. Zinc is an essential mineral necessary for the development and function of our immune system. It activates killer T-cells, a component of our white blood cells that is responsible for killing foreign cells, cancer cells, and cells infected with a virus. Research shows that the antioxidant properties of zinc help mitigate oxidative stress.

Zinc as a Gatekeeper of the Immune System

Role of Zinc in Immune System and Anti-Cancer Defense Mechanisms

Medicinal Mushrooms - Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years to enhance immunity.  Mushrooms are high in beta-glucans, which help protect against infection. Beta-glucans have been shown to prevent cancer progression and have synergistic anti-tumor effects when combined with monoclonal antibodies and certain chemotherapies.

Immune Modulation From Five Major Mushrooms: Application to Integrative Oncology

βeta-Glucan Functions as an Adjuvant for Monoclonal Antibody Immunotherapy by Recruiting Tumoricidal Granulocytes as Killer Cells

Colostrum - Colostrum is a mother's milk produced in the mammary glands directly after giving birth.  It contains high levels of protein, immunoglobulins, antimicrobial peptides, and growth factors that strongly enhance the immunity of a newborn.  Research has shown that bovine colostrum, taken in supplement form, has similar effects on the immune system and can increase neutrophil count, promote immunity, and help fight infections.

Effect of bovine colostrum on the absolute neutrophil counts of Acute Lymphocytic 

Leukemia patients undergoing Chemotherapy: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study

EGCg - EGCg (Epigallocatechin gallate) is a polyphenol antioxidant found in tea leaves, most notably in green tea. Polyphenols, like EGCg, have free radical-scavenging abilities that protect cells and tissues from damage and prevent the development of certain cancers.  EGCg is also known to strongly enhance the immune system.  

A Comprehensive Review on the Effects of Green Tea and its Components on the Immune Function

Green Tea Compounds in Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Protective Effect of Green Tea Consumption on Colorectal Cancer Varies by Lifestyle Factors

Here are the brands of professional-grade supplements I use in my practice and highly recommend:

Vitamin D

Thorne Vitamin D 5,000

Vitamin C

Integrative Therapeutics Buffered Vitamin C

Thorne Buffered Vitamin C Powder

 Zinc

Thorne Zinc Picolinate

Medicinal Mushrooms

Host Defense My Community

Colostrum

Designs for LifeTegricel Colostrum

 EgCG

 Protocols for Life Balance EGCg

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, stress management, sufficient sleep, and a balanced diet, plays a crucial role in enhancing our immune system. Certain dietary supplements can also provide additional support. During treatment for cancer, it is essential to take proactive steps to support your immune system. This helps to minimize the risk of infection and reduces the likelihood of developing secondary diseases.

[ricisidro]

Watch: Prevention of #Cancer is through what we eat.

#Nutrition #Oncology #lifestyles #genetics #obesity #bodymassindex #BMI

Prevention is Better than Cure.

The Philippine Society of Medical Oncology with Guests Medical Oncologist DR. KATHERINE V. HERNANDEZ, and Medical Nutrition Specialist, DR. DIVINA CRITY REDONDO-SAMIN!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/91gqkqR33GaF14QT/?mibextid=jmPrMh

[innonurse]

iStar: New AI tool brings precision pathology for cancer and other diseases into closer focus

- By InnoNurse Staff -

A new artificial intelligence technology that reads medical images with exceptional clarity could free up time for time-pressed clinicians to focus on crucial areas of illness diagnosis and image interpretation.

Read more at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania/Medical Xpress

///

Other recent news and insights

BetterLix is a new AI-powered app that promotes a liver-healthy lifestyle (Amsety/PRNewswire)

[miusnaru]

about me ᘏ⑅ᘏ .. hello!

22, she/her ៸៸៸ i'm a nutrition student on the final year of college. my academic interests revolve around biochemistry of the metabolism and oncology — honestly the more difficult the subject, the more i want to understand about it.

＊꒰♥︎. .ྀི𑁤⸝♪ likes and hobbies ..‹𝟹

i'm very fascinated for almost all types of collections, i love to see people sharing about their special interests and doing what they're passionate about ฅ ongoing collections = figures, sylvanian families, monster high (g3 and creeproductions), lol omg, rainbow high, pokémon cards and mangas 🐇

other than that, i also spend my time reading and playing games like genshin, zzz, honkai star rail and infinity nikki ‹𝟹

+ ♫. babymetal, hanabie, bmth, taemin, aespa, xg, IVE and le sserafim.

ᶻ 𝘇 𐰁 i'm very shy and this is my first time trying to mantain an active blog. i enjoy to post little details and frames from my routine and (until now) every single picture posted is mine — so don't share or repost them even if it is with credits.

thanks for reading ! ᡗ ᩙ݂◜ ᵕ ◝֯ᠩིྀ݂♡

[lonelynpc]

dear dr. on mandated leave,

have you ever been in the room for an alcohol detox? is anaesthesia used to smooth out hardcore withdrawal symptoms, or just sedatives, or am i confusing which is which? basically, any thoughts alcohol use, alcohol withdrawal, AUD, & anaesthesia

hi! this will be a long one but thank you for the interesting question! i'm not an addiction specialist nor critical care specialist but this is what i know.

so, first of all, you are right in saying that sedatives are part of anaesthesia. there are several different types of anaesthesia that can be used combined or as individual treatments. in no particular order, there's general, local, regional, neuraxial, and sedation, each with different indications and goals.

AWS is part of critical care medicine (or intensive care) which is a sort of sub-specialty that requires prior training in anaesthesia, emergency, paediatrics or primary medicine, and there are further subcategories to critical care. some countries also have addiction specialists as a separate subcategory.

now, general anaesthesia (GA) masks the onset of AWS. approximately 1 in 5 patients in for surgery have an alcohol use disorder (AUD), for emergency surgery or aerodigestive oncology surgery this is about 50% if i'm remembering correctly. a side effect of general anaesthesia is emergence delirium (ED*), there are different forms of ED but a risk factor for ED is AUD. patients with AUD are also at higher risk of other surgical complications. this is just a bit of a side note.

AWS can range from mild to severe, sometimes it can be fatal. it is seen after a reduction in alcohol intake after a period of excessive use as chronic use of alcohol changes the brain chemistry, especially changes to the GABAergic system. the GABAergic system is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter for the central nervous system (CNS); alcohol is a CNS depressant.

a short explanation of this is that episodic intoxication causes excessive production of GABA which has a sedative effect. chronic alcohol use changes the balance of the inhibitory signals and excitatory (glutamate) signals of the CNS, basically the body adjusts to the influx of GABA by over-producing glutamate. once a patient who chronically drinks alcohol stops or reduces the amount, the GABA signals are diminished and the excess glutamate causes AWS.

a lot of the drugs used in anaesthesia are GABA receptor agonists, the treatment of an overdose is a GABA receptor antagonist, which have a stimulant or convulsant effect. for example, propofol is a really common GABA receptor agonist in general anaesthesia.

so, you can imagine that in the acute phase of AWS, management of a patient's neurochemistry is crucial and this is managed with medication.

management of the signs and symptoms of AWS are generally:

a quiet room with minimal stimulation and low lighting.

fluid and electrolyte balance.

early sedation to manage acute symptoms and prevent injury.

nutrition management.

airway management in heavily sedated patients.

psychiatric treatment.

medication, especially benzodiazipines and anticonvulsants.

basically, a person experiencing AWS will likely be sedated early on and will require monitoring to prevent aspiration (entry of foreign materials into the airway and lungs). we have to be very careful what drugs we give and how much we give so that we don't mask the symptoms or over-sedate, propofol has been given in some cases but as mentioned above, GA masks the onset and patients have been observed coming out of GA with the same withdrawal symptoms they went under with.

there are different levels of sedation and as i don't manage this, i'm not too sure what level they would use as a standard but i would imagine that it would depend on the patient as i know some are deeply sedated.

typical monitoring devices** you will see under sedation:

3-lead ECG or 5-lead depending on cardiac history and concern. a 12-lead ECG is purely diagnostic so unless a cardiac event has taken place or is suspected to have taken place, it will not be used.

pulse oximetry.

IV access for fluid and electrolyte balance.

blood pressure, either non-invasively (cuff) or invasively (arterial line). typically it depends on the severity but generally we aim for non-invasive, cycling every 5 minutes if possible. an arterial line would more than likely not be used.

capnography which monitors the ETCO2 of a patient, this is end-tidal carbon dioxide so it's telling us how much is being exhaled. i could make a whole post on capnography alone, it's extremely valuable. capnography is measured with a gas analyser attached to the monitor and to the respiratory filter, it looks like a clear, thin tube.

my closing thoughts and footnotes are below the cut.

AUD and AWS need to be treated with compassion and sympathy as much as being treated medically. i have profound sympathy for people struggling with addiction, it's an incredibly difficult thing to manage alone and it is so important to be somebody that the patient can trust and find comfort in.

we see a lot of shame in people struggling with addiction and it is incredibly difficult to seek help, people are often deterred because they think their healthcare provider will judge them which, unfortunately in some cases, is true. i think a really important part of this branch of medicine is breaking the stigma that surrounds addiction.

i have had patients confide in me because i go out of my way to make sure they can feel comfortable talking to me, from there i ask if they would like me to put them in contact with support services. i offer to call a psychiatrist in, and i listen. i listen to them talk about the heavy stuff, i listen to them talk about the light stuff, i listen to everything.

as one of my old teachers said:

"listening is a valuable tool in medicine. let your patients talk to you, let them rant, let them cry, let them shed some of that burden. you might be the first person that's listened to them in a long time."

*this is why it is so important to be aware of what medical terminology we are using and who we are using it with. ED to me is emergence delirium but to most others it's probably erectile dysfunction. PND generally is post-natal depression, to me it is perioperative neurocognitive disorders.

**i tried to find some good pictures of anaesthetic monitors so that i could label the different values and waveforms but they all looked ugly or had watermarks and it would also make this page way too long.

[yourcancerguru]

How to Increase Platelet Levels Naturally

Introduction

Platelets are a crucial component of our red blood cells that help us clot to prevent excessive bleeding. Since many chemotherapies and immunotherapies can cause a decline in platelet levels, I'd like to share more about the function of platelets and discuss some natural ways you can increase your platelet level.  

The Function of Platelets

Platelets are tiny, disc-shaped cells in our blood that originate from larger cells called megakaryocytes in our bone marrow. Their primary function is to ensure that our blood can clot effectively when needed, in order to prevent excessive bleeding. Here's how they work:

Clot Formation: When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets rush to the site of injury. They adhere to the exposed tissue(s) and other platelets to form a barrier that temporarily stops the bleeding.

Release of Chemical Signals: Platelets release chemical signals, known as clotting factors, which initiate a cascade of reactions involving proteins in the blood plasma. This cascade eventually leads to the formation of a stable blood clot.

Clot Contraction: Platelets also play a role in clot contraction, helping to further stabilize the clot and minimize blood loss.

The Impact of Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy on Platelets

Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are common treatments for many types of cancer. While they target rapidly dividing cancer cells, they also affect other rapidly dividing cells in the body, including those in the bone marrow where platelets are produced. Here's how chemotherapy and immunotherapy can impact platelet levels:

Reduced Production: Chemotherapies and immunotherapies can slow down the production of platelets in the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in their numbers.

Shortened Lifespan: Chemotherapy and immunotherapies can affect the lifespan of platelets, causing them to have a shorter time in circulation before being removed from the bloodstream.

Increased Risk of Bleeding: A decreased platelet count resulting from chemotherapy or immunotherapy can lead to a higher risk of bleeding and bruising, which can be a serious concern for those with cancer.

Natural Ways to Increase Platelet Count

If you're undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy and have a low platelet count, there are some natural approaches that may help boost your platelet level. It's essential to consult with your healthcare team before making any significant changes to your treatment plan or lifestyle, but here are some tips:

1.  Foods

Papaya- Numerous studies show that papaya fruit, papaya juice, and papaya leaf extract increase both red blood cell count and platelet levels.

Beetroot - Beetroot is a root vegetable with iron, folic acid, and vitamin C. It’s also a natural blood purifier and helps stimulate the production of red blood cells and platelets. Drinking beetroot juice can help to increase platelet count. Mix 2 tablespoons of beetroot juice with a glass of water or fruit juice and drink at least 2 times per day.  

Wheatgrass - Wheatgrass is a powerful natural remedy high in chlorophyll, antioxidants, and nutrients. It helps stimulate the production of red blood cells and platelets and helps detoxify the body. Mix 2 tablespoons of beetroot juice with a glass of water or fruit juice and drink at least 2 times per day.

Pumpkin - Pumpkin is a vegetable high in vitamin A, which is vital for the production of platelets. It also contains iron, which helps stimulate the production of red blood cells. 

Pomegranate - Pomegranate is a fruit rich in antioxidants that can help increase platelet count. It contains compounds that can help improve blood flow and prevent blood clots. Both eating pomegranates and drinking pomegranate juice can help increase your platelet count.

Vitamin C-rich foods - Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps to increase platelet count. It also stimulates the production of white blood cells, which can increase platelet count. Foods high in vitamin C include oranges, lemons, grapefruits, kiwis, and berries. * It’s important to note that grapefruit can interact with some medications so make sure to discuss the consumption of grapefruit, in combination with your medications, with your doctor.

Iron-rich foods - Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells and platelets. Iron-rich foods include red meat, poultry, seafood, lentils, beans, spinach, and fortified cereals. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help boost your platelet count.

Vitamin K-rich foods - Vitamin K plays a role in blood clotting and can help increase platelet count. Foods rich in vitamin K include leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, and collard greens, as well as broccoli and Brussels sprouts. 

Folate-rich foods - Folate is also known as folic acid or vitamin B9. It's necessary for the production of red blood cells. Oranges, kidney beans, lentils, peanuts, and other foods are excellent sources of folate. 

Zinc-rich foods - Zinc is necessary for a strong immune function and can help increase platelet count. Zinc-rich foods include oysters, beef, crab, lobster, nuts, and seeds.

2. Supplements Here are some supplements that can aid in the production of platelets. I've added links for the brands I like and trust.

Vitamin C Thorne Buffered Vitamin C Powder

Folate (Vitamin B9) Thorne 5-MTHF (Folate)

Iron Thorne Ferrasorb

Beet Root Nature's Way Beet Root

** Please ALWAYS consult with your doctor and/or other medical professionals before taking any supplements, as there may be some interactions with your medications. I also suggest working with an integrative oncology physician who is well-versed in the field of oncology and drug-supplement interactions to help guide you in what's best for you.

3. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

Both alcohol and smoking can impair platelet function and reduce platelet count. As stated in previous posts, quitting smoking and quitting/reducing alcohol consumption is extremely important for those who are affected by cancer.  Here are links to posts that you might be interested in reading.

The Connection Between Smoking & Cancer and Resources to Help Quit

The Connection Between Alcohol & Cancer and How Much is Too Much?

4. Exercise

Regular/moderate exercise can help improve blood circulation and support overall cardiovascular health, which indirectly benefits platelet function.

5. Stress Management

Chronic stress can negatively impact your immune system and blood cell production. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like prayer, mindfulness, yoga, meditation, massage, and acupuncture into your daily/weekly routine.

Conclusion

Platelets are a vital component of our red blood cells that are responsible for clotting and preventing excessive bleeding. Both chemotherapy and immunotherapy can impact platelet levels, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. There are ways to naturally increase your platelet count but it’s always best to discuss these recommendations with your doctor and/or professional medical team so that they can provide you with personal guidance tailored to your specific medical needs.