EarNoseThroat-Head&NeckMedicine: Nutrition

Friday, 13 July 2012

HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS AND SURGERY

Many patients are not aware of the possible adverse events that can happen during surgery if they consume herbal supplements. Patients are advised to disclose to their doctors of the types of herbal supplements they are taking prior to surgery. They are also advise to stop taking these herbal supplements about 2 weeks before surgery.

Some of these herbal supplements can cause significant bleeding, heart problems, blood pressure changes and drug interactions. This would have an effect on the possible surgical complications and surgical outcome. Therefore patients should also seek their doctor's advice if they wish to resume their herbal supplements after surgery.

LIST OF SUPPLEMENTS

Supplements that can cause bleeding
Ginkgo biloba
Ginseng
Garlic
Fish oils (Omega 3-fatty acids, doses more than 3gm/day)
Dong quai
Feverfew

Supplements that can cause cardiovascular effects
Ephedra
Garlic

Supplements that can cause drug interactions
Echinacea
Goldenseal
Licorice
St John's Wort
Kava
Valerian

Supplements that can have anaesthetic effects
Valerian
St John's Wart
Kava

Reference websites
http://plasticsurgery.about.com/od/beforesurgery/a/herbal_supp.htm
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/alternative/herbals_theheart.aspx
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/alternative/herbals_surgery.aspx
http://edition.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/herbal-supplements/SA00040.html
http://suite101.com/article/herbs-surgery-anesthesia-a15521

Tuesday, 6 March 2012

HEALTHY EATING AFTER CANCER TREATMENT

As ENT doctors we often deal with cancers involving the head and neck area, commonly the oral cavity, throat and nose (nasopharynx). Treatment of these cancers entail either surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination of them. Because of the location of the cancer itself and the treatment, patient often have problems related to the head & neck area such as chewing and swallowing. And yet nutrition is an integral part of treatment to combat the disease.

During the course of the treatment patients should seek the doctor's advice before taking any supplements because it can interfere with the therapy. The doctor would also inform patients of the possible side effects of treatment and how best to prepare and deal with the problems. With the advent of new radiation technology there is less severe side effects such as those seen many years ago.

But what about after treatment? When follow-up examination and scans show that the cancer was successfully removed or had responded well to treatment, is it important to continue with a healthy diet?

An article published in the Harvard's Medical School's consumer health journal advocates healthy lifestyle as the key for cancer survivors to decrease the likelihood of recurrence. Their advice includes healthy eating with at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, exercise, maintaining body mass index between 20-25, eat fatty fish two to three times a week and having normal vitamin D levels.

The American Cancer Society has produced an informative booklet which provides nutrition advice during and after cancer treatment. The list below is taken from their booklet on tips of healthy eating after cancer treatment.

Tips on Healthy Eating after Cancer Treatment (American Cancer Society Nutrition Guide)

• Check with your doctor for any food or diet restrictions.
• Create healthy balance meals. Choose a variety of food.
• Eat at least 5 to 7 servings a day of fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits and dark-green and deep-yellow vegetables.
• Eat plenty of high-fiber foods, like whole-grain breads and cereals.
• Decrease the amount of fat in your meals by baking or broiling foods.
• Limit your intake of red meat to no more than 3 to 4 servings a week.
• Avoid salt-cured, smoked, and pickled foods (including bacon, sausage, and deli meats).
• Choose low-fat milk and dairy products.
• If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the amount.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise. Ask your doctor before starting any exercise regime.