Going through chemotherapy and radiation treatments can take a toll on your body in many ways. Most doctors will verse you in the common side effects of these treatments but simply cannot give an exhaustive list of all possible symptoms. One such example of a side effect of treatment with many symptoms is Mucositis. Mucositis defined is inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes that line the digestive tract and is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation. Within this broad scope however are many symptoms such as dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, halitosis, loss of sense of taste, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating to name a few. Finding relief from symptoms of Mucositis may come in the form of adding nutrients such as Glutamine to your daily diet. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in our body. Among its many functions, Glutamine is important for detoxification, supporting our immune system and for nourishing the cells of our intestinal lining. In good health, our bodies can synthesize enough Glutamine. However, under duress, it may need to be added to our daily intake. Foods such as kefir, bone broth, beets, spinach, parsley, organ meat, beans, legumes, nuts, cabbage, eggs and seafood are among the highest for Glutamine content. Supplementing, with your doctor’s consent, may also be beneficial. It is imperative to keep in close contact with your Health Team during treatment informing them of any new symptoms that you are experiencing. But do keep in mind that in many cases symptoms are the result of your prescribed treatment not the underlying disease.
