Any form of cancer that strikes the white blood cells (or lymphocytes) of the lymphatic system is known as lymphoma. These white blood cells are typically our body’s immune fighters, however, with lymphoma, these cells become abnormal on mass as they grow and divide, and if left untreated may quickly metastasize (or spreading to other areas of the body). Lymphoma can occur in several main types, such as:

• Diffuse large-B cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
• Follicular lymphoma
• Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
• Small lymphocytic lymphoma

While a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and cancer surgery is often the first course of action against lymphoma, the following foods and natural treatments have been known to relieve many of the negative side effects associated with these harsh cancer treatments:

1. Biofeedback therapy

Biofeedback therapy is a mental technique meant to boost physical health (i.e., pain, heart rate, muscle and joint pain, blood pressure, and more) by calming anxiety and focusing the mind. Many cancer patients undergo biofeedback therapy to help reduce the symptoms of cancer treatment and the stress of dealing with a chronic disease. Other mental exercises, like mediation and yoga have also been shown to help reduce both physical and mental pain and stress when battling cancer.

2. Ginger

While cancer does not cure cancer, a 2015 PLoS published study reported that ginger may aid cancer treatments and help eradicate malignancy involved in breast cancer cells, thanks to a plant compound known as 6-shogaol. In fact, many cancer patients take ginger supplements, ginger gum, or candied ginger chews to quell nausea, stomach upset, and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.

3. Acupuncture

This traditional Chinese medicine has been employed for centuries to stimulate the body’s immune defenses. Acupuncture requires the insertion of thin needles under the skin’s surface skin to unblock natural energy flow. Many cancer patients undergo acupuncture to reduce pain while reducing uncomfortable symptoms of anxiety, dry mouth, hot flashes, nausea, and stress.

4. Glutamine

Glutamine is an essential amino acid that many cancer patients enlist to help reduce muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling in hands and feet. Further studies show that cancer patients taking glutamine supplements experience less peripheral neuropathy, digestive upset, and mouth sores because it naturally helps boost the immune and intestinal systems.