Fucoidan is a complex polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed. It is mostly found and cultivated in Okinawa, Japan and has been studied for years as a possible reason why people following a traditional Japanese diet had such good overall health. In fact, most fucoidan today still comes from Okinawa. But did you know this unusually-named compound can also help you stay healthy during cancer treatment? Read on to learn more.
Fucoidan Works Against Cancer
Researchers have found that fucoidan contains compounds that prevent the growth of cancer cells. This is great for preventative care, but fucoidan can also benefit you if you already are being treated for cancer. This is because fucoidan can work alongside chemotherapy and cancer surgery to prevent new tumors from forming and to help stop the growth of tumor cells you already have. With prevention like that, you will need less treatment to remove your cancer and thus reduce the effects you experience from it as well.
Fucoidan Is A Natural Immune Booster
Cancer and cancer treatments can both take a toll on your immune system. Fucoidan is a natural remedy shown to boost immune function, which helps you heal faster and get back to a healthy state. Plus, boosting your immune system naturally will help you stay healthier for longer. So you would be less likely to need more treatment and more responsive to the cancer treatment you do get.
Fucoidan Can Help Lower Blood Pressure
The blood-thinning effects of fucoidan have been well-studied by researchers. This makes fucoidan a great natural remedy for high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. How does this relate to cancer? People with hypertension are at a much higher risk of getting cancer than those with blood pressure in the normal range, and if you have cancer already, having high blood pressure puts you at higher risk of complications or even death. Cancer treatment will be much more effective and less risky for complications if you have lower blood pressure.
Fucoidan Can Lower Inflammation
After you undergo cancer surgery or chemotherapy, you may experience inflammation. Fucoidan is a natural way to lower inflammation so you can heal more quickly. Plus, lowering your levels of inflammation greatly reduces the amount of pain you experience after your treatment.
You Can Lower Your Risk of Infection
Not only does fucoidan work to lower inflammation, but it can also help you lower your risk of infection because of its antiviral properties. This can help you heal faster without complications or side effects. Plus, some viruses are actually the cause of cancer so an antiviral remedy may be even more helpful for treatment.
Other Effects of Fucoidan
Fucoidan is also used to lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels, as a natural remedy for allergies, and to help stimulate antibody production after you get vaccinated. All great things for maintaining good health, which is especially important when you’re treating cancer.
Taking Fucoidan
You don’t need to eat large quantities of brown seaweed to get enough fucoidan to help reduce the effects of cancer treatment. Adding it to your daily diet will serve you very well. If that doesn’t sound appetizing, fucoidan isolates in the form of supplements also works. Just be sure your supplements are from a reputable source.
Ask Your Doctor About Fucoidan
Your doctor is likely well aware of fucoidan and the benefits it can provide to cancer patients. Before you start taking fucoidan as a treatment supplement, however, be sure to tell your doctor as it can have some side effects if you are already taking prescription blood thinners. In almost all other cases, however, fucoidan has no reported side effects, so your doctor will probably agree readily and may even recommend a source or brand of supplement for you.
Home remedies such as fucoidan can have a powerful impact on reducing the effects of cancer treatment and can easily be added to your diet or supplement routine. Fucoidan is inexpensive and has very few known side effects, unlike prescription cancer treatments and drugs. While you should never use fucoidan as a substitute for adequate medical care, you can use it to reduce the effects of cancer treatment and boost your overall health. This is a win for everyone!