Symptoms & Ayurvedic Treatment
Leukemia is a fast-growing blood cancer that usually affects WBCs (White Blood Cells) by attacking blood-forming tissues in the bone marrow and tissues of the lymphatic system. There are numerous types of leukemias. But the Lymphoblastic or lymphocytic leukemia is the most common which affects certain cells of the immune system such as B-cells or T-cells. But B-cell leukemia usually affects children. In this disease, numerous immature white blood cells are found in the bone marrow and blood. It is basically, a "Pitta pradhan tridoshaj vyadhi" which is termed as "Raktapitta" in our Ayurvedic classics.
WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF B CELLS IN OUR BODY?
B cells are a type of white blood cells which are known as B lymphocytes. These cells actively participates in maintaining humoral immunity. B cells bind to the antigens with the help of B cell receptors and develop antibodies against them and save our body from various infections and diseases.
TYPES OF B CELL LEUKEMIA
There are various types of B cells in our and that's why there are varieties of B cell leukemia that depend upon the type of cell involved.
Acute lymphocytic leukemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia
Precursor B lymphoblastic leukemia
Hairy cell leukemia
Moreover, leukemia can be acute or chronic.
WHAT CAUSES B CELL LEUKEMIA?
Still the cause of the disease is not known and researches are going on to evaluate the exact cause. Here, in this disease genetics plays an important role in the causation of leukemia. Certain mutations in the genes give rise to alterations in the chromosomes.
Even hormonal imbalance is also one of the major factors that are responsible for the disease by altering the production of WBCs.
Weak immunity also makes the individual susceptible to B cell blood cancer.
RISK FACTORS
Genetic syndromes like Down’s syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, etc. increase the risk of leukemia.
History of immune-compromised diseases
Exposure to certain chemicals and radiations
History of recurrent infections
Unwholesome diet and lifestyle
History of bone marrow transplantation
Some other factors like being overweight, and smoking and drinking at an early age are very common which suppress the immune system.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF B CELL LEUKEMIA?
The signs and symptoms of the leukemia are as follows:
Bleeding and bruises are very common in patients.
Associated with fatigue, weakness, tiredness and drowsiness.
Mostly the children affected due to B cell leukemia are prone to develop various infections.
Reduced appetite and impaired digestion.
Recurrent fever
Swollen and tender lymph nodes.
The person often feels nausea and vomiting.
Also there is tendency to bleed
Reduced immunity.
Delayed growth and development.
Bone and joint pains
Weight loss
PATHOGENESIS
As per Ayurveda, this disease is correlated to Raktapitta where the vitiation of Rakta along with Pitta dosha takes place. It does not mean that other doshas are not involved in this condition, they are also involved but predominantly vitiated doshas are Pitta and Rakta (as per Sushruta). In turn, they vitiate the rasa (Lymph), rakta (Blood), mamsa (Muscle) and majja (Bone marrow) dhatus. Hence there is an impairment in the production of B-cells in the body and all these conditions produce symptoms like –bruises, fever, recurrent infections, growth of children gets hampered, etc and a disease is developed named as Raktapitta or B cell Leukemia.
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
On a clinical basis, it is very difficult to diagnose leukemia. We need to take the help of investigations to rule out the disease along with the cause and extent of its affection.
Here are some diagnostic criteria that help to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the cause.
CBC (Complete blood count)
Urine tests
Bone marrow aspiration
Lumbar puncture
Lymph nodes biopsy
CT scan (Computed tomography)
MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)
Hormonal assay
Chromosometests
TREATMENT STRATEGY
The treatment plan and the prognosis of leukemia vary in adults and children. The measures should be taken to:
Correct the immature production of B cells
Detoxification of the body in order to eliminate toxins
Maintain immunity
Bring equilibrium in tridoshas
Avoid metastasis
Maintain Agni
Promote growth and development
WHAT PLANET AYURVEDA OFFERS FOR B CELL LEUKEMIA?
Planet Ayurveda offers various herbal formulations to treat various diseases. In the case of B Cell Leukemia, we advise herbo-mineral formulations that directly act on the bone marrow and correct the production of white blood cells.As they are formed from pure extract of herbs and properly processed minerals they will not develop any side effect on the body.In the treatment plan mainly the "Tikta rasa" aushadhis are advised which are followed by "Balya" aushadhis.Here the prescription and dosage for the children (between 6 years to 16 years) who are suffering from B cell leukemia goes as -
1. Sachets
Chanderkala Ras – 5 gm
Heerak Bhasma – 100 mg
Rajat Bhasma – 2.5 gm
Gandhak Rasayan – 5 gm
Yashad Bhasma – 5 gm
Akik Pishti – 10 gm
Praval Pishti – 10 gm
Mukta pishti – 4
Mohra Pishti – 10 gm
Kamdudha Ras – 10 gm
Swarn Basant Malti Ras – 1 gm
Abhrak Bhasma ( Shastra puti ) – 1 gm
Loknath Ras – 5 gm
Navrattan Gajankush Ras – 2 gm
Rajmrigank Ras – 1 gm
Trailokyachintamani Ras – 1 gm
Hemgarbhpotli Ras – 1 gm
Tamra Bhasma – 5 gm
Giloy Satva – 10 gm
Make 60 sachets of all these ingredients by mixing together in the proportion mentioned above.All these medicines should be blended together in the definite proportion. Mix them well and these can be used to treat infections, correct the vitiation of tridoshas and help to initiate the production of healthy white blood cells. Moreover, they help to boost immune power.Dosage: Consume 1 sachet twice daily with honey. This should be followed for 1 month.
2. Cap. Cruel
These capsules are really effective in malignancy and degenerative changes. It also promotes immunity and energy.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.
3. Cap. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a widely used health tonic that stimulates the nervous system and brings the hormonal balance which in turn stimulates the antibody production.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.
4. Cap. Spirulina
As a general health tonic Spirulina is advised to increase the growth and development of the body. Also it helps to cover-up the weakness, tiredness and debility.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water, after meals.
5. Cap. Amalaki Rasayan
Amalaki is one among the rasayan aushadhis which helps to rejuvenate the cell production, corrects the degenerative changes and defects.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water, after meals.
6. Cap. Immune Booster
An effective medicine in case of low immunity. It is used to manage immune-compromised conditions. It stimulates the defensive mechanism of the body. These capsules contain bhumi amla, grape seed, etc.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals.
7. Cap. Giloy
Giloy is a well-known herb for its immune-modulator property. It is a helpful herb in case of genetic disorders. Planet Ayurveda’s Giloy capsules are prepared from the pure extract of herb Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia).
8. Syp. Immuno Plan, Syp. Hemoplan and Syp. Platoplan
Syp. Immuno plan – Stimulates the immune system.
Syp. Hemoplan – Increases the hemoglobin level in the body.
Syp. Platoplan – Increases the platelet production.
These syrups are preferred on the basis of symptoms.
Dosage of all the syrups is 2 tablespoonfuls twice daily with plain water after meals.
DIETARY GUIDELINES
This diet, if strictly followed can work wonders for a cancer patient. It is a balanced diet that is enough to fuel the human body for proper functioning.
The diet that can be consumed and is effective in leukemia is as follows:
STEAMED VEGETABLES – Potatoes, Cabbage, Bottle gourd, Pumpkin, Round gourd, Bitter melon, Peas, Beans, Broccoli and Cauliflower.
LEAVES & GRASS – Radish leaves, Mint leaves, Coriander leaves, Spinach leaves, Rocket leaves, Lettuce, Kale, Lemon grass, Wheat grass and Spirulina.
NUTS (to be soaked overnight or at least for 8 hours) – 5 to 7 almonds, 2 walnuts and 2 figs can be consumed.
Among FRUITS – Apple, Jamun, Pears, Papaya, Melons, pomegranate are advised.
SALADS – Carrots, Cucumber, Radish and Beetroot
BEVERAGES – Water, Coconut water and Pumpkin juice.
SPROUTS – Green lentils, Bengal grams, Bean sprouts, Chick peas and Fenugreek.
HERBAL TEAS – Boil 1tsp each of Fennel (Saunf), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander), Ajwain (Carom seeds) in 4 cups of water till it is reduced to 2 cups. This herbal decoction can be taken twice a day. Green tea can be consumed too.
JUICES
1. Green Juice:-
Coriander (dhaniya) leaves - few
Mint (pudina) leaves – 4-5
Spinach (palak) leaves - 2
Basil (tulsi) leaves - 2
Wheat grass (gehun ke jware)
Cap. Spirulina/Moringa/Green essentials – 1, each - can be added for better results.
*Amount: 20 ml or 2 tsp. twice daily can be taken.
2. Red Juice:-
Carrot
Beetroot
Amla
Apple
Pomegranate
*For taste, black grapes can be added 200 ml, two to three times can be taken.
Even in moderate quantity, a bowl of boiled rice preferably brown rice patient can take, even chapatti can be preferred (you can also add raw fenugreek leaves in the dough)
AVOID - Milk & milk products, packaged foods, refined sugars, processed foods, Biscuits, Oats, Corn flakes, Aerated drinks, Dry nuts like cashew nuts and pistachio, French fries, Non-Veg. and other junk foods.
LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS
Add yoga and exercises in the daily routine.
Avoid stress and tensions
Eat a nutritious diet
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