As mentioned many times on these forums, radiation therapy is the gift that keeps on giving. Over time the radiation exposure we've sustained will continue to breakdown tissue, weakening arterial walls, nerve lining, muscles, etc etc

The whole point of radiation is to create free radicals in a specific area to kill cells, and it's non specific so it's going to have an effect on everything in the area. There are some studies that show Spirulina, Kelp and other seaweeds, and foods high in antioxidants will help fight this overtime. The more I research nutrition and exercise the more answers I find.

So exercise, lower your stress levels, enjoy more sex, get plenty of rest (all which create favorable hormone response needed for recovery), eat your greens, get plenty of protein, and supplement Branched Chain Amino Acids, specifically Leucine, has a very important role in protein synthesis (the breaking down of protein into amino acid for either lean muscle mass or immune response). And of course don't skimp on the good fats (UN Saturated fats, specifically Omega3's) in your diets due to their role in hormone production and response. Here's a few great articles on the subject if anyone is interested



http://jn.nutrition.org/content/136/1/288S.full

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12821279

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/radiation-damage-000139.htm

I'm also a huge fan of working with Speech Language Pathologists to help with aspiration issues. Myself and JenSLP have spoken several times at the University of WA's SLP program as well as the WA State SLHA meeting on the subject.

Hope that helps

Eric


**** DISCLAIMER **** Before implementing any of the following suggestions consult with your physician. If making dietary changes while going thru treatment it could interfere with your treatments or medications. Many of the suggestions have not been scientifically proven to be helpful so use good judgement when adopting any of the ideas discussed within this thread. What helps one person may not be beneficial to someone else. Always check with your physician!

*Disclaimer to the Disclaimer* Your general practicing physicians know jack about nutrition so ask to be referred to a nutritionist with at least a masters and a history of working with oncology patients.