Cachexia demystified: Risk factors and seven potential treatments
This article is about unintended weight loss in people, which is called cachexia and is pronounced as kuh-KEK-see-uh. People with this look too thin and frail for their frame, and it’s common in the elderly.
Cachexia isn't just about not eating; it's a complex syndrome disrupting metabolism, leading to weight loss, muscle wasting, weakness and appetite loss.
Some of the risk factors include cancer, chemotherapy, heart failure, kidney or lung disease, dementia or diabetes. These conditions are associated with abnormally high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines that are elevated. Two of those are Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa).
There are ways to control IL-6 and TNFa. Doing so will reduce proinflammatory cytokines, meaning we reduce inflammation. Please chat with a dietician or doctor to determine the best strategy for you.
Have a shake: These nutrient-dense, protein-packed supplements support caloric intake and reduce muscle wasting. Things like Ensure, Boost and others are worth a try.
Try anti-inflammatory medications: Since inflammation is high, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may help. Alternatively, a prescription for low-dose prednisone or hydrocortisone could help because they reduce IL-6 and TNFa.
Take megestrol: The prescription medication “megestrol acetate” can stimulate appetite and promote weight gain in people with cachexia, especially in cancer-related cases. So can cannabis; however, it’s not decriminalized in every state.
Take anti-TNF medications: Autoimmune conditions often warrant the use of an anti-TNF drug like Enbrel or Humira. Watch TV long enough and you’ll see a commercial for one of these!
And, this may surprise you, but there are 100% natural anti-TNF herbal remedies! Let’s talk about those next.
Cook with curcumin: A natural anti-TNF remedy, this is found in turmeric. It’s a well-known natural anti-inflammatory. You can cook with this spice or take it as a supplement.
Grate ginger: Buy it fresh from the produce store for best effects, or use a dry powdered spice form. Ginger contains bioactive compounds that reduce TNF production. Make yourself a ginger honey tea! Speaking of tea …
Drink green tea: Drink it! This is a natural anti-TNF remedy. The antioxidants in green tea, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have been studied for their potential to inhibit all kinds of cytokines.
Cachexia is the result of a bigger medical condition and disordered metabolism. It’s often driven by high levels of IL-6 and TNF alpha, and other cytokines that slowly “storm” the body.
Eating doesn’t necessarily solve it. A team approach is necessary in order to control inflammation, increase appetite and build back muscle mass, but that can be difficult in a person with dysphagia or taking chemo.
If you would like more information, I have a longer version of this article at my website, suzycohen.com. Sign up for my free newsletter, and I will email it to you right away.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Cachexia demystified: Risk factors and seven potential treatments
