UNDERESTIMATED, BUT INVALUABLE: HEALTHY MUCOUS MEMBRANES

Healthy mucosal cells divide very quickly. Tumor cells also have this property. Chemotherapy acts on cells that divide quickly. Therefore, chemotherapy unfortunately not only attacks tumor cells, but also mucosal cells and can cause inflammation (mucositis). Because mucous membranes are found in many sensory organs, mucositis often restricts important areas of our lives. 
For a noticeably better quality of life - support the function of your mucous membranes so that you can taste, smell, digest and move with ease.

Mucous membrane: Our partner of the immune system and protective shield

Some of our organs have erected a kind of “protective shield” on their surface: They are lined with mucous membranes.
Mucous membranes produce secretions to moisturize the tissue and protect the organs from harmful external influences.
This defense mechanism can be maintained through a regular supply of enzymes and micronutrients in the diet. 

Did you already know?

All of the body's mucous membranes together cover over 30 square meters, most of which is taken up by the intestinal mucosa - and this is where the immune cells responsible for 80 percent of our immune system are located.
The intestinal mucosa supplies the body with vital substances and serves as a protective shield against bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and allergens. Healthy mucous membranes therefore play an important role in a functioning immune system.
Incidentally, our mucous membranes “communicate” with each other: a healthy stomach and intestinal mucosa also leads to better mucosal function in the other organs.

Symptoms of impaired mucosal function

Various influences make mucous membranes thinner and drier - they can also atrophy (become pitted), which means they can no longer fulfill their defensive function. These influencing factors include 

    - Medication (especially cancer therapy)
    - UV and radioactive radiation (X-rays, radiotherapy)
    - Hormonal influences (menopause, anti-hormone therapy, stress)
    - Mechanical injuries and environmental pollution
    - lack of (oral) hygiene

There are also the following terms for an inflamed mucous membrane:
    - Mucositis:Inflammation of the mucous membrane (general)
    - Stomatitis:Inflammation of the oral mucosa (also known as oral mucositis)

Allergies (hay fever, asthma and others) and bacterial inflammation of the stomach lining or bladder can be exacerbated if the “mucosal protective shield” is impaired.
Chronic inflammation of the mouth, throat and intestinal mucosa is accompanied by pain and burning, reduced saliva production, taste and swallowing disorders and the associated difficulties in eating, which severely impairs the enjoyment of eating and the quality of life of those affected.
A dry vaginal mucosa and recurring infections of the bladder and genitals often severely restrict intimate life and everyday life.
Our joints are each surrounded by a capsule. On the inside is the synovial membrane (synovium). It regulates the production and removal of synovial fluid. If this mechanism is disrupted, we often experience a painful restriction of movement (stiffness).

Which cancer therapy damages the mucous membranes?

Cancer cells have the ability to divide quickly, which is why chemotherapy in particular attacks all rapidly dividing cells. Unfortunately, this also affects healthy body cells that naturally renew themselves quickly. These include cells of the mucous membranes and the immune system (e.g. leukocytes in the blood). Anti-hormone therapy can also have a negative impact on mucosal function. This results in side effects such as 
    - Inflammation of the mucous membranes
    - diarrhea
    - persistent exhaustion (fatigue)
    - hair loss
    - susceptibility to infections
    - joint pain

Chemotherapy - often overshoots the mark

Around 40 percent of patients can develop mucositis during chemotherapy, and up to 75 percent during high-dose therapy. The oral mucosa is almost always inflamed during chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Depending on the cancer therapy, the entire digestive tract, bladder and external genital organs can also be affected.

How can the mucous membrane be supported?

Inflammation of the mucous membranes, which occurs as a side effect of chemotherapy, can be reduced by naturopathic measures and therapies, for example. These help to protect and stabilize healthy body cells and functions. In this way, the quality of life can be improved during and after cancer therapy.

1. nutrition and everyday tips

Better to avoid: An unbalanced diet, too much sugar, white flour, nicotine, alcohol, medication and stress weaken our mucous membranes.
Recommended: Around 2 liters of liquid daily (water, unsweetened tea), sufficient humidity indoors and exercise in the fresh air are good for our mucous membranes. Plant-based foods should make up the largest proportion of the daily diet.
Lentils, for example, contain naturally occurring lectin and selenium. Selenium has better bioavailability in its organic form (4). Exceeding the recommended daily dose (255 micrograms) should be avoided (5).
Synbiotics - a combination of pro- and prebiotics - support the (re)development of a healthy gastrointestinal mucosa. These include psyllium seeds, linseed, organic dairy products and fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut. Alternatively, synbiotics are also available in capsule form.
Micronutrients and plant substances support and activate many of the body's functions, including the development of healthy cells. Micronutrients are not produced by the body, but must be supplied through the diet. Secondary plant substances (e.g. enzymes) are contained in many foods, but only in relatively small quantities. The need for these nutrients is often increased during illnesses or therapies. Supplementation via food supplements can then be useful.
Taking dietary supplements (such as enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, minerals and trace elements) has a positive effect on many diseases, including cancer. Certain dietary supplements can improve the often disturbed nutrient balance of the body and the quality of life of cancer patients in particular. Biotin, for example, contributes to the normal function of all areas of the skin and mucous membranes in the body.
Oral intake is generally recommended, as this allows the nutrients to reach all relevant mucous membranes in the body via the bloodstream.

2. painkillers and other medications

In the case of existing mucosal lesions (injuries), the focus is on pain therapy, which should always be carried out in consultation with the treating doctor or dentist. The same applies to stomach and intestinal infections, where antibiotic therapy may even be indicated.

3. local applications

Local applications only reach the mucous membrane of the organ where the active ingredient is applied:
    - oral mucositis/stomatitis: special mouth rinses alleviate the symptoms of oral mucositis.
    - vaginal dryness: gels often provide rapid relief.
    - Irritated eyes: Over-the-counter eye drops and ointments are available, but self-medication of the eyes is generally not recommended. Talk to your (eye) doctor.
    - Joint pain: Diclofenac gels provide short-term pain relief, but the main cause of the impaired mucosal function cannot be remedied.
    - Bronchitis: Cold ointments, baths and inhalations with essential oils can be used to treat inflammation of the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract.

SOURCES:

       1.https://www.helixor.de/nebenwirkungen-krebs/mukositis/#gestoerte-funktion
       2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/00365521.2014.898326
       3. https://www.omni-biotic.com/de-de/darmgesundheit/einflussbereiche-des-darms/immunsystem/
       4. Elting LS et al. In: Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer. Band 21, Nummer 11, November 2013, S. 3243–3254
       5.Burk RF et al. 2006. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 15(4): 804-810
       6.EFSA Journal 2023. 21(1): 7704