A former model warns against rejecting conventional medical advice in favour of online alternative therapies after nearly dying attempting to cure her cancer with a juice diet.
Irena Stoynova spent £2,000 on juicers and dedicated hours daily to liquid meals, believing they would cure her non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Despite doctors’ recommendations for conventional treatment, Stoynova turned to alternative therapies found online, including raw-food diets and herbal remedies.
Influenced by social media figures advocating radical lifestyle changes, she became a “fanatic” of various diets and holistic therapies.
Stoynova experienced severe weakness, sleep deprivation, and hallucinations, losing 20 kilograms due to extreme dieting.
Paramedics rushed Stoynova to Frimley Park Hospital, where doctors warned she was near death due to stage three cancer.
Initially resistant to chemotherapy, Stoynova eventually agreed after ten days in the hospital, now acknowledging its benefits compared to holistic treatments.
Stoynova urges others not to dismiss conventional medicine, stressing the importance of evidence-based practices and consulting medical professionals.
Dr Clare Rees, a consultant haematologist, emphasizes the dangers of misinformation and encourages seeking reliable sources like Lymphoma Action or Macmillan Cancer Support.
Stoynova’s case highlights the risks of relying solely on alternative therapies sourced online, underscoring the importance of informed medical decision-making.
Despite her ordeal, Stoynova is now in remission, emphasizing the life-saving benefits of conventional cancer treatments.
The allure of alternative therapies on social media poses a challenge for medical professionals, who stress the importance of science-backed practices.
Stoynova’s experience is a cautionary tale, illustrating the potential consequences of rejecting traditional medical advice.
Ultimately, Stoynova’s journey underscores the need for a balanced approach to healthcare, combining both traditional and alternative therapies under the guidance of medical experts.
Indeed, here are additional paragraphs breaking down the news content further:
Stoynova’s journey began in June 2021 when she received her non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, facing a pivotal moment in her treatment journey.
Despite initial recommendations for chemotherapy, Stoynova’s decision to pursue alternative therapies stemmed from her belief in the success stories shared online.
The allure of online influencers advocating for natural healing and radical lifestyle changes led Stoynova down a path of experimentation with various diets and holistic treatments.
Stoynova’s dedication to alternative therapies consumed her life, causing severe physical and psychological effects, including extreme weight loss and hallucinations.
The turning point came when Stoynova’s deteriorating health forced her to seek emergency medical attention, highlighting the critical importance of timely intervention in cancer treatment.
Medical professionals at Frimley Park Hospital faced challenges in persuading Stoynova to undergo chemotherapy, navigating delicate conversations amid her scepticism of conventional medicine.
Stoynova’s eventual acceptance of chemotherapy marked a pivotal moment in her treatment journey, offering a lifeline in her battle against cancer.
Reflecting on her experience, Stoynova emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to healthcare, combining the benefits of conventional medicine with holistic practices supported by scientific evidence.
Dr. Clare Rees underscores the prevalence of misinformation in alternative therapies and advocates for reliable sources of information to guide patients in their treatment decisions.
Stoynova’s story serves as a cautionary tale, shedding light on the dangers of relying solely on online sources for medical advice and the importance of consulting qualified healthcare professionals.
Despite the challenges and setbacks she faced, Stoynova’s journey ultimately culminated in remission, offering hope and inspiration to others navigating their battles with cancer.
