Changes in Immunological Markers Following Ginger Supplementation and Aerobic Exercise in Obese Women with Breast Cancer

Weakness in immune system in patients with breast cancer increases the growth of cancer cells and the risk of cancer recurrence and incidence of secondary cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of water-based aerobic exercise along with oral ginger supplementation on the immunological markers in obese women with breast cancer. In a semi-experimental study, 40 obese women with breast cancer (weight 76±9 kg and fat mass 41.8±4%) participated in this study. Subjects were randomly assigned to four groups: placebo (control), water-based exercise, ginger supplement and water-based exercise + ginger supplement.Subjects in the ginger group and the water-based exercise + ginger group received 4 capsules daily containing 750 mg ginger powder each capsule for 6 weeks. The water-based exercise was performed at a progressive intensity and time ranging from 50-75% of heart rate reserve for 6 weeks. The fasting blood samples were collected before and after 6 weeks of treatment interventions to assess immunological markers. One-way ANOVA showed that water-based exercise along with ginger supplementation decreased white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils after 6 weeks of treatment intervention. However, only monocytes significantly decreased in the exercise group. Non-drug methods improve immune system in women with breast cancer and can play an important role in improving quality of life in those with breast cancer.