Although chemotherapy kills cancer cells, it can weaken the rest of your body in the process. Chemotherapy drugs are very strong and can leave you nauseous and fatigued. However, you do not have to let these side effects take over your life. Here are five helpful tips for dealing with chemotherapy side effects.
Eat the Right Foods
When you are going through chemotherapy, you will not have the biggest appetite, but it is still important to eat nutritious meals. Eating wholesome foods will help you keep up your strength so that you can deal with the side effects better. For example, lean protein sources, such as fish, chicken and beans, can repair your damaged cells. You should also add whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats to your diet.
Do Yoga
Yoga is a great exercise for cancer patients because it is gentle and can make you feel a lot better. It not only reduces pain and fatigue; it can also help you sleep better at night and improve your strength. If you are not used to doing yoga, work with a yoga instructor who has experience with cancer patients.
Avoid Big Meals
Eating three big meals a day can make your nausea worse, so it is best to eat five to six small meals. For example, two hours after you have a banana and piece of toast for breakfast, eat some crackers with peanut butter.
Be Extra Gentle With Your Hair
Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy and can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. It is important to be extra gentle with your remaining hair so that the rest grows back nice and healthy. Avoid using heat on your hair and don't wash it more than two or three times a week.
Practice Relaxation Exercises
Dealing with a cancer diagnosis and the side effects of treatment can put you under a lot of stress. If you practice relaxation exercises every day, you can relieve your stress and sleep better at night. For instance, you can meditate for 10 minutes every morning. Just close your eyes and focus on an object or thought.
It is also helpful to write down your chemotherapy side effects in a diary. Include how long you experienced the symptoms and what time of the day they occurred. If you record your side effects, your doctor can help you manage them better. For more tips or assistance, talk to clinics such as Cancer & Blood Specialists of Nevada.
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