If you are someone who is soon to be going under private chemotherapy treatment, the vital aspect to keep in consideration is that you as the patient needs to be in good condition before going into the treatment. Alongside just being healthy, here are other tips that should be kept noted before going into chemotherapy.
1. Side Effects of Chemo and how to Cope
Because there are side effects to chemotherapy such as appetite changes, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and fatigue, here are some ways of keeping sure that make sure you can cope with the effects.
Make your food flavorful:
The therapy itself can make your tastebuds taste something different than what you would expect individual dishes to be. It can even make water and meat taste bad, which are two that are usually distasteful after treatment. So, the best way to cope with this issue would be to add something. Add lemon to water or try flavoured mineral water. For meat, try another source of protein such as eggs, beans, or fish.
Manage weight gain:
It is common for most chemotherapy patients undergoing treatment to gain weight. To manage weight gain, it is suggested you should eat low-fat carbs, snacks, and a good amount of vegetables.
Control your bowel movements:
Because diarrhea is a side effect seen in patients undergoing chemo, try to avoid foods that are greasy. Other foods you should also avoid are salad greens, fruit juices, raw produce, and sugar alcohols. Try to eat foods that are more tolerable for your body. For example, try oatmeal, bananas, cantaloupe, and squash.
2. For staying comfortable during chemo
Since you will probably be feeling fatigued and nauseous after treatment, here are some ways to help you cope and survive post-chemo.
Stay hydrated:
The significant thing for you as a chemotherapy patient is to hydrate. Symptoms of Chemotherapy include diarrhea and vomiting are susceptible to cause dehydration. Make sure to drink water and fluids to avoid dehydration.
Eat small portions/meals:
Being able to eat small meals will help you in a good way. Your body will tolerate this way more than eating a big meal. You will also be able to control the nauseous feeling of vomiting.
Talk to a dietitian:
Communicating with a dietitian can be beneficial for you. Talking to a dietitian can help you get the necessary nutrients you need along with helping you avoid foods that cause symptoms of post-chemotherapy radiation.
3. IMPORTANT: Stay healthy while recovering from treatment!
For you, it is important you don’t go haywire with the foods and fluids you take in. Make sure that you avoid certain foods in order to lead to a healthy recovery from chemo. Below mentioned are some ways for you to make sure of it.
Avoid alcohol!:
Make sure that you are not treating your liver badly during chemo. According to a source called Anselmo, alcohol can cause stress on the liver, making it difficult to process the chemo drugs used in treatment. So, please put that bottle down of beer, wine, or liquor and be kind to your liver!
Watch the Supplements you take in:
Some of the dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and herbals should not be taken because it can cause unwanted reactions with chemo drugs. So do not take dietary supplements while recovering.
Limit your green tea intake:
For patients who are undergoing chemo treatment, physicians recommend limiting your intake on green tea. Green and white teas contain antioxidants which can interfere with the effects of the treatment. So avoid green/white tea!