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Maintaining Health and Fitness Through Cancer
Both chemo therapy and radiotherapy can play havoc on the body’s systems. Side effects vary depending on the type and targeted area. Fatigue, nausea and weight loss are very common. Although it may seem arduous to expect one to focus on exercise and nutrition, maintaining overall physical and mental health can improve energy levels, emotional wellbeing and possibly improve recovery and survival rates.
Physical Activity
Research has shown that physical activity increases quality of life during cancer treatment. It has been shown to improve feelings of fatigue and malaise thus enhancing ones overall physical and mental health. Exercise itself helps to improve and maintain heart functioning, muscle mass and strength. This is beneficial to the healthy individual, but provides even greater benefit to a body battling cancer treatment .
It is understandable that the motivation to exercise will diminish during treatment. It may seem impossible to get out of bed some days, but it is important to remember that physical activity will be beneficial. The endorphins released during mild to moderate exercise will improve energy levels each day and potentially improve feelings of nausea. Exercise only to a level you feel comfortable and expect this to change on a daily basis. Any exercise will be better than no exercise.
Nutrition
The main focus during cancer treatment is to maintain an overall energy intake that will prevent weight loss, or cachexia, commonly seen at such a time. Treatment can cause major changes in metabolism, appetite suppression cause a hyper catabolic, or wasting state. Extreme weight loss of fat and muscle mass greatly reduces the rate of recovery and survival.
Cancer treatment is not a time to start a diet or try to lose weight, unless recommended by your physician. The body requires a range of nutrients from a varied diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish & chicken, low fat dairy products, healthy fats and whole grains. It is important to realise that like the treatment, food is medicine, and one must try to eat even if appetite is suppressed. Nutritional supplements can be useful as meal or snack replacement as they provide a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat as well as a range of vitamins and minerals. Aim for six small meals each day. Choose foods rich in essential fatty acids such as avocados, nuts and seeds and oily fish. You may like to alternate meals with supplements. If you are suffering fatigue, ask family to prepare small meals that you like, have meals home delivered or make the most of ‘up times’ and prepare freezeable meals. You can order groceries online and have them home delivered to save effort of supermarket shopping. Always have some favourite high energy snacks on hand such as nuts & dried fruit, yoghurt, cheese & crackers, oat biscuits. Avoid high sugar snacks that will provide little in the way of nutrition.
Consider food safety. Treatment will weaken the immune system, increasing risk of food poisoning. Make sure foods are cooked, washed and stored properly. Check expiry dates and keep the food preparation areas clean.
Remember Dietitians are trained to help with advice on eating issues and can choose supplements that are appropriate to the individual.
Added to site on : Wednesday, 9 April 2014