One of the hardest things to manage after a cancer diagnosis is other areas of your health. It’s important to note that food is not medicine, but with proper nutrition after a cancer diagnosis, you can prevent further issues later on. There are many cancer patients that find a healthy, balanced diet and good movement the right thing to focus on during and after treatment.
There are many things cancer patients cannot control, from the way that their proton treatment makes them feel to the side effects of chemotherapies. Their nutrition and exercise, however, are both things that can be controlled. With this in mind, let’s look at how movement and nutrition can keep you going during and after cancer.
Nutrition
While you are undergoing treatment, you may put nutrition on the backburner. The side effects of nausea and – in some cases – vomiting, can make nutrition difficult and the focus is on eating anything with enough calories. Eating well with plenty of fruit and vegetables can keep your body as healthy as possible and keep your strength up. You might also find that the right foods will improve your energy levels and increase your strength as you handle treatment at the same time.
Beyond cancer treatment, the risk of developing other conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis is high. A healthy diet can help you to prevent the development of these conditions, and your nursing team can get you in touch with a dietician to ensure that you are following a balanced diet. The right advice will ensure that you are feeling the extra energy and you keep your appetite balanced, too.
Movement
Cancer treatment can really take it out of you. Your energy and strength are depleted, and being more active can be the change that you need to make in your life. You will find that exercise helps you to reduce your fatigue, improve your quality of life, look after your heart and reduce your risk of anxiety and depression. Your movement efforts will help you to strengthen your muscles and your bones, and while it may feel like a lot of effort, it’s worth it if it makes you feel good once again.
It will help to speak to your doctor before you begin any kind of movement, as they can tell you whether you should take it easy. They’ll also encourage you to do the activities that are better for your body at this time. Something as simple as walking more each day can take a lot out of you, so you have to continue to respect your limits as a cancer patient. It may be a good idea to move your body and feel flexible, but your health matters first. Cancer is not a joke, and while you are going through treatment, respecting the illness is an important part of the process. That said, you can work on your health for life beyond cancer – you deserve to feel strong and in control.
