You experience the side effects of cancer treatment, and it won’t be surprising. But getting support when you notice signs that affect your quality of life during recovery or treatment is important. Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, immunotherapy, or a combination of these usually cause temporary side effects.
A weakened immune system is one of the most common concerns, and it can make it more difficult for your body to fight infections and heal swiftly. In this blog, we’ll understand how to improve immunity during cancer care.
It is impossible to correct or heal your immunity overnight; there are ways to boost and assist your immune system while undergoing cancer therapy. We'll explore easy, doable, and secure methods that you may use without overtaxing your body.
Why Cancer Treatment Weakens the Immune System – Let’s Understand
You should be aware that your immune system defends your body from harmful bacteria, viruses, and aberrant cells. Unfortunately, there are a number of ways that cancer therapies might impact your immunity:
- Chemotherapy: Targets both rapidly proliferating cells and healthy white blood cells.
- Radiation Therapy: The bone marrow, which produces immune cells, may be harmed by radiation therapy.
- Surgery: It puts a temporary impact on the immune system as it heals.
- Immunotherapy: May occasionally change or overstimulate immune responses.
You are more susceptible to illnesses, experience fatigue, notice muscle weakness, and heal more slowly when your immune system is weakened during this treatment. This is why maintaining your immune system throughout therapy is so crucial.
Prioritize Immune-Boosting Nutrition
Obviously, one of the most effective ways to boost your immunity while receiving cancer treatment is through your food/ diet. Thus, you should concentrate on eating full, nutrient-dense meals that provide your body with the building blocks it requires.
Vital Nutrients for Immunity
Here are your cancer care nutrition tips:
- Vitamin C, which is included in bell peppers, oranges, lemon, guava, and berries, supports the activity of white blood cells.
- Vitamin D, which is present in sunshine, fortified foods, and salmon, aids in the regulation of immunological responses.
- Zinc, a vital nutrient, you’ll get in nuts, seeds, lean meats, avocados, kiwi, guavas, blueberries, and pomegranates, and is necessary for the creation of immune cells.
- Protein, highly available in legumes, guava, plant-based milk, chicken, fish, eggs, and tofu, helps support and repair tissues and create antibodies.
- Antioxidants, which are included in berries, leafy greens, seeds, and green tea, prevent cell damage.
Tips for Eating – Boost Immunity During Cancer Treatment
- If you have a hard time feeling hungry, eat small meals frequently during your cancer treatment.
- Intake a variety of nutrients through fruits and veggies every day in your diet.
- Drink water, herbal teas, or broths to stay hydrated (don’t do it excessively).
- If you have trouble eating, smoothies with fruits, vegetables, and protein powder can help you.
For a dietary plan exclusive to you, you may see a certified dietitian who has expertise in cancer diet planning.
Maintain Good Hygiene to Prevent Infections
Prevention is always our first line of protection when our immunity is weak. Therefore, keep an eye out since even small illnesses might turn risky.
Habits of Daily Hygiene
- Wash your hands often at first, using soap and water.
- In case soap is unavailable, using hand sanitizer can be a good option.
- Try to avoid using your hands to contact your mouth, nose, or eyes without washing them.
- To keep from gum or oral infections, you should consider flossing and brushing your teeth twice a day.
- Wounds should be kept clean and covered (as guided by your doctor).
Further Safety Measures
- Also, try to avoid congested areas when infection rates are high this time.
- When your doctor recommends it, wear a mask.
- Avoid interacting with ill people.
Get Enough Rest and Manage Fatigue
Boost your immune system with quality sleep. When your body is already putting in extra effort to repair and heal during cancer treatment, quality sleep is important.
Sleep Advice
- Try to get between 7 and 9 hours each night (you might have some interruptions initially).
- Keep your bedtime routine constant (sleep by 10:30 or earlier).
- Make sure your room is quiet, comfortable the way you want it, and dark.
- Stay away from coffee in the afternoon or tea by 8 pm.
Allow yourself to take naps if you continue to feel exhausted even after resting; your body requires them.
Stay Physically Active (Safely)
Did you know that mild exercise can increase your body's circulation, lower stress levels, boost energy, and facilitate the more effective passage of immune cells?
Suggested Activities
- Walking is often easy, which helps your body with better blood flow and has a modest impact.
- Stretching and yoga promote relaxation and flexibility.
- Get expert advice for the management of muscular strength.
Before you begin or modify your workout regimen, always consult your physician, and make sure you don't overdo it, especially on the days of your therapy or right after the treatment.
Reduce Stress Through Mind-Body Practices
Hormones like cortisol, which are released under prolonged stress, have the potential to slowly impair immunological function. Besides stress management being important for mental health, your physical health also matters.
Techniques for Reducing Stress
- Deep breathing techniques or meditation.
- You can try journaling to express your emotions.
- Listening to guided relaxation programs or soothing music.
- Contacting support groups in order to receive emotional assistance.
- Relaxing for even ten minutes each day may make a noticeable difference.
Consider Immune-Supportive Supplements
We agree that supplements cannot be a substitute for your balanced diet; however, they can help close nutritional deficiencies. More significantly, you should always speak with your healthcare team or your oncologist before taking any supplements since they may interfere with cancer therapies.
If so, taking them will be another health hazard. Often regarded as supplements include:
- Vitamin D: Good for the immune system and bones.
- Probiotics: Immunity is influenced by gut health, which probiotics support.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Inflammation may be lessened by omega-3 fatty acids.
- Multivitamins: If your diet is limited, take multivitamins.
Note: High-dose herbal supplements should only be used as directed by a physician because some of them can interfere with radiation or chemotherapy.
Support Your Gut Health
Maintaining the health of your gut is essential since it contains more than seventy percent of your immune cells.
Foods That Are Good for Your Gut
- Foods high in fiber, such as leafy greens, beans, and oats
- Boiled foods
- Well-cooked foods
- Less spicy food
- Yogurt
Choose non-dairy probiotic drinks or supplements (with a doctor's consent) if dairy isn't an option for you.
Keep from Immune-Suppressing Habits
Recovery may be affected by certain lifestyle choices that compromise your immune system.
Avoid or limit:
- Smoking (active and passive)
- Drinking alcohol
- Sugary, highly processed meals
- Excessive contact with ill individuals
Final Words
Even though these changes can seem difficult, every step you take in the right direction will help you go through cancer treatment well and recover well. You can get a customized lifestyle plan from your oncologist at the best cancer hospital in Siliguri, Hope & Heal Cancer Hospital and Research Centre.
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