Remedies to reduce the effects of chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that combines a series of drugs to kill malignant or cancer cells. The medicines that make up chemotherapy are so strong that they damage growing cells in the body, including healthy cells, which causes the side effects of this treatment.

Undergoing chemotherapy implies not only the emotional discomfort that the person is going through as a result of the cancer diagnosis but also adds a series of symptoms that considerably worsen the quality of life. Constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, weakness, fatigue, exhaustion, and changes in the oral mucosa are some of the consequences of chemotherapy. Given this situation, it is urgent to seek alternatives to improve this symptom so that the person with cancer can regain their stability. And physical ability. For this reason, in this FastlyHealarticle, we offer you some home remedies to reduce the effects of chemotherapy and thus make this process more bearable.

Remedies to calm nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are perhaps side effects of chemotherapy that few people escape. Still, they are also one of the most annoying symptoms since they make it practically impossible to try any food which can decompensate the person, dehydrate him or compromise his nutritional level. Some remedies to reduce the effects of chemotherapy that can be of great help in controlling nausea and vomiting are:

Little portions

Eating large amounts of food, like drinking large amounts of fluids, stimulates nausea and vomiting. Try to change your portions and eat small amounts of food throughout the day instead of three large meals. As for drinks, you should drink them little by little to avoid vomiting.

Avoid strong smells and flavors.

The aromas and flavors can be triggers for nausea. For example, foods that are very sweet or fatty often have more pungent smells and tastes that cause an upset stomach during chemotherapy. Prefer cold foods; also, stay away from any scent of creams, soaps, perfumes, detergents, etc., which you consider to make your discomfort worse.

Dress comfortably

The best clothing during chemotherapy treatment is loose-fitting clothing, as tight-fitting clothing exerts abdominal pressure that can worsen the discomfort of vomiting and nausea.

Chew gum

A side effect of chemotherapy is a change in the lining of the mouth, which can make your mouth taste like metal. Chew mint gum to combat it and avoid the nausea that it suggests. You can also rinse your mouth with mouthwash or baking soda and salt.

Infusions to the rescue

Some medicinal plants have the property of reducing nausea. An infusion of mint or ginger can be of great help to feel better.

Remedies to combat fatigue

Physical activity

It may be asking a lot, but it’s not about going for a run around town; it’s about getting out of bed. Although the discomfort of chemotherapy causes physical and mental exhaustion that triggers chronic fatigue, lying down all day can make this symptom worse. Taking a walk once or twice a day will increase your energy level. You can also leave the house to do an activity that you enjoy or visit loved ones, which will also help you feel more animated.

Keep a schedule

If, after the first dose of chemotherapy, you write down how you have felt each day, you can determine before the second dose when you are most active. This way, you can allow yourself to rest during those bad days and encourage yourself to leave the house or walk during the good days.

Sleep

Yes. Physical activity is essential, but rest is also necessary. When your body asks you to stop, stop and lie down on your bed to rest so that you can recharge your energy. It is also essential to avoid insomnia, which is very common in people with cancer. Avoid stimulating drinks such as coffee and tea at night and prefer a valerian infusion to get into a deep sleep and improve your mood.

Eat foods rich in iron.

During chemotherapy, the levels of red blood cells can drop and lead to anemia, a condition that among its main symptoms includes weakness and fatigue. To prevent this from happening, eat foods rich in iron such as beets, watercress, and peas to keep the production of these globules stable.

just relax

It also seems impossible to ask, but it is necessary. Anxiety is part of chemotherapy, and to reduce it, we recommend that you practice relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga. Talking to people going through what you are will also help you feel better. Also, to relax, you must avoid everything that worries you; work and housework can get ahead without you.

Remedies to reduce constipation from chemotherapy

Eat more fiber

The foods rich in fiber stimulate intestinal transit and help soften stools, making bowel movements much more frequent and less painful. Whole wheat bread, wheat, oatmeal, mango, pears, apples, blackberries, raspberries, almonds, peanuts, artichokes, Brussels, peas, carrots, broccoli, soybeans, and beans are ideal for including in your diet.

Physical activity

It is no longer about fatigue; this time, we recommend a daily walk to stimulate the functioning of your intestine and reduce constipation from chemotherapy.

Hydrate

Water also acts in the body by increasing the stool volume and softening its composition, which facilitates its expulsion. We must consume 2 liters of water daily, as this dose increases to 2 and a half liters, and you will notice the difference. If your constipation is very chronic, ask your doctor to prescribe a stool softener.

Home remedies for mouth sores

Another unpleasant consequence of chemotherapy is that it alters the oral mucosa, and the person is more prone to sores that are painful and worsen loss of appetite. To reduce them, keep these recommendations in mind.

Watch what you eat

Avoid citrusy, spicy, or scorching foods, as they will only worsen the condition of the sores. An excellent remedy to reduce the effects of chemotherapy is to suck on ice or eat ice cream, as the cold will give a cooling sensation while reducing inflammation. It is also important to avoid caffeine, tea, or energy drinks, as these substances can irritate the sores.

Oral hygiene

To avoid increasing or becoming irritated, you must maintain a proper oral cleaning. To do so, rinse your mouth with baking soda with salt and clean your teeth with a soft swab, being careful not to break or hurt any of the sores. Cleaning your mouth with warm salt water will also go a long way to prevent sores from becoming infected while deflating them.

Other remedies to reduce the effects of chemotherapy

To boost the immune system.

Chemotherapy can depress the immune system, which is essential to avoid in order not to catch any viruses or bacteria and to regain more energy. The consumption of omega-three supplements or foods rich in antioxidants is necessary to raise the body’s defenses and make it stronger. Add strawberries, oranges, guava, fish, anchovies, tuna, sardines, clams, mussels, watercress, broccoli, and spinach to your diet.

To cleanse the body of toxins.

Chemotherapy introduces a series of potent chemicals and substances into the body that fills the blood with toxins. An ideal way to purify blood flow is by drinking aloe vera juice daily, an energizing drink that will help reduce weakness and fatigue.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

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