It’s first important to understand what cancer really is in order to understand what the body goes through and the treatment that’s required to manage the disease. Cancer can be called a cluster of more than 100 diseases which arise due to uncontrolled cellular growth. Treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and immunotherapy are commonly used to control the growth. These treatments also affect “healthy” cells as well, hence causing detrimental or extreme side-effects. The side-effects that one can face such as nausea, body ache, fatigue, hair loss, gut disturbances, decreased haemoglobin levels are likely the ones to wear you down more than the disease itself.
We have treated thousands of cancer patients over the years and have been able to provide patients with the right kind of integrative therapies in order to reduce side-effects of treatment and improve quality of life.
Here are few tips that you can incorporate into your life to manage your symptoms better:
Are you suffering from nausea or vomiting? We know that this is one of the biggest hindrances to proper nutrition. Here are a few things you can start including into your diet.
Ginger
Yes, you read that right! Ginger has been used as a form of medicine by our ancestors and it’s available in our households all the time. So, how do you use it to help nausea or vomiting?
Here’s how- Simply make a concoction out of ginger and add in some lime just before consuming. Or just freeze the ginger tea and make ice candy out of it and suck on it whenever you have a queasy feeling. Believe us, it works!
We provide wonderful recipes to manage nausea and vomiting in CARER’s Cancer Recipe Book.
Anaemia
Never suffered from anaemia before, but ended up having it now as a symptom to cancer treatment? You have to undergo chemotherapy again and are scared that you might need a blood transfusion? We can help you! Have this juice everyday and you can improve your haemoglobin in 2-3 weeks.
Take one medium sized pomegranate and beetroot with 2 soaked figs overnight, grind them together with water as required, strain and enjoy!
Gut disturbances
Yes, the treatment can affect your digestive system as well. Few drugs can cause diarrhea and others constipation, and sometimes it might not have any negative impact at all. So what should you be doing if you have diarrhea or constipation?
You might have to rebuild your gut microbiome by including healthy fermented foods and prebiotics so that the beneficial bacteria can feed on the same and multiply. These little bacterias are the saviors of your gut and immunity. Apart from these, you should make a few changes specific to constipation and diarrhea.
Adding more fibre to help with constipation, like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds are extremely beneficial. Drinking a good amount of fluids and movement can both improve constipation.
With diarrhoea, hydrate yourself with electrolytes, have more carbohydrates such as bread and rise.
In both cases, always include pro and pre-biotic rich foods such as yogurt, kafir, sauerkraut, fermented vegetables, congee, onions, artichokes, pomegranate etc. You can take a probiotic supplement if required.
Always remember to tackle your health with a holistic approach, that includes nutrition and movement and meditation and mental health