The human immune system is a remarkable defense against both chronic and acute illnesses. When an individual has cancer, she becomes more susceptible to illness, because the cancer, treatment or both can impair her immunity. Given the seriousness of a cancer diagnosis, it is understandable that individuals faced with this disease may feel helpless in terms of taking active steps to improve their health. There are several proactive ways an individual living with cancer can improve her odds of beating it. One of the most effective ways is to boost the immune system.
Step 1
Reduce your consumption of highly processed foods and replace them with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. A healthy diet, according to Harvard University, provides your body with the nutrients it needs to function at the highest level possible. Foods that are highly processed are nutrient poor and contain ingredients that aren't needed by your body, such as excess sugar and fat. Eating a healthy diet helps to make sure your body is receiving enough of the vitamins and minerals that are essential for immune system function, such as vitamins C and B6 and selenium.
Step 2
Engage in regular physical activity. A research study cited on BreastCancer.org found that women who engaged in physical activity three times a week had more immune cells than women who didn't exercise. Exercise also helps to improve your mood, sleep and ability to work through emotional challenges. Don't overdo exercise if you haven't been physically active for a while. Instead, begin by walking and increase the pace as your stamina improves.
Step 3
Learn how to deal with stress. You can't avoid stress, but you can learn techniques to help you manage it. Stress causes the body to release several hormones, such as cortisol, which suppress immunity. Chronic stress is particularly harmful because your body never has a break from the immune system suppression. Many cancer treatment centers offer stress reduction classes and workshops that teach techniques such as meditation, therapeutic breathing and yoga.
Step 4
Get at least eight hours of sleep every night. A 1996 study published in the International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements Database found that individuals who experienced a modest loss of sleep were found to have suppressed immune system function. Sleep is necessary for the body to restore resources that were used during its daily functioning. Avoid caffeinated beverages several hours prior to sleep and try to maintain a schedule that allows you enough time for adequate sleep.
Step 5
Maintain good hygiene. Wash your hands often or use a portable hand sanitizer to kill germs that can make you sick. Germs that cause colds or other illnesses force your immune system to work harder to handle the invaders, so it's best to avoid them before that happens. In addition, be sure to cook meats and wash fresh fruits and vegetables before eating them. These, too, can be sources of germs and bacteria that can cause illness and suppress immunity.
References
- Harvard University: How to boost your immune system
- Cancer Research Institute: Cancer and the Immune System: The Vital Connection
- BreastCancer.org: Boosting the Immune System to Fight Cancer
- International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements Database: Partial night sleep deprivation reduces natural killer and cellular immune responses in humans
