Cancer can be a difficult disease to treat because cancer cells are mutated versions of normal cells. As a result, cancer treatment can take a toll on the rest of your body, resulting in fatigue, nausea, and other side effects due to treatment. After cancer treatment, it can be difficult to get back to eating normally and being physically active, but adopting a healthy lifestyle is important because it keeps your body in shape and can also help you feel better.
Eat Well
Step 1
Start with simple foods or recipes that are familiar to you. During cancer treatment you may have had to alter your diet and it will take time for you and your digestive tract to return to normal. Ease your way back to normal eating habits by consuming foods you like and are easy to prepare. You can also make meal preparation easier by making enough food for two or three meals and then freeze whatever you don't eat for later.
Step 2
Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Patients who are recovering from their cancer treatments should eat lots of fruits and vegetables as these foods are rich in the vitamins and nutrients that the body needs to heal itself from any damage that the cancer treatment caused. The same basic diet principles that are recommended for most people apply for cancer survivors as well: eat lean protein, consume "healthy" carbohydrates such as legumes and whole grains, and replace saturated and trans fats with healthier unsaturated fats.
Step 3
Eat low-fiber foods if you have problems with abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Some types of cancer treatment can cause patients to have problems with indigestion, cramping and diarrhea. If you are experiencing these problems, avoid foods that are high in fiber, such as nuts, legumes, tough meats, processed meats and whole grains. Your digestive system will have an easier time processing tender or ground meats, white bread, eggs, fish and other low-fiber foods.
Be Active
Step 1
Ask your doctor if you are healthy enough to start an exercise program. Older patients, those with bone disease, nerve damage or arthritis need to take extra care when starting an exercise program due to an increased risk of injury. If you have a weakened immune system as a result of your treatment, you should avoid public gyms to reduce your risk of infection. In addition, patients who have had radiation should avoid swimming pools because the chlorine may irritate the skin around the treatment area.
Step 2
Increase your physical activity slowly. It can be difficult to begin an exercise program right away, so try to gradually incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine. Walk instead of driving for short errands and climb stairs instead of taking the elevator.
Step 3
Adopt a regular exercise routine. Exercising for thirty minutes per day five days per week can help increase your overall fitness and reduce fatigue.
