Eating small meals or a snack every three to four hours will help keep your energy level constant. Try 1/4 cup of nuts or seeds, whole grain crackers topped with 2 teaspoons of peanut butter, or 2 tablespoons of hummus as a dip with baby carrots to boost energy. Eat more when you're feeling well.
Try to add strength training, such as lifting weights, a few times a week, too. Consider integrative medicine options. Some people with cancer find relief from fatigue through meditation, yoga and other mindfulness practices that encourage relaxation. Massage and acupuncture can be helpful, too.
"Cancer-fighting foods"
The list is usually topped with berries, broccoli, tomatoes, walnuts, grapes and other vegetables, fruits and nuts. "If you look at the typical foods that reduce cancer risk, it's pretty much all plant foods that contain phytochemicals," says Wohlford.
Foods to avoid (especially for patients during and after chemo): Hot, spicy foods (i.e. hot pepper, curry, Cajun spice mix). Fatty, greasy or fried foods.
Avocados are high in healthy fats, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, potassium and fiber. This makes them rich in antioxidants and nutrients that are essential in a healthy diet and have been shown to have anti-carcinogenic properties.
All cells, including cancer cells, use glucose as their primary fuel. Glucose comes from any food that contains carbohydrates including healthful foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and dairy.
The number of red blood cells gradually starts to go down a few days after you have your chemotherapy drugs. It may stay lower than normal until you finish your treatment. You might feel the most tired when your blood cells are at their lowest (nadir).
Cancer and cancer treatment can change normal protein and hormone levels that are linked to inflammatory processes which can cause or worsen fatigue. Treatments kill normal cells and cancer cells, which leads to a build-up of cell waste. Your body uses extra energy to clean up and repair damaged tissue.
Fatigue caused by chemotherapy may last for some weeks or months after a treatment cycle ends. Many people find that their energy levels return to normal within 6–12 months of treatment ending. While fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy, it can also be a symptom of depression.
Fatigue often goes away after your last cancer treatment. For some people though, it can last for months after treatment ends.
“A number of egg proteins and peptides have been reported to induce apoptosis in cancer cells, protect against DNA damage, decrease the invasion ability of cancer cells, and exhibit cytotoxic and antimutagenic activity in various cancer cell lines.
Limit eggs to 1 or 2 times per week; soft and hard boiled will be a better option than scrambled or fried. Consider avoiding eggs completely if you have had a reproductive cancer or are at high-risk for breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. Limit red meat to once a week or less and avoid cooking at high temperatures.
Green, Black and White Teas
Black, green, white and also oolong teas (sometimes called “true teas”) are rich in many disease-fighting nutrients, such as catechins, polyphenol compounds, epigallocatechin gallate (or EGCG), flavonols and more.
Alcohol can worsen the side effects of chemotherapy and drugs used during cancer treatment. These side effects include nausea, dehydration and mouth sores. And, drinking alcohol increases the risk of additional cancer diagnoses. Cancer patients should talk to their doctor about the use of alcohol.
It's best to stay away from highly refined, processed food. You should also avoid fried foods that contain a lot of hydrogenated oils, which can increase inflammation.
Try low-odor, dry, and bland foods, such as crackers, toast, oatmeal, and plain yogurt. Sip cold, clear liquids, such as ginger ale, iced tea, sparkling water, or fruit juice. Some people find sparkling water with a splash of juice soothes the stomach.
High-protein foods*
Use milk in place of water for hot cereal and soups. Include cream or cheese sauces on vegetables and pasta. Add powdered milk to cream soups, mashed potatoes, puddings, and casseroles. Add Greek yogurt, powdered whey protein, or cottage cheese to favorite fruits or blended smoothies.