Learning About Diagnosing Common Health Problems

Posted on: 10 May 2018

Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer. The treatment involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. Unfortunately, the treatment can also damage healthy cells in the process, resulting in several unpleasant side effects, including vomiting, fatigue and mouth sores. However, there are things you can do to manage these side effects.

Be Careful About What You Eat

One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy is vomiting. If you feel nauseous after a treatment, only eat bland foods, such as crackers, dry toast and gelatin, as they tend to be easier on your stomach. Try to chew your foods very slowly and drink plenty of water during your meals.

Get Moving

If you are feeling tired after your chemotherapy treatment, the last thing you probably want to do is exercise. However, moving around can actually increase your energy levels and help you feel better. Try taking a walk around the block or doing some yoga moves in your living room. You will be amazed at how good you will feel after you move your body a little.

Be Gentle with Your Hair

Some chemotherapy treatments can also lead to thinning hair. To minimize hair loss, do not wash your hair as often and avoid brushing it too often. If your hair is long, you could consider cutting it shorter to help it look thicker.

Include Fiber in Your Diet

Constipation is another common side effect of chemotherapy, which can make you feel pretty uncomfortable. One of the most effective ways to deal with constipation is to eat plenty of fiber-rich foods, such as beans, vegetables, whole grain pasta and nuts. 

Take Care of Your Mouth

Chemotherapy treatments can also make your mouth feel dry and sore. To keep your mouth in good shape, remember to brush and rinse a couple times a day and avoid alcohol-based products. If brushing your teeth hurts too much, you may want to use foam swabs because they are gentler. To reduce pain in your mouth, do not eat acidic and spicy foods and use a straw to keep liquids away from the sores. 

It isn't always easy to deal with the side effect of chemotherapy. However, if you follow these tips, you can make your situation a little more bearable. If you need additional advice on how to cope with chemotherapy side effects, you should talk to your cancer doctors and visit resources such as http://swoncology.net/.