There are many factors that influence whether cancer will recur, or return, after treatment has finished. One of the most influential factors is whether or not the cancer patient maintains a healthy diet and follows an exercise routine that helps to minimize their risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, both of which are linked to higher risks of cancer recurrence.
This article will discuss what kinds of foods you should eat after chemo treatment in order to maximize your chances of avoiding cancer recurrence.
Introducing the anti-cancer diet
It may be difficult to imagine now, but after a cancer diagnosis it will feel like you have the power of life and death in your hands. You’ll need to take control of your diet, exercise routine, and mindset for a healthy lifestyle that can keep cancer at bay. The first step is choosing a post-cancer diet that will work for you.
A good place to start is the anti-cancer diet. This diet has been designed by clinical oncologist Dr. Torey Donahue specifically for people who have undergone chemotherapy treatment or radiation therapy.
This plan is structured around four different types of foods: alkaline, antioxidant rich, protein dense and nutrient dense foods.
What to eat
It’s important to eat a diet that will help your body fight cancer. Rich in antioxidants, the following foods are some of the best options for those undergoing cancer treatment:
1) Fruits and vegetables – They contain high levels of vitamin C, which is known to help protect cells against damage. Plus, they are low in calories and rich in fiber.
2) Green tea – It contains caffeine and antioxidant polyphenols that may help your body repair itself from chemotherapy side effects like fatigue and nausea.
3) Fish – Eating fish can help reduce inflammation in the body caused by chemotherapy. Salmon is a great option because it’s also high in Omega 3 fatty acids, protein and vitamin D which will help with weight loss from chemo-related nausea. If you’re not fond of salmon, try canned tuna packed in water or sardines.
What to avoid
Cancer cells thrive in acidic environments so it’s important to avoid processed sugars and an acidifying diet. You should also avoid meat because it’s been shown that eating meat leads to a higher risk of cancer. Instead, eat lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
The best after-chemo diet is one that helps you maintain a healthy pH level and prevents inflammation – which can cause cancer recience. Here are some ideas for the types of foods you can have when following the alkaline diet:
It might seem like a challenge at first, but once you get into it, there are plenty of tasty dishes out there!
Foods to eat in moderation
It’s important to eat in moderation after cancer treatment, but certain foods can be a little trickier. For example, some people experience mouth sores from eating and find it difficult to swallow. Others may not want anything that requires chewing or is high in fat. Some people may also have specific dietary restrictions like those with diabetes, celiac disease, or lactose intolerance. If you have questions about what you should or shouldn’t be eating following cancer treatments, be sure to consult with your doctor or dietician who will tailor a plan just for you.
Antioxidants
The best after-chemo diet is one that is high in antioxidants. The antioxidants are essential for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can lead to cancer recurrence and other diseases.
Some food that are high in antioxidants are blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, oranges, papaya, avocado and red grapes.
With the right diet you can have a healthy lifestyle after chemo! One of the best things about chemotherapy treatment is the aftercare routine.
There’s no point making drastic changes before undergoing this aggressive treatment, so many people turn to following their normal routine as much as possible during chemotherapy.
Physical Activity
A common mistake made by people who don’t work or have kids on an average day is underestimating how much physical activity they need to maintain their body weight while on chemo treatments.
It may be necessary to include physical activity in your daily routine if not already done, including walking or light exercise at least five days per week and longer periods of cardio or intense exercise two or three times a week–but it must be within tolerance limits–and always with professional supervision and monitoring.
