5 Ways To Deal With Chemotherapy Side Effects
Since chemotherapy drugs are quite strong, they can lead to a lot of unpleasant side effects, such as hair loss, nausea and fatigue. You can talk to a professional, like Sturdy Memorial Hospital, about alternative options. If you are sticking with chemo, here are five ways to deal with its side effects.
Take a Ginger Supplement for Nausea
Nausea is one of the more common side effects of chemotherapy and can make you feel downright awful. If your nausea is severe enough, it can prevent you from eating enough food. Taking a ginger supplement can help relieve your nausea. During a study conducted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 600 chemotherapy patients were randomized to either take a ginger supplement or placebo. The patients who took a ginger supplement said their nausea significantly improved.
Try Low-Impact Exercises
When you are going through chemotherapy treatments, exercise is probably the last thing on your mind. However, exercising a few times a week can actually give you much more energy and help you feel a lot better. You do not have to do strenuous exercises, like running or kickboxing, to feel better. Participating in low-impact exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, can provide you with a lot more energy.
Treat Mouth Sores With Non-Alcohol Mouthwash
Mouth sores are also common when you are going through chemotherapy. These mouth sores can cause a lot of pain and make it very difficult to eat food. If you rinse your mouth every day with a non-alcohol mouthwash, you can relieve your mouth sores.
Be Gentle With Your Hair
Since chemotherapy can lead to hair loss, it is important to be gentle with your locks. Avoid heat styling tools and try to wash your hair as little as possible. When you do have to wash your hair, use a gentle shampoo and massage your scalp with advocado oil. You could also talk with your doctor about using kelp tablets.
Eat Bland Foods
Chemotherapy can make your stomach very sensitive, so it is best to eat bland foods like toast, clear broth and boiled rice. These foods are gentle on your stomach and will keep your energy levels up. Avoid fried and spicy foods as much as possible.
If you follow these helpful tips, you can manage your chemotherapy side effects more easily. However, if you still feel awful, you should schedule an appointment with your oncologist. Your oncologist will examine you and determine the best way to reduce your chemotherapy side effects.