physical activity, nutrition and mental health

Next the news Catherine, Princess of Wales, recently released from prison, announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 personal update about his treatment, expressing relief that the chemotherapy was over.

Every year, millions of people around the world receive chemotherapy – and this number is likely to increase. AND 2019 study estimates that the number of patients requiring chemotherapy will increase by 53% from 9.8 million in 2018 to 15 million in 2040.

So how can you best take care of your body during and after surgery?

Next to surgery and radiotherapy, chemotherapy is one of the most frequently used methods cancer treatment. It aims to stop the growth of cancer cells by killing them or stopping them from dividing.

But chemotherapy does not differentiate between cancer cells and healthy cells, so it is related to variety With side effects including fatigue, hair loss, mouth sores, nausea and vomiting, infections, problems with memory and concentration – as well as emotional problems, from mood swings to anxiety and depression.

Chemotherapy may also have long-term impact on the body. Late effects may include neuropathy (nerve damage), cardiac complicationsAND suppression of the immune system – all of these symptoms may occur months or even years after treatment.

Management and maintenance

Undergoing chemotherapy is physically and mentally exhausting – and some patients find their quality of life is so seriously affected by side effects of treatment.

But research shows that many patients can cope better with chemotherapy by focusing on nutrition, exercise and mental health both before and during treatment.

Changes may occur in patients undergoing chemotherapy in taste and appetite, so maintaining proper nutrition during treatment may be difficult. But healthy diet is necessary to help the body alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy – i eat well can help patients maintain a stable body weight and avoid malnutrition.

Easily digested, neutral-tasting foods such as oatmeal and eggs may be better tolerated during treatment. Rich in nutrients and energy they may also apply to foods such as peanut butter, dried fruit, avocado, and nuts and seeds good options. Some chemotherapy drugs may cause “chemiousta” – when the treatment affects the taste to such an extent that even water may become unpalatable. In this case, sipping clear broth may help maintain hydration.

Exercise can also be very beneficial during chemotherapyeven if they are patients fighting fatigue. Gentle movement such as walking, stretching or yoga can help you stay fit, reduce treatment fatigue and improve your mood.

Research has shown that regular moderate-intensity exercise during cancer treatment can increase patients’ energy levels, improve their sleep quality, and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. While it’s important not to overexert yourself, even a few minutes of daily activity can do the trick change something.

As the Princess of Wales shared in her update, cancer treatment is a deeply emotional journey, as well as a physical one. Managing anxiety, depression and stress is crucial to your overall well-being.

AND 2022 study found that maintaining a strong emotional support network can reduce treatment-related distress and improve quality of life. Counseling, therapy or support groups can provide a safe space to express emotions and fears.

Recovery after treatment

After completing chemotherapy, recovery is a gradual process – the body needs time to regain strength and regenerate from the effects of the treatment.

In her film, the princess and her family walk and play in fields and forests, emphasizing the value of activity and contact with nature. Participants A 2023 study stated that “nature was the most important resource in the fight against cancer.” Next research has shown that “exposure to and interaction with the natural environment” can help improve the health of people recovering from cancer.

But running outdoors may be the last thing on your mind after chemotherapy. After treatmentpatients may experience severe fatigue, muscle weakness and reduced endurance. Some physical activity is essential however, help you recover.

Regular exerciseincluding cardiovascular training and resistance training, helps rebuild muscle strength, improves cardiovascular health and reduces risk cancer recurrence. Start with gentle exercises such as walking, swimming or stretching. Over time, patients can increase the duration and intensity of their activities as their body allows it.

The period after the procedure is a time to focus on mental and emotional regeneration and rebuilding physical strength. As patients adjust to life after treatment, can face feelings anxiety, uncertainty or fear of cancer recurrence. The princess talked about the emotional difficulties of explaining her illness to her children and dealing with uncertainty about her future. Mental toughness plays a key role in long-term recovery: research shows it solving mental health problems Power significantly improve patient’s quality of life.

The chemotherapy recovery process is multifaceted and includes physical rehabilitation, management of long-term side effects, and emotional healing. By exercising, maintaining a healthy diet and focusing on mental health, patients can rebuild their strength and well-being – and, as Catherine told others going through cancer treatment, “let that light shine bright.”