3 Golden Rules Of Getting Through Cancer Treatments

According to studies, 650,000 people every year go through chemotherapy in the United States. Because it is an experience that many people will come to grips with, it is very important to understand the side effects and how to make the absolute most out of the experience. This guide issues some information about what to expect during cancer treatment and how you can cope with it. Consider these tips, so that you can help yourself out on the road to recovery. 

#1: Understand The Side Effects

The side effects are the toughest part about making it through chemotherapy. Some of these side effects of cancer treatment include sores in the mouth, constipation and diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, swelling and adverse sexual issues. These side effects can be tremendously debilitating to people, but the best way to fight them and deal with them is to know what you are getting into before undergoing treatments. Make yourself aware of these issues and remain in constant communication with your doctor about these side effects during the treatments. 

#2: Embrace Food And Kitchen Skills

Because your appetite will likely dwindle during chemo, you still want to make sure that you do your best to get your nutrients. A way to do this is to make sure that you embrace nutrition and enhance your food to be as palatable as possible. Some tips to this end include experimenting with teriyaki, vinegars and barbecue sauce, spicing your food with chopped onions and garlic and adding lemon juice or salt to take sweet foods down a notch. You will need to relearn your tastebuds during this time period in order to keep healthy weight on and encourage yourself to eat properly. 

#3: Take In Plenty Of Water And Fiber

Since chemotherapy's natural side effect is to make you sick and take plenty of trips to the bathroom, you will need to be certain that you are at least making it as bearable as possible. Keeping your body hydrated and filled with dietary fiber will help sustain what you lose through vomiting and diarrhea, while also making sure that you're able to maintain energy and sustain hunger. Go back to basics and make sure that you take in the quality nutrition that you know is good for you. 

Take advantage of these three golden rules of chemo, so that you're able to push through it and stay in good spirits.