11 things not to do during chemotherapy: What to avoid

Chemotherapy not solely targets the rapidly-growing most cancers cells but in addition wholesome, rapidly-growing cells within the physique. These embody the cells that line the intestines and mouth, and the hair follicles.

Due to this, an individual present process chemotherapy may experience uncomfortable side effects.

Listed here are 11 issues an individual can keep away from throughout chemotherapy to attenuate uncomfortable side effects and make sure the therapy is efficient:

1. Meals that have an effect on CYP enzymes

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are molecules that promote the metabolism and absorption of chemotherapy medicine into the blood.

Sure meals can inhibit the perform of chemotherapy medicine. They include:

• grapefruits, together with their juice
• Seville oranges, together with their juice
• St. John’s Wort

2. Overexertion

Among the common results of chemotherapy embody fatigue, nausea, and temper modifications.

Because of this, an individual ought to keep away from actions which can be mentally or bodily taxing. This consists of strenuous work or train.

3. Interacting with individuals who have infections

Some chemotherapy therapies can increase the chance of an infection.

There will probably be factors throughout chemotherapy therapy cycles the place an individual’s variety of white blood cells is decrease than standard. These cells are liable for combating infections.

Throughout these occasions, it will be important that an individual minimizes their threat of an infection. This consists of avoiding contact with individuals which will have energetic infections.

4. Smoking

An individual ought to keep away from smoking throughout chemotherapy, as tobacco and cigarette smoke can result in negative effects.

Smoking may result in hypoxia, which is an absence of oxygen, in sure areas of the physique. Hypoxia in most cancers tumors might reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

Cigarettes can even worsen the uncomfortable side effects of chemotherapy. A 2011 study discovered that sufferers receiving chemotherapy who smoked reported the next symptom burden in the course of the chemotherapy and the next symptom burden at their 6 month follow-up.

Smoking might also impact drug absorption. A 2014 review discovered that people who smoke receiving a chemotherapy drug wanted greater doses of the drug to be efficient in comparison with non-smokers.

5. Consuming alcohol

Alcohol, even in small amounts, can worsen the uncomfortable side effects of chemotherapy, reminiscent of a dry and sore mouth.

Alcohol might also work together with chemotherapy medicine, which can increase the chance of unfavourable uncomfortable side effects. An individual ought to keep away from ingesting alcohol closely or regularly throughout chemotherapy.

6. Undercooked or uncooked meals

Undercooked and uncooked meals might include infection-causing germs. As a result of most cancers and chemotherapy weaken the physique’s immune system, an individual present process chemotherapy might discover it more durable to battle such infections.

Examples of uncooked or undercooked meals to keep away from include:

• uncooked fish or shellfish reminiscent of sushi and oysters
• uncooked nuts
• moldy cheeses reminiscent of blue cheese
• raw or soft-cooked eggs
• meals from bulk bins
• contemporary salsas and salad dressings
• uncooked honey

7. Spicy and acidic meals

Chemotherapy can cause sores to kind within the mouth. It is because therapy additionally impacts rapidly-growing cells within the lining of the mouth and lips, not simply the most cancers cells.

It’s best to keep away from spicy and acidic meals which will trigger ache when the mouth is sore. These include:

• curries
• chili peppers
• scorching sauces
• ketchup
• tomatoes

8. Onerous meals

An individual present process chemotherapy who has mouth sores might need to keep away from arduous and sharp meals which may be troublesome to chew and swallow or which will trigger extra ache within the mouth. These include:

• crackers
• biscuits and cookies
• potato chips
• granola

9. Nutritional vitamins and dietary supplements

There’s limited scientific proof concerning the effectiveness of vitamins and natural dietary supplements within the therapy of most cancers.

Nonetheless, some nutritional vitamins might have an effect on the efficacy of chemotherapy therapy. A 2019 study investigating breast cancer therapies discovered taking nutritional vitamins, reminiscent of A, C, and B12, throughout chemotherapy was related to considerably poorer outcomes.

10. Ultraviolet (UV) Gentle

Among the uncomfortable side effects of chemotherapy embody dry, itchy, crimson, and peeling pores and skin. Chemotherapy might trigger an individual’s pores and skin to grow to be more sensitive to daylight and so they additionally might develop minor rashes.

For these causes, an individual present process chemotherapy ought to keep away from extended publicity to daylight and keep away from utilizing tanning beds.

11. Probiotics

Probiotics are merchandise that include dwell micro organism and yeast. These micro organism could also be helpful in combating unhealthy micro organism and aiding in digestive and bowel perform.

Nonetheless, an individual present process chemotherapy should avoid probiotics resulting from their weakened immune system. Merchandise which will include probiotics embody:

• yogurt
• miso
• sauerkraut
• cottage cheese
• probiotic capsules, drugs, and powders

There are additionally issues that an individual can do whereas present process chemotherapy to mitigate the uncomfortable side effects of therapy.

To assist mitigate fatigue, which is among the widespread uncomfortable side effects of chemotherapy, an individual ought to contemplate:

• Having somebody drive them to and from their chemotherapy appointments.
• Requesting decreased hours at work.
• Organizing childcare for the day of and the day after a chemotherapy appointment.
• Setting time apart to relaxation the day of and after a chemotherapy appointment.

An individual can minimize the chance of getting infections throughout chemotherapy by:

• Washing their arms totally with cleaning soap and heat water, particularly after utilizing the toilet and earlier than and after consuming.
• Carrying a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoiding massive crowds and put on a masks if wanted.
• Getting a flu shot earlier than winter.

A common aspect impact of chemotherapy is lack of urge for food and sensitivity to sure kinds of food and drinks. An individual can take the next precautions to mitigate these uncomfortable side effects:

• Totally scrubbing and washing all uncooked fruit and veggies.
• Consuming at the very least 8-12 cups of liquid every single day to stop dehydration.
• Occurring brief walks every single day to remain energetic, as this may occasionally enhance urge for food.
• Specializing in consuming quite a lot of protein and calories to keep up power.
• Washing all kitchen utensils and counter tops earlier than and after use.
• Cooking all meals to a ample temperature.
• Consuming the next variety of smaller meals, somewhat than three massive meals a day.

An individual’s pores and skin can grow to be extra delicate to UV mild throughout chemotherapy. An individual can take the next precautions:

• Moisturizing the pores and skin to stop itchiness and dryness.
• Carrying and carrying sunscreen to guard the pores and skin from UV mild.
• Utilizing soaps which can be mild on the pores and skin.
• Carrying loose-fitting garments and sporting a hat when within the solar.

As smoking can have detrimental results on chemotherapy, it’s important that an individual quit smoking earlier than chemotherapy and keep this even after chemotherapy has ended.

Click here to learn tips on how to give up smoking.