The benefits of chemotherapy are undisputable and can save someone’s life. Yet in the process of destroying harmful cancer cells, noncancerous cells can also be in the crossfire, causing challenging side effects. The doctor will provide instructions on what cancer patients need to do to minimize these effects, but it’s just as important to know what not to do while undergoing chemo treatment.
What Should You Avoid During Chemotherapy?
- Probiotics: Probiotics contain beneficial yeast and bacteria, but skip them during chemo due to the body’s weakened immune system.
- Vitamins: A 2019 study pointed to evidence of a reduction in chemo’s effectiveness and a significant decrease in the desired outcome by those who were taking certain vitamins (including A, C, and B12).
- Alcohol: Alcohol can exacerbate the negative side effects of chemo, even in very small amounts.
- Smoking: Smoking can lead to hypoxia (a lack of oxygen) in cancer tumors and other areas of the body, which can impact the efficacy of chemo and worsen side effects.
- Strenuous exercise and work: This includes both physically and mentally taxing tasks, which can worsen fatigue, stress, nausea, and mood swings.
- Infections: Because the immune system is compromised during chemotherapy, it’s important to stay away from those who are sick.
- UV light: Limit exposure to sunlight and stay away from tanning beds, which can have a more severe impact on the skin in someone receiving chemotherapy.
There are also a number of types of foods to steer clear of during chemo treatment, including:
- Grapefruits and grapefruit juice
- Seville oranges and their juice
- Raw fish and shellfish
- Raw nuts
- Raw or soft-cooked eggs
- Blue and other moldy cheeses
- Raw honey
- Fresh salsa and salad dressing
- Foods from bulk bins
- Spicy and acidic foods and condiments
- Hard, sharp foods such as potato chips, cookies, crackers, and granola
Chemo To-Dos
While avoiding the items above, the following action items can be helpful during chemotherapy:
- Minimize fatigue by arranging for transportation to and from chemo appointments and designating both the day of and the day after chemo as a day of rest
- Reduce risk of infection by washing hands frequently, avoiding large crowds, and getting flu and COVID-19 vaccinations (if approved by your physician)
- Mitigate appetite problems by eating smaller, more frequent meals (including a lot of protein), drinking at least 8 – 12 cups of water per day, and staying as physically active as possible to help increase appetite
- Protect the skin from dryness and sensitivity by using gentle soap and moisturizing the skin often, wearing sunscreen, and choosing loose-fitting clothes and a hat when outdoors
Bear in mind that support is vitally important during cancer treatment. Build a strong network of friends and family members, and include a professional caregiver to ensure all needs – physical, emotional, and spiritual – will be met during this challenging time.
Cancer care can be complicated. Let Independence-4-Seniors Home Care’s fully trained and experienced care professionals help. Contact us for a free in-home consultation today.