Before further chemotherapy, keep your body fit in these 4 ways

The chemotherapy process may only take a few hours, but side effects can last for days or weeks afterward. Starting from weakness, nausea, vomiting, to loss of appetite. In fact, you still have to undergo several stages of advanced chemotherapy which require excellent body condition. So, how do you stay healthy before the next chemotherapy?

The key to keeping the body in good shape before further chemotherapy

Maintaining healthy health is very important for chemotherapy patients. The reason is, this is what determines the smoothness of your next chemotherapy process.

If your body is not in a good condition, your body may become overwhelmed when you receive the drugs that are given during chemotherapy. As a result, your doctor may delay your chemotherapy schedule until you get back to good health.

So, so that your body recovers quickly, let's follow these tips for maintaining health before further chemotherapy.

1. Get plenty of rest

Cancer patients often complain of insomnia after chemotherapy. This is usually caused by stress, nausea, vomiting, or other side effects of chemotherapy.

In fact, getting enough sleep is an important part of the body's recovery process before the next chemotherapy. Sleep will provide an opportunity for the body to replenish the energy it depleted after chemotherapy.

Not only that, getting a good night's sleep can also help regulate hormones in the body and lower blood pressure. The better your sleep pattern, the better and healthier your body will feel when you wake up.

Therefore, make sure you get enough sleep before further chemotherapy. Still having trouble sleeping well? Try the following tips.

• Avoid drinking tea, coffee, or other caffeinated beverages at least 8 hours before bedtime.
• Turn off the computer or TV 1-2 hours before bed.
• Dim the lights in your room to induce sleepiness.
• Relax your body while closing your eyes until you fall asleep soundly.

2. Adjust your diet

Most cancer patients complain of decreased appetite after chemotherapy. Usually, this is caused by the effects of chemotherapy which causes a metallic taste in the mouth, bitter, or even too sweet when eating.

In fact, intake of nutritionally balanced food is very important to fight the effects of fatigue after chemotherapy. Eating regularly can also help speed up your recovery process before further chemotherapy.

However, this does not mean that you can be lazy to eat, huh. As a solution, try to eat little by little but often. Give pauses at least 2-3 hours to eat so that your nutritional needs are maintained.

Also pay attention to the type of food consumed. Choose foods that are low in saturated fat, such as fish, lean meat, eggs, and nuts. Adequate protein intake can help repair body tissues and keep your immune system healthy.

Also add various types of favorite vegetables and fruits to stimulate your appetite. This food combination will provide you with vitamins and minerals that can strengthen your body before further chemotherapy.

3. Avoid stress

Naturally, if you experience stress before chemotherapy. You may still be bothered by the side effects of chemotherapy that have not been completed, so now you have to face the further chemotherapy process.

Although it is not easy, calm yourself as much as possible and do not stress. The more stressed you are, this can weaken your immune system and hinder the recovery process. Of course, you may not be ready to undergo the next chemotherapy with a body condition that is less fit.

There are many things you can do to deal with stress before chemotherapy. For example, by meditating, exercising, taking walks, or simply hugging with your partner. Yes, ask for support from your partner or family to help strengthen you to complete cancer treatment.

4. Exercise regularly

Are you getting enough rest and adjusting your diet as best you can? Don't forget to balance it with exercise too!

Exercise that is done regularly can help increase endurance as well as speed up your recovery process. Even launching from the Mayo Clinic, there are many benefits of exercise for cancer patients, including:

• Relieves pain after chemotherapy
• Improve mood
• Reduces symptoms of depression
• Improve sleep quality

You don't need to force yourself to do strenuous exercise. Just do light exercise that you like, for example walking, jogging, or cycling.

You can even do simple things like take the stairs more often or park farther when you go to the supermarket. Even though it seems simple, this activity can increase endurance and make you better prepared for the next chemotherapy process.