Alleviating Chemotherapy Side Effects

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for many forms of cancer. While effective in many cases, the side effects are unpleasant and may include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, anemia and infection, among others. Here are some ways to deal with these side effects and help minimize their effect on your life.

Nausea and Vomiting

• Nausea and vomiting are among the most common chemotherapy side effects, and the severity of these problems may vary depending on the combination of drugs in your system.
  According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), changing the way you eat can help this side effect. Instead of eating a couple of large meals each day, try eating smaller meals more often and avoid the overstuffed feeling that comes from finishing a large meal. Also, drink beverages an hour before eating instead of having drinks with your meal. Avoid sweets and fried foods with considerable fat content.
  Avoid smells that may trigger nausea. Rest after eating but do not lie flat, and always remember to breathe deeply and try and relax when a wave of nausea strikes.

Hair Loss

• Although not all chemotherapy patients will lose their hair, hair loss is common in certain instances after a few treatments, ACS says.
  Try using mild shampoos and very soft hairbrushes to avoid excessive hair loss. Do not use a hair dryer unless it's absolutely necessary, and use it only on low heat when you do turn it on.
  Do not color your hair during treatment, and keep a short hairstyle that will make your hair appear fuller and thicker.

Fatigue

• Fatigue is a very common problem among those going through chemotherapy treatment. This effect will go away you have completed your therapy, but you'll need to learn how to cope with it in the meantime.
  The ACS recommends getting lots of rest and planning your day to include naps or at least times when you will not have anything to do that requires significant energy.
  Make sure you are eating a variety of foods to maintain well-balanced nutrition and only expend energy on the activities that are top priorities. In short, don't overdo it. Get up slowly to avoid becoming dizzy, ask family or friends to help you with more difficult tasks.

Peptides and Antioxidants

• According to eMaxHealth.com, studies have found that the peptides contained in cow's milk can alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy. The peptides in the milk stimulate the production of antioxidants. This increase in antioxidants fights off the presence of free radicals generated by chemotherapy. The abundance of free radicals in chemo patients can overwork and injure that their vital organs. In addition, patients undergoing chemotherapy should ask their doctors about what antioxidant-rich supplements they should take to help neutralize free-radical levels.