How to Restore Energy After Radiation Treatments

Radiation treatments are sometimes necessary to kill cancer cells and stop the disease from spreading. Unfortunately, the treatments kill good cells as well. This causes a long list of side effects including hair loss, nausea and vomiting, throat changes and fatigue. Fatigue is one of the most persistent and most common side effects of radiation therapy. It can persist from six weeks to a year after treatment. With a little knowledge, you can manage your fatigue and regain the energy to reclaim your life.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine the cause of the fatigue. A lack of energy always has an underlying cause such as anemia, lack of physical activity, anxiety, depression and infection. It is difficult to know which is the underlying cause for your condition, but examining your lifestyle may give you a clue.

• 2

  Sleep at least eight hours a night and take naps during the day. Your body is exhausted from the treatments and needs time to recover. Keep naps under an hour, and they will give you a boost of energy.

• 3

  Exercise each day. Physical activity may help you sleep at night if you are unable. Do not overdo it. Take half-hour walks or do yoga and your energy level will be boosted for the day. Exercise also may help with depression and anxiety.

• 4

  Eat small meals at regular intervals. A side effect of radiation treatments is that you lose your appetite and sometimes become anemic. You may not be hungry, but you must eat to regain your energy. Set five times a day that you would like to eat and eat a small meal at each sitting. Keep your meals healthful with plenty of fruits, vegetables, protein and iron.