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Diagnosis of lung cancer can be demanding mentally as well as physically. Fighting lung cancer is not easy, but with the right attitude, things can get easier. Taking care of the physical and mental health is vital during and after the treatment. In addition, having a healthy lifestyle can serve well during treatment. Studies show that a proper diet for lung cancer, exercises, and other habits can help in improving quality of life.
Taking care of their health during the treatment by developing healthy habits empowers the patients to reap maximum benefits. Not only does it help in coping with the tumor, but also against any possible side effects because of treatment. A proper diet for lung cancer patients and other healthy habits can get the best results.
Advantages of a Healthy Lifestyle During Treatment
Having good nutrition that consists of lung cancer-fighting foods and exercise can help the patient deal with cancer better. Numerous studies have shown that the treatment works better when a patient is eating well and following other healthy habits. In addition, a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate side effects like fatigue, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, stress, etc.
Top Habits That Can Keep the Patient Healthy During and After Treatment
Following healthy habits can improve the quality of life during the treatment and after the completion of the treatment. There have been cases where finding out about lung cancer motivates people to lead a healthy lifestyle. But for most, changing old habits and committing to new healthier habits can be difficult. Below we look at seven practices that help patients during treatment.
Focus on what you are eating
Good nutrition is very critical for anyone having lung cancer. Following a proper diet for lung cancer can help in multiple ways. Not only does it help in making the patient feel better, but it also makes them stronger. Moreover, it helps fight the infection while minimizing the side effects.
Though there are no foods that prevent lung cancer, they surely can help in reducing the risk
If one is unsure about the proper diet for lung cancer patients, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist who can provide an eating plan. Following the right diet will help in meeting the unique needs of the body of the patient.
Eliminate smoking from your life
Consumption of tobacco is one of the significant reasons behind lung cancer worldwide. And therefore, it can be highly beneficial if one can quit smoking. In addition, there are immediate rewards that one can get after quitting smoking.
- It can help in bringing blood pressure and heart rate levels to usual, leading to fewer complications
- Much lower risk of detection of other chronic diseases in the heart or others
- Better functioning of the breathing system and the lungs
Not smoking can help patients improve their overall health. Not only does quitting to smoke help with lung cancer, but it also prevents other complications around it.
Exercise and stay active
Physical activity is one of the essential things that one can do to improve their overall health. Along with diet for lung cancer, proper exercising is also the key. Exercising helps in keeping the body and the lungs in shape. When you participate in physical activity, the heart starts beating faster; thus, the lung works harder. It helps in creating healthy lungs that are resistant to diseases
Furthermore, physical activity can also help in other ways by reducing fatigue and improving mental health. It also helps maintain the correct body weight, which can be beneficial during and after the treatment. Gentle walks or mild stretching can also provide patients with maximum benefits.
Prioritize your sleep
When someone is going through cancer treatment, it gets imperative to get sufficient sleep. Proper sleep helps the body recover and replenish the necessary cells with time. Moreover, it also helps in reducing stress levels, thus providing a better mental state. Not providing the body enough time to rest can be harmful as it might impact the treatment.
Enlist the patient in support
It is common to ignore the patient’s mental health while focusing on physical health. Mental and emotional health is as important as physical health, but they often take the backseat. Cancer treatment can be overwhelming, and thus it is necessary to provide the patient with the proper support to help cope. One can talk to a counsellor or other survivors to better understand everything around the treatment. Moreover, there are multiple survivor groups today that the patient can join for a better understanding of cancer and get the necessary support.
Drink as much water as possible
The diet for lung cancer patients includes ensuring maximum hydration. Drinking an ample amount of water can help in providing the body with the necessary hydration. During and after the treatment, the body works hard to replace the damage to cells, which can often lead to dehydration. Therefore, ensuring that the body is getting enough fluids becomes highly critical. In addition, incorporating foods like soups and broth into the diet can also help significantly.
Focus on your body and pay attention to side effects
Lung cancer treatment brings a whole lot of changes to the body of the patient. And because of the changes, a few side effects are unavoidable. Thus, focusing on your body and attention to little things is vital. Furthermore, one should keep consulting their doctor for any changes they see in their body or health. Continuous consultation helps in better treatment while ensuring the most negligible impact because of side effects. Also, avoid crowded places. Practice breathing exercises and continue periodically as it would help regain the lost lung function after the surgery.
Conclusion
Lung cancer treatment is a journey; thus, a patient must make several changes to come out of it for a better life. First, it is critical to take care of the body by following healthy habits during and even after the treatment. A healthy lifestyle can help by providing a better quality of life and improving physical and mental health.
Cancer treatment can be overwhelming, and because of this, the focus usually stays on the treatment and not the overall health. But following a healthy lifestyle is as critical as the treatment to get the maximum advantage and come out healthy from lung cancer.
Dr Khader Hussain Consultant - Thoracic Surgical Oncology
