Cancer is a terrible disease, accompanied by a host of negative consequences, treatment and adherence to the doctor's recommendations. One of the most popular and effective methods of treatment today is radiation therapy. To reduce the severity and the number of negative consequences of the method during and after the procedure, a certain diet is required.
To whom and why is the radiotherapy procedure prescribed
Treatment with radiation therapy is prescribed for cancer. The reason for using this method is the high sensitivity of sick body cells to radiation. Affected cells multiply rapidly, which leads to the transient development of the disease. Exposure to ionizing radiation inhibits the development of the disease and destroys pathological elements.
The flip side of an effective cancer treatment procedure is the abundance of negative consequences for the body. The patient begins to feel bad, gets tired faster, dizziness, nausea appears, and other unpleasant symptoms develop. In order to make the treatment and recovery process easier, it is recommended that a person change their diet during radiation therapy. It must be balanced and complete.
Cervical cancer: consequences, nutrition after radiation therapy of the uterus
Treatment with the help of ionizing effects never passes without a trace for the patient's body. The consequences depend on the selected type and method of procedure. There are two types of radiation therapy:
- External - the effect on the tumor is made through the skin using a linear catalyst
- Internal - the procedure is performed using painkillers. The radiation source is inserted into a specialized capsule, which is inserted into the woman’s vagina, then through the cervix she moves to this organ.
The most serious consequence of treatment is infertility. It is caused by active irradiation of the ovaries directly. After the procedure, their work changes. The production of certain hormones (progesterone and estrogen) stops. Shortly after this, ovulation stops, which means the inability to get pregnant.
On average, a complete change in the work of the female body occurs within 3-4 months. After this comes menopause. In view of this feature, the doctor makes up the treatment. If the patient is not yet ready to give up the opportunity to conceive a child, then other methods of combating cervical cancer can be selected.
Other consequences of treatment may include:
- bleeding
- dizziness;
- nausea and vomiting;
- loose stools;
- irritation;
- poor health and general weakness.
To relieve symptoms, the use of creams, medications and special nutrition for radiation therapy of the uterus is prescribed . It will help to cope and alleviate many of the consequences of the disease and treatment. Nutrition for radiation therapy of the cervix should be gentle. It is recommended to switch to fractional food intake, drink a sufficient amount of liquid.
Nutrition during treatment
Already during treatment, you will have to reconsider your views on the diet. Despite the possible occurrence of unpleasant symptoms (nausea, lack of appetite), nutrition during radiation therapy should be balanced. To reduce nausea, it is recommended to switch to a fractional diet, and special attention should be paid to high-calorie foods. It will help maintain the strength of the body even in small portions of food, moreover, it will be easier to maintain weight.
Nutrition during radiation therapy should consist of 4-5 meals, while portions should be made small. The feeling of overeating can only worsen the overall well-being of the patient. Symptoms such as a burning sensation or discomfort in the throat may occur. In such a situation, it is best to switch to pureed food. This will reduce trauma to the larynx. Food is best steamed, stewed or baked.
Making a menu and recommendations after radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is a complex treatment that leaves consequences in the body. After it is recommended to follow a certain diet after radiation therapy . General recommendations for such patients are as follows:
- Switch to fractional nutrition. This will help to balance the menu and reduce the load on the whole body. It is worth dividing the entire amount of food consumed into 5-6 receptions, and the portions should be small.
- Adequate intake of fluid. It supports the body's defenses. It is worth drinking at least 2 liters of fluid per day, and it is pure drinking water. Additionally, you can drink tea, fruit drinks, jelly, but avoid too sweet taste of drinks. Useful will be the periodic use of freshly squeezed juices from fruits and vegetables.
- Bad habits weaken the body's defenses. During treatment, the body is weak and needs support. It is recommended to give up smoking, the use of alcohol and drugs.
- Avoid complex and heavy foods. These include fried, smoked, pickled, spicy, sour.
- Minimize or completely stop drinking coffee and caffeinated liquids.
- Prohibitions apply to dairy products. It is allowed to leave only dairy products (kefir, fermented baked milk, bifilux and others). Cottage cheese can also be included in the menu, but not fatty varieties.
- Products leading to flatulence and bloating will also have to be excluded (legumes, cabbage, mushrooms and others).
All these rules will have to be followed by patients who have undergone irradiation of any organ. Nutrition during radiation therapy (breast , cervix and other organs) is very similar.
Products needed after treatment
Nutrition during radiation therapy varies markedly. Many favorite foods will have to be excluded from the diet, while others, on the contrary, will be introduced. What is worth paying attention to?
- Despite many restrictions on the use of fruits and vegetables, there is a list of permitted products. Among fruits, you should pay attention to apples (it is best to bake them in the oven) and bananas. Many berries are useful, for example, blackcurrant. From vegetables, include zucchini, carrots, pumpkin and beets in the diet.
- Useful are vegetable puree soups or soups without meat.
- Do not forget about greens. It contains an abundance of vitamins that the body needs in a difficult period.
- Meat and fish products should be introduced gradually. Slowly increase the portion. Dishes will have to be steamed, baked or stewed. Among the meat, opt for white varieties (chicken, turkey, rabbit).
- Pay attention to herbal infusions. Useful will be infusions of chamomile, nettle, radiola.
Decreased appetite after treatment
Often, treatment affects the patient's appetite. Nutrition during radiation therapy should be rich and balanced. Drinking plenty of water is also a prerequisite for well-being. You can make infusions of herbs such as oregano, wormwood. You need to use them three times a day before meals, a few drops.
A decoction of wild rose, blackcurrant and mountain ash helps to increase appetite. For this, rosehip is poured with boiling water and left overnight. In the morning, the drink is ready to drink. You can try adding rowan berries or currants.
It is worth including nuts, honey, chicken eggs in the menu. Some types of spices (mint, lemon, cinnamon, ginger and some others) often help restore appetite.
Nutrition in the treatment of radiation therapy should be compiled in accordance with the recommendations of the attending physician, so it is worthwhile to first coordinate these products with him in order to avoid the development of allergies.
The development of concomitant diseases: leukopenia
Treatment with radiation therapy can cause some concomitant diseases. For example, leukopenia or thrombocytopenia. To alleviate the condition, a therapeutic diet and the use of infusions of some herbs are often prescribed.
With leukopenia, it is recommended to use a plantain decoction. The leaves are brewed with boiling water and infused for several hours. Ready broth should be consumed three times a day, one tablespoon. You can add plantain to dishes or eat raw in salads.
The development of concomitant diseases: thrombocytopenia
In the case of the development of a disease such as thrombocytopenia, it is worth paying attention to parsley. It will be useful to prepare broths, add it to dishes and salads.
To prepare the broth, pour a small amount of greens with boiling water and leave to insist for the night or 4-5 hours. After time, the drug is ready for use.
With the appearance of spotting during urination, it is recommended to make infusions of barberry.
Rehabilitation period
Cancer is a serious illness that damages the body. Even greater losses and burdens for the patient will be associated with treatment. Radiation therapy is reflected not only in the organ on which the impact occurred, but throughout the body. Therefore, one of the most important stages of rehabilitation is the preparation of the right menu and compliance with the recommendations of the attending physician.
Cope with a difficult period will help rest, walks in the fresh air. It is often recommended to ventilate the room in which the patient is located. We must not forget about warm clothes, because hypothermia is extremely undesirable. Gradually, you can begin to engage in special gymnastics in a lightweight form.
During the rehabilitation period, patients are prescribed additional medications.
findings
Cancer treatment with radiation therapy is a big stress for the whole body. It will be possible to cope with it only if all the doctor's recommendations are followed, including following a proper diet.