You have been given the disturbing news that you have ovarian cancer.
After the initial feelings of shock have washed over you and you have realized that you have a lot to cope with you then need to acknowledge the significance of taking care of your health in every way possible. You need to help your body prepare for the journey of healing that is ahead for you.
You need to eat as nutritiously as possible and you must remain physically active.
Good nutrition and making the healthiest of food choices is very important for ladies who are in the process of receiving treatments for cancer. When you are receiving radiation treatments or chemotherapy you may feel sick following your treatments and food may be the last thing on your mind. Some women experience nausea, vomiting and sores in their mouth. Be aware too that food may not taste as good as it did before your started the therapy.
It is important that you remember that good nutrition can strengthen your body. As well eating healthy can keep your energy and stamina up and it can help to keep infections and illnesses at bay. When you are having treatments for cancer you also need to maintain a healthy body weight. This is not the best time to drop pounds as it can contribute to more health issues that you do not need.
Choose foods that are high in protein. Some examples of protein-rich foods that you need to consume as often as possible include fish, lean meat, eggs, poultry, cottage cheese, beans, lentils, peanut butter and yogurt. Foods that are made up of a large percentage of protein are so beneficial because they aid the body in building and repairing tissues.
If eating a normal sized meal or the size of meals that you used to eat is not easy for you then be gentle on yourself and do not force yourself. What you want is to maintain a healthy relationship with food. If you prefer and if it is easier on your stomach then snack throughout the day instead of eating meals per se.
You should keep an ample supply of raw vegetables on hand. This includes carrots, celery, cucumbers, broccoli and tomatoes, just to name a few. You should do the same with fresh fruit.
Keep enough around that you can munch whenever you are hungry. Some good choices include apples, berries, kiwis and melons. Whole grain crackers and granola bars are other nutritious health selections that are wise for the lady who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Eating is significant but so is physical fitness. Staying active is something that all ovarian cancer patients must make an effort to do.
You do not have to go to the gym for an hour or two a day but you should do your best to do some form of exercise every day or every second day. Go for walks or go swimming. Exercise keeps your muscles in good working order and it also keeps fatigue at a low level. It also helps to fight anxiety and depression. Always stretch before you exercise.
You might even want to incorporate yoga into your routine to further help yourself mentally and physically as you go through your cancer treatments.
Samantha
Alternative Health for Today 