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Many doctors believe that a healthy attitude can help the body fight
disease. If you keep a positive outlook and focus on doing the things
that are good for you and that make you feel good, you can play
a major role in your own treatment.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the keys to guarding your health. It can help
you fight off infection, improve your quality of life, and lift
your spirits during treatment. Be sure to consult your doctor before
you begin exercising.
Try some of these tips:
- make a habit of going outdoors every day. Do it with your spouse,
your neighbour, or anyone whose company you enjoy
- do stretching exercises while watching TV
- get out and rake the leaves or do other light gardening
- play a relaxing sport
If you can, exercise right before you eat. It will give you more
of an appetite. If you are not exercising already, start today!
It’s fun, and good for you.
Eat Well
Eating well is a critical part of treating your cancer. Your diet
should be high in plant-based foods, rather than too much red meat.
Make sure you eat lots of grains, pulses (beans / lentils), and
colourful produce. This will help you fight infection and handle
side effects better.
Here is a list of common foods you can choose in creating a healthy
diet. Most are plant-based, but some are not. Include as many of
these foods in your diet as you can.
Oranges Apples
Tomatoes
Salmon
Peas
Oats
Carrots Soy
Brown rice
Bananas Low-fat
milk Tuna
Strawberries Turkey
Lentils
Potatoes Lettuce
Grapes
Sweetcorn Chicken Pineapple
Eat several small meals a day
Besides eating the right foods, you need to make sure you get enough
food in your body so you can fight off infection. Eating several
small meals a day, instead of three big ones, is the best way to
go. This will help you get the most out of the food you eat, and
keep your blood sugar levels stable. To make eating fun, try arranging
the food in appealing way on your plate, or read while you eat.
Try to sit at the table while you eat, to help your digestion. You
might try different foods, with attractive colors and smells.
Other eating tips
- reduce the amount of fat in your diet
- avoid refined sugar products
- avoid processed foods
- drink as much fluids as you can between meals
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