Instructions
1. Eat a small meal whenever you feel hungry instead of waiting for mealtimes. Wait until food cools before you eat, as hot food can give off strong odors that spur nausea. Milkshakes or nutrition shakes are good choices if solid food is too much. Drinking lots of fluids, like water, tea, juice, or ginger ale, can keep you from feeling sick---aim for 64 ounces per day. Ginger tea is an especially good choice of drink, as ginger has anti-nausea properties. Drinking a glass of beer or wine before you eat can make you feel hungry, but ask your doctor before consuming any alcohol.
2. Try acupuncture. Clinical trials show that the ancient practice of acupuncture can reduce nausea and vomiting. A study of 104 women published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that acupuncture treatment amplified the effect of prescription anti-vomiting drugs.
3. Drink fluids and eat foods like bananas, rice, and toast to combat diarrhea. Diarrhea is also a common chemotherapy side effect. It can deplete your potassium levels. Bananas are high in potassium, as are apricots and potatoes.
4. Prevent mouth sores, which make eating painful, by visiting the dentist for a cleaning before you start chemotherapy, and stop or cut down on smoking. Drinking water keeps your mouth hydrated. If sores develop, use a straw when you drink.
5. Write down notes and daily reminders to stay organized. Playing simple games like crossword puzzles or word finds keeps your mind sharp. During chemotherapy, "chemobrain" causes you to forget details and feel fuzzy-headed.
6. Fight fatigue from chemotherapy with gentle exercise. Aerobic exercise helped raise energy levels and reduce stress in a study of 63 chemotherapy patients. Practicing yoga or getting a massage also promotes restful sleep. And just like acupuncture can help you eat, it can also help you get a good night's sleep.
Tags: common chemotherapy, feel better, feel hungry, keeps your, side effects, your doctor