By Taylor McKnight
Chemotherapy presents a variety of challenges for those going through cancer, including changes to diet and sleep. Some adjustments to your daily lifestyle during this time can help you get the nutrients and rest you need. Continue reading to learn some tips on lifestyle changes for better diet and sleep, and how medical cannabis and CBD may help with some specific challenges during cancer treatment.
Food for Health
Between chemotherapy infusions, aim to eat as well as you can. For many cancer patients, nausea caused by chemotherapy makes taking in healthy food quite difficult. You may consider medical cannabis to both quell nausea and increase your hunger. For some, a single CBD gel capsule can make the difference between being nauseous and craving food.
Chemotherapy-induced changes to your sense of smell or taste may impact your ability to eat. Foods that you once loved may smell horrible; foods that really didn’t appeal may now be the ones that you crave. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying sweet or salty treats because you need calories. However, if you can keep lean proteins and whole grain products on hand, it can help you eat a bit healthier.
Some people receiving chemotherapy treatment develop mouth sores. Keep a bottle of plain water around so you can rinse and avoid inflammation. Try to avoid crunchy and spicy foods; cooked veggies may be better than fresh ones when mouth sores are at their worst.
While you may be accustomed to a certain level of independence you had before starting cancer treatment, you will likely need some amount of help with groceries and meals. Asking for and/or accepting help is hard, but remember that it’s okay to accept support from others when offered.
This is especially true in the case of food, as you may not have energy to cook or grocery shop after long days at the cancer treatment center. Nausea and taste changes may impact your usual dietary preferences. Let your loved ones know what you are craving and what you would rather avoid.
Improving Sleep Habits
Before you start your chemotherapy treatment, consider your current sleeping habits and environment and how they might be improved. You may want to buy blackout drapes (or request them from a friend offering help), and add a window air conditioner to your sleeping space if needed. Your core body temperature needs to drop for you to fall into the most healing stage of deep sleep. Do your best to sleep in a cool, dark and quiet room.
Many people undergoing chemotherapy also take steroids to help reduce inflammation, but these may come along with additional side effects that impact your sleep. Medical cannabis or CBD products before bed may be helpful in allowing you to drift off to sleep.
Chemotherapy is a powerful tool to treat your cancer, but it’s anything but easy to go through. Take care to protect your body and spirit during this challenging time.
Note: Speak to your medical team before starting any new supplements or medications. This article is designed to provide general information and is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Always discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
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