Chemotherapy and radiation are the most common cancer treatment options since they effectively target cancer cells. However, they can weaken the immune system, which can make patients more vulnerable to infections and illnesses.
If you’ve recently completed any of these treatments, you should focus on getting your immune system back to a healthy state. It should be strong enough to help your body heal and recover, reduce the risk of complications, and support your overall well-being.
The good news is there are easy ways to strengthen your immunity after undergoing cancer treatment. These include taking immune supplements and making simple changes to your lifestyle.
Below are the best tips for strengthening your immune system after undergoing cancer treatment:
Certain nutrients have been proven effective in helping the body have a stronger immune system. These include vitamins A, C, E, and B complex, as well as magnesium and zinc.
Most doctors recommend supplements to ensure patients get the right amount of nutrients they need to nurse their immune systems back to health.
Another type of supplement you can consider is GcMAF capsules. These products contain Gc protein-derived macrophage activating factor (GcMAF), a natural protein that activates macrophages, which play an important role in the body’s defence against infections.
This supplement helps stimulate the immune cells, thereby reducing immune dysregulation. As a result, you have a stronger immune system that aids your body in fighting off infections and illnesses naturally.
Although you can easily buy over-the-counter supplements, it’s best to consult your doctor first to find out which ones can address your needs well and safely, especially if you’re on any medication.
Aside from taking supplements, you can help your body get more immunity-boosting nutrients by having a balanced diet.
Eat more vegetables and fruits to ensure you get these nutrients. Start by adding more citrus fruits and leafy veggies to your daily diet. Oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes, grapefruit, kale, spinach, and other similar produce are rich in vitamin C, which is crucial for boosting immunity.
Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, fibre, and antioxidants, which help maintain healthy immunity. They also reduce systemic inflammation.
Add more garlic, scallions, onions, and the like to your dishes as well since alliums have anti-inflammatory effects. Proteins are also essential for a well-balanced diet, so add chicken and turkey, which are excellent sources of vitamin B6, and shellfish, which contains zinc, to your meals.
Keep in mind that the food you eat after your cancer treatment can play an important role in your recovery, so ensure you have a balanced diet.
Engaging in more physical activities can help rebuild your body’s resilience. This is because exercise promotes better blood circulation, which enables immune cells to move around the body more efficiently and respond quickly to potential threats.
Regular workouts also help reduce stress, which is known to weaken immunity. Additionally, staying active can help combat fatigue, increase energy levels, and improve your overall wellness.
Since you just finished your cancer treatment, you may still lack enough energy to engage in high-intensive workouts. As such, focus on gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, and dancing. Yoga and Pilates are also great options.
Include some strength training exercises that can strengthen your muscles, such as sit-ups, squats, and lunges.
When you sleep, your body repairs and regenerates tissues, including those that make up the immune system.
Moreover, while you’re asleep, your body produces cytokines, proteins that help fight infection, inflammation, and stress.
When you don’t get enough sleep, your body does a poor job of repairing and regenerating tissues and producing cytokines. These, in turn, can suppress the immune function and increase your risk for infection and illnesses.
To ensure you get enough quality sleep at night, avoid going to bed when you feel full or are still hungry. If you exercise at night, don’t engage in vigorous workouts too close to bedtime since doing this can make it more difficult for you to fall asleep.
Make sure your bedroom is quiet, comfy, and dark. This means turning off all devices that give off light in your room, including your phone, tablet, computer, and TV.
Remember to follow a consistent sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day to maximise the benefits of getting enough shuteye.
Although your stress levels may now be lower since you’re done with your treatments, you may still have some worries from time to time.
If you let stress overcome you, your body will have a harder time strengthening your immune system and may even experience increased inflammation. These conditions can make you more prone to infections and sicknesses.
As you recover, focus on self-care and getting enough rest. As mentioned, prioritise getting sufficient sleep and exercise daily.
Also, add relaxation and mindfulness techniques to your daily routine. These include deep breathing, meditation, and spending time in nature.
Consider adding yoga or Pilates into your daily routine since these two allow you to exercise and relax at the same time.
When you prioritise the health of your immune system after your cancer treatment, you empower your body to regain balance and resilience. You can also focus on living life fully in the next chapter of your journey.
