While chemotherapy is one of the most important means of cancer treatment, it can cause some damage to normal cells at the same time as it kills cancer cells, leading to a decrease in the immune capacity of patients. Reduced immunity increases the vulnerability of patients to infection, affecting the treatment process and the effectiveness of rehabilitation. It is therefore essential to take effective measures to improve their own immunity during chemotherapy.
I. Nutritional support: building the foundation of immunization
During chemotherapy, there is an increased need for nutrition in the body, and a reasonable diet can provide sufficient “fuel” for the immune system.
• Protein priority: Protein is a key ingredient for body repair and immunocellation. Quality protein sources include skinny meat, fish, eggs, beans, dairy products, etc. For example, one egg per day, a glass of milk, about 100 grams of fish or thin meat, as well as an appropriate amount of tofu or soy milk can be eaten. The proteins in these foods provide essential amino acids for the synthesis of immune cells such as white cells and lymphocytes.
Vegetables and vegetables are indispensable: fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help maintain normal body metabolic and immune functions. Vitamin C enhances the activity of white cells, such as citrus fruits, chrysanthemum and strawberry, which are good sources of vitamin C; deep green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli with vitamin A and folic acid, among others, contribute to the fragmentation and maturity of immune cells. Vegetables more than 500 grams per day, fruit 200 – 300 grams.
• Whole grain support: whole grain foods, such as rough rice, oats and whole wheat bread, are rich in dietary fibres and B-Vitamins, can regulate intestinal strains and enhance intestinal barriers, thus increasing overall immunity. The replacement of part of the fine rice flour with whole grains, such as oatmeal for breakfast or full wheat bread, can provide the body with sustained energy support.
II. Moderation: re-energizing immunization
Sport promotes blood circulation, increases CPR function and increases the activity and number of immune cells.
Selection of low-intensity sports: Patients are weak during chemotherapy and prefer low-intensity sports such as walking, yoga and Tai Chi. Walking can take place early and late every day, 20 – 30 minutes each, adjusting speed and distance according to the circumstances of the person; yoga and Tai Chi focus on physical and psychological coordination and respiration, which can effectively relieve stress and enhance body flexibility and balance, and can take 3 – 4 times a week, 30 – 60 minutes each.
• Sports attention: warm-up before sports to avoid muscular lesions; extra moisture during sports to prevent dehydration; post-sport relaxation to help with body recovery. At the same time, motor strength and time should be adjusted to the physical condition and the chemotherapy cycle, and if the physical infirmity of the chemotherapy is more severe, the exercise may be reduced or suspended as appropriate, before the physical recovery can take place.
iii. Adequate sleep: repairing the immune line
Sleep is an important time period for self-rehabilitation and for the adjustment of the immune system.
• Regular breaktime: to keep the same bedtime and uptime every day as possible and to establish regular biological clocks. It is recommended to go to bed by 10 p.m., get up at 6 – 7 a.m. and ensure quality sleep at 7 – 8 hours per night.
• Creating a good sleep environment: keeping the bedroom quiet, dark and cool and choosing comfortable mattresses and pillows will help improve the quality of sleep. Avoiding the use of electronic devices before sleeping can relax and promote sleep by taking hot baths, reading easy books or listening to slow music.
Psychological adjustment: Intensive Immunokinesis
The mental state has a significant impact on immunity, positive optimism increases the activity of immune cells, while negative emotions such as anxiety and depression inhibit immunity functions.
Multiple stress-relief methods are used: Patients may face stress and discomfort during chemotherapy, which can alleviate anxiety and stress through deep breath, meditation, gradual muscle laxity, etc. For example, it takes 10 – 15 minutes per day to practice deep breathing, to find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down, to close your eyes, to breathe slowly, to expand your abdomen, and then to exhale slowly, and repeat it several times; meditation focuses on current feelings and thinking, away from multiplicity and lighten the psychological burden.
• Social support and psychological guidance: maintain close communication with families, friends, share feelings, participate in mutual support groups for cancer patients, and receive emotional support and experience sharing from others. If necessary, they may seek the help of a professional psychologist to provide psychological guidance and intervention to help them build confidence in overcoming the disease.
V. Supplementary nutrients: optimizing the immune function
In the course of chemotherapy, a reasonable supplementation of nutrients can assist in increasing immunity due to limited dietary intake or special physical needs.
Vitamins and minerals supplementation: vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, etc., may be recommended by doctors. Vitamin C contributes to the oxidation and enhancement of immunocellular function and can be replenished 500 – 1,000 mg per day; Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health and immunosuppression, especially for patients with no sunlight; zinc is involved in the synthesis and active regulation of immunosupulation cells and can be adequately replenished with zinc, but not overdose.
Immuno-regulating supplements: Some Immuno-regulating supplements, such as fungi, fish oil, etc., can also be used under medical guidance. Bountiful bacteria regulate the balance of intestinal strains and enhance intestinal immune functions, with products with multiple strains of fungi; fish oils are rich in gill-3 fatty acid, anti-inflammation and immuno-regulating, reducing the risk of infection.
Increased self-immunization during chemotherapy is an integrated process that requires a multidimensional approach involving nutrition, exercise, sleep, psychology and nutritional supplementation. Patients should develop individualized immunization promotion programmes based on their own circumstances and under the guidance of doctors and nutritionists. Provide a solid basis for the path to rehabilitation by taking proactive measures to increase the body ‘ s resilience and better respond to the challenges posed by chemotherapy.
