Cancer symptoms we
Author KAREN McMILLAN and chef SAM MANNERING reveal how to deal with the side effects of chemotherapy
common. However if it is significant or persistent you should seek prompt medical attention as there are effective anti- diarrhoea medications available. Your medical team may also need to test a sample to exclude the possibility of infection. In the meantime it’s recommended that you:
Avoid certain foods including milk, yogurt, dairy desserts and ice cream as you may have a temporary lactose intolerance.
When you no longer have diarrhoea you can gradually reintroduce dairy products back into your diet. Other foods to avoid during this time are greasy, high- fibre or sugary foods and caffeine. Keep yourself well hydrated by ensuring you drink plenty of fluids, taking small, frequent sips if necessary rather than large quantities at any time. Water is of course very important but clear, thin broths or soups are also good. Minimise your electrolyte losses with diluted non- caffeinated sports drinks and try ice blocks. Lemonade is a refreshing way to keep up your fluids. And rehydration formulations will be available from your pharmacy. Activated charcoal can be used in the short term to treat diarrhoea. It’s an inexpensive remedy that is simple to take, especially in capsule form, and which dates back thousands of years to the time of the ancient Egyptians. Similar to common charcoal the activated variety is made especially for use as a medicine by heating it in the presence of a gas that causes the charcoal to develop lots of internal spaces or pores that help the substance trap chemicals.
Talk to your doctor about the suitability of taking activated charcoal and note it should not be used for children under three.
Grated apples, mixed with honey and left in a bowl until they turn brown, make an effective remedy for diarrhoea.
This is because apples create a soluble fibre known as pectin which has a regulating effect on the speed of digestion. Certain drugs, especially morphine, can cause problematic constipation. Here are some ideas to help:
Increase the amount of fibre in your diet, especially by eating more fruit and vegetables.
Prunes are one of the oldest home remedies for constipation. High in fibre, prunes also contain a compound called dihydroxyphenyl isatin, which kick- starts the colon into action. Black liquorice can also have a laxative effect.
Flaxseed oil, another simple home remedy for constipation, is high in
fibre and contains heart- healthy omega- 3 fats. Ideally take one tablespoon two or three times a day, adding it to your morning cereal or smoothie.
Sip water steadily during the day so it can be absorbed into your body.
Herbal teas or a simple cup of hot water with lemon juice taken regularly will also help.
Dandelion tea can have a mildly laxative effect if taken three times per day. It’s also easy to make. Steep 1tsp of the dried root in one cup of boiling water.
Get moving. Exercise will help so aim for regular short walks if you can. If none of the above works for you, ask your doctor to recommend an appropriate laxative.
REFLUX
Some cancer patients will struggle with reflux ( or acid indigestion), which can be helped by using either over- the- counter or prescription medications. Also consider the following tips:
Reflux tends to be worse at night when you are lying down. Try elevating your head by around 10cm if possible and avoid trying to sleep for a couple of hours after eating.
Eat slowly and take time to chew your food, which will allow your stomach enough time to digest without pumping out excess acid.
Avoid foods which are high in acid, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits.
Add some raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to your drinking water as it is thought that it can help balance your stomach pH by neutralising stomach acid.
Certain fruits, particularly bananas, contain natural antacids that can act as a buffer against acid reflux. Apples can also bring some relief so snack on one a couple of hours before bedtime.
For this condition, sweet apples are thought to be better than sour varieties.
As well as helping with nausea, ginger is good at combating reflux. Some people find snacking on a few almonds after a meal can also relieve reflux.
Surprisingly, mustard – an alkalising food full of minerals – can also be helpful. Consuming half a teaspoon of shop- bought mustard ( whatever flavour you enjoy) straight from the jar will help to neutralise the acid that may come creeping up your throat and counteract the pain of acid reflux.
Many people already enjoy a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime as not only does it aid sleep but it also helps reduce inflammation in your stomach and possibly balances out the acidity levels as well.
Don’t forget, your doctor will be able to provide you with effective anti- reflux medications if reflux is occurring despite dietary manipulation.
LYMPHOEDEMA
This can occur following breast cancer surgery and/ or radiotherapy. It is the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in an area of the body due to the removal of lymph nodes or the obstruction of lymphatic vessels.
It usually develops gradually, causing swelling, tightness, pain and discomfort, but there are some things you can do to manage it:
Keep your skin hydrated. Dry skin can lead to cracked skin which in turn could provide an entry point for bacteria which increases the risk of infection.
Take preventative measures such as wearing gloves when gardening and doing the dishes.
Avoid heavy lifting but gentle exercise such as walking and swimming is especially effective.
Before taking a long- haul flight consult your doctor about the need to wear a compression sleeve.
Exercise and maintain a healthy BMI.
Extracted from Everyday Strength by Sam Mannering and Karen McMillan published by Beatnik Publishing (£ 22.50). To order please call The Express Bookshop on 01872 562310, send a cheque/ PO payable to Express Bookshop to Express Bookshop, PO Box 200, Falmouth, TR11 4WJ or order online at expressbookshop.com UK delivery is free.