Minimize Side Effects Of Abdominal Radiation Treatment With These Foods
There are a few potential side effects to be aware of before undergoing abdominal radiation treatment so you can learn how to effectively minimize and manage them throughout the treatment process. Common side effects of abdominal radiation treatment that you may face include fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea, all of which can interfere with the quality of your everyday life. Here are a few foods you can include in your daily diet that can help combat and minimize the effects of these ailments:
Fight the Fatigue
Abdominal radiation treatments can make you feel drowsy, lethargic, and low on energy throughout the day, making it tough to tackle even basic tasks or enjoy activities with friends and family. Pack your meals with the following foods, and you should see some improvement in your energy levels:
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Chia Seeds – packed with iron, calcium, and amino acids, these little seeds can be enjoyed in a smoothie or salad for a boost of energy any time of the day.
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Sweet Potatoes – these fibrous tubers digest slowly and provide a balanced source of energy for hours after being enjoyed.
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Bananas – to stabilize blood sugar, maintain a constant stream of energy, and enhance your peace of mind, include these sweet yellow fruits in your daily diet.
Nix the Nausea
Nausea is a common side effect of radiation therapy in any situation, so it's a good idea to keep a few foods close by that not only help keep oozy feelings at bay but also encourage you to maintain an appetite. Here are a few effective options to make sure you put in the grocery basket:
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Rice – this bland grain is gentle on digestion, low in fat and grease, and easy to pair with basic dressings.
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Vegetable or Chicken Broth – drink a cup of broth in place of a meal when you don't have an appetite to calm the stomach and infuse your body with nutrients.
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Low-Fat Dairy – a little bit will fill you up without irritating your belly.
Deal with the Diarrhea
Diarrhea is never fun to deal with and can affect your ability to comfortably and conveniently lead life when spending time outside of the house. Basic, plain foods are your best bet when it comes to dealing with diarrhea so it doesn't overtake your life. Consider these options:
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Applesauce – with it's high water content, this easy to digest food will keep you hydrated without making your bowels work overtime.
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Plain Crackers – a couple of crackers can help soak up acids in the belly and calm digestion.
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Yogurt – cultured foods like yogurt have probiotics in them that help to decrease the duration of diarrhea bouts.
By including these foods in your diet regularly, you should be able to control your side effects enough to make your radiation treatment more comfortable and manageable.
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