Know What to Avoid During Chemotherapy for the Best Treatment Outcome

The benefits of chemotherapy are indisputable and can save someone’s life. However, in the process of destroying harmful cancer cells, noncancerous cells may also be in the crossfire, causing challenging side effects. The physician will offer recommendations on what cancer patients should do to minimize these effects, but it is just as important to know what to avoid during chemotherapy.

What Should You Stay Away From During Chemotherapy?

• Alcohol: Alcohol can exacerbate the negative side effects of chemo, even in very small amounts.
• Vitamins: A 2019 study pointed to evidence of a reduction in chemo’s effectiveness and a significant reduction in the desired outcome by people who were taking certain vitamins (including A, C, and B12).
• UV light: Limit exposure to sunlight and stay away from tanning beds, which can have a far more severe impact on the skin in an individual receiving chemotherapy.
• Probiotics: Probiotics contain beneficial yeast and bacteria, but skip them during chemo due to the body’s weakened immune system.
• Infections: Because the immune system is compromised during chemotherapy, it is important to stay away from those who are sick.
• Smoking: Smoking can lead to hypoxia (a lack of oxygen) in cancer tumors and other parts of the body, which could impact the efficacy of chemo and worsen side effects.
• Strenuous work and exercise: This can include both mentally and physically taxing tasks, which could worsen fatigue, stress, mood swings and nausea.

There are also quite a few kinds of foods to stay away from during chemo treatment, such as:

• Hard, sharp foods such as potato chips, cookies, crackers, and granola
• Spicy and acidic foods and condiments
• Blue as well as other moldy cheeses
• Raw fish and shellfish
• Soft-cooked or raw eggs
• Seville oranges and their juice
• Fresh salsa and salad dressing
• Grapefruits and grapefruit juice
• Raw honey
• Foods from bulk bins
• Raw nuts

Chemo To-Dos

While avoiding the items above, the following action items can be helpful during chemotherapy:

• Mitigate appetite problems by eating smaller, more frequent meals (including lots of protein), drinking at least 8 – 12 cups of water per day, and staying as physically active as you possibly can to help increase appetite.
• Minimize fatigue by arranging for transportation to and from chemo appointments and designating both the day of and also the day after chemo as a day of rest.
• Reduce the chance of infection by washing hands frequently, avoiding large crowds, and getting flu and COVID vaccinations (if approved by the doctor).
• Protect the skin from dryness and sensitivity by using gentle soap and moisturizing the skin often, wearing sunscreen, and selecting loose-fitting clothes and a hat when outdoors.

Remember that support is very important during cancer treatment. Build a solid network of friends and family and include a professional caregiver to make sure all needs – physical, emotional, and spiritual – will be met throughout this difficult time.

Cancer care can be complicated. Let Hired Hands Homecare’s fully trained and experienced care professionals help. Contact us at (866) 940-4343 for a complimentary in-home consultation to learn more about our home care services in Novato, San Rafael, Petaluma, and throughout the Bay Area.