Breast Cancer Survivor Nutrition And Fitness Tips
After a bout with breast cancer, many women do everything they can to reduce their risk of recurrence. They do this in a variety of ways from exercising to eating better. Realistically, you do not have much control over this, but there are some aspects of your life that you do have control over, your diet and exercise. Use the following tips to help get back on track after a fight with breast cancer.
Many people lose a lot of weight during cancer treatments, but not everyone. Some women will gain after treatment and the best way to get rid of this weight is with exercise. Studies have shown that within 6 months, almost half of women who go through breast cancer treatment gain at least 30 pounds after their treatment is over. Try doing moderate exercise after treatment and do not overstress your body. Your body is still recovering so it is best to limit yourself to walking at first. As you feel yourself getting stronger, you can progress to jogging or moderate weight training. Whatever you decide on, you really need to get out and get active.
Always consult with your doctor about what kinds of exercises would be beneficial to you. You need to set realistic expectations and start off small. You need to make sure you are not stressing your bones and joints doing any exercise. It is very likely that you have been diagnosed with metastases of the bones because of the chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy actually will dissolve your bones. Stay away from any exercises like jumping rope or aerobics that cause you to twist your hips. These exercises also require a significant amount of balance. Often women who have finished their chemotherapy treatment have neuropathy. This causes tingling sensations in the hands and feet. This condition could affect your balance and you might be at a greater risk of falling and hurting yourself. Try working on a treadmill where you can hold onto the rails and avoid the risk of falling or using a seated exercise bike.
You should start eating a diet that is rich in lean protein, fish, and plants. Some of the best foods to eat are whole wheat breads, carrots, green leafy vegetables, beans, pumpkin and garlic. Foods that are rich in fiber and natural vitamins and minerals are known to prevent cancer. You want to also need to stay away from red meats as much as possible. Fish that are raised in cold-water are excellent choices along with white meat turkey and chicken. These meats are high in protein and will help you rebuild the tissue and muscle you lost during treatment.
Breast cancer can be devastating, but it is not always a death sentence. You need to get your body back in shape and work towards some fitness goals. These fitness goals will involve a combination of exercise and diet to get you back in tip top shape. If you use the tips in this article, you will be on the right path to becoming fit once again.
