If you’re receiving treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), it probably feels like a lot of things are outside your control. But there are many small choices you can make each day — doable steps that can help you feel better inside and out.
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“It’s important to have achievable nutrition and exercise goals to support your physical and mental health,” says cancer specialist Hetty Carraway, MD, MBA. In other words: Eating well and getting physical exercise will help you stay strong both in body and mind.
When you’re undergoing cancer treatment, you need to keep up your strength. Good nutrition helps your body heal and boosts your immune system to ward off infections. People who are well nourished may also tolerate chemotherapy side effects better.
Unfortunately, AML (and AML treatment) can make it hard to get all the calories your body needs to stay strong. You may have nausea or just lack any appetite (especially since chemotherapy can damage your taste buds and foods may lack flavor). Your favorite foods might suddenly taste strange and, as a result, you may not be as interested in eating them as you once were. “Foods taste different, which can make you less interested in eating,” says Dr. Carraway.
So how should you approach meals in this strange new world? Ideally, aim for three balanced meals a day. But that may not always be possible. “Make sure you’re taking in enough calories, and focus on foods that work for you. Everyone can be different in this regard,” Dr. Carraway emphasizes.
For some people, that might look like one big meal a day plus a nutrition shake. Others might do better with several smaller meals spread throughout the day. Some people might crave lots of fruit, while others have no appetite for it.
The goal: a balanced diet with good sources of protein, fruits, vegetables and carbohydrates. But it’s OK to let your appetite guide you in your quest for calories. “Whatever works for you, keep doing it,” she says.
These tips can help you consume enough healthy calories, even when you don’t feel like eating.
One word of caution: While your main goal is to get enough calories, there’s one calorie source you should steer clear of. “Alcohol is directly toxic to the bone marrow, so definitely avoid drinking alcohol when undergoing chemotherapy,” Dr. Carraway says.
During AML treatment, your body is more vulnerable to infections. To reduce the risk of foodborne infections, take these steps:
Do:
Don’t eat:
AML and its treatment often bring weakness and fatigue. So exercise might be the last thing on your mind. But moving your body each day can help you feel better physically and emotionally, Dr. Carraway says.
Regular physical activity can:
Not all exercises are appropriate for people with AML. Because of the risk of bleeding and infection, doctors will recommend you avoid certain activities such as golf, swimming and contact sports.
It’s always a good idea to talk to your care team before starting a new activity, to make sure it’s safe and appropriate. But most people with AML benefit from regular walking, Dr. Carraway says. “It’s safe, gentle and helps you maintain your strength and endurance.”
She encourages her patients to try to walk 1 to 3 miles each day. “You may not be able to do that all at once, but you can plan for several smaller bouts of activity each day,” she says. “Some days, if you’re not feeling well, that’s not possible. But if movement is part of your routine, it’s easier to stick with it when you’re feeling up to it.”
“Routine activities like walking will help you keep up your muscle strength and maintain your independence,” she adds.
Living with AML isn’t easy. But by setting small, attainable goals in your everyday life, you can help your mind and body stay strong.
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