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Fatigue can be a problem for some people during cancer
treatment. If you are feeling tired, talk to your doctor or nurse.
Fatigue can have many causes, including the cancer treatment, not
eating enough food, lack of sleep, depression, low blood counts, and
certain medicines. When the cause of the fatigue is medical, your
doctor may be able to treat the cause of the fatigue. In addition to
treatment, there are many nutrition steps you can take to help you cope
with fatigue.
Tips for decreasing fatigue
Talk to your doctor or nurse about your fatigue. If the
fatigue has a medical cause, there might be treatment for it. In
addition, your doctor or nurse can help identify self-care measures
that may help with the fatigue.
Take short walks or get regular exercise, if possible. More
and more research tells us that being moderately active can help
decrease cancer-related fatigue.
Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration can make fatigue worse. Be
sure to get at least 8 cups of fluid each day. If you are losing
weight, be sure to include some fluids that have calories, such as
juices or milk.
Make sure you get enough rest: take several naps or rest
breaks during the day instead of 1 long rest, plan your day to include
rest breaks, make rest time special with a good book in a comfortable
chair or a favorite video with a friend.
Try easier or shorter versions of your usual activities; don't
push yourself to do more than you can manage.
Ask for a referral to a dietitian who can work with you to
choose the best diet for you.
Avoid eating sugary foods. These foods give you a quick energy boost
but it wears off and you will be even more tired afterward.
Try eating some protein, fat, and/or fiber with each meal and
snack. Protein, fat, and fiber can help keep blood sugar more stable.
This will give you a more sustained feeling of energy from the food you
eat. For example instead of eating 2 pieces of fruit, try eating 1
piece plus a small handful of walnuts, almonds, peanuts, or other nuts.
Or try fruit with cottage cheese.
Be sure to eat enough protein. Your body needs protein to
repair and build new tissue. (See "Suggestions for increasing calories
and protein" in the "Preparing
yourself for cancer treatment" section.)
Be sure to meet your basic calorie needs. (See "Suggestions
for increasing calories and protein" in the "Preparing
yourself for cancer treatment" section.)
Be sure you get enough vitamins and minerals. A multivitamin
supplement that contains no more than 100% of the RDA of each nutrient
can help you meet this goal. Check with your doctor or nurse to make
sure it is ok for you to take a multivitamin.
Do not take large amounts of vitamins or minerals without
first talk with your doctor or nurse. Some dietary supplements can
interfere with your cancer treatment and large doses of some can have
harmful effects.
Stress can made fatigue worse. Take active steps to combat
stress.
Revised: 02/04/2008
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