Table of Contents
- What I Learned About Our Immune System
- How I Supported My Immune System After the Diagnosis
- Diet and Supplements
- How Did I Incorporate Exercise?
- Types of Exercises I Did
- Stress Management
- Techniques I Used to Manage Stress
- Monitoring My Health
- Devices I Used
- Lessons Learned
- Advice for Others
- Consult Healthcare Professionals
- Start Small with Manageable Changes
- Use Technology to Monitor Your Health
- Schedule Regular Check-Ups and Blood Tests
- Stay Consistent with a Balanced Routine
- Strengthening the Immune System to Fight Cancer
- References
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This article explores how to support the immune system during cancer treatment, a vital component in the fight against cancer. The human immune system, which comprises T cells, B cells, and other immune cells, is crucial in targeting abnormal cells like cancer cells while protecting healthy cells. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can weaken the immune system by affecting bone marrow, where blood cells are produced, and reducing white blood cell counts.
When I was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer that had metastasized to my liver, my journey highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong immune response alongside cancer treatments. Supporting the immune system through proper nutrition, lifestyle changes, and medical advances like cancer immunotherapy can help improve overall survival and enhance the body’s ability to fight infection and treat cancer effectively.
What I Learned About Our Immune System
The immune system is the body’s defense against abnormal cells, infections, and diseases like cancer. It uses immune cells such as T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells to identify and destroy cancer cells while preserving healthy cells. Specialized immune responses work through lymph nodes, bone marrow, and lymphoid organs to regulate immune checkpoints and maintain balance within the body.
Cancer and its treatments can weaken the immune system, making fighting infection and abnormal cells harder. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy affect the bone marrow, reducing the production of white blood cells and t lymphocytes, which are critical for immune responses. Disseminated cancer cells, or those that spread to other parts of the body, further challenge the immune system. Boosting immunity during cancer treatment is essential to protect healthy cells, improve overall survival, and enhance the body’s ability to target metastatic disease and treat cancer effectively.
How I Supported My Immune System After the Diagnosis
A strong diet and targeted supplements became the foundation of my immune support after being diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer. My approach focused on reducing inflammation, protecting healthy cells, and maintaining an optimal environment for immune cells to function.
Diet and Supplements
- Anti-Inflammatory Foods: I prioritized omega-3-rich fish like salmon and mackerel, fermented foods like sauerkraut and kefir, and nutrient-dense vegetables to lower inflammation and support gut health.
- Phytonutrient Supplements: Curcumin, quercetin, EGCG, resveratrol, and other plant-based compounds helped protect healthy cells and regulate immune responses.
- Protein Intake: High-quality protein sources, such as grass-fed beef and fish, support white blood cell production and reduce the risk of cachexia.
- Fasting: Intermittent fasting reduced inflammation and allowed my body to recover during and after chemotherapy.
- Gut Health Support: Supplements like butyrate, zinc l-carnosine, and alpha-ketoglutarate promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is vital for immune system health.
How Did I Incorporate Exercise?
Exercise became a key part of my routine to support my immune health and fight cancer. Zone 2 cardio, a moderate-intensity aerobic workout, helped improve blood flow and enhance my immune system by boosting the function of t cells and other immune cells. Resistance training supported muscle mass, reduced fatigue, and strengthened my overall physical condition.
Types of Exercises I Did
- Zone 2 Cardio: Daily walking or cycling at a pace where I could still hold a conversation.
- Light Resistance Training: I used light weights to maintain strength without overexerting my body.
- Stretching: Incorporated stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce tension.
- Breathing Exercises: Focused on deep breathing to increase lung capacity and reduce anxiety.
Balancing exercise with rest was crucial to avoid overexertion, especially during chemotherapy. I monitored fatigue levels, using wearable devices to track heart rate variability (HRV) and recovery. Light exercise improved my mental state, but I avoided high-intensity workouts, often leading to exhaustion and lower immunity the next day. Rest days allowed my immune system to recharge and recover while remaining active.
Stress Management
Stress can weaken the immune system by increasing inflammation and reducing the effectiveness of immune cells, such as T cells and natural killer (NK) cells that fight cancer and protect healthy cells. Managing stress was essential to maintaining my immune response and supporting my body during cancer treatment.
Techniques I Used to Manage Stress
- Mindfulness and Meditation: I practiced meditation for 20 minutes several days a week to calm my mind and improve my focus. This helped reduce anxiety and improved my overall immune health.
- Using the Apollo Wearable: I relied on the Apollo Wearable to manage stress. The Calm and Sleep modes provided soothing vibrations that relaxed my body and prepared me for a restful night.
- Regular Use of Infrared Therapy: Infrared therapy sessions reduced inflammation, supported relaxation, and improved sleep. Infrared light also helped enhance melatonin production, which was critical for both sleep and immune system recovery.
Monitoring My Health
Regular health monitoring helped me track my progress and detect potential issues early. Keeping an eye on key metrics ensured my immune system stayed strong and that my cancer treatment was as effective as possible.
Devices I Used
- Oura Ring: This wearable device tracked my sleep, recovery, and overall health, including heart rate variability (HRV) and nighttime heart rate. These metrics helped me identify when to rest and recover.
- Regular Blood Tests: Monthly blood tests monitored my immune markers, such as white blood cells and CRP, along with other metrics like hemoglobin and tumor markers. This clearly showed my body’s inflammation levels and immune health.
- Ketone Meter: I used a ketone meter to monitor my ketosis levels and ensure stable insulin levels. This was critical for maintaining a low-inflammatory environment and managing energy levels effectively.
Lessons Learned
A strong immune system is essential in cancer treatment. Immune cells are key in targeting cancer cells while protecting healthy cells. Cancer treatments can weaken immunity, making it even more important to actively support the immune system through diet, exercise, and stress management.
I learned that a holistic approach to health is vital. Balancing proper nutrition, regular exercise, stress reduction, and consistent health monitoring made a difference in my ability to fight cancer. Being informed and proactive allowed me to adapt and strengthen my body during this journey.
Advice for Others
Supporting the immune system during cancer treatment requires a patient, informed, and proactive approach. Here are the steps I followed to strengthen my immune system and improve my ability to fight cancer.
Consult Healthcare Professionals
Always consult your healthcare team before making significant changes to your routine. Whether it’s dietary adjustments, adding supplements, or starting a new exercise regimen, professional guidance ensures that changes align with your cancer treatment. For example, I discussed the impact of my diet and fasting protocols with my oncologist to ensure they wouldn’t interfere with chemotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Start Small with Manageable Changes
Begin with small, achievable steps to build a sustainable routine. Adding anti-inflammatory foods, such as fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids or fermented vegetables, can support your immune cells and reduce inflammation.
Short walks or light Zone 2 cardio can also improve blood flow and t cell function without causing overexertion. I found that even 10 minutes of meditation a few times a week helped me reduce stress and improve my overall immune response.
Use Technology to Monitor Your Health
Technology can provide valuable insights into your body’s condition during cancer treatment. Devices like the Oura Ring helped me track sleep, recovery, and heart rate variability, showing when I needed more rest.
A ketone meter was essential for monitoring my ketosis levels, ensuring my body maintained stable insulin levels and avoided unnecessary inflammation. These tools allowed me to adjust my routine and support my immune system effectively.
Schedule Regular Check-Ups and Blood Tests
Frequent follow-ups with your healthcare team are crucial for tracking your immune system and overall health. Monthly blood tests helped me monitor key immune markers, such as white blood cells and CRP, as well as tumor markers like CEA. These tests provided early warnings about potential inflammation or other issues, allowing for timely adjustments in my treatment and lifestyle.
Stay Consistent with a Balanced Routine
Consistency is key to maintaining a strong immune system. A routine that includes a nutrient-dense diet, regular exercise, stress management techniques, and quality sleep supports both your immune responses and overall survival.
To enhance my health, I focused on daily Zone 2 cardio, intermittent fasting, and regular use of infrared therapy. Sticking to this routine, even during challenging times, helped me stay resilient and maintain my body’s ability to fight cancer.
Strengthening the Immune System to Fight Cancer
Supporting the immune system during cancer treatment is vital for improving overall survival and enhancing your body’s ability to fight cancer. My journey with colorectal cancer taught me the importance of balancing cancer treatments with strategies to boost immune cells, reduce inflammation, and protect healthy cells.
A holistic approach that includes a nutrient-dense diet, moderate exercise like Zone 2 cardio, stress management techniques such as meditation, and regular health monitoring can strengthen the immune response and help manage the challenges of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Taking small, consistent steps and working closely with healthcare professionals can empower you to take control of your health and improve your outcomes.
References
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