Most people experience fatigue after cancer treatment, which is commonly described as feeling tired, weak, or exhausted. Illness fatigue can be caused by therapy side effects or by the illness itself. Around 80% to 100% of people with cancer, face fatigue.
What is Cancer-related fatigue?
Cancer fatigue or CRF is one of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatments. Cancer patients who have this problem feel tired, listless, drained, etc. Those who face it often describe it as paralysing. It comes suddenly and is not due to any exertion.
What are the ways to cope with Cancer Fatigue? Does Ayurveda have any options?
Fatigue does not affect everyone who has cancer, and if one does experience it, the level of fatigue can vary. One may feel a minor lack of energy or fully exhausted.
It may be worse if you are not eating enough or if you are not eating the right foods. According to Ayurveda, maintaining good nutrition and exercise can help you feel better and have more energy.
Ways in which you can deal with Cancer Fatigue:
● Intake of the herb Ashwagandha– It increases life expectancy, fights disease, and protects the body and mind from stress. It restores energy and enhances the muscular and neurological functioning of tiredness sufferers. It aids in the regulation of sleep cycles, strengthens the immune system, and alleviates anxiety and sadness. Ashwagandha has the same antidepressant effect as imipramine and lowers tribulation levels in the brain, which is a chemical marker of worry.
Several medical specialists now support its usage as an anti-anxiety therapy. When combined with other herbs, Ashwagandha restores the brain’s natural antioxidant levels and significantly decreases the oxidative stress that contributes to cancer fatigue.
● Follow a Vata-pacifying diet – A Vata-calming diet should be followed in addition to a regular routine, sleeping early, and avoiding mental work directly before bed. A Pitta-balancing diet and daily routine, organic rose petal spread, and regular meals can help with emotional exhaustion. When suffering from cancer tiredness, kapha and pacifying foods and daily routines are quite beneficial.
● Engage in Mind-Body Strategies – Experts recommend using mindfulness-based treatments or activities, such as yoga or meditation, to restore body equilibrium. Going for a lengthy stroll can also help. Deep breathing and visualisation are two more relaxation strategies that people can attempt since they can help reduce stress and fatigue.
Conclusion
Cancer-related fatigue interferes with many elements of quality of life and maybe a risk factor for poor survival. The occurrence and course of fatigue in patients have been widely studied, and we are learning more about the underlying molecular causes. Given the multifactorial nature of cancer-related fatigue, randomised controlled studies have evaluated a variety of intervention approaches. These approaches include physical activity, psychological, mind-body, and pharmaceutical treatments.