What is a Chemo Brain?
Chemo brain is also known as chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment. Cancer patients suffer several side effects after their chemotherapy sessions. These side effects can be a result of radiation, immunotherapy hormone therapy, or even cancer itself. Chemo brain can remain for a long time and can affect one’s daily life. The symptoms of a chemo brain are as follows:
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty in Multitasking
- Reduced Attention
- Reduced mental processing
Patients who undergo breast cancer treatment are prone to chemobrain. Around 75% of cancer patients experience changes such as changes in their thinking and memory. While the exact cause is still being researched, several factors, such as stress, low blood pressure, and after-treatment effects, are taken into consideration.
This blog will give you the top 10 natural treatments for chemo brain to keep your mind stable and clear.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Natural Treatments for Chemo Brain
1. Meditation
Meditation is one of the best natural treatments for chemobrain to keep your mind calm and focused. It will reduce the mental fog. Meditation teaches you to concentrate on the present. It will help you to have a clear mind, reduce stress, and make you resilient during tough situations.
2. Aerobic Exercise
Physical activities such as brisk walking, jogging, and swimming will improve your blood flow and support neuroplasticity. This is one of the essential natural treatments for chemobrain that can improve your vigilance and cognitive function.
3. Resistance Training
Strength training weights or resistance bands will improve your physical fitness. Strength training will promote better brain health and keep your mind stable.
4. Yoga and Tai Chi
These exercises are a package of breathing exercises and gentle movements. These are some of the exercises that will keep you focused and keep your mind clear throughout the day.
5. Cognitive Exercises
Another natural treatment for the chemo brain includes mental games such as puzzles, crosswords, or learning new skills that will improve your memory and problem-solving techniques. Learning musical instruments or solving riddles will sharpen the mind.
6. Fish Oil (Omega-3)
As you know, fish oil is rich in EPA and DHA. Omega-3 and fatty acids present in fish oil are important for brain health. These nutrients reduce inflammation, protect your neural system, and support your cognitive function.
7. Probiotics
Probiotics support the gut-brain and positively influence the brain. A healthy gut reduces brain fog and improves mental clarity.
8. Curcumin
Antioxidants such as turmeric and curcumin keep your brain away from oxidative damage and improve your memory. This antioxidant helps to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
9. Antioxidants
Vitamin E and C are powerful antioxidants that protect the brain cells from being damaged caused by free radicals. These nutrients reduce the oxidative stress that is associated with chemotherapy drugs.
10. Memory Aids and Planning
You can use memory aids such as daily planners, sticky notes, and smartphone reminders to fight against cognitive challenges. You should keep your desks clean and organize your personal space to declutter your mind and increase your focus.
Case Study – How Aerobics can help to fight against the chemo brain
Just as a muscle grows stronger with exercise, so does the mind with regular care.
Cognitive challenges are known as ‘chemo brain’ or brain fog. These challenges are generally faced by women who undergo chemotherapy for breast cancer. Once the chemo treatment is completed, there are several side effects for the same. Some of the side effects are memory loss and focusing issues. These side effects can affect a person’s well-being. According to the news SciTechDaily, a clinical program called Aerobic Exercise and Cognitive Functioning in Women with Breast Cancer (ACTIVATE) was conducted. Aerobic exercise is one of the effective natural treatments for chemo brain as it improves the blood flow, reduces stress, and supports neuroplasticity.
In this program, 57 Canadian women were diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer. Participants were divided into two groups. 28 women began a 12-14 week aerobic exercise program during chemotherapy. The cognitive functions were tested before and after the program. Women who exercised during chemotherapy had better cognitive function than the ones who delayed this exercise. This tells us the value of exercise and how it can affect our mental health. The author of this news Dr Jennifer Brunet, has explained the importance of exercise in cancer care. With the collaboration of the healthcare and fitness industry, programs like ACTIVATE should be conducted frequently and made widely accessible.
Click on the link to read more information about ACTIVATE.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clear your brain from chemo?
To clear your brain from chemo, some of these natural treatments for Chemo brain, such as aerobic exercise, brain exercise, and relaxation techniques, can be followed. Other than these, physical activities such as walking can improve your blood flow and cognitive function. By engaging yourself in memory games and practicing yoga, you can reduce the side effects of chemo.
What is the 7-day rule for chemotherapy?
The “7-day rule” in chemotherapy is the provision of medications to the patient to prevent side effects and complications. It helps to increase the white blood cell count. The medications are usually given within 24 hours after the chemo session. This keeps the patient away from infections and supports recovery during the treatment process.
What is the fastest way to recover from chemotherapy?
Take rest, keep yourself hydrated, and have foods that are full of Vitamin E and C. Take your medications from time to time, manage mouth sores, and prepare yourself for potential hair loss. Stay positive and monitor for neuropathy symptoms.
What supplements help with chemo brain?
Natural treatments for chemobrain include taking supplements like probiotics, fish oil, and L-glutamine. Probiotics help with digestive health and cognitive issues, while fish oil supports brain function. As neuropathy is another symptom of chemo, L-glutamine will help for the same. Before consuming any of these nutrients we advise you to go to a healthcare professional to be on the safer side.
Conclusion
By following the top 10 mentioned natural treatments for chemo brain you can reduce the side effects for the same. Performing regular exercises, keeping yourself hydrated, and having rich nutritious food will be healthy. Take guidance from healthcare professionals to manage these side effects after the chemotherapy treatment.
Glossary
Cognitive function: Cognitive functions include mental processes like memory, learning, reasoning, and attention which are required for every human being to perform daily activities and decision-making.
