Breast cancer has become a significant threat to women's health in our lives. Although advances in modern medicine have significantly improved the effectiveness of breast cancer, postoperative surgery and metastasis are still a serious concern for patients and their families. In the face of such challenges, improving immunity has become a common concern for every breast cancer patient and their family. It has been said that a healthy body is the strongest line of defense against disease, and strong immunity is the core of this line of defense. So, how can we effectively improve immunity after breast cancer surgery, so as to reduce the risk of disease** and metastasis?
Immunity: Shields and Challenges in Breast Cancer Surgery.
After breast cancer surgery, the patient's body faces multiple challenges, one of which is changes in the immune system. The surgery itself, adjuvant drugs such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and even psychological stress can all have an impact on the immune system, making it less functional. This decrease in immunity creates the conditions for potential ** and metastasis. However, understanding how the immune system works and how it is affected can help us take steps to improve its efficacy and reduce the risk of metastasis.
The immune system is the body's defense mechanism that recognizes and destroys foreign aggressors, such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. It consists of two main parts: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. After breast cancer surgery, the patient's immune system may be temporarily suppressed due to surgical trauma, stress response, and ***.
Effects of immune system suppression.
Surgical Impact: Surgery is a physical trauma that causes a stress response in the body that temporarily suppresses the function of the immune system, especially in the localized area of the surgical incision.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy, while effective in killing cancer cells, can also damage some normal cells, including those that are essential for maintaining an immune response.
Psychological stress: Psychological stress has been shown to suppress the immune system by activating specific stress pathways. Patients after breast cancer surgery often experience a certain level of psychological stress, which can also take a toll on the immune system.
Dietary Strategies to Boost Immunity: The Power of Nutrition.
Fundamental principles. Dietary modification after breast cancer surgery is essential to boost immunity. A balanced and nutritious diet plan provides the body with the necessary nutrients to support the recovery and strengthening of the immune system. The key is to choose foods rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, while reducing your intake of processed foods and sugars.
Dietary elements. Antioxidant-rich foods: Antioxidants help reduce body damage caused by free radicals, thereby supporting the work of the immune system. Vegetables and fruits, especially berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes, are excellent antioxidants**.
High-quality protein: Protein is an essential component for repairing body tissues and making immune cells. Choose lean meats, fish, legumes, soy products and low-fat dairy products for protein**.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in deep-sea fish such as salmon and mackerel, as well as flaxseed and walnuts, reduce inflammation and enhance immune function.
Fiber foods: High-fiber foods, such as whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables, not only help maintain gut health, but also promote the growth of beneficial microbiome, an important part of the immune system.
Trace elements: Trace elements such as zinc, selenium, and iron are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. Nuts, seeds, seafood, lean meats, and whole grains are good for these nutrients**.
Practical recommendations. Eat a varied diet: Make sure your diet contains vegetables and fruits of various colors to get different antioxidants and nutrients.
Regular meal planning: Create a weekly meal plan to ensure that each meal includes these key nutrients and avoid making impromptu decisions about what to eat that lead to unhealthy food choices.
Moderate intake: Pay attention to the amount of food and avoid excessive intake of high-energy foods to avoid weight gain, which is not good for the immune system.
Physical Activity & Immunity: Get moving.
The importance of physical activity.
Physical activity after breast cancer surgery not only helps to restore physical strength and improve quality of life, but also has a significant effect on improving immunity. Moderate exercise can promote blood circulation, which helps immune cells circulate in the body more efficiently, so as to achieve the purpose of timely identification and elimination of pathogens.
Suggested activities. Gentle aerobic exercise: Low- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling, for 150 minutes a week, can significantly boost immunity.
Strength training: Moderate strength training, including the use of dumbbells, elastic bands, or bodyweight training, at least two days a week, can help build muscle and support overall health and immune function.
Stretching and flexibility exercises: Yoga or Pilates can improve flexibility and reduce stress, which in turn can benefit the health of the immune system.
Tips for starting the exercise.
Gradual: Start with low-intensity activity in the early postoperative period and gradually increase the amount and intensity of exercise.
Listen to your body's signals: Pay attention to your body's responses, avoid overtraining, and adjust appropriately when fatigue or pain occurs.
Find fun: Choose a way to exercise that you enjoy, it's easier to stick with it.