Days after my latest chemotherapy treatment, I began experiencing significant gastric issues. My stomach would cramp intensely upon waking and at various intervals throughout the day. Additionally, I found that I couldn’t eat certain foods without them causing immediate distress, exiting my body through one of two, if not both, orifices.
Although I had received guidelines on foods to eat versus those to avoid, I made sure to steer clear of anything that had the potential to harbor bacteria, such as food from places like Chipotle and Subway, where items sit out for extended periods. Despite my efforts, my gastrointestinal system seemed to be on a rollercoaster ride.
In an effort to manage my gastric issues and overall health, I started making lifestyle changes that could positively affect my amylase and blood pressure levels. Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and salivary glands, and it plays a crucial role in the digestion of carbohydrates. Elevated amylase levels can indicate pancreatic inflammation or other pancreatic disorders.
To help lower my amylase levels, I focused on:
- Staying Hydrated
- Drinking plenty of water to help flush out toxins and keep my digestive system running smoothly.
- Eating Smaller, Frequent Meals
- This approach helps to reduce the strain on my digestive system and prevent overwhelming my pancreas
- Incorporating Anti-Inflammatory Foods
- Foods like berries, nuts, leafy greens, and fatty fish can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Avoiding High-FAt and Processed Foods
- These can be harder to digest and may exacerbate pancreatic stress.
I continued to trend my blood pressure readings diligently. While my diastolic pressure remained higher than I preferred, the good news was that I no longer experienced the debilitating headaches that had plagued me previously. This improvement was a small but significant victory, giving me a sense of progress in my health journey.
As I navigated these post-treatment days, I realized the importance of being proactive about my health. By understanding and adjusting my lifestyle, I could manage some of the side effects of my treatment more effectively. Monitoring my lab results and blood pressure allowed me to make informed decisions and have more productive conversations with my healthcare providers.
With each cycle of treatment, I am learning more about my body and how to support it through this process. Taking control of my diet, understanding my lab results, and staying vigilant about my blood pressure are all part of my commitment to my health. This experience has taught me that while I may not have control over everything, I can still take meaningful actions to support my well-being.
Image: country life foods
Practicing Medicine 
Leave a comment