Exercise and nutrition

Prioritise your health: The importance of exercise and nutritious eating

Practical tips for incorporating exercise and nutrient-rich foods into your routine

The key elements of keeping well include healthy eating, taking moderate exercise and having a healthy mind. Research suggests that a healthy diet while being physically active can also help reduce the risk of developing other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Eating well

There is no evidence that shows any specific food or diet is associated with the management or treatment of brain tumours, but a good diet is necessary in order to feel as well as possible.

It will help ensure that your body has the essential minerals and nutrients it needs to keep up your strength and energy to cope with treatment, healing and recovery, lower your risk of infection and cope with the many other physical and mental demands that are made of you on a daily basis.

It’s also essential to drink plenty of fluids before, during and after treatment. Being properly hydrated will help your body process drugs including chemotherapy, avoid bladder infections and prevent constipation, often a result of medication.

If you have diarrhoea or are vomiting as a side-effect of treatment, speak to your oncology team. They can supply or advise you on special rehydration drinks or powders and assess your diet.

Always speak to your oncology team for advice and be careful of fad diets and unqualified advice.

See the NHS Eatwell guide

Physical activity

Even a small amount of exercise can have a major positive impact on your physical and mental well-being. Make sure that what you do is appropriate for your level of health.

It doesn’t need to be rigorous. Even a few steps are better than none at all and you can increase these in time. Try and incorporate movement into your everyday activities. This includes housework, for example vacuuming, gardening, walking to the shops, and walking up the stairs instead of taking the lift. More energetic activities, such as jogging, cycling, weeding or planting in the garden are also good if you are up to it.

What you do will depend on what stage you are at with  treatment, the activities you enjoy and your level of fitness

Being active before, during and after treatment

Before

Your oncology team might encourage you to start some physical activity before treatment starts to help improve your general fitness level. It can also help with your recovery after treatment and may reduce the side effects. It can also help you feel more in control and mentally prepared for treatment.

During

Doing exercise during cancer treatment is generally safe. But there may be activities you need to avoid or be careful with. It is important not to suddenly start intense exercise that you are not used to. Some physical activity during treatment will help you maintain your fitness and strength.

After

It may also help you manage and reduce the risk of the late effects of treatment, changes in weight and other health problems, such as heart disease.

NOTE: Ask your GP or oncology team for advice and ask if there is a physiotherapist or you can ask for advice on exercising safely. An occupational therapist and exercise referral schemes may also help.

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