Regardless of what type of cancer treatment you undergo, it is best to keep your system as healthy as possible. It will help your body eliminate cancerous cells, and make you feel better while you go through treatment. See our 5 best lifestyle changes to make if you are diagnosed with cancer.

1. Eliminate sugar

Sugar comes with many different names, including ones that sound healthy (like agave nectar, cane juice, coconut sugar, brown rice syrup) but aren’t. Not only does sugar increase your risk of getting cancer, but there is also a correlation between sugar consumption and having cancer, and it even directly feeds cancer. If you are undergoing cancer treatment, it is best to eliminate all sugar. Sugar is just empty calories that could replace important, nutritious foods in your diet, and it could have a grave effect on your outcome after treatment. However, don’t let fear of sugar rule your life. It isn’t good for you, but stress might be even worse. Maintain your immune function by keeping stress low (see numbers 4 and 5).

2. Eat a clean, nutrient-dense diet

So what should you eat if you’re not eating cookies? Colorful fruits and vegetables! The more colors the better; think ROY G BIV and try to get every color as often as you can. If you regularly read the Peach Vitamins blog, you know that we are big fans of the phytochemicals that come in a rainbow diet full of produce. This is important for both preventing cancer, and keeping it from spreading. You want to make sure you meet your macro- and micronutrient requirements while minimizing exposure to chemicals that could challenge your body’s functioning.

3. Minimize toxin exposure

Minimize your exposure to all toxins, both in your food and your environment. Smoke, cleaning products, pesticides, additives to personal care products, pollution from cars, and water treatment chemicals could all potentially endanger your health. Not only are some of them known carcinogens in higher doses, but the act of processing even small amounts of a substance might just challenge your organs in a way that weakens your body. Drink purified water, eat organic food, and use all-natural home cleaning and personal care products. Here are some ways you can remove chemicals around your house. Environmental Working Group hosts a great online resource called Skin Deep that rates different personal care and beauty products for their toxicity. Lower scores in their ranking mean lower toxicity.

4. Maintain a positive outlook

There’s a reason good quality studies are controlled with a placebo test for comparison– placebos work! The truth is, our minds are incredibly powerful. Believing that you will recover will help you do just that. Schools of thought like “The Law of Attraction” assert that the energy we put out is the energy we will receive back from the universe. Use positive affirmations, prayer, visualization, meditation, or whatever methods work for you to help you believe that you will get better. Even if this sounds too New Age-y for you, remember that it can’t hurt to think positively. If nothing else, it could minimize the pain you experience during treatment. However, don’t feel guilty if you are also sad, afraid, or anxious. Ask a family member or professional for help if you need it. Taking care of your mind and emotions is as important as taking care of your body.

5. Increase oxygen intake

Obviously, oxygen intake is essential for good health. Deep breathing can relieve stress and bring oxygen necessary for healing to healthy cells. Try yoga, tai chi, or simple deep breathing exercises to help yourself heal faster.