Authors: Katherine Husmann, B.S. – M.S. Nutrition and Foods Graduate Student at Texas State University and Krystle Zuniga, PhD, RD, LD
Persistent fatigue is a very common and taxing side effect both during and after treatment
in most cancers, such as breast cancer. Cancer related-fatigue has been shown to be linked with poor sleep, diminished quality of life, and depression. Research has shown that fatigue may be associated with chronic inflammation; thus, diets rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients may reduce inflammation and lessen the persistent fatigue many cancer patients experience.
In breast cancer survivors, a 3-month pilot study was conducted to test if a fatigue reduction diet (FRD), would improve fatigue and sleep compared to those receiving an attention control or general health curriculum (GHC), which focused on general health topics. (1) The FRD was abundant in vegetables, omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods, fruit, and whole grains. Individuals that consumed the FRD had an over 44% improvement in fatigue symptoms, while those following the GHC saw only an 8% improvement. Sleep quality improved by nearly 50% in those following the FRD, while those following the GHC experienced no improvement or a slight decrease in sleep quality. 1 Higher quality diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, such as the FRD diet, are a holistic approach to help reduce cancer-related persistent fatigue.
1. Zick SM, Colacino J, Cornellier M, Khabir T, Surnow K, Djuric Z. Fatigue reduction diet in breast cancer survivors: a pilot randomized clinical trial. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2017
Jan;161(2):299-310. doi: 10.1007/s10549-016- 4070-y. Epub 2016 Dec.