Here is the translation: 10 Habits That Can Support Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is one of the approaches that has come to the fore in recent years in cancer treatment, mobilizing the body's own defense system to combat the disease. The goal of this treatment method is to strengthen immune cells so they can more effectively recognize and eliminate cancer cells.

Prof. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım, Medical Oncologist at Anadolu Sağlık Merkezi Hospital, noting that immunotherapy has produced encouraging results in many patients but that expected responses have not been achieved in some individuals, stated, "At this point, supporting factors that can increase the effectiveness of treatment become important. Lifestyle and daily habits can also be considered among these supporting factors."

During the immunotherapy process, gut microbiota stands out among the auxiliary factors. Prof. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım, Medical Oncologist at Anadolu Sağlık Merkezi Hospital, emphasizing that the microbiota living in the intestines and forming the largest bacterial community in the body is directly related to the immune system, said, "Many studies have shown that gut microbiota plays an important role in regulating immune response. Particularly in melanoma, an aggressive type of skin cancer, it has been demonstrated both in laboratory settings and in clinical studies that balancing gut microbiota can increase the response to immunotherapy. For this reason, daily habits that support gut microbiota can play an auxiliary role in treatment."

Prof. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım listed 10 beneficial habits that could support immunotherapy treatment:
1.    Ensure that green vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, spinach, leek and artichoke are present in sufficient amounts in your daily diet to support gut microbiota.
2.    Regularly consume fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir and pickles that help maintain intestinal bacterial balance.
3.    Reduce red meat consumption as a habit that contributes to maintaining intestinal health.
4.    Instead of processed sugar and ready-made foods, prefer more natural alternatives such as honey, dark chocolate, apples, mulberries and sweet potatoes.
5.    Use probiotics as recommended by your doctor and during specific periods.
6.    Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use to maintain the balance of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
7.    Give more place on your table to whole grains, onions, garlic, bananas, hazelnuts, squash and sunflower seeds among fiber-rich foods that feed intestinal bacteria, as well as beans and lentils.
8.    Pay attention to adequate and quality sleep that contributes to the balanced functioning of the immune system.
9.    Make regular physical activity a habit in your daily life.
10.    Set aside time for meditation, breathing exercises or similar relaxation practices to support mental and physical well-being, and avoid stress.