During cancer
treatment such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, the body works hard to fight cancer cells and repair healthy cells damaged during treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, proper nutrition during cancer treatment can help cancer patients maintain stamina, better cope with treatment side effects and prevent infections. Malnutrition and excessive weight loss are concerns in cancer treatment that can increase the mortality rate for many cancers and lower the response to treatment. Eating the right foods and refraining from the wrong ones is key both during and after cancer treatment.
Specific Food and Drink
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a patient's diet during cancer treatment should provide an adequate amount of calories, protein, vitamins and minerals. A variety of foods every day will provide many of the nutrients you need to stay strong during cancer treatment. A good rule of thumb is to eat daily servings of fruits, vegetables, protein, grains and dairy.
Cancer patients usually require higher amounts of protein such as eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, lean meat and chicken, fish, beans and nuts. However, you might have to reduce your intake of fiber-rich foods like whole grains and cereals if your cancer treatment causes diarrhea or stomach pains.
The Cancer Cure Foundation (see Resource 1) claims that some foods have been shown to not only prevent cancer, but slow cancer cell growth or reduce tumor size. Foods like avocados, broccoli, carrots, garlic, oranges, soy products, certain teas and tomatoes contain chemical components and antioxidants that neutralize cancer-causing substances and block cancerous changes to cells.
Cancer patients should also drink plenty of fluids, such as water, fruit juice, vegetable juice and tea. Carbonated drinks like soda can give you unwelcome symptoms of gas and can make you feel full, and caffeinated beverages like coffee can inhibit the good rest needed during cancer treatment.
Limit food and drink with high amounts of salt, fat, alcohol and sugar, which in some cases can assist the development of cancer, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation.
Food-Related Issues
Cancer patients can experience food-related issues during cancer treatment, like loss of appetite, nausea, sore mouth, changes in taste and vomiting, all of which can inhibit proper nutrition and eating. To cope with these issues, try eating several small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. Eat when you are hungry. Add variety to your diet, but stick with foods you enjoy. Choose soft foods that are easy to chew and consider adding sauces, which can help certain foods go down easier. Limit spicy food.
Keep in mind that food that doesn't appeal to you one week may taste good the next week, so keep an open mind about the food you eat during cancer treatment. Talk to your doctor about any nutritional concerns; she might suggest the use of nutritional supplements to ensure you receive the proper nutrition necessary to feel your best during cancer treatment.
Tags: cancer treatment, during cancer, during cancer treatment, cancer treatment, Cancer patients
