Friday, May 10, 2013

What To Eat After Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast Cancer Symbol


Breast cancer is a terrible ordeal. With the pressure that comes from the uncertainties, treatments and operations, it is not hard to imagine how patients end up feeling drained and listless. Even though there are countless medications to help with the surgeries and the disease, one of the best happens to be one of the simplest: food.


Foods to Help Symptoms


After an operation to treat breast cancer, it is likely you will experience symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to weight loss and weakness. If you are feeling nauseous and find it difficult to keep food down, try not to eat heavy foods that are hard to digest. Opt for lighter fares such as soups (but not those rich in cream). Try not to eat big meals. Reduce meal sizes but add more meals to your day.


Foods to Help Heal


After breast cancer surgery, one of the main focuses is to make sure the site of the surgery heals quickly and without complication. Certain types of food can aid with this process. Try to fit as many vegetables into your meals as possible. They offer good doses of fiber, which helps with constipation (occasionally a side effect of surgery). More importantly, they are filled with nutrients and vitamins that will speed up the healing process. Lean protein is essential to help the recovery process. Not only will it help combat any weakness or lethargy, the protein is important for your body to rebuild tissue and skin that were operated on to recover. Examples of lean protein include chicken and fish. It is not recommended you fry these. For vegans, a great alternative is tofu. Or you can purchase protein powder that is easily mixed into drinks. Eating yogurt is a good way to help replenish beneficial bacteria and help your body absorb as much nutrients as possible from the food you eat. Multivitamins should only be thought as a supplement to food.


Your Body Needs Calories


After an operation is not the best time to go on a diet. Your body requires calories to heal. If you find yourself unwilling or unable to eat, you might want to consider certain foods and drinks that are high in calories. Instead of water, try drinking fresh fruit juices. Consume fruits. Although it's usually difficult to cut calories from a diet, it should not be hard to add them.







Tags: After operation, Foods Help, your body