If you suffer from cancer you might have to go through a combination of different cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, biologic immunotherapy and hormonal therapy which are all aimed at killing cancer cells but have been known to kill some healthy cells as well.
Therefore cancer patients do not only have the burden of fighting cancerous cells but also have to find ways replacing damaged cells as well.
As a cancer patient you need more calories and a substantial amount of protein to maintain energy levels.
Foods like cheese, cooked eggs, cream and milk are very helpful in replenishing protein and energy lost during cancer treatment.
A smart choice is to opt for foods rich in protein that are low in saturated fats.
Examples of such foods include various types of nuts, seeds, legumes, fish, lean meat and poultry, low-fat and nonfat dairy products and eggs.
Snacks and foods high in fat are not recommended while undergoing cancer treatment.
Iron supplements are also recommended for cancer patients as they are likely to suffer from anemia during or after the treatment.
This occurs due insufficient red blood cells, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy or from the disease itself.
The good news is that eating a balanced diet will aid in the production of new red blood cells which is why concentrating on circuit foods is very important.
The diet for a cancer patient should be able to: · Help to preserve lean body mass · Enable a patient to withstand the effects of cancer treatment and cancer itself · Reverse or prevent nutrient deficiencies · Aid in strength building · Improve and maximize quality of life · Deal with nutrition related side effects such as taste changes, bowel changes, nausea and low appetite In order to maintain health and build immunity during cancer treatment the following foods are recommended.
Note that no food has all nutrients required therefore it is advisable to eat a variety of foods from all the food groups everyday.
1.
Include whole grains in your diet everyday as they provide you with carbohydrates, vitamin B and soluble fibers.
Carbohydrates supply you with energy required for daily living.
Whole grain foods options include wheat bread, whole wheat foods, brown rice, popcorn, millet, wheat, whole oats, whole wheat flour and whole grain crackers.
2.
Raw or cooked vegetables and fruits will provide your body with minerals, phytochemicals and vitamins which are needed by your body.
3.
Dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt will give your body carbohydrates and proteins and they are also the best source of calcium.
4.
Meats help to build and repair body tissue, fight infections and also provide the body with a number of minerals and vitamins and supply energy.
Eggs, poultry, fish, legumes and lentils are a good sources of protein Your body might react to treatment and the doctor will advise you to first start liquid foods, then progress to semi-solid foods and eventually gradually graduate to solid foods.
Eventually you can go back to your regular diet foods which you were eating regularly before treatments but avoid foods that will irritate your bowls and cause diarrhea, constipation and gas.
It is important to eat more frequently in smaller portions and when you are hungry, rather than wait until regular mealtimes to eat large portions.