Cancer can wreak havoc on a person mentally and physically. Treatments for cancer are usually aggressive and take a toll on a person’s body. It is important for cancer patients to have a nutritious diet to help them stay strong enough to withstand treatment and to combat the illness and fatigue that the treatment may cause.
As any cancer survivor would attest, this is easier said than done. There are different types of treatments for cancer and they all come with side effects. And the kind of side effects will increase or decrease depending on the intensity of treatment. Some side effects of cancer treatments, like radiation or chemotherapy, could include nausea, mouth ulcers, loss of appetite, cracked lips, loss of taste, etc.
Cancer patients are usually offered only food that they are fond of since their appetite is poor. Often, this may not be nutritious. It is important for them to have the right foods to maintain a healthy body weight and have enough nutrients to provide energy.
Their meals should contain a good mix of vegetables and meat whichprovide enough nutrition, fiber and liquids to build immunity, heal wounds and help avoid constipation or dehydration.
Vegetables like tomato, pumpkin, carrots and peas provide vitamins. Tomatoes in any form are good especially for prostate cancer. Vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli help in converting bad estrogen to good estrogen and are good for ovarian cancer. Any vegetables that are rich in oxidants like beetroot, spinach and beans should be included in the diet. Include green leafy vegetables for much needed iron and calcium.
Fruits that are rich in vitamins and fiber, like bananas, strawberries, pears and mangoes should be included. Fruits that provide energy include guava, apricots, figs prunes and raisins should also be incorporated in the diet.
Dairy products provide calcium, but many cancer patients find that dairy makes them nauseous. If you can stomach dairy, choose fortified products to ensure adequate vitamin intake.
To get an adequate amount of protein, include dhals, lentils, chickpeas and cottage cheese while non vegetarians can get their protein from lean meats, fish, poultry and eggs. Fish and soy food are good for prostate cancer patients.
Carbohydrates are necessary to provide energy and stamina to withstand the cancer treatment and its side effects. Eat plenty of foods that contain carbohydrates like rice, chappathi, wholegrain breads and pasta.
Honey instead of sugar is recommended for cancer patients as it has healing properties and increases immunity.
Constipation is a common side effect of cancer treatment. It is important to have enough fiber in the form of fruits, vegetables, bran, oatmeal etc.
Also Read: 10 signs that suggest you don’t have Cancer
High heat creates carcinogenic byproducts (heterocyclic amines). Therefore, avoid deep fried, baked and barbecued food.
Avoid excess salt and sugar.
Steer clear of red meat and excess alcohol.
Avoid preserved and canned foods as they contain many kinds of nitrites that are carcinogenic.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
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