Treating cancer is a physically and psychologically taxing process. While going through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or surgery, patients often experience side effects that interfere with their ability to eat and properly absorb essential nutrients. Nutrition has a significant impact on health during cancer treatment as it affects the side effects, recovery time, treatment effectiveness, and overall well-being.
- Maintaining a well-balanced diet can help cancer patients:
- Maintain strength and energy levels.
- Support the immune system.
- Alleviate specific side effects caused by treatment such as nausea, fatigue, and loss of weight.
- Enhance recovery after treatment.
In this blog, we will go over the reasons why nutrition plays a vital role in cancer treatment, the important dietary focuses, and ways to manage treatment side effects with nutrition.
Why Nutrition Matters During Cancer Treatment?
The body is under a lot of tension because of cancer and its treatments, giving rise to deficiencies and loss of weight. Alongside these, one of the greater worries of malnutrition and myopathy does make it much more difficult for the body to tackle cancer.
Good nutrition during treatment helps to:
- Support retained body weight: The reason cancer patients face weight loss and muscle wasting owing to modified metabolism. With a unique diet, protein metabolic engagement is further enhanced leading to increased structure retention.
- Very Nourished Patients Barely Experience Complications From Chemotherapy and Radiation Treatment. This Indicates That Patients Are Well Prepared To Handle Complications.
- A Robust Nutritional Base Will Guide Towards A Stronger Immune System Which Is Important To Wade Off Infections When Cancer Treatment Has Suppressed The Immune System.
- Proper Nutrition Will Enhance The Healing Surge Following Surgical Procedures And Also Decrease The Chances Of Infection.
- Properly Balanced Nutrition Guides Wounded Patients Towards A Faster Recovery. After All, Cancer Causes A Lot Of Exhaustion Along With Fatigue Which Should Be Battled.
- High-Quality Diet Must Not Be Compromised As It Will Help During The Cancer treatment's Tough Times And Bring Relief:
- Tissue Is Required To Be Repaired And Restored So Proteins Need To Be Incorporated.
- Whey Protein Isolate, Tofu, Lean Meat, Chicken, Fish, Eggs, Dairy, Nuts And Seeds Provide A Great Source Of Energizing Carbohydrates.
- The Brownest Rice, Quinoa, Oatmeal Pancakes, Beans And Vegetables Are Your Go To.
- Steer Clear From Refined Sugary Foods And White Bread That Are Packed With Refined Carbs And Will Only Make You Feel Sluggish.
3. Fat Calories: Enhance Cellular Development and Decrease Inflammation
Why it’s important: Omega 3s contain anti-inflammatory components, they are beneficial to the brain as well as the heart.
Sources: Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna, nuts, avocados, olives, and sunflower seeds.
Tip: Instead of unhealthy trans fats, use plant based oils and nuts.
4. Minerals and Vitamins: Vital During Recovery
Some essential vitamins and minerals that are important for cancer patients include:
Vitamin C: Enhances immunity while promoting healing. Sources: Bell peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries.
Vitamin D: Boosts immunity and protects bones. Sources: Fortified dairy, sunlight, fish.
Iron: Helps avoid anemia while improving the circulation of oxygen. Sources: Leafy greens, red meat, pulses like beans, lentils.
Zinc: Supports wound healing and helps the immune system. Sources: Nuts, meat, seeds, beans.
5. The Importance of Hydration: Eliminates Wastes While Keeping the Body Hydrated
Why it's important: Dehydration can occur as a side effect of cancer treatment and can lead to tiredness and digestive problems.
Sources: Water, herbal teas, coconut water, broths, and other fruits such as watermelon and cucumber.
Tip: Try to consume 8 to 10 glasses of fluids on a daily basis and avoid caffeinated drinks.
Handling Side Effects Through Good Diets
Side effects from cancer treatments can make eating particularly difficult. Here is how proper nutrition can help:
1. Decreased Desire to Eat
Instead of eating three large meals have small meals throughout the day.
Snack on smoothie, nuts, and avocados as these foods are high in calories while being low in weight.
Always keep some snacks nearby to eat whenever you feel hungry.
2. Feeling Sick to The Stomach & Vomiting
During breakfast, have crackers or toast.
Eat bland foods such as bananas, potato boiled, and rice.
Stay away from food that is greasy, overly sweet, or spicy.
Drink ginger tea or water with a bit of lemon in it to feel better.
3. Feeling Tired & Weak
In order to keep anemia at bay, consume iron rich foods such as spinach and lean meat.
For energy that lasts, pick whole grains and complex carbs.
In order to avoid fatigue, make sure to stay hydrated.
4. Mouth Sores & Swallowing Problems
Opt for yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies instead as you will need to chew less of these soft foods.
Stay away from foods that are spicy, acidic, or have rough textures since these would inflame the sores.
For drinking, use a straw so that there is less anguish caused while sipping liquids.
5. Diarrhea or Difficulty in Freeing the Bowels
If you are facing constipation, make sure to add oats and other vegetables to your diet. This will increase the intake of fiber.
When suffering from diarrhea, it's best to have rice and applesauce since they are easy to digest.
Remember to always drink plenty of water.
Advice on Cancer Patient Nutrition
The treatment of cancer must follow these dietary restrictions:
- Select Unprocessed Foods: Focus on home-cooked meals because junk food can be considered dangerous.
- Follow a Multi-Colored Diet: Enhanced fruits and vegetables can provide a variety of vitamins and antioxidants.
- Stay Away From Sugary & Junk Foods: Extra sugar promotes inflammation and results in low energy levels.
- Heed Your Body: If you find it difficult to consume some food options, switch to those that are manageable.
- Take Nutritional Supplements: Talk to your oncologist about extra nutrition and supplements if there are any deficiencies.
Importance of Dietary Specialists in Cancer Care
Medical nutrition therapy is an important health ally for cancer patients, and nutritionists help in providing it. Some of the things the nutritionist will do include:
- Formulate a diet during treatment considering the side effects.
- Assist patients in controlling unwanted weight loss or weight gain.
- Educate patients on food safety and sanitation practices for patients with low immunity.
- Manage nausea, mouth sores, and overwhelming fatigue with natural remedies.
There is very good evidence that collaboration between a nutritionist and an oncologist will improve patient care and quality of life.
Conclusion: Specialized Assistance for a Smoother Experience
Nutrition has proven itself to be a useful weapon against cancer and other chronic diseases. The right foods eaten during treatment can improve immunity and effectiveness of the treatment while also shortening recovery times. Thoughtfully tailored meals can improve the tolerability of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery while allowing sufficient stamina to be maintained throughout the journey with cancer.
Providing for the needs of every patient's diet carefully during the entire care process is crucial to achieve the best results. For a comprehensive, multi-dimensional diagnosis and treatment of cancer, oncological expertise is critical. With over a decade of experience in the field combined with an understanding on the oncology's critical role of nutrition, Dr. Pooja Babbar ensures the timely personalized treatments and foods are provided to her patients.
Dr. Pooja Babbar has treated countless cancer patients and guided them through modern therapies and alternative medicine. If yourself, or someone you know is undergoing treatment for cancer, reach out to her today for personalized cancer care and nutrition.
A strong body fights better—fuel it with the right nutrition!
