Globally, millions of people suffer from the dreadful disease of cancer.
Both receiving a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment can be
extremely difficult. Cancer treatment is crucial for battling the
illness, but it can also be physically taxing. It can be difficult to
eat and maintain a healthy diet because of the side effects of
chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer, such as nausea, vomiting,
and fatigue. But for the body to heal and recover during cancer
treatment, good nutrition is crucial. Let’s discuss the importance of
maintaining a healthy diet during cancer treatment and how cancer
patients can do so in the article that follows.
Why is Good Nutrition Important During Cancer Treatment?
Everyone needs a healthy diet, but cancer patients need it more than
anyone. The body's capacity to absorb nutrients from food can be
adversely affected by side effects of cancer treatments like
chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Due to malnutrition brought on by
these side effects, the body may become weaker and find it more
difficult to fight the illness. During treatment, cancer patients who
eat well can maintain their health overall, strength, and energy.
Additionally, it can enhance the quality of life for patients and lessen
the side effects of cancer treatment.
What Should Cancer Patients Eat During Treatment?
For cancer patients, a well-balanced diet that incorporates food from all
groups is ideal. A healthy diet for cancer patients should include:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and
other nutrients found in fruits and vegetables are crucial for
maintaining good health. At least 5 servings of fruits and
vegetables are compulsory for cancer patients.
- Whole Grains: Fiber from whole grains is a great source for
regulating digestion and preventing constipation. Patients with
cancer should consume whole grains such as brown rice, and whole
wheat bread.
- Lean Protein: Protein is essential for repairing and building
tissues in the body. Cancer patients should aim to eat lean protein
sources like fish, chicken, turkey, beans, and tofu.
- Healthy Fats: Aim to eat wholesome fats like avocados, seeds,
and olive oil if you have cancer. Healthy fats can help the body
heal itself by reducing inflammation.
What Should Cancer Patients Avoid During Treatment?
Cancer patients should avoid certain foods during treatment, including:
- Processed Foods: Salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats are
frequently in abundance in processed foods. These foods can worsen
the side effects of cancer treatment by causing more inflammation in
the body.
- Sugary Drinks: Sugary beverages such as soda and sports
drinks can be calorie and sugar dense. These beverages should be
avoided by cancer patients in favour of water, herbal tea, or
low-sugar beverages.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can impair immunity and make it
more difficult for the body to fight off infections. During
treatment for cancer, patients should abstain from alcohol.
Cancer Treatment in Mumbai: Best Cancer Clinic and Doctor
Cancer treatment in
Mumbai has come a long way in recent years, with many
world-class cancer clinics and doctors available to provide top-notch
care. One of the best cancer
clinics in Mumbai is the Cancer Surgery Clinic. In addition to
the importance of good nutrition during cancer treatment and the best cancer
doctor in Mumbai, there are some other factors that cancer
patients should consider to maintain good nutrition during treatment. In
the following content, we will discuss some practical tips for cancer
patients to maintain good nutrition during treatment.
Practical Tips for Cancer Patients to Maintain Good Nutrition During
Treatment
- Eat Small, Regular Meals: Eating small, regular meals can
help to ease nausea and enhance digestion. Instead of eating three
large meals a day, cancer patients should strive to eat five to six
smaller meals each day.
- Keep Hydrated: Drinking lots of water and other liquids can
help digestion and lessen the risk of dehydration. Cancer patients
should aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
- Supplement if Necessary: Cancer patients may need to take
supplements to help meet their nutritional needs during treatment.
Supplements like multivitamins, vitamin D, and iron can be
beneficial, but patients should check with their doctor before
taking any supplements.
- Ask for Help: Cancer patients may need help with meal
preparation, grocery shopping, and other tasks related to
maintaining good nutrition. Patients should not hesitate to ask for
help from family, friends, or healthcare professionals.
- Stay Positive: Keeping a positive outlook during treatment
for cancer can assist patients in maintaining a healthy diet.
Patients should try to stay optimistic, set small goals, and
celebrate progress.
Conclusion
Maintaining good nutrition during cancer treatment is essential for
maintaining good health and reducing the side effects of cancer
treatment. Cancer patients can also benefit from practical tips like
eating small, frequent meals, staying hydrated, supplementing if
necessary, asking for help, and staying positive. By following these
tips, cancer patients can maintain good nutrition and improve their
overall health and well-being during treatment.