Diet- During and After Cancer Treatment
Nutrition plays an important role in fighting any disease. Once you have been diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment or have finished treatment, food plays the most important role in restoring the body and regaining strength and vitality.
Do remember that Cancer patients have different dietary needs compared to other patients.
Cancer is mainly caused by inflammation of the body. Cancer treatment that involves chemotherapy, radiation, bone marrow or stem cell transplant and a heavy dose of medications weaken the immune system. A weak immune system is susceptible to many more diseases.
Side effects of Cancer Treatment that affect eating habits
| Nausea |
| Mouth Sores |
| Ulcers |
| Changes In Sense of Taste or Smell |
| Constipation |
| Diarrhoea |
| Dry Mouth |
| Lactose Intolerance |
| Sore Throat and Trouble Swallowing |
A diet specific to your symptoms and deficiency is very important.
While medication and therapy will play their role in fighting cancer, certain foods and lifestyle changes can enable the body to fight back more effectively.
It is best to consult a certified dietician who will check the levels of vitamins, minerals and calories required. A customised diet to meet your requirements rather than randomly consuming too much or too little of anything is what a good dietician will provide.
Sometimes your body may need a low fibre diet rather than a high fibre diet usually prescribed. Certain minerals like magnesium play a stronger role in fighting cancer. A dietician is more capable of guiding you on how much to eat and what to eat.
A plant-based diet is widely considered beneficial and increases the survival rate of cancer patients. Though there is not much research available plant and whole-grain diet has proven to decrease inflammation in the body.
Poor appetite is very common among cancer patients and can be very frustrating for their families too. The intake of the required amount of nutrition per day is very important to sustain a patient’s health. Dietary supplements, milkshakes, water infused with certain herbs etc help a patient meet the requirement.
Quit smoking, consuming alcohol
Reduce your intake of fried foods and foods containing trans-fats.
Include 40 mins of daily exercise
Reduce stress, begin practising yoga and address your anxiety and depression that could arise from your diagnosis.
An oncology dietitian plays a very important role in cancer care. The dietitian is a connection between what the doctor diagnosis and prescribes and how the patient’s body reacts. Here dietitians advocate the correct diet to heal the body and fuel the healing process.
Some Do’s and Don’ts
Avoid eating food that is unhygienically cooked. Food poisoning can create havoc.
Wash fruits, vegetables, and meats very well
Store meat and other food items separately. Bacteria from uncooked meat can spread causing cross-contamination.
Food should be cooked with clean hands.
Try to eat freshly cooked food. Refrigerated food even if it does not smell stale, may contain bacteria like Listeria.
Avoid processed, canned and packeted food since it leads to inflammation in the body
Avoid unpasteurized milk, raw or undercooked, eggs, meat and fish, soft cheese and even Deli prepared salads, sandwiches etc
Ensure your water is boiled or purified.
Drink enough water. Stay well hydrated.