MEDICAL BLOGS:NUTRITION AND PROPER DIET FOR CANCER PATIENTS (Part -1)

The importance of proper balanced diet cannot be over emphasized as Cancer itself and the side effects of treatment directed against cancer both affect ones appetite.

Proper diet while one undergoes treatment is important for:

·      Retaining ones strength and energy.

·      Maintaining weight and body’s store of nutrients.

·      Ability to better tolerate treatment and the the side effects

·      Proper healing and faster recovery.

·      Lowering the risk for infection.

PROTEINS:

                                               

Proteins are required for growth, to repair body tissue and to have a healthy immune system. Cancer patients therefore need more proteins in their diet.

·      When the body doesn’t get enough protein, it might break down muscle for the fuel it needs.

·      Good sources of protein include fish, chicken, lean red meat, eggs, low-fat dairy products, nuts and nut butters, dried beans, peas and lentils, and soy foods.

FATS:
                                                          

Fats and oils are made of fatty acids and serve as a rich source of energy for the body.The body breaks down fats and uses them to store energy, insulate body tissues, and transport some types of vitamins through the blood. Prefer monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats more often than saturated fats or trans fats.
Carbohydrates are the body’s major source of energy for physical activity and proper organ function.
Water and liquids or fluids are vital to health. All body cells need water to function. If you don’t take in enough fluids or if you lose fluids through vomiting or diarrhea, you can become dehydrated (your body doesn’t have as much fluid as it should).
Antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E; selenium and zinc; and some enzymes that absorb and attach to free radicals, preventing them from attacking normal cells. If you want to take in more antioxidants, health experts recommend eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are good sources of antioxidants. Taking large doses of antioxidant supplements or vitamin-enhanced foods or liquids is usually not recommended while getting chemo or radiation therapy. Talk with your doctor to find out the best time to take antioxidant supplements.
Phytonutrients or phytochemicals are plant compounds like carotenoids, lycopene, resveratrol, and phytosterols that are thought to have health-protecting qualities.
Herbs have been used to treat disease for hundreds of years, with mixed results. Many of these products are harmless and safe to use, but others can cause harmful side effects. Some may even interfere with proven cancer treatments, including chemo, radiation therapy, and recovery from surgery. If you’re interested in using products containing herbs, talk about it with your oncologist. Tell your cancer care team about any over-the-counter products or supplements you‘re using or are thinking about using.
For instance, eat breakfast foods for dinner if they appeal to you.

·      Monounsaturated fats are found mainly in vegetable oils like olive, canola, and peanut oils.

·      Polyunsaturated fats are found mainly in vegetable oils like safflower, sunflower, corn, and flax seed. They are also the main fats found in seafood.

·      Saturated fats are mainly found in animal sources like meat and poultry, whole or reduced-fat milk, cheese, and butter. Some vegetable oils like coconut, palm kernel oil, and palm oil are saturated.

·      Less than 10% of your calories should come from saturated fat.

·      Trans-fatty acids are formed when vegetable oils are processed into solids, such as margarine.

·      Sources of trans fats include snack foods and baked goods made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oil or vegetable shortening.

·      Trans fats are also found naturally in some animal products, like dairy products. Avoid trans fats as much as you can.

CARBOHYDRATES

                                         

·      The best sources of carbohydrates – fruits, vegetables, and whole grains – also supply needed vitamins and minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients to the body’s cells. (Phytonutrients are chemicals in plant-based foods that we don’t need to live, but that might promote health.)

·      Whole grains or foods made from them contain all the essential parts and naturally occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed. Whole grains are found in cereals, breads, flours, brown rice & barley.

·      Fiber is the part of plant foods that the body can’t digest. There are 2 types of fiber.

·      Insoluble fiber helps to move food waste out of the body quickly, and soluble fiber binds with water in the stool to help keep stool soft.

·      Other sources of carbohydrates include bread, potatoes, rice, spaghetti, pasta, cereals, corn, peas, and beans.

WATER

VITAMINS & MINERALS
                                                                

Most are found naturally in foods. They help the body use the energy (calories) found in foods. A person who eats a balanced diet with enough calories and protein usually gets plenty of vitamins and minerals. But it can be hard to eat a balanced diet when you’re being treated for cancer, especially if you have treatment side effects that last for a long time. In this case, your doctor or dietitian may suggest a daily multivitamin and mineral .

·      Some people with cancer take large amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements to try to boost their immune system or even destroy cancer cells.

·      But some of these substances can be harmful, especially when taken in large doses.

·      In fact, large doses of some vitamins and minerals may make chemotherapy and radiation therapy less effective.

·      If your oncologist says it’s OK for you to take a vitamin during treatment, it may be best to choose a supplement with no more than 100% of the Daily Value (DV) of vitamins and minerals and one without iron (unless your doctor thinks you need iron).

ANTI OXIDANTS

PHYTO-NUTRIENTS

                                                      

·      They’re found in plants such as fruits and vegetables, or things made from plants, like tofu or tea.

·      They are best taken in by eating the foods that contain them rather than taking supplements or pills.

HERBS

WHAT TO EAT & HOW TO EAT:

Don’t be afraid to try new foods. Some things you may never have liked before may taste good during treatment.

·      Choose different plant-based foods. Try eating beans and peas instead of meat at a few meals each week.

·      Try to eat at least 2½ cups of fruits and vegetables a day, including citrus fruits and dark-green and deep-yellow vegetables.

·      Colorful vegetables and fruits and plant-based foods contain many natural health-promoting substances.

·      Limit high-fat foods, especially those from animal sources.

·      Choose lower-fat milk and dairy products.

·      Reduce the amount of fat in your meals by choosing a lower-fat cooking method like baking.

·      Try to stay at a healthy weight, and stay physically active. Small weight changes during treatment are normal.

·      Limit the amount of salt-cured, smoked, and pickled foods you eat.

·      During cancer treatment your body often needs extra calories and protein to help you maintain your weight and heal as quickly as possible.

·      If you’re losing weight, snacks can help you meet those needs.

·      During treatment you may have to rely on snacks that are less healthy sources of calories to meet your needs.

·      Keep in mind that this is just for a short while – once side effects go away you can return to a healthier diet.

·      Eat several small snacks throughout the day, rather than 3 large meals.

·      Eat your favorite foods at any time of the day. 

·      Eat your biggest meal when you feel hungriest. For example, if you are most hungry in the morning, make breakfast your biggest meal.

·      Try to eat high-calorie, high-protein foods at each meal and snack.

·      Exercise lightly or take a walk before meals to increase your appetite.

·      Drink most of your fluids between meals instead of with meals. Drinking fluid with meals can make you feel too full.

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