MEDICAL BLOGS:DIET FOR CANCER PATIENTS (Part - 2)

Cancer treatment cause side-effects like nausea and taste changes leading to a loss of appetite. It is essential that patients don’t have too many dietary restrictions imposed on them. A good diet for a cancer patient contains a mix of vegetables and meat, and avoids extremely sweet and oily foods.

·      Preferred cooking methods are steaming, boiling, and stir-frying rather than deep frying, grilling, barbecuing and baking.

·      A balanced diet should provide the body with proteins (to build tissues, prevent infection, heal wounds and maintain a healthy immune system), carbohydrates and fats (energy sources), vitamins and minerals (for proper growth, body functioning) and, most importantly, plenty of water and fluids to prevent dehydration.

FOODS TO BE INCLUDED:

Vegetables:
                                         

·      Tomatoes, carrots, peas, pumpkin and turnips for vitamins and fiber.

·      Tomatoes, tomato puree and parsley (especially good for prostate cancer patients)

·      Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage contain plant chemicals that can convert bad oestrogen into good oestrogen, and hence reduce cancer risk as well as the risk of a relapse

·      Asparagus and Brussels sprouts for their rich antioxidants

·      Bitter gourd for lowering blood sugar levels

·      Green leafy vegetables for calcium and iron

   Fruits
                                   

·      Oranges provide vitamin C

·      Bananas, kiwi, peaches, mangoes, pears and strawberries for vitamins and fibre

·      Avocados, guava, apricots, figs, prunes and raisins for energy

Proteins
                                           

·      Lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, tauhu and taukwa 

·      Dairy products, nuts, dried beans, dals and chickpeas

·      Fish and soy foods (especially good for prostate cancer patients)

Carbohydrates
                                               

·      Rice, Iddli, noodles, chapatti, whole grain bread and pasta. 

·      Raggi.

·      Wholegrain crackers, oats, corn, potatoes, beans and dairy products

·      Honey, consumed in moderation for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which may help in preventing infections.

SOME GOOD ITEMS TO INCLUDE IN DIET FOR CANCER PATIENTS:

·      Fish oil will provide long chain omega-3, a powerful anti-inflammatory in the body that minimizes COX-2 and its abilities to drive localized negative hormones called eicosanoids which cause inflammation - driving cancer and metastases. Fish oils have been linked to reduced levels of prostate, breast and colon cancer. Research shows they help prevent cachexia when having chemotherapy. Please note that the omega 3 from flax seed is short-chain, equally important but has different benefits (for example, it helps oxygenate the tissues and provides essential fibre).

·      Carotenoids - Carrots, peppers and greens, apricots, red and yellow peppers, greens like spinach and sweet potatoes, carrots provide anti-cancer carotenoids like beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A, as and when required by the body. Raw carrots are also high in pectins - your helpful gut bacteria will love you for eating pectins and give you more in return.

·      Ginger Fresh, raw ginger has a number of very important benefits in cancer. It is a terrific anti-inflammatory agent in the body and reduces the effects of COX-2. This produces benefits throughout the body and especially in the gut, reducing rates of cancer spread.

·      Seed are full of good oils, whole vitamins in a natural form (like vitamin E) and fiber to strengthen your gut flora. People who consume the highest levels of natural fiber have higher immune systems.Sunflower Seeds high in zinc and natural vitamin E. Zinc helps vitamin C do its work and accelerates healing time.Pumpkin Seeds provides Vit E.Sesame Seed: Both sesame and flax lignans are converted to compounds that can arrest estrogen cancers.

·      Nuts ( Walnuts, Almonds)

·      Mushrooms boost the immune system and fight cancer. Even the button mushroom has cancer fighting ingredients.

·      Tomatoes contain Lycopene is the prime active ingredient. It is also found in strawberries, peppers, carrots & peaches. Lycopene is a strong antioxidant.

·      Broccoli Like other green cruciferous vegetables (e.g. cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts), broccoli contains fiber which helps eliminate toxins. Broccoli also contains indoles, and especially indole3carbinol which aids in fighting estrogen-driven cancers like some breast, prostate, brain and colorectal cancers.

·      Garlic : Active ingredients like allicin seem to act to stop the spread of cancer in a number of ways, for example by stopping blood supply formation for tumors. Garlic also kills microbes and yeasts - after taking drugs and antibiotics the body is often susceptible to these. Garlic is also anti-inflammatory in the body. It has a number of active ingredients. It contains selenium, tryptophan and sulfur-based active agents that attack cancer cell.

·      Beetroot and cherries, aubergines, plums, red grapes - indeed any purple colored fruits and vegetables, contain anthocyanins (and sometimes also resveratrol). Anthocyanins have been shown to kill cancer cells; Resveratrrol has research supporting its role in fighting certain cancers like blood and brain cancers too.

·      Pulses Lentils, chickpeas, beans, peas, kidney beans and even soy beans are a great source of plant protein. Most importantly they release their carbohydrate slowly because of their high fiber content.

FOODS TO BE AVOIDED:

·      Deep fried, grilled, barbecued, baked meats since subjecting animal protein to high heat creates carcinogenic byproducts called hetero-cyclic amine

·      Excessive intake of salt, sugar, and oily foods.

·      Red meat and processed meats such as bacon, ham, sausages.

·      Preserved foods like pickles, jams, kiam chye (salted mustard green), and century eggs as they contain nitrites which are carcinogenic.

·      Minimize alcohol

·      Additionally, cancer patients should avoid excessive intake of vitamin supplements, as they act as antioxidants and can interfere with chemotherapy when taken in large doses.

Certain foods that can help ease the common discomforts from cancer treatment:

·      Conquer constipation by drinking water and eating high-fiber foods like beans, lentils, vegetables, and fresh or dried fruit.

·      Drive away diarrhea with bland foods such as rice, bananas, and apples. Drink water to stay hydrated.

·      Protect mouth sores and avoid dry mouth by grinding or pureeing foods to make them easier to swallow. Or eat foods that are already soft and mostly liquid, like soups and milk or yogurt shakes.

·      Avoid nausea by choosing bland foods and foods without strong odors. Steer clear of greasy foods. Go easy on your stomach by eating small meals throughout the day.

·      Drink plenty of water even if you are vomiting

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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.

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 
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FRUITS TO THE RESCUE: EATING IT RIGHT

Cancer- this malicious evil needs to be eliminated from the society as soon as possible. The elimination is no rocket science instead it can be very well done by following the right procedure and maintaining a tactful routine. Fruits are said to be one of the most important constituent of our diet.

 Tips that you need to follow:

1. Eating fruits on an empty stomach

                

Fruits detoxify your system, supply you with energy and also keep your weight in check. If not eaten on an empty stomach, the fruit will get mixed with the putrefying of other food and produce gas and hence making you all the more weak and unhealthy.

2. Drink only fresh fruit juices.

                          

Stop having those aerated drinks and those tinned or packed food or fruit juices. Have fresh fruit juices instead of cooked fruits as they contain more vitamins. Though we would always suggest you to eat a whole fruit than drinking its juice.

3. Say No to cold water

                            

Please avoid drinking cold water or drinks after a meal because it considerably slows down your digestion. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

Fruits that should be included in your regular diet:   

                    

•KIWI :

 Kiwi is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin C and E and fiber.

•APPLE: 

                          

Apple has antioxidants and flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thus helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

•STRAWBERRY :

                   

 Strawberry has the highest antioxidant power and protects the body from cancer-causing and blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

•ORANGE :

                              

Orange helps in keeping cold away, lowers cholesterol, prevents & dissolves kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.

•WATERMELON :

                                  

 Watermelon is packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which boosts our immune system.

•GUAVA :

                            

 Guava is known for its high vitamin C content. Moreover, guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation.

•PAPAYA :

                                   

Papaya is rich in Vitamin C and carotene which is good for your eyes.

Follow these simple and effective rules because they are your master keys toward leading a happier and stable life.

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 

Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Cheers!

Author- Someshree Banerjee