Fueling Your Body During Cancer Treatment – Nutrition for Cancer Patients

What should you eat during cancer treatment? Are you at risk for malnutrition? This blog will answer your questions about nutrition for cancer patients.

A healthy nutrition is an important part of life, cancer treatment, recovery, and prevention. Healthy food is one of the few things you can be in control of during your cancer treatment. So promoting a healthy diet shall be the first thing that pops in your mind when you think about fighting cancer.

Many cancer patients don’t know that they are at a great risk of malnutrition, dehydration, etc. and these factors are affecting their ability to complete the treatment. In fact, this is a serious concern.

Better nutrition for cancer patients in terms of quantity and quality – that is getting right kinds of nutrients in proper amount; this has to be the goal for any cancer patients. To cover up this, we have curated certain facts, aspects and tips.

Why do you need a good nutrition during cancer treatment?

According to American Cancer Society, proper nutrition during cancer treatment, supports your immune system to work better – lowering your risk of infection and help you heal and recover faster. Nutritional deficiencies often reduces quality of patients’ life during treatment.

Energy for physical activity during cancer treatment

It is obvious that you will lose some weight during cancer treatment. But maintaining a healthy diet and getting proper nutrition can help you maintain your weight and energy levels providing you stamina to stay physically active.

You need energy to do mild exercises (under supervision only) during cancer treatment, and a good nutritious food will fuel you up for such physical activities.

Supports the immune system

Every cancer treatment compromises the immune system whether it is chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. All these treatments are going to damage your healthy cells.

If you’re malnourished, and particularly if you’re not getting enough calories or protein to maintain your weight, there’s a good chance it’s negatively impacting your immune system and their function.

To avoid dehydration during cancer treatment

The side effects that lead to malnutrition may also result in dehydration in cancer patients. Dehydration is an obvious concern if you’re vomiting and/or have diarrhea, but not eating and drinking enough may cause problems, too.

SEE ALSO: Supporting a Friend Who Has Cancer [Infographic]

What should you eat during cancer treatment?

Guidelines for a healthy diet during cancer treatment are similar to those recommended for the general population. Try to include:

• 2-3 cups of vegetables daily
• 1-2 cups of fruits daily
• Whole grains like whole wheat, brown rice, etc.
• Dried beans, peas, lentils for protein intake
• Low-fat dairy items for calcium
• Drink plenty of water

Try to reduce consumption of added sugars, red meat or processed meat in your diet. It’s okay to have ice cream, because that may sound really good. But check with your cancer doctor about your specific dietary needs depending on your health conditions.

Warning signs of malnutrition in cancer patients

It’s important to be aware of warning signs that may indicate you need to seek help. These include:

• Weight loss
• Inability to eat or drink as you normally would
• Difficulty or painful swallowing
• New swelling in your ankles or eyes
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• A decline in energy or activity levels
• Coughing that develops when you’re eating (more common with head, neck or lung cancers)

Overall, try to make food choices that provide you enough calories (to maintain your weight), protein (to help rebuild tissues that cancer treatment may harm), nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, and fluids (essential for your body’s functioning). Also, excercise can help with appetite and digestion issues related to treatment.