Currently, when someone is diagnosed with cancer, they or their loved ones look for a variety of related information to help them deal with the illness as effectively as possible. Each person and treatment are different, so it's important to always seek advice from medical professionals about what should and shouldn't be used and be consumed
For instance, it is important that nutrition advice comes from the team that takes the patient and, if necessary, seeks specialised help from a dietitian-nutritionist.
Taking Care Of Essential Nutrients
The basic dietary recommendations are similar to those for the general population, but some considerations should be kept in mind.
For instance, the person's posture and the location of the tumour. These subtleties will adjust the suggestions at supper time as per the various side effects or aftereffects got from the treatment.
Sometimes, it is necessary to consume more protein and energy because cancer patients may have increased requirements in these areas. This means making good food choices and knowing how to combine them to add variety to the menu.
A healthy diet not only helps the body get the nutrients it needs to function properly and maintain a healthy weight, but it also helps the patient better tolerate the side effects of the treatment and maintain their quality of life.
Diets that exclude certain fashion trends or healthy foods require extreme caution. If the patient continues to follow them, their nutritional status may worsen, and they may even become more distressed by everything food-related, without any benefit.
What to eat and how much?
The key is to cook well and eat a well-balanced, varied diet.
- Daily consumption of fruits and vegetables is essential because they provide the majority of vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. We must prioritise whole and fresh fruits and vegetables that we like.
- Must add wheatgrass juice to the daily routine. Wheatgrass juice is a juice prepared from the tiny leaves of a wheat plant. Doctors suggest consuming fresh wheatgrass juice for cancer patients. It has powerful antioxidants which fight the oxidise cells and is very helpful for cancer patients. It does not cure cancer. But it is very helpful during the treatment as well as after the treatment.
- Cooked foods tend to be more digestible and may be more suggestive for those who lack appetite or experience digestive discomfort.
- We can also combine it with yoghurt, toast, smoothies, or vegetable drinks to make a fruit compote.
Don's Miss protein
Protein-rich foods like fish, eggs, and legumes; furthermore, focus on lean and entire meats over their derivatives such as sausages or hamburgers, processed products that usually contain more salt and more additives.
We can also include protein foods like hummus, nuts, and cheese in small snacks throughout the day or at breakfast.
Include carbohydrate
AddCarbohydrate-rich cereals like rice, oats, wheat, and millet, as well as their derivatives like pasta, bread, and flour, and tubers like potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, and legumes.
It is convenient to prioritise the integral versions whenever possible unless they are contraindicated or we are ill with diarrhoea or digestive discomfort.
Fats & Beverages
The favoured fat is olive oil, both for salad dressing and cooking. Additionally, it is always preferable to use mild stews and simple cooking methods (such as grilled, boiled, steamed, or baked).
It is essential to drink primarily water to maintain adequate hydration. You can also drink vegetable broths, infusions, or lemon, mint, or other aromatic herbs to flavour the water.
If side effects appear
Although they can be extremely intense at specific times, it is fundamental not to disregard eating schedules.
- If stomach pain occurs, it is best to eat the foods that don't appeal to you most in multiple doses to alleviate the discomfort.
- On those days, you can make purees if you have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Since they contain a lot of supplements (on the off chance that they are made appropriately) and are not difficult to ingest, the individual going through malignant growth treatment will keep on getting legitimate nourishment.
- Taking a tablespoon of something unctuous before eating, such as yoghurt, pudding, or even a small amount of olive oil, to moisturise the area is another option.
- The way of life should be similar to that of anyone who wants to improve their health after the cancer is over.
- That is, exercising moderately and frequently, consuming a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, avoiding toxins, and devoting time to self-care by engaging in activities that make us feel good are all examples.
Discard the low-nutrient foods
Products that have been highly processed and are high in sugar (such as sweetened beverages, pastries, cookies, and some snacks) are high in energy, low in essential nutrients, and high in low-quality fats and sugar.
Cocktails ought to stay away from during treatment. Consumption raises the risk of certain tumours, according to scientific evidence. After cancer has passed, it is convenient to continue limiting or avoiding them.
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