Nutrition Tips For Cancer Patients

It is a known fact that the incidence of cancer is increasing worldwide. The main causes of death are cancer, cardiovascular and lung diseases. Adequate and complete diet is an important part of the complex treatment of cancer patients.

When compiling diets, the localization of the tumor formation, the general condition of the patient, as well as his treatment are taken into account.

In a large proportion of patients with various cancers , there is some weight loss , decreased or no appetite, and some deterioration in general condition. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy is also important.

Dietary recommendations include increasing the consumption of protein-rich foods . The menu includes proteins of animal and plant origin. Fish, chicken, turkey and rabbit meat are preferred as the main sources of animal protein. Rich in protein are legumes - lentils, beans, and various types of nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts).

Optimal protein intake is important for the synthesis of immune cells, whose function is to recognize and destroy both various pathogenic microorganisms and transformed cancer cells.

Adequate protein intake is important, especially in surgery, as well as in the inclusion in the treatment program of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Increased metabolism is the reason for increased energy intake. It is recommended to eat more carbohydrates, but not at the expense of refined foods.

There are theories that the so-called healing hunger leads to a reduction and even complete disappearance of cancer cells. But in parallel with the deprivation of cancerous tissues of the necessary nutrients, the whole organism is deprived. This can lead to a significant reduction in the body's immune defenses, both in the fight against various infections and in detecting and destroying newly formed cancer cells.

The intake of foods that are rich in antioxidants,  is particularly important in the fight against oxidative stress and free radical formation in the body. This need is increased in patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Antioxidants have a strengthening effect on the immune system, fighting and neutralizing free radicals in the body. Various fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. In addition, through them the body provides important vitamins and trace elements. Some of the vitamins also have pronounced antioxidant properties, mainly vitamin E and C. Kiwi, rose hips, citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage and others are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin E can be found in larger quantities in parsley, wheat germ, sunflower seeds.

Selenium is a trace element that also exhibits pronounced antioxidant properties. Rich in selenium are Brazil nuts, seafood, garlic, mushrooms and others. From foods of plant origin, this valuable trace element is absorbed in significantly greater quantities than those from animals.

Often at the beginning or during the whole course of chemotherapy and / or radiation therapy, patients complain of vomiting and diarrhea. Adequate hydration is essential here so that the body does not undergo dehydration. In addition, frequent diarrhea disrupts the normal bacterial microflora, which can lead to further exacerbation of the diarrhea syndrome. It is recommended to take probiotics, both from natural sources and in the form of supplements.

In patients with cancer of the stomach and pancreas, it is important to divide meals into 5-6 intakes . Portions should be smaller and correspond to the total daily caloric intake. In cancer patients, especially those with a pronounced consumption syndrome (reduced weight), the daily energy intake increases.

All canned, refined, fried or marinated foods should be excluded or at least greatly reduced from the menu. It is preferable to eat fresh food, and those that undergo heat treatment to be cooked or baked .