The diet is an important part of cancer treatment. To ensure proper nutrition, foods that contain key nutrients (vitamins minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fat, and water)should be consumed in desirable amount. Symptoms that interfere with eating include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, mouth sores, trouble with swallowing, pain, depression , and anxiety.Eating the right kinds of foods before, during, and after treatment can help the patient feel better and stay stronger .
Causes of Malnutrition In Cancer Patients
1.Anorexia is a common symptom in people with cancer. Anorexia may occur early in the disease or later, when the tumor grows and spreads.
2.Cachexia is a wasting syndrome that causes weakness and a loss of weight, fat, and muscle
Due to Malnutrition the patient may become weak, tired, and unable to resist infections or withstand cancer therapies. Protein and calories are important for healing, fighting infection,
Diets higher in protein and calories can help correct this and prevent the onset of cachexia .
Good eating habits during cancer care help the patient cope with the effects of the cancer and its treatment. Nutrition therapy can help cancer patients get the nutrients needed to maintain body weight and strength, prevent body tissue from breaking down, rebuild tissue, and fight infection. Some cancer treatments are more effective if the patient is well nourished and getting enough calories and protein in the diet.
USEFUL FOOD & NUTRIENTS
1. Lycopene in Tomatoes and Prostate Cancer
Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, is found abundant in tomatoes and tomato products. Studies found that lycopene may help reduce some cancer and heart disease. The most compelling evidence so far is the role of lycopene in prostate cancer prevention.
2.VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTS
A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in June 2007 found that taking Vitamin D supplements (1100 IU) and calcium substantially reduces risk of all cancers in post-menopausal women.
It is wise to start including more Vitamin D-rich foods in your diet. One glass of milk contains 100 IU of Vitamin D. Other food source includes fatty fish and egg yolks. Also look for Vitamin D fortified products such as yogurt and breakfast cereals .
3.ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in our foods which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. Antioxidants act as "free radical scavengers" and hence prevent and repair damage done by these free radicals. Health problems such as heart disease , macular degeneration, diabetes, cancer etc are all contributed by oxidative damage. Antioxidants may also enhance immune defense and therefore lower the risk of cancer and infection.
Most Commonly Known Antioxidants
A)Vitamin A and Carotenoids
Carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kale, collards, cantaloupe, peaches and apricots (bright-colored fruits and vegetables!)
B)Vitamin C
Citrus fruits like oranges and lime etc, green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries and tomatoes.
C) VITAMIN E
Nuts & seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil and liver oil
D)Some common phytochemicals
Flavonoids / polyphenols
Soy
Red wine
Purple grapes or Concord grapes
Pomegranate
Cranberries,
Grape seed extract ,
Tea
Lycopene
Tomato and tomato products
pink grapefruit
watermelon
Lutein
dark green vegetables such as kale, broccoli, kiwi, brussels sprout and spinach
Lignan
flax seed
oatmeal
barley
rye
Vitamin-like Antioxidants:
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Glutathione.
A Balanced PH needs is also very important the more Acid Ph levels, the more the patient manifests illness/pain/inflamation-etc.
By avoiding Foods/drinks that cause a acidic ph such as
NO red meats
selective dairy products (cheese/milk/creme)
less sugars
restricted salts
No coffee
No alcohol.
Eating the right kinds of foods before, during, and after treatment can help the patient feel better and stay stronger. To ensure proper nutrition, a person has to eat and drink enough of the foods that contain key nutrients as described above,To fight cancer and side effects os its treatment.
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