Cancer Diet
A person diagnosed with cancer and undergoing cancer treatment need a special diet plan. The diet of a cancer patient will depend on the stage and treatment of the disease and the symptoms of cancer, experienced by the patient. Compared to healthy individuals, people suffering from cancer need greater amounts of nutrients.
Tackling malnourishment is one of the main objectives of the cancer diet. Conventional cancer treatment, besides killing the malignant cells also kills several healthy cells of the body. The cancer diet should provide nutrients needed to repair the damaged cells of the body.
Side effects of cancer treatment
People undergoing cancer treatment often experience loss off appetite or poor appetite, gastrointestinal problems, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, sore throat or mouth and taste and smell disorder. A cancer diet is designed to address these problems of cancer patients.
Cancer diet plan
The normal diet of cancer patients should comprise of plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and cereals and moderate amounts of dairy products and meat. They should limit intake of saturated fats, salt, sugar and alcohol. Instead of having three large meals, people suffering from cancer should have several small meals throughout the day.
Taking healthy snacks such as boiled eggs, puddings, nuts, cheese, muffins or crackers could satisfy their appetite. High calorie foods could help cancer patients to boost their energy. They should drink about eight to ten glasses of water, vegetable and fruits juices everyday. Sucking popsicles or ice cubes could reduce nausea.
Chilled beverages will not only quench the thirst of cancer patients, but they can also refresh them. By staying hydrated, you can also reduce the soreness of the mouth and throat. People suffering from cancer should include protein foods in their diet to tackle loss in taste.
Eggs, dairy products, seafood, chicken, tofu, peanut butter, nuts, legumes and seeds are foods that cancer patients might find delectable. If the cancer patient is not suffering from sore throat or mouth, citrus fruits and juices are beneficial for them. To deal with smell and taste disorders, they can season their foods with culinary herbs and spices. People with cancer who are prone to diarrhea should avoid milk and diary products.
