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Proper nutrition is especially important in cancer prevention and treatment. Cancer treatments and the cancer itself can change the body's appetite and tolerance for certain foods. Therefore, building a reasonable, balanced diet is the top concern of cancer patients.
1. The role of nutrition in cancer treatment
Proper nutrition is especially important in cancer prevention and treatment. The benefits of a healthy diet during cancer treatment include:
Maintain strength and energy Maintain weight Help the body store needed nutrients Overcome side effects related to cancer treatment. Reduce the risk of infection. Helps to recover quickly. The nutritional needs of each cancer patient are very different. Doctors and dietitians can help you define your nutrition goals and create a plan to help you reach them. You can use the American Cancer Society's guidelines for nutrition in cancer prevention to create a meal plan each day. These principles serve as a general guide for healthy people to build a healthy diet. However, cancer patients may have increased nutritional needs. Your doctor or dietitian may then recommend increasing the number of servings of specific foods.
2. What is proper nutrition?
Proper nutrition means eating a variety of foods that provide the nutrients needed to stay healthy for cancer prevention and treatment. Essential nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water, vitamins and minerals. Here are the roles of these nutrients:
Protein: Protein helps ensure the growth and repair of body tissues and maintains a healthy immune system. Without enough protein, your body will take longer to recover and you will have a lower ability to fight infection. As such, people with cancer often need more protein than usual. After surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, protein supplements are often needed to heal tissues and help prevent infection. Good sources of protein include lean meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, nuts, dried beans, peas, and soy foods. Carbohydrates and Fats: Carbohydrates and fats provide the body with most of the calories it needs. The amount of calories each person needs depends on their age, size, and level of physical activity. Good sources of carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables, bread, pasta, cereals and grain products, dried beans, and peas. Fat sources include butter, oils, nuts, seeds, dairy products, meat, fish and poultry. Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins and minerals help ensure proper growth and development. In addition, they allow the body to use the energy provided in food. A person who eats a balanced diet with enough calories and protein usually gets plenty of vitamins and minerals. However, eating a well-balanced diet can be challenging when you are having cancer treatment, especially if the side effects of treatment persist for a long time. In that case, your doctor or dietitian may recommend a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement. Water: Water and fluids are important for health. If you don't drink enough water or if you vomit or have diarrhea, you may become dehydrated. Ask your doctor how much fluid you need each day to prevent dehydration.
3. How to manage nutritional side effects in cancer patients
Cancer treatments can cause some side effects that affect the patient's nutrition. Some common side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, weight loss,... If you experience the above side effects, you can apply the measures below.
3.1 Decreased appetite Anorexia can occur as a result of cancer and its treatment. To overcome anorexia, there are a few things you can do:
Eat small meals or snacks every one to two hours. Keep snacks and high-protein, high-calorie foods on hand to eat when hungry. Avoid food that has been contaminated by food processing. Avoid liquids with meals (unless you have dry mouth) so you don't feel full too quickly. Make dining more enjoyable by setting the table with pretty dishes and flowers, and playing your favorite music or watching TV while you eat. Eating out with friends and family can also make meals more enjoyable. Have high-calorie, protein-rich snacks ready. Try cooked eggs, peanut butter, cheese, ice cream, nutritional supplements, pudding, nuts and yogurt. Review tips on how to add calories and protein to foods and include them in meals and snacks throughout the day. 3.2 Feelings of unpalatable food Cancer and its treatments can cause changes in your taste and smell. If you are having this problem, try the following measures:
Try different foods or drinks from what you normally eat. Use plastic utensils if you experience a metallic taste while eating. Try seasoning lightly acidic foods with lemons, citrus fruits, vinegar, and pickles to enhance the taste buds Chewing mints or gum can help remove lingering odors after serving Season food with onion, garlic, paprika, basil, oregano, rosemary, barbecue sauce, mustard, ketchup or mint. Increase the amount of sugar in food to increase the pleasant taste and reduce the salty and bitter taste. Gargle with tea, salt water before eating to help improve taste. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables because they are more appealing and nutritious than canned or frozen varieties. 3.3 Constipation Pain relievers, changes in eating habits, and reduced physical activity can make you constipated. If you're constipated, try eating foods high in fiber to help stimulate bowel movements. Examples of foods high in fiber include breads, whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, seeds, beans, and nuts. Also, drink plenty of water during the day, eat in moderation, and increase physical activity. Try to have a bowel movement at the same time each day to establish a regular circadian rhythm. When constipation does not improve, you can use laxatives. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.
3.4 Mouth or throat pain or discomfort Some cancer patients may have mouth sores, mouth sores, or sore throat. If you have these problems, eating soft, bland foods and foods that are warm or slightly cool can help ease the pain. On the other hand, raw, dry foods should be avoided that can cause mucosal abrasions. In addition, you should avoid sour juices, alcohol, and hot spicy foods. Gargling regularly with salt water can help prevent infections and improve symptoms of mouth and throat pain.
3.5 Diarrhea Cancer treatments can also cause diarrhea. If you have diarrhea, you may need to avoid foods high in fiber. These include nuts, whole grains, legumes, dried fruits, raw fruits and vegetables. You should also avoid fatty foods such as fried and greasy foods, as they can also promote diarrhea. Also, stay away from carbonated drinks. You also need to drink plenty of water during the day and especially after each loose bowel movement to avoid dehydration. If diarrhea does not improve, contact your doctor for advice and treatment.
3.6 Feeling nauseous Some cancer patients may experience nausea and vomiting. If you have this problem, try the following:
Eat six to eight small meals a day, instead of three large meals. Eat dry foods, such as crackers, toast, dry cereal, cookies, or toast when you wake up and every few hours during the day. Eat food that doesn't have a strong smell. Eat cool foods instead of hot spicy foods. Avoid overly sweet, greasy foods Sit up or rest your head in an elevated position at least 1 hour after eating if you need to rest. Gargle before and after meals. Suck on hard candy, such as mint or lemon, if there is an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Drink eight or more cups of fluids a day if you can. Drink an extra half cup to a cup of liquid for each vomiting episode. 3.7 Dry mouth Certain cancer treatments and medications can cause dry mouth. If you experience this side effect, drink plenty of water during the day and eat liquid foods as much as possible. Also, brush and gargle regularly with salt water to help keep teeth clean and prevent infection. Avoid commercial mouthwashes and alcoholic and acidic drinks as they can dry out and irritate the mouth.
3.8 Weight gain or weight loss People undergoing cancer treatment may experience weight loss due to the effects of the disease and loss of appetite. It is important to eat nutrient-rich foods to maintain body weight and protein stores. You can use liquid nutritional products during this time such as Ensure, Boost,... Female patients undergoing breast cancer treatment may also gain unwanted weight during and/or after treatment. . The cause of this weight gain is not clear but it may be due to hormonal changes as well as decreased activity, depression and other factors. Although this side effect is annoying for most people, it is helpful to know about it in advance. This way, you can adjust your diet accordingly as you begin to gain weight.
In summary, nutrition plays an extremely important role in both prevention and treatment of cancer. Proper nutrition not only helps patients maintain energy but also promotes the recovery process after treatment. If a patient has difficulty in building a healthy diet, do not hesitate to contact a doctor or nutritionist for advice.
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