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Protein is one of the most important nutrients in the diet of cancer patients. Everyone's protein needs will vary depending on age, sex, body weight, and activity level. However, the protein requirements of cancer patients will be higher than normal, because they are in the process of disease treatment.
1. Why is protein important to the body?
Proteins are macromolecules made up of amino acids. Protein helps ensure the growth of body tissues and maintains a healthy immune system. The role of protein in the body includes:
Forming and maintaining muscle, connective tissue, red blood cells, enzymes and hormones. Transport many compounds in the body and also drugs Ensure the balance of fluids in the body. Fights infections and boosts immunity. In general, the daily diet usually provides enough protein. However, during surgery or cancer treatment, protein requirements may increase due to cancer or cancer treatments. With some cancers, increased metabolism can affect how the body uses protein, fats, and carbohydrates, increasing protein requirements. In addition, the side effects of cancer treatment reduce appetite, cause patients to eat less and can directly affect muscles. This leads to weight loss and the body begins to run out of protein sources. Getting enough protein can stop or slow this process. It is important to know the food sources that provide protein and to increase these foods in the main meals and snacks every day. Good sources of protein include lean meat, fish, dairy products, nuts, dried beans, peas, and soy foods.
2. How to calculate protein requirement?
An individual's calorie and protein needs will vary depending on a number of factors, such as age, gender, body weight, and activity level. Here's a quick estimate of your daily protein needs based on body weight:
Divide your weight in pounds by 2 (e.g. 180 pounds ÷ 2 = 90). The main result was the number of grams of protein needed per day (90 grams of protein). However, the daily protein requirements for cancer patients are often higher than normal. After surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, increased protein intake is often needed to promote tissue healing and help prevent infection.
Note that instead of eating all the required protein in one meal, it is better to divide the required amount of protein into several meals throughout the day. This helps prevent proteolysis in the body and promotes protein storage. Typically, 20 to 30 grams of protein can be added to each main meal and 10 to 15 grams of protein in each snack.
3. Some food sources of protein
Protein is found in foods from both animals and plants. Animal protein sources include:
Meat (beef, lamb, pork). Poultry (chicken, turkey, duck). Fish and seafood (crab, lobster). Egg. Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt). Plant protein sources include:
Nuts (almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts). Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, sesame). Tofu. Legumes (dry beans, peas, lentils). Grains (cereals, bread and rice) and vegetables contain small amounts of protein. Fruits and fats do not provide any protein. The amount of protein in milk substitutes such as soy, rice, coconut, and almond milk varies, so check product labels before use.
4. What are protein supplements?
The cheapest and most convenient protein supplement is skim milk powder. You can add powdered milk to smoothies, yogurt, milkshakes, coffee, ice cream, mashed potatoes, casseroles, eggs and creamy soups.... Products such as fortified milk, whey powder, protein Bean isolate, soy protein or hemp protein powder are all good options to add to meals.
Note that some people may be intolerant to the protein found in milk. Low-lactose milks (such as Lactaid®), cheeses and ice cream are now available. People who are mildly lactose intolerant can usually tolerate yogurt and fuller dairy foods like cheese and ice cream. A milk substitute can be used instead of milk, but it is important to note that the protein content of these products varies and may not be the same as the protein content of cow's milk. Therefore, patients should read product labels carefully before use.
In summary, protein has an important place in the nutritional diet of cancer patients. Each cancer patient's dietary needs, including protein intake, are different and will require more than the recommended amount. Therefore, patients should consult with nutritionists for advice on building a healthy, reasonable diet.
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Reference source: oncolink.org
