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Why is proper nutrition essential for people with cancer

Eating healthy is important for everyone. A sufficient intake of nutrients and calories, including vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, is the foundation of good health and an active lifestyle. But when a person is grappling with cancer, the situation can get a little challenging with the multiple treatment side effects and the body’s compromised ability to tolerate food and utilize the nutrients.

However, during cancer treatment, it is imperative to modify the daily diet to build up the necessary strength and help the body fight the side effects of the treatment.

This entails consuming a high-protein, high-calorie diet to maintain weight and cold foods like ice cream or milkshakes to soothe mouth and throat ulcers.

Moreover, oncologists insist on changes in food habits for the below-mentioned reasons during cancer.

• To enable the person to feel better.
• To help them maintain their energy levels.
• To keep up their body weight and avoid depletion of nutrients from the body.
• To handle the side-effects of the cancer treatment.
• To reduce the risk of infection.
• To recover better and faster.

How Each Nutrient Helps People With Cancer

Proteins

Proteins are rightfully called the building blocks of the body. People with cancer need to keep their immune systems strong and repair their body tissues. If they don’t get enough protein then the body starts breaking down muscles for fuel and this leads to a longer time to recover and compromised resistance to infection. Additionally, after surgery and chemotherapy, more protein is required to heal the tissues and protect the body from germs.

Rich sources of proteins are fish, poultry, eggs, low-fat dairy foods, nuts, beans, and soy foods.

Fats

Fats are energy nuggets and the body breaks down fat to store energy, cover the body tissues, and use it to transport certain vitamins through the blood.

People with cancer however should choose monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats rather than saturated fats which are found mainly in meat and poultry, butter, coconut oil, processed foods, etc. They increase cholesterol levels and consequently the risk of heart problems. Dietitians recommend that only 10% of the calories should come from saturated fat.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates help the organs function normally and help in building energy levels in people with cancer. Good sources are fruits, vegetables, whole grains vitamins, and minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients. (chemicals in plant-based foods.) They should avoid desserts, candies, and sugary drinks as they may be high in carbohydrates but don’t provide the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Water

Water is vital to health and all the cells in the body require water to function. During cancer, a lot of water and fluids may be lost due to vomiting or diarrhea causing dehydration. This upsets the electrolyte balance which deeply affects the working of the body. Hence a minimum intake of four glasses that are 8 ounces each is advised and additional fluids should be consumed in case of vomiting or diarrhea.

Vitamins and Minerals

It can be challenging to eat a balanced diet during cancer treatment. If a person has no side effects they may be advised by the doctor to consume vitamin and mineral supplements as the reduced food intake may have led to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. 

Some people with cancer are recommended to take large amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements to boost their immune system and kill cancer cells but on the flipside, large doses of supplements can also interfere with the radiation therapy.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are vitamins A, C, and E; selenium and zinc; and certain enzymes that absorb and attach themselves to free radicals. This stops them from attacking normal cells during cancer.

Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients or phytochemicals are plant compounds They’re present in plants such as fruits and vegetables, or things made from plants, like tofu or tea. They stop DNA damage and help DNA repair, slow down cancer cell growth, regulate hormones, and prevent damaged cells from multiplying.

It is also important to understand that nutritional needs depend on the type of cancer, the treatment module, the side effects, and the body’s capacity.

Hence it is recommended to consult a dietitian or a nutritionist to formulate a diet plan that suits the person and helps them feel better.