The other day I received a request to post an article on the importance of nutrition for cancer patients. After reading it, I could only agree that what its author writes makes a lot of sense and can be applied not only to cancer patients but also to everybody who is affected by any long-term disease.
After all, didn’t it use to be common sense to recommend light, nutritious diets (like the famous chicken broth) to sick patients, so that the organism could concentrate on recovery without being overwhelmed with lengthy digestions?
When did we forget this basic principle and started to feel entitled to eat only junk food just because we are sick, to end up with more problems because of our poor choices?
So thank you Gillian for reminding us the importance of a healthy nutrition, especially when we are sick.
“Cancer and the Importance of Nutrition” by Jillian Mckee
When you have cancer, it can be challenging to maintain good nutritional habits. Regardless of whether you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, bone cancer or colon cancer, there will be changes to your appetite and the way in which your system tolerates common foods during the course of treatment.
Nutritional Needs Change
Previous to diagnosis, your doctor probably recommended a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in calories and fat. However, living with cancer will cause changes to your nutritional and dietary needs. Some obstacles that many cancer patients encounter include fatigue, depression, and difficulty maintaining a healthy weight. A proper diet can help combat these obstacles.According to the American Cancer Society, there are a wide variety of reasons cancer patients find it difficult to maintain good nutrition and eat well. Common side effects of the illness and treatment include:
• Sore Mouth
• Sore Throat
• Loss of Appetite
• Dental Problems
• Changes in Smell or Taste
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Depression
While you may not feel all of these side effects at the same time, you may have certain ones that come and go over the course of your illness. Your doctor may recommend that you consult with a nutritionist to help you with your eating habits and to help you maintain a healthy weight. You may be surprised when the nutritionist recommends changes to your diet that include eating foods that you normally would not eat, such as milkshakes and ice cream, which are higher in calories and fat.
Benefits of Maintaining Weight
There are many benefits that come from keeping your weight up while undergoing cancer treatment. Maintaining a healthy weight helps your immune system to continue fighting, even while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Eating well also fights chronic fatigue that comes from having cancer.
Many patients report that they feel better about themselves and their future when they maintain their weight because they look better. Instead of being reminded of their cancer every time they look in the mirror, they see the person they really are reflecting back to them.
Eating a nutritious diet also helps fight feelings of depression and anxiety that many cancer patients experience. Depressed mood and anxiety can contribute to not feeling like talking to friends and family who can provide support when it is needed.
Good nutrition also provides cancer patients the strength and stamina to participate in physical activities and exercise that can help in their cancer fight. This is important because exercise contributes to alleviating fatigue, improves stamina and improves overall quality of life for many cancer patients.
Eating Strategies that Work
The way you used to approach food may not work any longer. It imperative that you try new ways of eating that help you eat more and make food more palatable. Instead of eating three large meals a day, try eating several small meals throughout the day. For example, every two or three hours, eat a cup of yogurt with fruit in it and have a glass of milk.
Many cancer patients report that eating foods that are soft is easier, especially if their mouth, gums and throat are sore. Rather than eating a hamburger, try eating foods like Jell-O, yogurt and milkshakes. Pudding and warm cereal, such as oatmeal, also can be easier to eat.
Avoid eating foods with high fat content or that are greasy. Also, avoid foods that can cause gas, such as beans, broccoli and cabbage. Try eating foods that are high in protein, such as skinless chicken or fish. Your nutritionist may also recommend dietary supplements, such as Boost or Ensure, to help increase your protein and calorie intake.
When you are in remission and have finished your cancer treatment, your appetite will slowly return and you will find yourself enjoying foods much more. Maintaining your weight and proper nutrition can be a challenge when you have cancer, but it will help you win the fight in the long run.