What Is the Best Nutrition for Cancer Patients?

When you have cancer, the foods you consume are important. Your body needs a certain number of calories and nutrients to be healthy. However, cancer may make it difficult to get the nutrients you need, which might vary depending on whether you are before, during, or after cancer treatment. Also, there will be moments when you will just not feel like eating.

You do not need a dramatic change in your eating habits. There are a few basic techniques required to make and eat straightforward and enjoyable healthy meals.

To stay strong as a cancer patient, there are proper and improper methods to eat. However, although there is no shortage of information circulating regarding diet and cancer, it may be difficult to distinguish between truth and opinion.

While no specific food will cause or cure cancer. Healthy or “Anticancer” diets are designed to help you fight cancer by strengthening your immunity, decreasing inflammation, and ensuring you receive all the nutrients you need to remain healthy and have a good quality of life. You can do this by incorporating some kinds of foods in your daily diet while eliminating, or at the very least, reducing the consumption of others.

However, not all cancers react to the same dietary modifications. In addition, although eating a diet focusing on the nutrients you need depending on what stage of the cancer journey you are at is one of the essential weapons you can employ to combat cancer and other chronic illnesses, extreme dieting is not beneficial.

So here are some foods you should consider including in your diet if you are a cancer patient:

1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal has a variety of nutrients that can be beneficial to your body during cancer treatment.

It has many complex carbohydrates, protein, antioxidants, and a higher amount of good fats than other grains. It also aids in regulating the intestines due to the presence of beta-glucan, a kind of soluble fibre (prebiotic) that feeds the beneficial bacteria in your stomach.

To prepare this meal, just soak oats in water or a milk of your choice overnight in the refrigerator before serving. In the morning, you may top it with berries, a drizzle of honey, Greek yogurt or nuts if you want to be creative.

To prevent foodborne diseases, consume your oatmeal within two hours of bringing it with you on the trip. You can reduce the danger of foodborne illnesses by storing it in a cooler.

In addition to fruit, maple syrup, and nuts, you can create savoury oatmeal by including avocado and eggs. If you're having nausea or mouth sores, you may eat it alone or add a pinch of salt.

2. Eggs

A substantial amount of protein and fat in eggs may help combat fatigue that cancer patients experience. A single medium-sized egg has almost 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fat, making it a powerful anti-fatigue food.

In contrast to fat which provides energy for the body, protein helps maintain and increase muscle mass, particularly essential for cancer patients.

Eggs may be hard-boiled for a handy snack or scrambled for a delectable breakfast or brunch dish. For those days you don’t feel like eating, eggs can make a quick, easy and nourishing evening meal. Before serving, make sure they're fully cooked with thickened yolks and stiffened whites to avoid food poisoning.

The soft, soothing texture of eggs makes them a great choice if you're suffering from mouth sores.

3. Nuts And Almonds

As a cancer patient, you may find yourself in and out of many appointments, so having food on hand can be beneficial.

Not only are nuts such as almonds and cashews convenient to carry with you on the move, but they also have significant quantities of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Almonds are a good source of manganese and copper.

These minerals combine to produce superoxide dismutase enzymes, among the most powerful antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants aid in the battle against free radicals, which cause cell damage.

Oatmeal and other meals can benefit from the addition of nuts as well.

Although, if you have mouth sores, you may find it difficult to consume certain foods. In these situations, nut butter should be used instead.

4. Avocado

When people have cancer, they usually suffer from a loss of appetite. Even if you don't have much appetite, avocados may provide you with the calories and minerals you need.

There’s a very high concentration of beneficial monounsaturated fat in this creamy, green fruit, which can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. It also has a significant amount of fibre.

Its fibre helps to bulk up your stool and provides food for the beneficial bacteria in your stomach.

Because they are filling, versatile, and mild, avocados are a wonderful choice if you suffer from dry mouth, constipation, mouth sores, or weight loss problems.

You may use them to top a bowl of grains, beans, or soup by smashing them and spreading them over. You can also use them to top toast.

5. Broccoli

Broccoli can be cooked in a variety of ways that are both nutritious and tasty. Whether as an excellent complement to the main meal or a perfect side dish, it can also be enjoyed as a delectable and fast snack. 

Broccoli is a great addition to your armoury of cancer-fighting vegetables. All cruciferous vegetables (such as cauliflower, cabbage, and kale) contain cancer-fighting properties. Still, broccoli is the only one that contains a significant amount of sulforaphane. This particularly potent compound increases the production of cancer-fighting enzymes and helps the body eliminate cancer-causing chemicals. 

Sulforaphane may be effective against cancer stem cells, which are responsible for tumour development.

6. Fish

When you have cancer, vitamin D becomes even more essential than ever. We get Vitamin D from exposure to the sun (which may be limited during cancer treatment). We can also get Vitamin D in some foods, such as oily fish. Fish is great to consume if you have cancer as it contains protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It is recommended that you consume two portions of fish each week if you are a seafood fan.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential lipids that must be acquired via your diet. The nutrients they contain are beneficial to brain function and have anti-inflammatory effects. 

Fish with higher fat content, such as salmon and herring, are a good source of vitamin D, essential for maintaining optimal bone and immunological health. Consider a good omega-3 fatty acid supplement if you do not enjoy seafood. Remember to discuss all supplements you are consuming with your medical team and discuss any supplement requirements with your pharmacist and Accredited Practising Dietitian. 

Conclusion

Numerous diets are helpful during your cancer period, but no diet can cure cancer. However, including healthy, nourishing foods to meet your body’s requirements helps strengthen the immune system, which is the key when fighting cancer. Eating well and maintaining muscle mass is also vital for your strength and quality of life.  If you are careful about what you take inside your body, you give yourself the best chance of responding to treatment and having a better quality of life.