Cancer´s treatment is very diverse, requiring sometimes to be operated and/or being necessary the administration of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Most people with cancer tend to lose weight for two reasons: first because the tumor itself consumes a lot of energy and, secondly, secondarily to the treatments that usually cause lack of appetite, nausea and even vomiting. Between 40 and 80% of patients suffer some type of malnutrition that worsens the prognosis of the disease. The guide of a dietitian – nutritionist in these cases is essential to accompany the person throughout the process, trying to keep it as strong and well-nourished as possible to win this fight.
What To Eat When You Have Liver Metastases?
The diet in cancer cases should be individualized according to each person, trying to respect their customs and preferences as much as possible. It is recommended the following:
-Fatty acids, such as omega-3, which have a natural anti-inflammatory effect and ensure a good functioning of the central nervous system.
-Nutrients that enhance immunity, such as proteins, minerals such as zinc and selenium, and vitamins (A, C and E).
Apart from supplementation it is important to make a diet rich in protein and calcium. For this reason, dairy products or vegetable drinks, such as calcium-enriched soya, are very good options for daily consumption.
Food and Chemotherapy
The main problems of chemotherapy are the side effects. The most common ones that interfere in food in a direct way are: discomfort with odors, change in the taste of food, lack of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting.
Ginseng, both in tea and cooking, helps to reduce nausea. But it should not be taken if you have gastritis, which is very common in people with cancer.
Recommended Foods During Chemotherapy Treatment
White fish and seafood: hake, monkfish, cod, prawn and shrimp tails, etc, serrano ham: removing all visible fat very well, egg white: avoid the egg yolk and cook the egg white very well, cooked potato, rice, pasta, toast and breakfast cereals, olive oil: buy the low acidity (0.2º), sweet fruits (baked or in compote): pear, apple, quince, soft vegetables: tender bean, carrot, zucchini, pumpkin, vegetable and fruit smoothies: carrot and papaya or apple, skimmed dairy products: especially skimmed yogurt and skimmed cheeses.
Preparations and cooking of food are also very important. It is recommended: steam, microwave, boiled and oven. Avoid: fried, raw or partially cooked foods and plates.
In addition, chemotherapy produces high toxicity within the body that good hydration can help to reduce.
Food and Radiotherapy
The effects of radiotherapy on the organism are very diverse depending on the irradiated area. If the area is located in the gastrointestinal tract or close to it, there are often more negative consequences that prevent proper nutrition of the person.
Dryness of the mouth or internal mucous membranes and inflammation may improve by taking: Cold foods and ice cream, soft and crushed textures, foods rich in carotenes: carrot, pumpkin, mango, raw olive oil, food supplements: brewer’s yeast, evening primrose oil and omega 3.
Feeding in Situations of Neutropenia
Often treatments with immunosuppressants are carried out, that is, the defenses of the person are lowered a lot so that the treatments against cancer are more effective. In these situations the body is exposed to an increased risk of getting some infection.
With diet, contrary to previous cases, the immunity of the person should not be enhanced. But it will be necessary to ensure that it is well nourished and prevent food from being a source of infection. The main tips are:
Take bottled water, cook the food completely, and sanitize vegetables, vegetables and fruits before cutting and peeling them.
Conclusion
Maintaining a good physical and nutritional status is complicated, but possible if there is a good performance by all the professionals involved. The better the person is fed, the more likely the patient will overcome the disease satisfactorily.
Also Read:
