Nutrition for Cancer Patients

Part 1

Nutrition for cancer patients gives some important and helpful tips on how cancer patients can get nutrients out of meals easily. This is in addition to helpful information on beating cancer with nutrition.

This will make excellent reading for you if you have been diagnosed with cancer or suspect you may have cancer; or if you have a friend, loved one or relative that is suffering from cancer.

Now I understand that if you have cancer and undergoing treatment or on medication, there are various side effects that could result. Some of these could mean you lose your appetite for food, feel very weak, not be in the mood for eating, or lack energy. Nausea could be a problem too, and diarrhea, or vomiting.

In addition, because a side effect that cancer patients undergoing treatment usually experience is a suppressed immune system too, nutrition for cancer patients revolves around boosting or repairing your immune system.

It’s understandable that you may be feeling pain from treatment and may not be in the mood for eating, but you will need to keep in mind that eating good food is one of the ways that you will heal yourself.

You, the patient are the most important key to your well-being

You can do more for your health than any doctor can. You, can do more than any medicine or drug or hospital can do for you too. You are the key factor to your healing.

How to prepare foods for getting cancer patient nutrition

If you’re finding it difficult keep food down, try blending your fruits and cooked vegetables. You shouldn’t have to do this for long, because you’ll get better.

You can cook foods till soft, but not on high heat, and try to eat naturally softer foods. You can then gradually increase the amount of more solid food you’re eating if you wish.

Cooking well enough is not the same thing as cooking on high heat. The nutrient losses that come from cooking are more as a result of applying high heat than as a result of the length of cooking time. Cooking for longer on low heat is a much better option as it will retain much more nutrients. Nutrients in food are destroyed much faster on high heat.

It is important that your diet is nutrient-packed, so that even when you eat little, your body is able to get good nutrition out of the food to heal better. You want your foods to act as natural medicine to your body – a natural healer.

Try to ensure your food is presented nicely, in a way that’s pleasing to the eye. This will help to boost your appetite.

Cancer patient medication can affect nutrition

Also with regards to medication, some of them can affect how well you absorb certain nutrients you get from your foods. So do talk to your doctor or pharmacist, they would be able to tell you what foods you should eat instead that give you the same vitamins or minerals.

Some more information

Eat a wide range of foods that are naturally nutrient-rich. You can add healthy condiments that make them taste even nicer so that you’re more encouraged to eat.

Green tea may also help protect against cancer and infection.

Cancer patients are usually more susceptible to infection because of the likelihood of a weaker immune system. To minimise any infections, make sure you store your foods properly. Check that your refrigerator is working properly regularly and keep below 5 degrees centigrade. Wash your hands frequently too.

In Summary …

The morale of this article is really that nutrition for cancer patients cannot be under-estimated. It is key to getting better and fighting cancer naturally, without side effects.

Continue

       Nutrition for Cancer Patients Part 1 – Part 2

The information here is for general guidance only.
Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet and lifestyle.