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Why Eating A Nutritious Diet Can Help With Cancer Recovery
Patients undergoing chemotherapy as their cancer treatment often struggle with their appetite. However, it is really important to eat nutritious food while in recovery, as this could help them get back to normal as quickly as possible.
It can either be used to destroy cancer cells in the body, reduce the number of cells to make other treatments more effective, lower the risk of the cancer returning by making sure any remaining cells are killed, or slow down the spread of the tumour.
As it is so powerful though, it can harm healthy cells too, particularly ones that line the mouth and intestines as these are also fast growing.
Due to this, it can cause many unpleasant symptoms for patients during their treatment, including mouth sores, nausea, loss of appetite, change of sense of smell or taste, vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea.
It also causes extreme fatigue, and as such, people are likely to move around less and not feel as hungry.
It also boosts their immune function, which is important as chemotherapy weakens the immune system, making patients susceptible to infections and viruses.
Having a stronger immune system means the body can heal itself better and speed up recovery.
A nutritious diet reduces inflammation and can help fight the feeling of fatigue, which many people find debilitating and depressing.
Eating well also lowers the risk of other conditions, including heart disease and diabetes, eating wholesome, natural foods that will nourish the body.
Additionally, although cooking and eating might be the last thing patients can stomach during their treatment, it can actually relieve some of the side effects. For instance, eating at specific times of the day, such as first thing in the morning, can reduce feelings of nausea.
Having several small meals instead of three large ones can help patients get their food in without causing them too much discomfort.
Sipping on small amounts of liquid throughout the day can also keep the body hydrated, help it to rid itself of toxins, and provide nutrition, depending on the drink.
Making sure to eat regularly can also help energy levels return more quickly, helping patients to partake in physical exercise earlier. This can aid the body’s recovery, as well as help with their mental health.
These include:
Proteins Protein is essential, as it builds muscle and improves strength. It also repairs tissue and boosts immunity, so patients are better able to fight off other illnesses while they are recovering.
Meats, dairy, fish, pulses, eggs and nuts are good sources of protein, so make sure to include these in every meal.
Fats Consuming healthy fats is also vital, as these improve heart health, fight inflammation, and help the body absorb important vitamins from foods, such as vitamin A, D and E.
Fats are also a source of energy, as they encourage blood clotting and build cell membranes, which is needed after they have been attacked by chemotherapy.
Stick with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as olive oil, nuts, fish and seeds, as these are healthier than saturated fats and processed trans fats.
Carbohydrates As fatigue is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy, replenishing energy sources is essential. That is why making sure to eat plenty of carbohydrates is important, as this will rebuild strength and fight tiredness.
Again, it depends on the type of carbohydrates though, as refined carbs, such as pastries and sweets, are not as healthy as whole grain options.
The latter is much higher in fibre, vitamins and minerals, as they are much less processed. They also assist in cellular repair and improve the digestion system, which some patients might be in need of.
Vitamins and minerals Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables will give the body a vitamin and mineral boost, which helps to reduce inflammation, aids the immune system, provides antioxidants, and improves bodily functions.
They help fight infection, maintain healthy tissues, heal wounds, and replenish the nutrients lost through vomiting and diarrhoea.
Eat small meals It may be easier on the stomach to snack throughout the day rather than eat big meals, so spread out eating if necessary.
Do not fill up on lots of liquid While it is essential to stay hydrated, try to sip water throughout the day instead of consuming a large amount of liquid before a meal, as this could fill you up and limit how much food you intake.
Go for strong flavours Many patients experience a change in their taste buds after treatment, and prefer to have strong flavours. In this case, add sauces or gravies to meals, try sharp flavours, such as citrus fruits and mustards, and put in more spices than you used to if this helps to enjoy dishes again.
Some complain that foods taste metallic for a while, so swap metal cutlery for plastic ones.
Have nutrient-dense foods If your appetite is low, make sure everything you eat is full of nutrients. For instance, you could opt for a smoothie that has protein, fats and carbohydrates, which may be easier to enjoy if you have mouth sores.
You could also snack on protein-rich foods, such as nuts, cheese or apple slices with peanut butter, rather than reaching for a packet of crisps.
Avoid consuming foods that contain few nutrients, as this will fill you up but provide you with no benefit.
Move around Even if you are not feeling up to moving, it could be better to go for a walk or move around when you can. This will increase your appetite and make it easier to eat.
Enjoy favourite foods If eating has become unenjoyable, pick your favourite foods so you’re more inclined to eat them. Even if they are things you would normally restrict, it is better to eat something than nothing when recovering.
Add healthy toppings Make your meals more nutritious by adding toppings, such as fruit, pumpkin seeds, avocado, hummus, chia seeds, flaxseeds, or Greek yoghurt. You will be adding healthy fats, protein, vitamins and minerals without even thinking about it.
How does chemotherapy affect your appetite?
Chemotherapy is very successful at getting rid of cancer, as it damages the genes inside the nuclei of cells that grow quickly like cancer cells do.It can either be used to destroy cancer cells in the body, reduce the number of cells to make other treatments more effective, lower the risk of the cancer returning by making sure any remaining cells are killed, or slow down the spread of the tumour.
As it is so powerful though, it can harm healthy cells too, particularly ones that line the mouth and intestines as these are also fast growing.
Due to this, it can cause many unpleasant symptoms for patients during their treatment, including mouth sores, nausea, loss of appetite, change of sense of smell or taste, vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea.
It also causes extreme fatigue, and as such, people are likely to move around less and not feel as hungry.
Why is it important to eat well during treatment?
Although patients might experience unpleasant side-effects when eating, it is important they try to maintain a healthy diet during their treatment. This is because it is vital they consume enough food to give them energy, so they have the physical strength to fight their illness.It also boosts their immune function, which is important as chemotherapy weakens the immune system, making patients susceptible to infections and viruses.
Having a stronger immune system means the body can heal itself better and speed up recovery.
A nutritious diet reduces inflammation and can help fight the feeling of fatigue, which many people find debilitating and depressing.
Eating well also lowers the risk of other conditions, including heart disease and diabetes, eating wholesome, natural foods that will nourish the body.
Additionally, although cooking and eating might be the last thing patients can stomach during their treatment, it can actually relieve some of the side effects. For instance, eating at specific times of the day, such as first thing in the morning, can reduce feelings of nausea.
Having several small meals instead of three large ones can help patients get their food in without causing them too much discomfort.
Sipping on small amounts of liquid throughout the day can also keep the body hydrated, help it to rid itself of toxins, and provide nutrition, depending on the drink.
Making sure to eat regularly can also help energy levels return more quickly, helping patients to partake in physical exercise earlier. This can aid the body’s recovery, as well as help with their mental health.
What nutritious foods should cancer patients eat?
Some people will be glad if they can hold on to anything when they are in the thick of their chemotherapy treatment, but it is important to eat as many healthy foods and drinks as possible.These include:
Proteins Protein is essential, as it builds muscle and improves strength. It also repairs tissue and boosts immunity, so patients are better able to fight off other illnesses while they are recovering.
Meats, dairy, fish, pulses, eggs and nuts are good sources of protein, so make sure to include these in every meal.
Fats Consuming healthy fats is also vital, as these improve heart health, fight inflammation, and help the body absorb important vitamins from foods, such as vitamin A, D and E.
Fats are also a source of energy, as they encourage blood clotting and build cell membranes, which is needed after they have been attacked by chemotherapy.
Stick with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as olive oil, nuts, fish and seeds, as these are healthier than saturated fats and processed trans fats.
Carbohydrates As fatigue is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy, replenishing energy sources is essential. That is why making sure to eat plenty of carbohydrates is important, as this will rebuild strength and fight tiredness.
Again, it depends on the type of carbohydrates though, as refined carbs, such as pastries and sweets, are not as healthy as whole grain options.
The latter is much higher in fibre, vitamins and minerals, as they are much less processed. They also assist in cellular repair and improve the digestion system, which some patients might be in need of.
Vitamins and minerals Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables will give the body a vitamin and mineral boost, which helps to reduce inflammation, aids the immune system, provides antioxidants, and improves bodily functions.
They help fight infection, maintain healthy tissues, heal wounds, and replenish the nutrients lost through vomiting and diarrhoea.
Tips on getting enough nutrients during chemotherapy
While patients might know the importance of eating well during their chemotherapy treatment, this does not make it easier to do so, particularly if they are suffering from unpleasant side effects that impact their gastrointestinal health or appetite.Eat small meals It may be easier on the stomach to snack throughout the day rather than eat big meals, so spread out eating if necessary.
Do not fill up on lots of liquid While it is essential to stay hydrated, try to sip water throughout the day instead of consuming a large amount of liquid before a meal, as this could fill you up and limit how much food you intake.
Go for strong flavours Many patients experience a change in their taste buds after treatment, and prefer to have strong flavours. In this case, add sauces or gravies to meals, try sharp flavours, such as citrus fruits and mustards, and put in more spices than you used to if this helps to enjoy dishes again.
Some complain that foods taste metallic for a while, so swap metal cutlery for plastic ones.
Have nutrient-dense foods If your appetite is low, make sure everything you eat is full of nutrients. For instance, you could opt for a smoothie that has protein, fats and carbohydrates, which may be easier to enjoy if you have mouth sores.
You could also snack on protein-rich foods, such as nuts, cheese or apple slices with peanut butter, rather than reaching for a packet of crisps.
Avoid consuming foods that contain few nutrients, as this will fill you up but provide you with no benefit.
Move around Even if you are not feeling up to moving, it could be better to go for a walk or move around when you can. This will increase your appetite and make it easier to eat.
Enjoy favourite foods If eating has become unenjoyable, pick your favourite foods so you’re more inclined to eat them. Even if they are things you would normally restrict, it is better to eat something than nothing when recovering.
Add healthy toppings Make your meals more nutritious by adding toppings, such as fruit, pumpkin seeds, avocado, hummus, chia seeds, flaxseeds, or Greek yoghurt. You will be adding healthy fats, protein, vitamins and minerals without even thinking about it.
