This archive report was first published on 7 November 2019.
Dietary Changes that Boost Cancer Treatment ¶
Published on November 7, 2019
When undergoing cancer treatment, a change in diet is necessary to help the body recover and fight off infections. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins can help patients feel stronger and more resilient.
One of the most essential components of a cancer patient's diet is water. Drinking plenty of water helps to prevent dehydration, which is a common side effect of cancer treatment. In fact, a person on medication should drink about 8 glasses of water every day to ensure that the body cells get the fluids they need. Soups and other fluids like fresh juice can also help maintain proper hydration of the body's cells.
Another crucial aspect of a cancer patient's diet is healthy fats. Fats and oils are a rich source of energy for the body, and choosing healthy sources like olive oil, coconut oil, and peanut oil can help reduce the risk of heart disease. On the other hand, trans-fats and saturated fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Carbohydrates are also an essential part of a cancer patient's diet. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are the best sources of carbohydrates, and eating cereals, peas, beans, rice, potatoes, and bread can also provide the body with carbohydrates. Carbs give the body the power it needs to have proper organ functions and enough strength for physical activity.
Proteins are also vital for cancer patients. Proteins help to grow and repair damaged body tissues and keep the immune system healthy. If the body does not have enough proteins, it tends to break down muscle to take care of its fuel needs, making the healing process longer and lowering the resistance to infections. Cancer patients need more proteins because after chemo, radiation, and surgery, the extra protein is necessary to help fight infections and heal tissues.
Finally, vitamins and minerals are essential for a cancer patient's diet. The body needs minerals and vitamins to help it function properly and use the calories in food. Most vitamins and minerals are found naturally in foods and are also sold as supplements. However, taking large doses of some minerals and vitamins can make chemo and radiation treatments less effective.
Antioxidants are also crucial for cancer patients. Different antioxidants have vitamins C, A, E, zinc, and selenium, and other enzymes that absorb and attach to free radicals, which are destructive enzymes that prevent them from attacking existing normal cells. Doctors recommend that one should eat a variety of fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants.
