Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide . But studies suggest that simple lifestyle changes, like eating a better diet , could work against cancer and reduce the chances of getting it by 30-50%. Nutrition plays an important role in treating and overcoming cancer. This article covers everything you need to know about the relationship between cancer, diet, and how it can help you recover.
Diet against cancer
Many people sell "special diets" that they say help treat cancer or prevent it from coming back. Maybe you've heard that you should become a vegetarian. Before making any major changes, talk to your doctor. There is no diet that can cure cancer. There is no good research to show that any eating plan, such as a vegetarian diet, for example, can reduce the chance that the cancer will return .
What you eat is really important when you have cancer . Your body needs enough calories and nutrients to stay strong. But cancer can make it difficult to obtain what you need , the necessary nutrients are different before, during and after treatment. You don't need a drastic change in diet, just a few simple tricks to make good-for-you foods easy and appetizing. It is best to eat a balanced diet with: lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Limit sugar, caffeine, salt, and alcohol.
Before treatment
Start focusing on healthy foods even before you start treatment. You don't know how it will affect you and what kind of side effects it may have. Therefore, it is a good idea to get good nutrition before treatment. It can help you feel better and keep your body strong.
Make lots of healthy foods , especially those that need little (or no) cooking. For example, walnuts, applesauce, yogurt, cut veggies, and microwaveable brown rice or other whole grains are easy choices.
Vary your diet to include lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains. When it comes to selecting your main dishes, it is recommended that :
- Eat at least 2.5 cups of fruits and vegetables every day.
- Choose healthy fats , including omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish and nuts.
- Choose protein low in saturated fat , such as: fish, lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
- Choose healthy sources of carbohydrates , such as: whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
This combination of foods will ensure that you are eating many of the vitamins and nutrients that you need to help your body become stronger.
During treatment
You may have days when you feel hungry, and others when food is the last thing you want. On the days you feel hungry, eat plenty of protein and healthy fats . This will keep your body strong and help repair the damage caused by the treatment.
The highest protein foods include:
- Lean meat, chicken, and fish.
- Eggs
- Beans, nuts and seeds.
- Cheese, milk and yogurt.
Drink lots of fluids throughout the day. Water is a great option. Also try the freshly squeezed juice . It gives you some extra vitamins along with the fluid your body needs to stay hydrated. Eat when you are hungry. Make breakfast your most important meal . If meals are difficult, eat five or six small meals instead of two or three large ones during the day.
Also have small, healthy snacks on hand. Yogurt, cereal, cheese, crackers, and soup are all good options. If you are receiving chemotherapy, a snack or small meal just before a session can ward off nausea .
After treatment
Once you finish cancer treatment, many of your eating problems will improve . Problems like weight loss and changes in taste or smell may take a little longer to return to normal .
Although healthy eating by itself cannot prevent cancer from coming back, it can greatly help you regain strength , rebuild tissue, and improve how you feel after treatment ends. Here are some ways to eat well after treatment is over :
- Prepare meals that you like and that are easy to cook .
- Cook 2 or 3 meals at a time. Freeze the extras to eat later.
- Make it easier to prepare your meals, for example, by buying pre-cut vegetables.
- Eat many different kinds of foods . None of the foods have all the vitamins and nutrients you need.
- Eat whole wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice, or other whole grains and cereals. These foods contain complex carbohydrates , vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Do not eat fat, salt, sugar, alcohol, smoked or pickled foods, and processed meats.
- Eat small portions of lean meat and poultry.
- Use low-fat cooking methods such as broiling, steaming, broiling, and broiling.
- Limit alcohol to 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men.
Tips aside from diet
Perform exercise
Adding physical activity to your daily routine doesn't require a lot of extra work. Focus on small steps to make your life more active. Take the stairs more often or park further from your destination and walk the rest of the way. Consult your doctor before beginning to exercise . Regular exercise increases your sense of well-being after cancer treatment and can speed your recovery .
As you recover from cancer and exercise, you may experience :
- Increased strength and endurance.
- Fewer symptoms of depression.
- Less anxiety
- Reduction of fatigue.
- Improves mood.
- Less pain.
- Improved sleep.
- Lower risk of cancer recurrence.
Control side effects
Many of the side effects of cancer treatments can make it hard to get enough food . Your diet can help you overcome some of the most common problems.
- Nausea and vomiting: Avoid foods that are high in fat or spicy and those with strong odors.
- Mouth or throat problems: For sores, pain, or swallowing problems, eat soft foods . Avoid anything rough.
- Diarrhea and constipation: For diarrhea, it is very important to stay hydrated . Drink plenty of fluids, and slowly add more fiber-rich foods to your diet.
- Change in taste: The treatment can have a weird effect on your taste buds. Things you didn't like before may taste good now. So open yourself to new flavors . See if you like sour flavors or those that you didn't like before. Spices like rosemary, mint, and oregano can also help you enjoy other foods .
conclusion
It is not known whether a certain diet or certain nutrients can prevent cancer from coming back . In general, it is a good idea to eat a varied diet that focuses on eating fruits and vegetables. While it may be tempting to supplement your diet with lots of vitamin and mineral supplements , resist that temptation.
In fact, large amounts of certain nutrients can harm you . If you're concerned about getting all the vitamins you need, ask your doctor if a multivitamin is right for you. If that is not the case, following these tips to improve your diet may help more than you think against cancer .
