People who are poorly nourished respond less to treatment. They are also more likely to develop infections and postoperative complications. Therefore, the diet preceding cancer therapy is extremely important.
Cancer can cause significant fluctuations in body weight. It results in deficiencies of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. In addition, toxic substances secreted by tumor cells contribute to loss of appetite. Reluctance to eat can also be the result of stress, depression, and changes in taste.
Dangerous malnutrition
Meanwhile, the consequence of malnutrition is not only weight loss, but also a decrease in immunity, anemia, decreased serum protein concentration, cardiac arrhythmias, failure of many organs, atrophy of the mucosa of the small intestine, development of dangerous bacteria and fungi in the digestive tract, digestive and absorption disorders . The consequence of this is a weaker response to therapy, a greater number of postoperative complications and poor wound healing, and ultimately the lack of qualifications for further treatment.
According to doctors, it is not true that when a sick person eats, he “feeds the tumor”. Many patients die not as a result of disease progression, but because they are malnourished and cannot withstand intensive treatment. Scientific research has confirmed that the correct nutritional status of the patient has a positive effect on the results of therapy and significantly shortens the duration of hospital stay. Therefore, the best thing you can do before starting treatment is to provide nutrients that are wholesome. This will strengthen the body and mobilize it to fight the disease.
Five meals
The patient should eat regularly every three hours, i.e. the first and second breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The meals must not be too abundant. It is important for the patient to treat his diet as an important element of anti-cancer therapy and remember that by eating properly increases his chances of recovery. It is worth preparing the sick dishes that they especially like. As soon as you experience difficulty in eating, lack of appetite, or lose weight, consult your doctor or dietitian. They may then recommend that you give special liquid nutrients.
Proteins
Protein is essential for renewing damaged tissues and healing wounds. Its lack causes a decrease in immunity and disturbances in the production of important enzymes and hormones. The patient’s plate must therefore contain products with a high content of it, i.e. lean meat, eggs, fish, dairy products. The meat is also present in the better absorbable iron needed for the production of hemoglobin.
The amount of animal protein should be similar to that of legume seeds and grain products. However, if the seeds of the legumes cause abdominal pain, bloating or diarrhea, they must be temporarily eliminated. Meat and fish should be cooked, stewed or prepared in the oven. Fried, cured or smoked meats are not recommended, which means that sausages, frankfurters, hams, bacon and pates must be removed from the menu. When it comes to dairy products, it’s best to choose yoghurts, kefirs and buttermilk. Sometimes the treatment requires you to give up milk because you are lactose intolerant as a result of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Then you can use lactose-free or plant-based cow’s milk.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are simple and complex sugars. It is better to give up the former. This means no sweetening of tea and coffee, no sugary soda and no eating sweets. We can obtain the necessary carbohydrates from groats, rice, pasta and bread. Whole grain bread is not recommended for patients who, for example, have problems with the digestive system after chemotherapy or are immediately after surgery. They can also replace thick groats with millet or semolina.
Fats
Butter or vegetable oils are best added to a ready meal. Products containing large amounts of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are of particular importance. They are found primarily in oily sea fish such as: salmon, mackerel, herring, halibut, but also in rapeseed oil, linseed oil and olive oil. Nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and avocados are also good sources. The patient should limit the consumption of yellow, blue and melted cheeses. Pork, offal, lard and lard must be excluded.
Vitamins
Cancer patients especially need vitamins with antioxidant properties: C, E and ß-carotene. Carrots, tomatoes, peaches, currants, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and dark grapes are excellent sources. Fruit and vegetables can be served raw or steamed. It must be remembered that some of them may be intolerable by patients.
Sometimes it is not possible to meet the needs of all the necessary components of the body. Then, special nutritional preparations prepared for oncological patients can be included in the diet. They can greatly facilitate adequate nutrition during cancer.
liquids
It is recommended that the patient drink about 2 liters of fluid each day. It can be still mineral water and weak teas. Nutritionists allow one cup of natural coffee with the addition of skim milk. Serve the nutritionally rich fresh juices and milkshakes between meals. When drunk while eating, they feel full faster. Patients can also help themselves with special high-energy nutritional preparations in liquid form intended for oncological patients. These are high-protein products, specially developed to support cancer patients in terms of nutrition. They provide a large portion of energy and protein in a small volume. Although they can constitute an independent, wholesome meal, it is recommended to eat them between meals as a supplement to the patient’s daily nutrition. They can also be used as an addition to dishes, which perfectly increases their nutritional value and diversifies the patient’s menu.