Contents
Oncological patients require carefully selected, high-calorie food, rich primarily in protein and omega-3 acids. Care for proper nutrition is especially important now, because due to the COVID-19 pandemic, every third examination or therapy is canceled, and access to doctors is very limited. Why is it difficult to obtain effective treatment without it? What role do their relatives play in the daily nutrition of patients with gastrointestinal cancer? What ingredients should be included in the diet of an oncological patient?
Oncological patients and the problem of malnutrition
Unintentional weight loss and lack of appetite are often one of the first symptoms that indicate that disturbing pathogenic mechanisms, including cancer processes, may be triggered in the body. Sudden and unintentional weight loss, not related to additional physical activity, especially in the elderly, should be a signal to make an appointment with a doctor and perform additional tests. The sooner such steps are taken, the greater the chance of identifying the causes of such a state of health and, possibly, implementing appropriate treatment.
People who suffer from cancer of the digestive system are much more likely to suffer from malnutrition. A tumor located, for example, in a certain part of the large intestine may cause constipation, and thus a decrease in appetite and worse mood. It is not uncommon to have difficulty swallowing, which is often associated with mouth ulcers. During the development of neoplastic disease, the physiological role of the immune system is also impaired. Metabolic disorders may also develop. Then, despite the appropriate caloric supply, the patient begins to lose kilograms.
Oncological treatment and the patient’s diet
Specialists agree that a properly selected diet has a great influence on the effects of cancer therapy. Statistics show that 10-20% of cancer patients die as a result of wasting, the main factor of which is malnutrition. We are talking about disease-related malnutrition as a condition resulting from inflammatory processes in the patient’s body.
On the one hand, the inflammatory reaction causes a loss of appetite leading to anorexia, weight loss and deterioration of the patient’s condition, and on the other hand, it increases the body’s need for energy and nutrients. This is a problem that is often underestimated, but serious, as it affects 20 to 87% of cancer patients. Head, neck and gastrointestinal cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition, especially in the elderly age.
In addition, the implementation of specialist treatment is often associated with certain side effects, including:
- weight loss,
- lack of appetite,
- weakening,
- nausea and vomiting,
- diarrhea.
A malnourished patient reacts much worse to any form of therapy, regenerates slower, and all this translates into an extension of the treatment period. It should be emphasized that malnutrition is evidenced by a slight loss of body weight, i.e. 5% within 3 months (in the case of a person weighing 70 kg, it is only 3,5 kg!).
Such weight loss is even difficult to notice, so it is worth paying attention to the amount of food consumed, because we talk about mild malnutrition when the patient takes 50-75% of the normal need for a week, which is not uncommon in the case of an oncological patient. Serious weight loss is associated with irreversible metabolic changes and the destruction of the body. This is of particular importance in this group of patients.
Due to poor health, there may even be situations of withdrawal from the planned surgery. In extreme cases, such a condition can even lead to death. Unfortunately, despite the access to knowledge and the growing awareness of proper nutrition in oncology, we still approach this important topic not very seriously. Unfortunately, we often react too late to the visible changes in the patient’s body, focusing only on treatment – chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.
This is of course very important, but without proper nutrition there can be no effective therapy. A patient suffering from an oncological disease who has problems with appetite or eating meals, does not have the strength to function normally or to successfully go through a very demanding therapeutic process.
Malnutrition leads not only to the loss of fat mass, but also muscle mass, which translates into a deterioration of motor functions, an increased risk of postoperative complications, as well as the toxicity of chemotherapy, or a decrease in immunity.
It is worth remembering that not only the oncological patient is responsible for the proper nutrition of an oncological patient, but also his relatives. This is particularly important in the case of seniors and people who, for various reasons, have difficult access to the hospital.
To increase the chance of treatment success, it is worth planning a diet from the very beginning of cancer diagnosis and starting it as soon as possible, because it prevents uncontrolled weight loss and its far-reaching consequences.
What is important in the diet of cancer patients?
The results of research studies on the nutrition of cancer patients indicate that protein and omega-3 fatty acids, mainly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), should play a key role in their daily diet. This fact is clearly emphasized by scientific societies such as ESPEN1 or POLSPEN2 dealing with nutritional treatment of oncological patients. Adequate caloric content of the dishes is no less important, which has a direct impact on body weight and BMI.
Protein
According to the recommendations, the optimal daily protein intake in cancer patients should be between 1,2 and 2 g / kg3. This means that a person weighing 70 kilograms must include about 105 g of protein in his daily diet. This corresponds to the consumption of as much as 15 eggs or 520 g of lean cottage cheese, which is practically unattainable for people suffering from cancer (mainly due to the lack of appetite). Fish or lean poultry will also be a good source of wholesome protein, but unfortunately taste disturbances make these foods reluctant to be chosen by a sick person. Therefore, it is worth delivering highly digestible protein by other means.
Omega-3 fatty acids
They are gaining more and more importance in the therapeutic process. Oncological patients should remember about the daily supply of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids. We are talking about the two most important of them, i.e. eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Omega-3 fatty acids:
- improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy,
- support the body’s immunity,
- support anti-inflammatory processes,
- prevent excessive weight loss,
- they increase physical fitness, and thus overall health
What’s more, EPA reduces the risk of cachexia, i.e. destruction of the body caused by cancer.
A large amount of EPA and DHA is found primarily in oily fish such as halibut, salmon, mackerel, herring, as well as algae and seafood. Due to the geographical location, the supply of omega-3 fatty acids at the appropriate level may be problematic for Poles. Therefore, it is worth considering another way to supplement them.
What is FSMP?
An effective and safe supplement to the diet of an oncological patient is food for special medical purposes (DSP – oral food supplementation), commonly known as a conditioner, a nutritional drink, i.e. a specialized type of nutritional supplement in the form of a liquid. Their consistency makes them easily digestible even by people who complain of problems with swallowing and chewing. These products have a diverse composition, and their calorific value makes it possible to successfully replace them with a wholesome meal.
Nutritional drinks are recommended not only for people undergoing oncological treatment and should be used throughout the period of preparation for therapy, treatment and recovery, but also for seniors and convalescents after major surgery. They meet strict nutritional requirements and contain the right amount of protein, fats, minerals and vitamins. They are available in various flavors, so everyone will surely find something that tastes best for them.
Oral nutritional supplements – how to implement them? 6 tips
- To start a wholesome diet (rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, sets of vitamins and minerals, low in carbohydrates), it is worth starting with giving the patient their favorite dishes (they can be slightly modified to contain more nutrients). If this is not sufficient, support from dietary supplements and liquid oral supplements, such as Supportan Drink, may be necessary.
- Oral nutritional supplements, DSP, should be tailored to the individual needs of the patient. In the case of cancer, a high caloric value is necessary, as well as adequate amounts of protein and unsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA).
- Before implementing a certain type of drink, it is worth trying out products from several manufacturers. It is important for the patient himself to choose the most pleasant taste and a texture that is comfortable to swallow. If the patient does not feel convinced about liquid food, it is worth trying other products with him. Together, it is much easier to make a decision, and the patient does not perceive the liquid food as a symbol of his illness.
- DSP products can be used in many ways, e.g. to prepare fluffy pancakes based on them or add them to a fruit shake or iced coffee. In this way, you can show the patient that they do not have to give up their favorite foods and drinks.
- Make any nutritional change slowly. Certain types of diets can cause diarrhea and nausea, which can lead to dehydration, body weakness and, consequently, malnutrition.
- Medical nutrition is an inseparable element of oncological therapy, providing the possibility of delivering a large dose of energy, protein and other important nutrients in one bottle. That is why it is important to convince a sick person to it, showing the benefits of using it: more strength to fight the disease, convenience of use in all conditions, a very large selection of types and flavors.
Supportan Drink – supplementing the diet of cancer patients
One of the DSP products available on the market is Supportan Drink. It is in the form of a liquid conditioner and is dedicated to patients with cancer. It can be used as a supplement to the daily diet or successfully replace one of the main meals. By drinking 1 bottle of Supportan Drink, the patient provides himself with 300 kcal, 20 grams of protein and other essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are often difficult to compose in one meal.
The advantages of Supportan Drink include:
- high content of omega-3 acids, which supports chemotherapy and increases the body’s immune resistance,
- providing a large amount of protein, which prevents the loss of muscle mass and replenishes losses related to the effects of the disease,
- fiber content, which affects the smooth functioning of the intestines and reduces the risk of diarrhea and constipation,
- the presence of vitamins soluble in fats A, D, E and K and from group B, which allows you to supplement deficiencies,
- well-assessed taste that patients eagerly reach for,
- an appropriate composition that has a positive effect on the effects of the implemented treatment and gives patients strength to fight the disease.
In addition, Supportan Drink is distinguished by low osmolarity similar to the physiological body. The lower the osmolarity parameter, the lower the risk of intolerance and side effects from the gastrointestinal tract such as: diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, belching, heartburn, etc. Importantly, Supportan Drink does not contain any substances causing allergies or glucose syrup and therefore it can be used in patients. patients on a diet including a low glycemic index. Supportan Drink is available over the counter in pharmacies or online. To obtain a positive effect, Supportan Drink should be used regularly throughout the treatment and rehabilitation period, it is recommended to take 1 – 2 bottles a day as a permanent part of the diet.