What to Eat During Cancer Treatment
Nutrition is an integral part of any cancer treatment plan. For mesothelioma
and other cancer patients, eating foods that support energy levels,
immune function, and overall health is crucial to getting through
treatment as successfully as possible and for improving well-being.
Figuring out which foods are right and which foods are wrong, however,
can be a confusing and overwhelming process given the amount of
conflicting information that circulates about diet and nutrition.
According to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,
it’s important to eat a well-balanced diet and follow Harvard School of
Public Health’s proposed healthy eating plate. In order to help boost
energy during cancer treatment, prevent weight gain and manage
treatment-induced symptoms, their general recommendations are as
follows:
- Include a variety of vegetables and fruits, both of which should make up half your plate.
- Eat a wide array of whole grains, such as whole-wheat breads and pastas, brown rice, etc. These should constitute for a quarter of your plate.
- Avoid processed meats like bacon and cold cuts, and limit red meat and cheese as a source of protein. Instead, choose fish, poultry, beans, and nuts for the other quarter of your plate.
- Limit butter and instead opt for healthier fat sources, such as olive and canola oil.
Remember
to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, tea, or coffee, and limit
milk to 1-2 servings per day. Enjoy no more than 1 small glass of juice a
day and avoid sugary beverages.
Chemotherapy
Common
symptoms of chemotherapy include weight and muscle loss. To help prevent
these symptoms, Dana-Farber’s senior clinical nutritionist Stacy
Kennedy recommends eating smaller meals that are nutrient and
calorie-dense more frequently as opposed to three large meals.
Prioritizing protein by including foods like hummus, nuts, lean meats,
eggs, beans, and fish should also help support immune function and
energy.
Radiation
Some side effects of radiation
include lack of appetite and nausea. If side effects are experienced,
supplementation to ensure adequate nutrition is most important. Because
of this, including fortified foods may be a good and easy way to add to
the nutrient bank. Patients may also benefit from including
nutrient-rich smoothies and protein drinks, and choosing calorie-dense
options over low-calories ones, like milk over water, and adding gravies
and sour cream to foods.
What to Eat During Cancer Treatment
Surgery
The main focus of a diet
following cancer surgery is healing and replenishing calories and
nutrients that will allow the body to recover. Eating the right foods
can help reduce the risk of infection, speed healing and increase
strength and energy.
To reduce the risk of postoperative
constipation, include fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, whole
grains, and oatmeal. Prioritize healthy proteins like lean meats to
help your body heal and regenerate tissue. To lessen fatigue, eat enough
of nutrient-dense carbohydrates and healthy fats. Above all, focus on
fruits and vegetables to ensure adequate intake of vitamins and
minerals.
Stem Cell Transplant
For stem cell transplant
patients, it’s crucial to follow a set of special dietary guidelines for
100 days after in order to prevent infection. This diet is often
referred to as a “liberalized low bacteria diet,” and aims to help
patients avoid certain foods or preparation techniques that increase the
risk of infection. Patients should avoid expired and raw foods
(including raw fruits and vegetables), unpasteurized milks, juices, and
ciders, raw honey, dried spices, and bakery foods. They should also wash
hands and surfaces properly, and cook high risk foods like eggs and
meat thoroughly.
Of course, before making any dietary changes, it
is essential you speak to your doctor. Consult a registered dietitian
(RD) so they can advise you on a diet plan that meets your individual
needs.