Learn the answers to some of the more commonly asked questions about food for cancer patients during their treatment.
Nutrition During Cancer Therapy
When undergoing treatment for cancer, you may have concerns regarding your diet, and have questions like: am I eating enough to meet my nutritional needs? Should I be eating special foods?
Some people may also try to convince you that cancer can be cured by eating, or not eating, particular foods. This may make you more unsure about what to eat. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions on the diet for cancer patients.
What Difference Does Nutrition Make to My Treatment?
Nutrition is an important part of your cancer treatment plan. Eating well during treatment can help you to:
- Prevent or reverse weight loss
- Fight infections more easily
- Tolerate any side effects of your treatment more readily
- Recover as quickly as possible from your treatment
- Feel stronger and more energetic
What Should I Eat to Ensure Good Nutrition?
The key to ensuring good nutrition is having a balanced diet, and by ensuring you consume food from each food group. You can use ‘My Healthy Plate’ as a reference to plan your meals. If your appetite is reduced, you may want to consider adding some high-energy foods like cake and kueh, or yoghurt and ice cream, which can be eaten as a dessert or as snacks between meals, to boost energy intake. You can also try different cooking methods.
In general, a healthy balanced diet should be sufficient for you to maintain good nutritional status. However, you may need to modify it when you encounter nutrition-related problems during your treatment. Examples of side effects that can be helped through dietary changes include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Bloating and wind
- Taste changes
- Mouth and throat problems
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
What about Nutritional Drinks for Cancer?
If you are suffering from a loss of appetite or if you are unable to eat solid foods, for example, because of a sore mouth, nausea and vomiting, you may find nutritional supplements a useful and convenient form to obtain nutrients. These can be taken instead of meals, or between meals to boost energy intake. There are many different commercially available nutritional supplements and you can speak to your dietitian or doctor for suitable options. The nutritional supplements can be consumed in replacement of your usual drinks, or can be used to prepare nutritious beverages, e.g. milkshakes, puddings or added in food e.g. cream soup, jellies.
Do I Need to Eat Special Foods or Avoid Eating Certain Foods?
Currently, there is no evidence to support claims that certain foods can cure cancer, or that particular foods will make your condition worse. So, there is no need to eat, or avoid eating, any particular foods.
Be careful about special diets that claim to cure cancer — especially those that restrict your intake of many foods. They can lead to an imbalance of nutrients, causing other health problems.
Is There a Place for Traditional Foods in a Cancer Patient’s Diet?
Traditional foods, such as bird's nest, red dates and ginseng will not do you any harm when taken in moderation with a balanced diet. However, check with your doctor before taking medicinal herbs or traditional medicines as these may interfere with your treatment.
You can seek help from a dietitian to help you to:
- Modify your usual diet to suit your current needs
- Choose appropriate nutritional supplements as needed
- Evaluate special diets and food products
- Stay within recommended safe limits if you are taking vitamin and mineral supplements
Remember, you can actively participate in your own treatment through good nutrition. Make food your ally to enhance your health and body resistance, as well as to help you cope better with any side effects of treatment.
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