It is rightly said, “You are what you eat!” Diet plays important role in our overall wellness, many health problems including detrimental side effects of cancer treatment can be taken care of with healthy nutritious diet.
For fast recovery and effective response of cancer treatment it is mandatory for cancer patient to have healthy balance diet which contains right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat and essential minerals and vitamins.
The diet should be customised combination of cereals, legumes, dals, vegetables, and fruits, adequate amount of liquids, lean meat, eggs and dairy products, preferably prepared by the nutritionist.
Experts at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), suggests cancer patients to eat the right foods before, during and after treatment. A nutritious diet is must for cancer patients to maintain a healthy body weight and energy levels stay in good health to tolerate the side-effects of treatment and also for fast recovery.
Foods that need to be added in diet for cancer patient:
Vegetables
- Each fruits and vegetables are source of minerals and vitamins and everyone should take locally available seasonal fruits and vegetables. However, few of them are recommended for cancer patients that include tomatoes, carrots, peas, pumpkin, broccoli, turnips, cabbage, cauliflower, bitter guard and green leafy vegetables.
Fruits
- Similarly the recommended fruits list includes oranges, lemon, bananas, kiwi, peaches, mangoes, pears, strawberries, avocadoes, guava, apricots, figs, prunes and raisins.
Proteins
- For proteins choose lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dried beans, dals, chickpeas, soy.
Carbohydrates
- Good source of carbohydrates include Rice, noodles, chapatti, wholegrain bread and pasta. You can also add Wholegrain crackers, oats, corn, potatoes, beans and dairy products.
Spices
- Using moderately, certain spices in your diet not only enhance taste of dishes but also helps to fight against cancer, that are turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper etc.
Food that cancer patient should AVOID
To avoid further deterioration of health, cancer patient should avoid certain food items which may affect digestion and over all wellbeing. The list of food that cancer patient should avoid include,
‘Avoid deep fried, greasy oily barbequed, baked meats as animal proteins that are cooked at high heat creates carcinogenic by products called heterocyclic amines”, suggest experts from cancer nutrition centre.’
- Excessive intake of salt, sugar, and oily foods should be avoided.
- Red meat and processed meats such as bacon, ham, sausages and food items that contains lots of preservatives should not be taken.
- Stop or minimise alcohol consumption
Take supplements that are advised by your treating medical doctor, excessive intake of vitamin supplement may harm instead of improving your health.
Tips on choosing healthy option of food for cancer patient
- Consume whole grain breads, rotis, cereals, pastas.
- Drink more liquids in form of water, butter milk, coconut water and fruit or vegetable juices.
- Have more fruits and vegetables, raw or cooked at least it should fill half of your plate. One can choose few days as meatless days and have only vegetarian dishes.
- Try to find novel cuisines and find options for processed preserved Snacks; instead munch on carrot sticks, sweet potato slices, and fresh or dried fruits.
- Always include leafy greens in your salad with lunch/ dinner.
- Do not take sugar loaded foods that have more calories and less nutrition values.
- Choose lean meats and fish more often than red meat and processed meats.
- Try new cuisine or new dishes, due to change in taste, foods that ones you dislike may taste good and you start liking during treatment.
- If possible develop a hobby of home organic kitchen gardening, it will help you to combat depression as well provide you the fresh home grown vegetables against genetically modified frozen fruits and vegetables.
Cancer patient should follow the diet prepared by nutritionist and strictly follow it.