Cancer treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or a combination of those modalities. Side effects of cancer treatment may include weight loss or weight gain, changes in appetite, sense of taste and smell, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. The degree of severity of these symptoms varies for each individual and depend on the individual's treatment. Eating well during treatment can help to promote a quicker recovery time.
Calorie Needs
Cancer treatment may lead to weight changes for some individuals. For people who have lost weight during treatment need to add calories back to promote weight gain to a reasonable body weight. This can be done by adding snacks or supplemental drinks between meals. Certain cancer treatments may cause unwanted weight gain. As part of a recovery strategy, weight loss to achieve a healthy weight may be recommended. Working with a registered dietitian can help with meal planning ideas to promote weight loss. Researchers recommend working to achieve a healthy body weight as a cancer prevention strategy.
Protein Power
While in recovery, protein stores may become depleted and it may be necessary to increase protein intake in the diet. Experts from the American Institute of Cancer Research and The American Cancer Society recommend to limit red meat and processed meat. Try consuming more fish, lean poultry, low fat dairy and plant based proteins such as beans, lentils, nuts and seeds to meet protein needs. Aim to eat a protein source with each meal to ensure adequate protein intake during recovery.
Incorporating a Plant Based Diet
Eating more plant based foods is another anti-cancer nutrition strategy. Research shows plant based proteins are low in fat and high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. There is a connection between a low fat, high fiber diet and risk reduction of cancer development. Aim to incorporate legumes, lentils and soy as meal choices. Add nuts and seeds as healthy snack choices.
Add Some Color
Plant based eating also incorporates increased fruits and vegetable intake. It is recommended to eat a wide variety of colors of produce on a daily basis. Eating different colored fruits and vegetables provide an array of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and anti-cancer chemicals called phytochemicals. Make a goal of trying to eat three different colored fruits or vegetables every day.
Alcohol and Tabacco Considerations
During cancer treatment recovery and beyond into survivorship, limit alcohol consumption and abstain from tobacco use. Men are allotted two drinks a day, women one drink per day. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, four ounces of wine or one ounce of liquor.
