Eating nutritious food between and during cancer treatments helps support a patient's recovery and physical strength, and keeps up body weight. It can also reverse or prevent nutrient deficiencies and decrease cancer treatment side effects. According to the American Cancer Institute, the ideal way to meet the body's nutritional need is with healthy foods. If a cancer patient's weight or appetite is low, calorie-rich foods maybe required. Otherwise, a healthy diet based on nutritious foods, such as vegetables and fruits, is optimum.
Legumes
Legumes, such as split peas, lentils and beans, provide substantial amounts of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. Plant-based protein sources, such as split peas and legumes, are recommended in place of meat several times per week for cancer patients, according to the American Cancer Society. Legumes can keep cholesterol and saturated fat levels down, and this can lower a person's risk for certain forms of cancer and other conditions. Dishes made with legumes include bean burritos, vegetarian burgers, vegetarian chili, split-pea soup, lentil soup and hummus. Legumes also make nutritious additions to salads, soups, dips and casseroles.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are beneficial sources of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, which can protect the body from carcinogens and other cancerous toxins. Antioxidants strengthen the immune system and prevent the risk for viruses, infections and colds, which may hinder recovery and the ability to heal. Vegetables and fruits rich in these powerful antioxidants include plums, pears, citrus fruits, kiwis, cantaloupe, mangoes, tomatoes, pears, papaya, bell peppers, artichokes, asparagus, kale, broccoli, sweet potatoes and carrots. Vegetable juices, fruit juices and smoothies provide valuable snack and meal options if the cancer patient suffers from nausea or other cancer related symptoms that may reduce the appetite. Cancer patients should consume at least five servings of vegetables and fruits daily, in juice or solid form, states the American Cancer Society.
Healthy Fats
Consuming substantial amounts of calories during cancer treatment can be a difficult task to accomplish. The Mayo Clinic recommends topping pasta, vegetables and bread with olive oil, a source of healthy unsaturated fat. In addition, healthy fats add flavor satisfaction and nutrient absorption to cancer diet foods. Additional healthy fat sources include sunflower seeds, canola oil, avocados, cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, almonds, flaxseed, walnuts, mixed nuts and pecans. Nut butters, such as almond butter and peanut butter, can add valuable amounts of healthy fat and protein to apple slices, bananas, bread and crackers.
References
- American Cancer Society: Fruits and Vegetables: Do You Get Enough?
- American Online Cancer Resources: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
- Caring4Cancer: Food Safety During Cancer Treatment
- Medline Plus: Safe Eating During Cancer Treatment
- National Cancer Institute: What You Should Know About Cancer Treatment, Eating Well, and Eating Problems
- Mayo Clinic: No appetite? How to get nutrition during cancer treatment
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