Brain cancer, and the treatment for it, can have extremely drastic effects on the body. Therefore, it's vital that patients consume a healthy and well-balanced diet. Proper diet helps the body recover and rebuild damaged tissue that either the disease or the treatment has caused. Without a diet that provides adequate nutrients, the patient is unable to properly recover.
Assessment
Assessing a patient's nutritional status is the first step in developing a nutritional plan. This initial assessment includes several tests. A blood analysis is completed to determine the immune system's status and protein stores. A medical and nutrition history is taken as well. This provides doctors with a look into the individual's appetite, food preferences, digestive system, and any existing or potential complications. In addition, anthropometrics, such as height, weight and fat percentage, are taken to measure weight loss and loss of lean mass. Other tests may be taken, such as a calorimetry to measure calorie requirements, and a nitrogen balance to measure the loss of protein in the body.
Diet
A healthy diet is a vital component of recovery from brain cancer. The foods consumed should provide optimal nutrients that benefit the patient's health. Eating healthful foods that provide optimal nutritional standards helps maintain health in cancer patients. Diets are constructed by doctors and professionals on an individual patient basis, but common foods include fish, poultry, legumes, whole grains and cereals, as well as fruits and vegetables and low-fat yogurt.
High Calorie, High Protein
Brain cancer has drastic physical effects on the body. Therefore, it's important to consume excess calories and protein. The high calories help maintain a patient's weight. The excess protein helps the body rebuild the tissue that's damaged from the cancer treatment.
Supplements
Patients may be unable to consume all of the necessary nutrients through their diet. Additionally, brain cancer may deplete the body's stores of certain nutrients. Commonly, patients turn to supplements to boost their levels of vitamins and minerals. Supplementation can be used to obtain vitamins and minerals that an individual is not getting through the diet. The vitamins and minerals used include beta carotene, selenium and vitamin C and E. These micronutrients help boost the immune system and prevent side effects of brain cancer treatment.
Considerations
Brain cancer patients may have trouble eating or not have the appetite to eat. Some tips can be used to improve nutrition and appetite. Patients should eat small, frequent meals about every two hours. Light exercise or appetite stimulants can be used to improve appetite. Extra calories can be added to food by using condiments such as butter, honey or mayonnaise. Patients can also try consuming high-calorie drinks when they cannot eat.
