Monday, March 9, 2015
Cancer and Nutrition Healthy Foods Support the Body by Jillian McKee
For more on Jillian go to http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/jillian/bio.htm
"The following article informs us of the benefits of eating a healthy diet, during and after a diagnosis of any kind of cancer. Each different cancer has its limitations, but if one can keep a healthy body, they can have a better chance to overcome this awful disease." Jillian McKee
Cancer and Nutrition: Healthy Foods Support the Body
Eating a balanced diet is important for everyone. For those coping with cancer, a nutritious diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates is especially important. It can help to support the body, mind, and spirit during the stress of diagnosis, treatment, and day-to-day life.
Although diet alone does not cure cancer, good nutrition may significantly help cancer patients. According to the American Cancer Society’s guidelines for nutrition during cancer treatments, those dealing with all kinds of cancer, from skin cancer to mesothelioma, should eat healthy to help feel better, tolerate treatment, and hasten recovery from surgeries and infections.
Cancer itself stresses the body and causes metabolic changes. Many lose their appetite and suffer drastic weight loss. Treatments can cause nausea and even affect the way food tastes. If the immune system is already weakened by poor nutrition, healing and recovery will be more difficult.
Protein is essential for cancer patients. It repairs body tissues and supports the immune system. Stresses placed on cancer patients increase the need for protein. Healthy proteins like lean meats, low-fat dairy products, lentils and soy build the body’s defenses and offset the weight loss and muscle weakness that may occur.
Good fats are also important for those with cancer. Natural sources of fat, such as olive oil, flaxseed and nut butters boost the immune system and keep the body flexible. Saturated fats derived from animals, such as meat and cheese, are also helpful in moderation. It’s necessary to avoid trans-fatty acids as these fats raise cholesterol levels and contribute to body inflammation.
Carbohydrates provide energy and help to boost mood. Healthy carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables supply essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These support the immune and digestive system that are often weakened during cancer treatments. Carbohydrates provide the needed fuel for physical activity as exercise is also important part of coping with cancer.
Fluids, especially water, are essential during cancer treatment. Because the body can lose fluids through vomiting and diarrhea, staying hydrated is an important part of keeping the system functioning. Staying hydrated also helps the brain stay alert and keeps blood vessels supple. A variety of fluids, including milk, tea, and juices, help keep the body hydrated and restore lost minerals and vitamins.
Supplements can aid in the intake of vitamins and minerals, but nutritionists and cancer experts warn that taking high doses of antioxidants such as vitamin C or E during treatments may be harmful and compromise the treatment. It’s important to discuss the need for supplements with a healthcare professional.
A healthy diet rich in nutrients from natural sources supports the immune system, boosts energy and elevates mood. Along with exercise, eating well is a powerful tool anyone can use to make cancer a little easier to handle.
Although diet alone does not cure cancer, good nutrition may significantly help cancer patients. According to the American Cancer Society’s guidelines for nutrition during cancer treatments, those dealing with all kinds of cancer, from skin cancer to mesothelioma, should eat healthy to help feel better, tolerate treatment, and hasten recovery from surgeries and infections.
Cancer itself stresses the body and causes metabolic changes. Many lose their appetite and suffer drastic weight loss. Treatments can cause nausea and even affect the way food tastes. If the immune system is already weakened by poor nutrition, healing and recovery will be more difficult.
Protein is essential for cancer patients. It repairs body tissues and supports the immune system. Stresses placed on cancer patients increase the need for protein. Healthy proteins like lean meats, low-fat dairy products, lentils and soy build the body’s defenses and offset the weight loss and muscle weakness that may occur.
Good fats are also important for those with cancer. Natural sources of fat, such as olive oil, flaxseed and nut butters boost the immune system and keep the body flexible. Saturated fats derived from animals, such as meat and cheese, are also helpful in moderation. It’s necessary to avoid trans-fatty acids as these fats raise cholesterol levels and contribute to body inflammation.
Carbohydrates provide energy and help to boost mood. Healthy carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables supply essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These support the immune and digestive system that are often weakened during cancer treatments. Carbohydrates provide the needed fuel for physical activity as exercise is also important part of coping with cancer.
Fluids, especially water, are essential during cancer treatment. Because the body can lose fluids through vomiting and diarrhea, staying hydrated is an important part of keeping the system functioning. Staying hydrated also helps the brain stay alert and keeps blood vessels supple. A variety of fluids, including milk, tea, and juices, help keep the body hydrated and restore lost minerals and vitamins.
Supplements can aid in the intake of vitamins and minerals, but nutritionists and cancer experts warn that taking high doses of antioxidants such as vitamin C or E during treatments may be harmful and compromise the treatment. It’s important to discuss the need for supplements with a healthcare professional.
A healthy diet rich in nutrients from natural sources supports the immune system, boosts energy and elevates mood. Along with exercise, eating well is a powerful tool anyone can use to make cancer a little easier to handle.
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