Key Nutrients for a Cancer Patient’s Diet
Written by Madeline McNeill. She is a Public Health Intern with GBTP and a senior at UNCW.
When going through treatment and recovery, your body is impacted in so many different ways. During and after treatment it is important to nourish your body with foods that promote healing and nourish you down to the cellular level. A healthy diet is especially important for cancer patients and survivors because of late and long-term effects of treatment, such as damage to the gut, low energy, weakened bones, and impacts on the immune system.
There is so much information out there that can be overwhelming when trying to figure out the best types of food for your body. Through our work with experienced nutritionists, we have learned that it helps to think about your nutritional needs by breaking it down into manageable categories: macronutrients, micronutrients, and hydration.
Macronutrients
Protein - Lean proteins are particularly important for patients in treatment. Protein not only keeps your immune system healthy, it is also responsible for the growth and repair of tissues in your body. The American Cancer Society recommends an increase in your daily average of protein while in treatment and recovery. Some great options of lean protein include fish, poultry, nuts, and beans like edamame and black beans!
Ryan Leach, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and owner of Food with Strength, goes even more in depth on the importance of protein in this video → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTH3H-H887A&t=300s.
Want to calculate your recommended protein intake based on your BMI? Try out this formula → 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (your weight in lbs/2.2)
Carbohydrates - The body’s main source of energy comes from carbohydrates so they are clearly an essential part of your diet. All carbs are not created equal. Energy producing powerhouses like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are preferred over highly processed carbohydrate-rich foods that have little-to-no nutritional value. A few healthy examples of these would be brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes, among many more options. This is especially important for cancer patients because your energy needs are greater as your body is working extra hard to fight off the cancer.
Fat - This is another one of those times when not all fats are created equal. Healthy fats like those found in nuts, avocado, olive oil, and even fish like salmon and tuna contain essential nutrients your body needs to store energy and insulate the tissues. Additionally, it is better to consume unsaturated fats, rather than saturated or trans fats. To prevent weight gain and other negative health effects, make sure to consume them in small portions at a time.
The MD Anderson Cancer Center recommended a few easy changes that could be made to incorporate healthy fats into your diet:
Cook with canola or olive oil instead of butter or margarine. Peanut and corn oils are also a healthy option.
Use an olive oil-based salad dressing instead of creamy dressings. This helps your body absorb healthy vegetable nutrients.
Eat fish like salmon, tuna or herring a couple times a week as a substitute for red meat.
Micronutrients
Vitamins + Minerals - If we are eating a mostly plant-based diet, we should be getting all the vitamins and minerals that our body needs to function properly. However, it can be difficult to have a balanced diet while going through treatment. To ensure that you are receiving all the vitamins and minerals your body needs, a daily supplement could be a great alternative. That said, there is a lot of discussion whether or not you should take a supplement like this during the time you are in active treatment. We encourage you to speak with your doctor about whether or not you should be taking a daily multivitamin. Vitamins and minerals are important since they can help your body fight off infection and boost your overall health.
Antioxidants - The process of oxidation is responsible for damage to healthy, normal cells, which can then make cells susceptible to becoming cancerous. Antioxidants help reduce some of the damage to normal cells. Vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc are all common antioxidants that can be incorporated into your diet. A well-balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables are likely to provide the amount of antioxidants you need. The American Cancer Society notes that it is not recommended to take large amounts of these when going through chemo or radiation so it is important to consult with your doctor. Since a lot of cancer treatments rely on oxidation to fight your cancer, significantly increasing your antioxidant intake may negate the benefits of your treatment.
Other
Water - H20 is one of the most essential nutrients for your body and provides you with so many benefits. Water is a detoxifier and helps promote healthy cell growth. Without adequate intake of water, your body becomes dehydrated and this can cause adverse effects on your body. When your body does not receive proper hydration, it puts strain on your organs, which could potentially cause damage. Your organs play a key role in keeping your body alive and well, which is why it is super important to ensure they stay healthy. Another side effect that is common with cancer treatment is vomiting. When that happens, your body loses some of its fluids, causing you to become even more dehydrated. In addition, treatment will often cause dry skin on its own, so it's best to do what you can to prevent that from becoming worse. In fact, it is a common practice for people to get additional fluids when in chemotherapy. Staying hydrated will reduce these effects and help you feel healthier overall.
Need help incorporating these nutrients into your everyday meals? Download our free ebook/cookbook, and check out this site with 50+ recipes!
Produce Box is a local produce delivery service whose goal is to promote healthy eating and support hard working farmers.
They are offering a discount to the GBTP community, just in time for those Spring Veggie harvests! Sign up today to get a $15 credit on your first box! - Use code GOINGBEYONDTHEPINK
And, if you are a local patient or survivor, don't forget you can sign up to get a free produce box directly from GBTP here: https://gbtp.ck.page/d18fd4d2ac