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Nutrition and cancer
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Nutrition and cancer
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Nutrition and cancer*
When you have cancer eating well may not be easy but it can be done.
Good nutrition means eating a variety of foods. When you eat a well-balanced diet, your body gets the nutrients it needs. Nutrients include protein, carbohydrates (starches and sugars), fat, water, vitamins and minerals.
Good nutrition is especially important for people with cancer. No single food can provide all the nutrients your body needs, so it is important to eat many different types of food.
Eating a well-balanced diet can help you:
* feel better
* improve and maintain your strength and energy
* stay at a healthy weight
* keep a good supply of nutrients in your body
* manage the side effects of your treatment
* decrease your risk of infection
* heal and recover quickly
*The nutritional needs of people with cancer are different for each person. Your healthcare team, including a registered dietitian, can tell you what your needs will be. This is general information developed by the Canadian Cancer Society. It is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 2 ***
Special food needs during treatment
Cancer and its treatments can change your eating habits, especially if you have side effects. It may be difficult to eat the way you usually do. You may not be able to tolerate certain foods and your body’s ability to use the nutrients in foods may be affected. Your healthcare team may also tell you to avoid eating certain foods if they interfere with your treatment.
Remember that a common sense approach is best. There may be times when you simply don't feel like eating. But it is important to try to eat small amounts whenever you can.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 3 ***
Extra calories
When you have cancer and are going through treatments, your body may need more calories. Carbohydrates and fats can give your body the extra calories it needs.
Sources of carbohydrates include:
* fruit
* vegetables
* breads
* pasta
* grains and cereal products
* dried beans, peas and lentils
Sources of fat include:
* butter
* margarine
* oils
* nuts
* seeds
* dairy products (with at least 3% fat)
* the fat in meats, fish, poultry
You may be surprised to be told to eat foods that are high in fat when you have probably learned that a diet low in fat is better for your overall health. But when you are fighting cancer, you will need the extra calories and nutrients to keep you going before, during and after treatment. Carbohydrates and fats can also help you maintain your weight or gain weight if needed.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 4 ***
Quick and easy snacks
Nutritious snacks can help you get the extra calories and protein you need to:
* maintain your strength and energy level.
* give you a feeling of well-being throughout the day.
Some examples are:
* Applesauce
* Banana bread / muffins
* Buttered popcorn
* Cheese, hard or cream
* Crackers, tortilla chips, pita bread
* Cream soups
* Cheese dips and hummus
* Dried fruit
* Fruit or vegetable juices
* Granola bars
* Hard-boiled or devilled eggs
* Hot or cold cereal
* Ice cream or frozen yogurt
* Milk, white or chocolate
* Milkshakes or smoothies
* Nuts and seeds
* Oatmeal or peanut butter cookies
* Peanut butter
* Puddings and custards
* Trail mix
* Yogurt
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 5 ***
Alcohol and nutrition during treatment
Alcohol is high in calories but low in nutrition. Using it in small amounts may increase your appetite and help you enjoy a meal. (This means less than one drink a day for women and less than two drinks a day for men). One drink is:
* one 12 oz (350mL) bottle of beer (5% alcohol)
* one 5 oz (145mL) glass of wine (12% alcohol)
* one 1.5 oz (45mL) spirits (40% alcohol)
Alcohol can interfere with medications, treatments and certain health conditions. If you choose to drink alcohol, talk to your healthcare team.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 6 ***
Vitamins, mineral and herbal supplements
If you are not able to eat your normal diet for a few days, you will not need to take multiple vitamin/mineral supplements. However, if you have not been able to eat normally for more than two weeks, talk to your healthcare team about whether taking a regular-strength vitamin/mineral supplement every day would help.
You should also talk to your healthcare team before using any other supplement, such as herbal or dietary supplements. “Natural” does not always mean safe especially when combined with other medications you may be taking.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 7 ***
Extra protein
Protein is another source of calories. It is important for cell growth and repair and building a healthy immune system. When you are not getting enough protein your body takes longer to recover from illness and is more at risk for infection.
Sources of protein include:
* meat, fish and poultry
* dairy products
* nuts
* dried beans
* peas and lentils
* soy foods
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 8 ***
Fluids
Drinking water and other fluids is an important part of a healthy diet. Every part of your body needs water. To stay healthy:
* Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water or caffeine-free fluids each day.
* Add a slice of lemon or a few drops of lemon juice or lime juice to tap water if you don't like the taste. Some people find that soda water tastes better during treatment.
* Drink more if you are active or when it is hot outside.
* Choose nutritious drinks more often than pop and sugary beverages.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 9 ***
Commercial nutrition supplements
There may be times when you are unable to meet your nutrition needs from food and drinks alone. This may be because you are too tired or nauseous to eat, or perhaps food does not appeal to you very much. Commercial nutrition supplements can help. You can buy supplements as a ready-to-use beverage (similar to a milkshake) in a variety of flavours. Other supplements come as a powder, a pudding or a bar.
Many commercial nutrition supplements can be purchased from a pharmacy or grocery store. They may also be sold as meal replacements. You do not need a doctor’s prescription to buy commercial nutrition supplements. Some provincial and private health care insurance plans may cover the cost under certain conditions.
Talk to a registered dietitian if you think that you will need to depend on commercial nutrition supplements.
If it becomes too difficult for you to eat, your healthcare team may suggest using a feeding tube. A feeding tube is a thin, flexible tube that is placed directly into the stomach or intestines. Once the tube is in place, liquid nutrition supplements can be given through it. Feeding tubes can help people who have lost a lot of weight get their nutrition needs when they find it too difficult to eat or drink.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 10 ***
Special diets
If you are following a special diet (such as vegan) or you have other health conditions that require a special diet (like diabetes or high cholesterol), a registered dietitian can help you to make any changes that you may need to maintain a balanced diet.
Very little is known about how unconventional or alternative diets affect people with cancer (Two examples of these diets are the Macrobiotic diet and the Gerson therapy diet). These alternative diets limit foods like meat, milk and eggs. They may also limit vegetables and fruit. Because these diets are strict, they often lead to weight loss. This can be a problem if you are having cancer treatments.
Talk to your healthcare team or a registered dietitian if you have special dietary needs or if you are considering unconventional or alternative diets.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 11 ***
Plan ahead for changes to eating habits
It is difficult to predict which side effects you might have during your cancer treatment, and if they will affect your eating habits. By planning ahead, you can take some control over maintaining your nutritional needs. Let your friends or family members help with the shopping and cooking or order groceries over the telephone or online and have them delivered to your home for a small fee. Here are some tips:
- Have a variety of foods available to eat. Your taste and food cravings may change from day to day.
- Eat as much as you can on the days when your appetite is good. Try to eat and drink small amounts more often during the day. Snacking can help.
- Stock your kitchen with your favourite foods so that you won't need to shop as often. Include foods you know you can eat even when you’re not really hungry.
- Have nutritious foods ready for those moments when you feel like eating, such as:
cut-up fruit, vegetables, dip
microwave frozen entrees
snack-packs of applesauce
pudding, yogurt, fresh cheese snacks
granola bars and drink boxes
ready-to-heat soups and pasta containers
frozen leftovers in single-sized portions
- Take snack foods and nutritious drinks with you to give you energy while you are waiting for appointments or travelling.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 12 ***
Food safety -I
Foods to avoid
Cancer and its treatment can weaken your immune system by affecting the blood cells that protect you from illness. Your body may be less able to fight infection from any bacteria or other organisms that could be in the foods you eat. Try to avoid:
* raw and undercooked meat, fish, shellfish, poultry, eggs,and soy products.
* all unpasteurized foods including: honey, some commercial fruit and vegetable juices, beer, milk and milk products including cheese and yogurt.
* aged cheese such as Brie, Camembert, Blue, Roquefort, Old Cheddar, and Stilton.
* unwashed raw vegetables and fruit and those with visible mould.
* all raw vegetable sprouts such as alfalfa and mung beans.
* home-canned vegetables, fruit, meats and fish well water, unless tested yearly and found safe.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 13 ***
Food safety -II
Prepare and cook your foods with care
* Wash your hands with warm soapy water before and after preparing food and before eating.
* Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly under running water before peeling or cutting.
* Wash the top lids of canned foods with soap and water before opening.
* Thaw meat, fish, or poultry in the microwave or refrigerator.
* Use defrosted foods right away and do not refreeze them.
* Refrigerate foods at or below 4oC (40oF).
* Cook meats until well done, with no traces of pink in the centre. Cook red meats to an internal temperature of at least 74oC (165oF) and poultry to 82oC (180oF).
* Put foods that can spoil in the refrigerator within 2 hours of serving. Foods containing eggs, cream or mayonnaise should not be left at room temperature for more than an hour.
* Cool hot foods, uncovered, in the refrigerator. Place in storage containers after cooling. Freeze what you do not plan to use within the next 2 to 3 days. Throw out all prepared foods after 3 days in the refrigerator.
* Throw out entire food packages or containers with any mould, including yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, fruit, vegetables, jelly, and bread and pastry products.
* When cooking, don’t use the same spoon for tasting the food that you just used to stir it.
* Avoid foods from bulk bins, salad bars, delicatessens, buffets, potlucks, and sidewalk vendors.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 14 ***
Food safety -III
Keep work surfaces and kitchen equipment clean
* Use separate cutting boards for raw foods and cooked foods.
* Keep appliances, counter tops and kitchen surfaces free of food crumbs.
* Wash cutting boards after each use in hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher.
* Clean and sanitize counter tops, cutting boards and utensils each week with a disinfectant cleaner or a mild bleach solution of 5mL (1 teaspoon) of bleach per 750mL (3 cups) of water.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 15 ***
Nutrition concerns for women with breast cancer - I
Women with breast cancer may have special concerns about nutrition during and after treatment, such as questions about eating certain foods or how to maintain a healthy weight.
Alcohol
Alcohol intake is associated with a slight increase in breast cancer risk. Alcohol may cause higher levels of estrogen and may also decrease some nutrients that protect against cell damage.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 16 ***
Nutrition concerns for women with breast cancer - II
Calcium and vitamin D
Being treated for breast cancer may put you at higher risk for osteoporosis. This can be due to your age at diagnosis and treatments that can reduce estrogen levels or cause you to go into early menopause.
Calcium and vitamin D work together to keep bones healthy. Foods that are rich in calcium are:
* milk and milk products, such as yogurt and cheese
* broccoli
* oranges
* drinks, such as orange juice, that have been fortified with calcium
* Foods that are rich in vitamin D are:
* milk – (in Canada, milk is fortified with vitamin D)
* oily fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines and herring
Many people don’t get enough vitamin D from their food. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about taking calcium and vitamin D supplements (which are often combined) to prevent osteoporosis.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 17 ***
Nutrition concerns for women with breast cancer - III
Dietary fat
Some studies show that being overweight or obese is related to an increased risk of breast cancer coming back. Early evidence from the Women’s Intervention Nutrition Study suggests that a low-fat diet may reduce the risk of breast cancer returning in post-menopausal women. More research is needed to find out how different types and amounts of dietary fat affect the risk.
Women with breast cancer may want to think about eating a diet lower in fat and including more vegetables, fruit and grains as a way to eat well and maintain a healthy body weight.
Lower fat suggestions
* Check that your total fat intake is no more than 30% of your total daily calories.
* Choose unsaturated (healthy) fats and non-hydrogenated margarines.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 18 ***
Nutrition concerns for women with breast cancer - IV
Hormones in food
Hormones make animals gain weight faster and increase the growth of muscle. Synthetic hormones are only approved for use in beef cattle (in Canada for example).
Research to date has not shown that food products from animals treated with hormones pose a threat to human health. However, there have been no direct studies that compare breast cancer risk in women who eat meat from hormone-treated animals to those who eat meat from untreated animals.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 19 ***
Nutrition concerns for women with breast cancer - V
Phytoestrogens (soy and flaxseed)
Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens (that are found in foods such as soy and flaxseed) are chemicals from plants that act weakly like estrogen.
Soy
Soy-based foods include tofu, soy milk, soybeans and miso.
Not enough scientific study has been done to prove or disprove that soy might act in the same way as natural estrogens and increase the growth of breast cancer.
Some studies have found that soy may reduce the risk of breast cancer, but these studies were done on people from other countries whose diets are high in soy and the reduced risk may have been due to other factors.
At this time, there is not enough scientific evidence to recommend that women with breast cancer eat soy foods or take soy supplements to decrease breast cancer recurrence.
Talk to your healthcare team about eating soy foods. If you decide not to eat soy and are following a vegan diet, try eating other legumes and nuts as a protein source.
Flaxseed
It is not clear what effect eating flaxseed may have on women with breast cancer. Until more is known, talk to your healthcare team if you have questions or are unsure about eating flaxseed or flax-based foods.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 20 ***
Nutrition concerns for women with breast cancer - VI
Vegetarian diet
Although well-planned vegetarian diets tend to be low in fat, high in fibre and include a variety of vegetables and fruit, it's not necessary for women with breast cancer to stop eating meat. Lean meats in small amounts can be healthy.
If you’re following a vegetarian diet, talk to a registered dietitian about whether you need to take dietary supplements to get enough nutrients to stay healthy during and after treatment.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 21 ***
Nutrition concerns for women with breast cancer - VII
Vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements
Dietary supplements can be helpful if you’re not getting enough nutrients from your food during treatment, but they do not take the place of healthy eating.
Your age and gender determine what your nutrient needs will be. Taking more of a certain nutrient is not necessarily better or safe. Large doses of certain vitamins and minerals can be harmful.
Antioxidants
Many of the vitamins found in vegetables and fruit act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect us by destroying free radicals – chemicals that damage cells, which can lead to cancer.
More research is needed to find out if there are important benefits or harmful effects of using antioxidant supplements during and shortly after treatment.
Let your healthcare team know if you’re thinking about or already taking supplements. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about the types and amounts that may be right for you. Many supplements can interact with prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and with cancer treatments. Some herbal supplements can behave like estrogen.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 22 ***
Nutrition concerns for women with breast cancer - VIII
Weight gain
Weight gain is common in women with breast cancer and may be caused by a combination of factors.
* You may be less physically active while you are recovering from treatment.
* Some hormonal treatments can change hormone levels in the body and increase appetite.
* Some chemotherapy treatments can cause food cravings or nausea and lead to eating more and snacking.
If you are gaining weight during treatment or are worried that you might, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They may suggest delaying weight loss until treatment is over. They can also give you tips to prevent you from gaining weight during treatment.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 23 ***
Managing eating problems during treatment - I
Here are some ideas to help you manage with side effects that may prevent you from eating well.
Loss of appetite
You may lose your desire to eat or can't eat, even though you know you need to during treatment. This can lead to weight loss. You may find these ideas helpful to increase your appetite and eat more:
* Try eating smaller amounts every 1–2 hours.
* Keep foods that are high in protein and high in calories, and quick and easy snacks in your cupboards so that they are ready to eat when you are.
* Eat favourite foods at any time of the day. Eat breakfast foods at suppertime if you feel like it.
* Eat your biggest meal when you feel most hungry.
* Use soft lights, quiet music or brightly coloured table settings where you eat –- whatever makes you feel good.
* Drink fluids between meals instead of with meals to avoid filling up too quickly. Use beverages high in calories and protein such as milkshakes and commercial nutrition supplements between meals. You may find chilled or room temperature beverages are easier to drink.
* Exercise lightly, if you are able, or take a walk before meals to increase your appetite.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 24 ***
Managing eating problems during treatment - II
Feeling hungry and gaining weight
Some medications or frequent snacking to control nausea can make you gain weight during treatment. To help you stay at a healthy weight:
* Eat smaller portions and plan your meals around vegetables, fruit and grain products, rather than around meat. Choose fish, legumes, nuts and seeds as alternatives to meat.
* Replace some of the high-fat snack foods and baked goods with lower-fat choices. Choose vegetables and fruit, low-fat yogurt, popcorn and low-fat crackers.
* Keep in mind that table fats like butter, margarine, mayonnaise, and salad dressing are high in fat. Choose low-fat or fat-free brands when you can and look for non-hydrogenated margarines.
* Drink milk and eat yogurt and cottage cheese that contain no more than 2% milk fat (M.F.). Try lower-fat cheeses.
* Don’t skip meals – this may cause you to overeat later.
* Be physically active as often as you can.
* Talk to your healthcare team or dietitian if you want to lose weight for health or other reasons. They may suggest that you wait until your treatment is finished.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 25 ***
Managing eating problems during treatment - III
Food cravings or dislikes
You may find that you suddenly like or dislike a certain food. Try to be ready for possible changes from day to day.
* Eat a variety of foods when your appetite is good and when side effects are under control.
* Use food cravings to your advantage. Include the foods you crave in healthy meals and snacks. For example, chocolate can be used in a milkshake, in banana bread or as a dip for fruit.
* Make sure you have your favourite snacks on hand to nibble on even when you don’t feel like eating much.
* Take a break from favourite foods when you are feeling nauseous or vomiting. This will help you avoid associating these foods with feeling sick in the future.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 26 ***
Managing eating problems during treatment - IV
Changes in taste or smell
Your sense of taste and smell can change during cancer treatment. When your taste buds don’t seem right:
* Rinse your mouth before and after eating to help clear your taste buds. Club soda or a solution of 2 mL (½ teaspoon) of salt mixed with 250 mL (1 cup of water may help.
* Try foods or beverages that are different than the ones you usually eat.
* Serve foods cold or at room temperature to reduce strong tastes and smells.
* Try using plastic cutlery and glass cooking pots, if foods taste metallic.
* Season foods with onion, garlic, chili powder, basil, oregano, rosemary, tarragon, barbecue sauce, mustard, ketchup, or mint. Seasonings may make the foods taste better to you. Unless you have a sore mouth, tart flavours from lemons and other citrus fruit, vinegar, and pickled foods may also be helpful.
* Add sugar to increase the sweet taste of foods or to decrease the salty, bitter, or acid taste of other foods.
* Suck on sugarless lemon candies, mints, or chew gum, which can help get rid of unpleasant tastes that remain after eating.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 27 ***
Managing eating problems during treatment - V
Swallowing difficulties
Sometimes chewing and swallowing becomes difficult even if it is not painful. Talk to your healthcare team if you are coughing or choking while eating. Keep in mind to:
* Try different food textures to find one that you can swallow. Foods with a smooth texture like mashed potatoes may be easier to swallow.
* Use a blender or food processor to chop foods that are too hard to chew. Use fruit or vegetable juices, broth, or milk to blend the food together.
* Thicken liquids as much as needed to make them easier to swallow. Adding gelatin, puréed vegetables or fruit, instant potatoes, cornstarch, infant rice cereal or commercial thickeners may help as well.
* Dip dry, crisp foods such as biscuits into milk, coffee or tea to make them softer.
* Make every mouthful count by choosing foods and drinks that are high in protein and high in calories.
* Make sure your diet includes plenty of liquids every day so that you don't get dehydrated. Juices, slushies, soups, milk, popsicles, gelatine, pudding, yogurt and ice cream are good sources of liquids
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 28 ***
Managing eating problems during treatment - VI
Heartburn and reflux
A burning feeling in your throat and upper stomach or a sour taste in your mouth may make you lose interest in eating. This side effect can also bring on nausea and vomiting. Try the following for some relief:
* Eat less food that is acidic (citrus fruit and tomato products), spicy or high in fat.
* Wait 30 minutes after eating food before drinking fluids.
* Do not lie down right after eating. When you do lie down, keep your head and upper body propped up.
* Limit your use of alcohol and products that contain caffeine (colas, coffee, tea, chocolate).
* Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Talk to your healthcare team if you are having heartburn or reflux. There are different medicines to help you manage this side effect.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 29 ***
Managing eating problems during treatment - VII
Gas, bloating or cramping
Certain treatments and medications may increase gas, bloating or cramping. Here are some helpful tips:
* Eat small, frequent meals or snacks throughout the day.
* Limit drinks and foods that can cause gas or bloating. These include carbonated drinks, beer, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, dried beans, garlic, peas and onions.
* Try low-lactose milk or a soy beverage if you have gas, bloating or cramping after drinking milk. Before removing milk and milk products from your diet, talk to a registered dietitian.
* Avoid taking in extra air while you’re eating or drinking. Don’t talk while chewing your food and try drinking with a straw. Stay away from chewing gum.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 30 ***
Managing eating problems during treatment - VIII
Diarrhea
Some cancer treatments and medications can cause loose, frequent stools. Before taking any over-the-counter medicines for diarrhea, be sure to talk to your healthcare team.
Try these ideas to help manage diarrhea:
* Eat small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day.
* Drink plenty of non-carbonated, caffeine-free fluids such as water, juice, sports drinks and clear broth. This will help to prevent you from becoming dehydrated.
* Limit greasy, fried, spicy, or very sweet foods.
* Switch to low-lactose milk or a soy beverage if drinking milk makes your diarrhea worse.
* Choose salty foods such as soups, sports drinks, crackers, and pretzels to replace sodium lost from having diarrhea.
* Choose foods that are high in potassium such as fruit juices and nectars, sports drinks, potatoes, and bananas to replace the lost potassium.
* Avoid sugarless gum and candies made with sorbitol, which acts like a laxative.
* Stay away from foods that are natural laxatives (such as prunes and prune juice, rhubarb and papaya).
* Limit foods that contain caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate and cola).
* Choose foods that contain less fibre, as high-fibre foods tend to increase diarrhea. White bread and pasta, refined cereals, ripe bananas, mashed potatoes or baked potatoes without the skin, meat, poultry and fish are examples of low-fibre foods.
Talk to your healthcare team if the diarrhea does not stop, or if your stools have an unusual odour or colour.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 31 ***
Managing eating problems during treatment - IX
Constipation
Changes in your bowel habits can be a result of cancer, its treatment, certain medications, changes in your eating habits or being less active. If your bowels are not moving your healthcare team may recommend a stool softener or laxative.
Try these ideas to prevent and relieve constipation:
* Add more fibre to your diet gradually. Whole grain breads and cereals, fruit, vegetables, legumes, dried fruit, seeds, and nuts are examples of high-fibre foods.
* Drink plenty of liquids throughout the day to help move that extra fibre through you. Try water, prune juice, other fruit and vegetable juices, teas, and lemonade.
* Eat a breakfast that includes a hot liquid and high-fibre foods. Look for a cereal that contains more than 4 grams of fibre per serving.
* Try eating foods that act as natural laxatives (prunes, rhubarb and papaya).
* Increase your level of physical activity if you can.
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Re: Nutrition and cancer (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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*** 32 ***
Healthy living after treatment
Sometimes, side effects that prevent you from eating well – such as poor appetite, dry mouth, change in taste or smell, difficulty swallowing, or weight loss – can continue after treatment. Talk to your healthcare team about how to manage these side effects as you gradually return to your usual activities.
With the guidance of your healthcare team, start a physical therapy program that may help recondition your muscles. Exercise can help to increase your appetite again and provide you some relief from any side effects that may have continued after your treatments. As you become more active, make sure you are eating enough to keep your weight stable.
Eating well will help you regain your strength, rebuild healthy cells, and feel better overall. Continue to include extra calories and extra protein in your diet until you reach a healthy weight for you. Pace yourself. You do not need to make changes to your diet overnight. Gradually work your way back into your usual diet or better yet, into healthier eating habits.
Making simple changes to the way you eat , becoming more active and being a non-smoker will help you stay healthy.
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