Post: #1
Title: Nutrition and cancer
Author: Dr. Faisal Mohamed
Date: 11-01-2007, 00:30 AM
Parent: #0
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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Post: #2
Title: Re: Nutrition and cancer
Author: Dr. Faisal Mohamed
Date: 11-01-2007, 00:33 AM
Parent: #1
*** 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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Post: #3
Title: Re: Nutrition and cancer
Author: Dr. Faisal Mohamed
Date: 11-01-2007, 00:43 AM
Parent: #1
*** 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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Post: #4
Title: Re: Nutrition and cancer
Author: Dr. Faisal Mohamed
Date: 11-01-2007, 00:52 AM
Parent: #1
*** 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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Post: #5
Title: Re: Nutrition and cancer
Author: Dr. Faisal Mohamed
Date: 11-01-2007, 00:55 AM
Parent: #1
*** 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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Post: #6
Title: Re: Nutrition and cancer
Author: Dr. Faisal Mohamed
Date: 11-01-2007, 01:54 AM
Parent: #1
*** 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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Post: #7
Title: Re: Nutrition and cancer
Author: Dr. Faisal Mohamed
Date: 11-01-2007, 02:44 AM
Parent: #1
*** 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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Post: #8
Title: Re: Nutrition and cancer
Author: Dr. Faisal Mohamed
Date: 11-01-2007, 02:59 AM
Parent: #1
*** 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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Post: #9
Title: Re: Nutrition and cancer
Author: Dr. Faisal Mohamed
Date: 11-01-2007, 03:03 AM
Parent: #1
*** 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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Post: #10
Title: Re: Nutrition and cancer
Author: Dr. Faisal Mohamed
Date: 11-01-2007, 03:06 AM
Parent: #1
*** 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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Post: #11
Title: Re: Nutrition and cancer
Author: Dr. Faisal Mohamed
Date: 11-01-2007, 03:25 AM
Parent: #1
*** 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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