Nutrition for Cancer Patients

By: Nikki Nies

Based on the American Institute for Cancer Research 2007 Guidelines for Nutrition and Cancer Prevention, a healthful diet and regular bouts of exercise can promote health and help reduce risk of the development of another cancer. Since cancer can impact’s one appetite, it’s important to make sure you’re consuming an adequate amount of calories, protein and fluid. By using the below suggestions when deciding what to prepare for yourself or a loved one, it may help ease treatment and/or recovery.

Suggestions for healthy eating:

Fill up on plant based foods! Opt for legumes instead of meat some times of the week (i.e. dried beans or peas)
Try to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables–color contains phytochemicals, which are health promoting substances
Choose high fiber foods, such as whole wheat bread and grains daily
Limit intake of animal fats, choose lower fat cooking techniques, such as grilling or baking and use low fat milk and/or dairy
Limit intake of smoked, cured and pickled foods
Moderate alcohol consumption
During meals,limit intake of fluids with meals as fluids can cause someone to feel fuller quicker and lead to decreased energy intake. It may help to drink fluids 1/2 hour before or after meals
If strong smells cause irritation, perhaps, try cold foods as they often don’t have as strong of a smell; i.e. pasta salad, tuna, sandwiches
Avoid spicy or strong flavored foods if needed
Eat small, frequent meals every 1-2 hrs. if tolerable
Take your medication with high calorie fluids
No matter the time of day, encourage eating