Creating a Healthy Diet During and After Cancer Treatment

Considering the fact that I just lost a very dear friend to cancer, I thought sharing this article by David Haas, the the Director of Awareness Programs for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance was appropriate. Please read. My name is David Haas and I am the Director of Awareness Programs for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. I have been fortunate enough to be given this opportunity to tell you all about some of the information I have learned while doing research on the benefits of eating healthy for cancer patients. Below I have highlighted some health tips below. Not only is it important to stay as healthy as possible during and after cancer treatments, some patients may not realize that they require a completely different diet during this period. Many cancer treatments cause a wide array of side effects including major changes to their appetite and their body’s ability to digest food. For those that are wondering how to create a customized diet during their cancer treatment, here is a closer look at some of the best foods to keep one’s body as healthy as possible while it is undergoing the stresses of cancer and cancer treatments. Whether it has been a lung cancer, leukemia, thyroid cancer, or mesothelioma diagnosis, many studies note that one of the most important meals to plan for is breakfast. The Cancer Research UK claims that this meal is absolutely necessary in order to ward off some of the most common side effects of cancer treatment. Many times, patients will experience a serious lack energy when undergoing these treatments and cancer puts an exceptional amount of strain on the body. As many calories as possible should be ingested including complex carbohydrates to provide energy. Fresh produce and whole grains should also be included in every breakfast. Some of other common side effects of cancer and cancer treatments include diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, appetite loss, sore mouth, nausea, and lactose intolerance. This means that all meal plans should be planned around any of the symptoms that the patient is currently experiencing. The key to this diet is to plan ahead as much as possible and not leave any meal up to chance. One’s refrigerator and cupboard should be filled with healthy snacks and easy meal options to reduce the chance of binging on unhealthy foods. Those undergoing treatment should also reduce their intake of alcohol, saturated fats, red meats, and dairy products. No matter the meal, lean protein and produce should be the cornerstone. In order to bypass meat products, there are a number of healthy alternatives for consuming the appropriate amount of protein. This includes tofu, almond milk, coconut milk, quinoa, and various nuts and legumes. Another important consideration is to keep all food items as fresh as possible. This will maximize the nutrients in every single meal and make each ingredient count towards creating a healthy lifestyle. A customized diet for those undergoing cancer treatment is indispensible. Cancer and cancer treatment is already difficult enough. There is no need for people to make it more difficult on him or her by not giving themselves a proper diet that includes things like complex carbohydrates and lean proteins. A diet can go a long way in helping to manage side effects of treatment, so nutrition should not be taken lightly. To Your Health John