Milly Gaines
Cancer affects all aspects of health, including appetite and diet. A healthy diet is important to keep your body strong and help repair damage from cancer or its treatment. It can also help prevent body tissue from breaking down and build new tissues. The type of diet you should follow depends on the type and stage of cancer and the treatment you are undergoing. For instance, steroids used in breast cancer treatment can increase appetite and blood sugar levels, which may lead to weight gain. On the other hand, people with pancreatic cancer may struggle to maintain their weight due to digestion issues. In general, cancer patients need extra calories and protein to maintain their weight and heal. A balanced diet with lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy is recommended.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To fight nausea, maintain energy, and help the body stay strong |
| Foods to eat | Lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, healthy fats, nuts, seeds, legumes, and beans |
| Foods to avoid | High-fat, greasy, or spicy foods, raw or undercooked meat, fish, and poultry, unpasteurized foods, dry, coarse, or acidic foods |
| Fluids | Plenty of liquids, especially water, broths, and sports drinks |
| Meal frequency | Small snacks throughout the day, with the largest meal when you are hungriest |
| Diet type | No specific diet has been proven to cure cancer or prevent its recurrence; a balanced diet is recommended |
| Nutrition support | Feeding tubes or IV nutrition may be recommended by a doctor or dietitian if adequate nutrition cannot be obtained through diet alone |
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What You'll Learn
Cancer treatment and nutrition
Cancer can affect every aspect of your health, including your appetite and diet. A healthy diet is important for good health and can help your body function at its best. This is even more crucial if you have cancer. A balanced diet can help you maintain your strength, energy level, and defences against infection. It can also prevent body tissue from breaking down and build new tissues.
There is no specific diet that can cure cancer. However, a balanced diet with lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy is recommended. People with cancer often need extra protein and calories to maintain their strength and deal with the side effects of treatment. This may include adding more meat, fish, eggs, dairy, fats, and plant-based proteins to your diet.
There are several things to keep in mind when it comes to cancer treatment and nutrition. Firstly, it is important to pay attention to your diet before, during, and after treatment as the side effects may vary at different stages. For example, some treatments can cause constipation, fatigue, and a change in taste buds, affecting your appetite and diet. Secondly, it is recommended to eat small snacks or meals throughout the day rather than three large meals. This can help you maintain your weight and energy levels, especially if you are experiencing a loss of appetite or difficulty eating large meals. Thirdly, it is important to stay hydrated, especially if you are experiencing side effects such as vomiting or diarrhoea, as this can lead to dehydration. Fourthly, be mindful of certain foods that may aggravate treatment-related side effects. For instance, if you have diarrhoea, avoid raw fruits and vegetables, and if you have a sore throat, avoid dry, coarse, spicy, or acidic foods. Lastly, it is recommended to consult with a doctor or dietitian before making any major dietary changes, as they can provide personalised advice and support.
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Diets to avoid
While no food or food group can prevent cancer, and excluding specific foods won't eliminate your risk, eating meals rich in healthy foods and following some basic guidelines can help you reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
- High-fat, greasy, or spicy foods — These types of foods can cause nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects of cancer treatment. Instead, opt for dry foods like crackers or toast and clear liquids like broths, sports drinks, and water.
- High-sugar foods — Sugar spikes can be avoided by switching from fruit juice to eating whole fruit or choosing sugar-free options.
- Raw or undercooked meat, fish, and poultry — It is important to avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, as this can increase your risk of foodborne illness.
- Unpasteurized foods or drinks — To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, it is recommended to avoid consuming unpasteurized foods or beverages.
- High-calorie foods — Consuming excessive calories can lead to weight gain, which is a risk factor for cancer. It is important to maintain a healthy weight by balancing calorie intake with physical activity.
- Alcohol — Alcohol is a toxin that can damage your body and increase the risk for several cancers, including oral, throat, colorectal, esophageal, liver, and breast cancers. If you choose to drink, it is recommended to drink less often and in moderation.
- Processed meats — Studies have shown a high-level connection between stomach cancers and the high consumption of salty, cured, smoked, and nitrite-preserved foods, such as sausages, deli meats, and hot dogs.
- Red meat — While red meat can be included in moderation, it should be limited to no more than 18 ounces per week, with each serving being around 3 ounces. Additionally, avoid burning or charring meat, as this creates compounds linked to cancer. Instead, opt for slow, low-temperature cooking methods like baking or roasting.
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Diets to consider
It is important to consult a doctor or a dietician before making any major changes to your diet, especially if you are undergoing cancer treatment. While there is no specific diet that can cure cancer, a balanced diet can help you maintain your strength and energy levels during treatment. Here are some diets that you may consider:
The Alkaline Diet
The alkaline diet is based on the idea that cancer is caused by an acidic environment in the body. It recommends limiting acid-rich foods such as refined carbohydrates, animal fats, red meat, pork, and white flour. Instead, the diet emphasizes increasing the consumption of alkaline foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. According to Zick, a research associate professor at the University of Michigan, "You need to eat about 80 percent alkaline foods...There is very limited data that the acid nature of your body causes cancer, but by increasing fruit, vegetables and whole grains, and by limiting red meat and simple carbohydrates, you're essentially following the American Cancer Society and WCRF/AICR guidelines and eating foods that decrease cancer mortality."
The Keto Diet
The keto diet, or ketogenic diet, is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate meal plan, with 65% or more of calories coming from fat. The goal of this diet is to shift the energy source of cancer cells from glucose to ketones. However, Zick notes that the research on the effectiveness of this diet is mixed, and it can be difficult to follow long-term. The keto diet may also promote nutrient deficiency and can be low in fiber.
Vegan or Vegetarian Diet
A vegan diet involves abstaining from all animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and honey. Vegans often include "cancer-fighting" foods in their diets, such as berries, greens, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Similarly, a vegetarian diet eliminates meat products but may include eggs and dairy. However, it is important to note that highly processed and sugar-filled vegan and vegetarian foods are also available, and these diets may not always result in healthier eating habits. Additionally, vegans may be at risk of lower calcium and vitamin B12 intake compared to omnivorous diets.
Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is generally recommended and can include lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. This type of diet can help ensure your body gets the necessary nutrients to stay strong during cancer treatment.
Remember, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional or a dietician before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you are undergoing cancer treatment. They can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your specific needs and health status.
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What to eat and drink
A healthy, balanced diet is important for anyone, but especially for those undergoing cancer treatment. The side effects of cancer treatments can make it hard to get enough to eat, so it's important to pay close attention to your diet.
Firstly, it's important to eat enough calories and nutrients to stay strong. Your body may need extra calories and protein to help you maintain your weight and heal as quickly as possible. Try to eat lots of protein and healthy calories on good days—this will help repair damage from your cancer or treatment. Good sources of protein include meat, fish, eggs, dairy, fats, and plant-based proteins. It's also important to eat at least 2 1/2 cups of fruits and vegetables a day, especially dark green and deep yellow veggies, and citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits. These colorful foods have many healthy nutrients, but be sure to wash them thoroughly.
It's also important to stay hydrated, so drink plenty of liquids all day. Water is a great choice, but you can also try fresh-squeezed juice for some extra vitamins. If you are experiencing nausea or vomiting, sip clear liquids like broths, sports drinks, and water. If you have mouth or throat problems, stick to lukewarm meals and use a straw for soups or drinks. For diarrhea, it's important to drink lots of liquids and cut back on high-fiber foods like whole grains and vegetables. If you're constipated, slowly add more high-fiber foods to your diet.
There is no specific diet that can cure cancer, but there are some foods that you should avoid. Don't eat raw or undercooked meat, fish, and poultry, and avoid unpasteurized foods and beverages. Well-cooked eggs are a good, low-fat alternative to regular eggs. You should also avoid high-fat, greasy, or spicy foods if you are experiencing nausea or vomiting.
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What to avoid
While there is no specific diet to cure cancer, it is important to maintain a balanced diet during cancer treatment. Here are some things to avoid:
Nausea and Vomiting
If you are experiencing nausea or vomiting due to cancer treatment, it is best to avoid high-fat, greasy, or spicy foods, as well as those with strong smells. Opt for dry foods like crackers or toast, and sip on clear liquids like broths, sports drinks, and water to stay hydrated.
Mouth or Throat Problems
For mouth or throat sores, pain, or swallowing difficulties, stick to soft foods and avoid anything rough, scratchy, spicy, or acidic. Lukewarm meals are preferable to hot or cold ones, and using a straw for soups or drinks can be helpful.
Diarrhea and Constipation
If you have diarrhea, it is crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids and reducing high-fiber foods like whole grains and vegetables. On the other hand, if you are constipated, gradually incorporate more high-fiber foods into your diet while still maintaining adequate fluid intake.
Raw or Undercooked Meat, Fish, and Poultry
Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat, fish, and poultry to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria. Well-cooked eggs or pasteurized egg substitutes are safer alternatives.
Unpasteurized Foods and Beverages
Avoid consuming unpasteurized foods or beverages to lower the risk of bacterial contamination.
Weight Gain Concerns
If you are concerned about weight gain due to steroid use or other cancer treatments, it is important to monitor your diet and maintain a healthy weight. While a balanced diet is generally recommended, you may need to make adjustments based on your specific cancer type and treatment plan.
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Frequently asked questions
A healthy diet is important for anyone, but especially for those with cancer. A balanced diet with lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy is recommended. It's also important to stay hydrated and eat enough calories and nutrients to keep your body strong.
It is recommended to eat foods that are high in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, vitamins, and minerals. This includes foods like fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, and cooked meats. It is also important to eat at least 2.5 cups of fruits and vegetables a day, focusing on dark green and deep yellow veggies and citrus fruits.
Yes, it is important to avoid high-fat, greasy, or spicy foods, as well as those with strong smells, as they may worsen nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects of cancer treatments. It is also important to avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish, and poultry, as well as unpasteurized foods and beverages.
There is no specific diet that can cure cancer. However, some people may choose to follow diets such as the alkaline, Paleolithic, ketogenic, vegan, or vegetarian diet. While these diets may have some potential benefits, it is important to talk to your doctor before making any major dietary changes.
