It's hard to put into words what you feel when you find out you have cancer. But there are so many questions that come to mind. The biggest question that many people have is, "What should I eat now?" Food is really important when you're undergoing cancer treatment. Because only if your body gets the energy and nutrition it needs can you face this challenge with strength. So today, let's talk about how to adjust your diet during this time.
What is the Cancer Diet?
Simply put, this is not a one-size-fits-all list. A cancer diet is a diet plan that is tailored specifically for you, taking into account many factors, such as the type of cancer you have, the treatment you are receiving, and your physical condition. This is done by your doctor.
The main goal of this diet is to give your body the calories and nutrition it needs to fight this battle. However, due to the nature of the disease and the side effects of the treatments, eating can sometimes be difficult. Some days, you may not even feel like eating at all.
Don't worry. You don't need to make drastic changes to your eating habits. All you need to do is make some small, simple changes and make healthy food delicious and easy to eat.
How do you prepare before starting treatment?
It is very important to get used to good eating habits before starting treatment. Because we do not know how the treatment will affect you or what side effects you will have. Therefore, strengthening your body beforehand will help you a lot.
The best thing you can do during this time is to get used to a balanced diet . That means,
- Cereals (especially those with bran)
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Legumes like beans and peas
- Healthy protein (fish, chicken, eggs)
Add these things to your diet. Also, reduce processed meats like sausages, meatballs, and fast foods as much as possible.
Another good idea is to keep some easy-to-eat foods in the fridge or kitchen. Because nausea can make it difficult to cook when you start treatment. Keep things like yogurt, cut fruits, nuts, soup packets, and saltine crackers nearby. It's also a good idea to bring some nutritional shakes from pharmacies. They can help you get the nutrition you need on days when you can't eat at all.
Diet during treatment
During treatment, some days you may feel very hungry. Other days you may not even want to think about food. This is normal. Your goal during this time should be to provide your body with the nutrition it needs. That small amount is okay.
Protein is an essential thing.
Protein is the main nutrient that repairs cells in our body. Think of our body as a house. Treatments cause small damages to this house. Protein is like the bass that repairs those damages. That's why protein is so important.
Good foods rich in protein:
- Fish, lean meat, chicken
- Eggs
- Beans, chickpeas, green peas, lentils
- Milk, cheese, yogurt
- Soy, Tofu
Don't forget fruits and vegetables.
Try to eat at least one and a half cups of fruits and vegetables a day. The fiber and vitamins in these foods help strengthen your immune system. Include foods that are dark green (spinach, kale), dark yellow (pumpkin, sweet potato), oranges, and tangerines in your diet. These colorful foods contain a lot of nutrients that are good for the body. But remember, wash any fruit or vegetable thoroughly before eating it.
Maintain hydration.
Cancer treatments, as well as side effects like vomiting and diarrhea, can dehydrate the body. So drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you have trouble drinking water, try drinking soup, green smoothies, fresh fruit juices, tea, and milk.
How to eat with the side effects of treatment
Some side effects of treatment can make it difficult to eat, but there are a few tricks you can use to cope with this.
| Side effect | Things to try |
|---|---|
| Nausea/Vomiting | Avoid oily, spicy, and greasy foods. Avoid foods with strong odors. Eat something dry like crackers, biscuits, or a slice of bread every few hours. Drink small amounts of fluids like soup and water. |
| Sores/pain in the mouth or throat | Eat soft, mashed foods (mashed potatoes, rice). Avoid spicy, sour, or rough foods (e.g., chips). Eat foods that are not too hot or too cold, but at a moderate temperature. Use a straw. |
| Diarrhea and constipation | If you have diarrhea: Drink plenty of fluids like water and Jeevani. Reduce your intake of high-fiber foods like bran and vegetables. If you have constipation: Gradually increase your intake of high-fiber foods (spinach, kale, bran bread). Drink plenty of water. |
| Taste changes | Treatment can affect the taste buds on your tongue. You may now be able to taste foods you didn't like before. Try eating sour foods like ginger and pomegranate. Spice up your food with spices like mint, curry, and rosemary. |
Truth or False about the Special Diet That "Cures Cancer"
You may have heard stories like "This diet can cure cancer." For example, things like the Ketogenic diet and the Alkaline diet. Before trying anything like this, be sure to talk to your doctor.
The truth is, there is no magic diet that will cure cancer. Many of these so-called special diets have not been scientifically proven to cure cancer or prevent its recurrence. Some of them may even be harmful.
Therefore, it is best to maintain a balanced diet that includes protein, fruits, vegetables, and grains, as advised by your doctor.
Be especially mindful of vitamin supplements.
If you are losing a lot of nutrients from your body, whether because you are unable to eat or because you are vomiting/diarrhea, your doctor may recommend a multivitamin. However, never take any vitamins, herbs, or supplements without first consulting your doctor. Some vitamins and supplements can interfere with your cancer treatment. This can be very dangerous.
Diet after treatment ends
Once treatment is complete, your goal should be to rebuild your body and maintain long-term health. Some studies have shown that eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein can reduce the risk of cancer coming back during this time. Talk to your doctor about this and adjust your diet to suit you.
Take-Home Message
- There is no specific "magic" diet for cancer patients. It varies from person to person, depending on the type of cancer and the treatment.
- Be sure to talk to your doctor before making any decisions about your diet.
- Try to eat a balanced diet that includes protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
- Do not take any vitamins or other supplements without medical advice.
- Be wary of unproven diets that claim to "cure cancer" on the internet or from others. Always follow scientific advice.
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