Cancer Nutritionist
We all understand that how it feels when someone is diagnosed with cancer. It is quite natural to feel scared and lost, and not know where to start and where to apply the brakes. If you are in a similar situation, all you need now is a roadmap, that allows you to take control of your life, by taking control over your health and combating the illness. Perhaps, the truth and the only truth is – when your health situation is bad, the decision to fight or to give up is totally on you, and no one else can take this decision. It is the intensity of the issues of your health that propels you to seek a solution. All you need is proper nutritionist for cancer patients.
Cancer and Nutrition
Cancer nutrition is something very crucial. While the cause of cancers may be different, but one thing that is common in all types of cancers is the food that we choose. Our diet and eating patterns have undergone considerable changes in the past few decades. Today we consume more of the foods that are no longer fresh and are man-made. Such foods are thoroughly processed just to raise the profits. These foods could be appealing and tasty, but they are dead foods that do more harm to us than good.
You must know that most of the types of cancers are a result of the weak immune system, which has been weakened and cannot destroy the developing cancer cells as they appear. To avoid and fight cancer, the focus should be primarily on strengthening our immune system. And, the foundation of a strong immune system is proper cancer nutrition that can only be derived from freshly grown whole foods that have minimal interference by man.
Why nutrition is important in cancer?
Your diet and proper nutrition are the most important piece of any cancer puzzle. A diet for cancer patients is a no less than a healer.
Certain cancer types are known to be associated with poor diets. Hence, the patients are encouraged to take healthy and nutritional meals. Any diet regime that needs to be followed to improve the quality of life of a cancer patient is referred to as cancer diet.
Proper cancer nutrition is of paramount importance, as it provides the sufferer with the ability to recover while being treated and progress towards a better life, out of the illness.
At Diet2Nourish, we have registered and award-winning best dietician for cancer patients, Priyanka Jaiswal. Priyanka is an expert oncology nutritionist, who has been helping cancer sufferers with individualized plans as per their need and type of cancer. She aims in providing appropriate cancer nutrition. Moreover, this cancer guide can help people through their complex diet needs. She understands that the right foods are required for cancer sufferers to provide them with strength and promote their overall wellness. She advocates that adopting particular eating habits and patterns can also go a long way in combating the side effects. Many cancer sufferers may have to face them as a result of their treatment. It can be poor appetite, diarrhea, constipation, altered taste, and weight loss. The food that we eat has a major role to play in our overall health. It can also affect the risks of developing cancer of certain types. A cancer diet rich in fats and high-energy can lead to the chances of developing obesity and is studied to improve the chances of developing certain types of cancers. You should aim towards enjoying a wide variety of nutritious foods in your diet. It may go a long way in preventing the chances of developing cancer. So, it all about good nutrition for cancer patients.
Diet2Nourich recommends eating a wide variety of foods from all the five food groups(Fruits / Vegetables and legumes or beans / Lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds / Grains and other cereal foods, mostly whole grains / Milk and milk products like yogurt and cheese). These foods are recommended in proper amounts. It will help you have an interesting and healthy diet for cancer patients. Such a meal plan can give you a range of various nutrients for the body. Eating a variety of foods is paramount for good health and can be very effective in reducing any chances of developing any type of cancer or any other health issue.
What is a cancer patient diet all about?
The treatment and recovery from cancer go much beyond just technological advancement and the healing process. A cancer patient’s diet is the one that takes care of the special dietary needs of any cancer patient, which they require during and after the cancer recovery treatment journey. The key to a proper cancer diet is the following nutrients:
Proteins
Proteins are the building blocks of human cells. Since during cancer the human cells are damaged, cancer patients need more proteins. It can help them heal the cells and retain the ‘good’ cells. The much-needed valuable proteins in a diet for cancer patients can be obtained from:
- Plant proteins such as beans (chickpeas, black-eyed peas split beans, kidney beans, and lentils).
- Protein sources from animals include fish, chicken products, meats, and animal eggs.
- Protein sources from dairy foods include low fat cheese, milk, and Greek yogurt.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate is one of the key nutrients in cancer diet. It builds the human immune system. Several fruits, vegetables, starches, dairy products, and sweet dishes are excellent sources of carbohydrate. Therefore, for the greatest part of your carbohydrate intake you should go for the complex carbohydrates like the whole grain breads, cereals, the vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy products. Many conventional myths assume that since sugar increases the development of cancer. Perhaps it is believed that cancer cells in the human body, for instance, indeed grow at higher rates and thus need more energy, but it is also important to remember that sugar should not be avoided all together. It is advised to consume the sugar in its natural form. Natural sugars are found in food and fruits, not the sugars or artificial sugars added to food and processed foods. They do no good for nutrition for cancer patients.
Fats
Fats are nutritionally appropriate when planning a meal for a cancer patient. They are however very crucial in the human body as they boost the absorption of minerals, vitamins as well as energy. But that should not be confused with what known as the healthy fats and the unhealthy fats. Opt for nuts and seeds, vegetables, and fatty fish, which are excellent sources of healthy fats.
Particularly the so-called ‘good’ fats are useful to fight inflammation and, therefore, form part of the anti-inflammatory diet.
Know about several cancer types. What are the opinions of oncology dieticians about the correlation between cancer and food?
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is now listed as one of the leading forms of cancer that affects females of all ages from different walks of life and all around the world. Such factors as increased weight gain after attaining adulthood, rapid early growth from childhood, being a tall woman, and many other related factors are said to increase the chances of breast cancer in females. Most of the risks are associated with the estrogen level of women since their childbearing age. The risk or probability of breast cancer also gradually increases with aging.
However, it can be dealt with proper nutrition for cancer patients. The opinion of breast cancer nutritionists is to include mono-unsaturated fats in the diet. Olive oil, canola oil, nuts and seeds, and several vegetables lower the risk of developing breast cancer. On the other hand, a high intake of alcohol, aerated beverages, and foods that contain saturated and trans fats is believed to have the ability to increase the risk. Therefore, a proper diet for cancer patients is vital in this case.
Lungs Cancer
The leading causes of lung cancer include smoking, chewing tobacco, and air pollution. It’s the main reason behind the deaths from cancer globally. Eating fruits and vegetables that are healthy, significantly reduces and shields against the occurrence of lung cancer. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage that fall under the category of cruciferous vegetables are among the best at preventing and healing lung cancer. With proper cancer nutrition, you can detox your body and heal the damaged cells. Incorporating fruits and whole grains into a diet is very useful in preventing lung cancer.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer occurs in men, and the danger is quite high in men who are aged fifty and above. Cancer nutritionists recommend a diet that contains mainly vegetables, especially soy. The diet that is believed to increase one’s risk of this kind of cancer contains fats, especially animal fats such as dairy products, fatty meats, and fast foods. It is important to maintain a normal body weight with a healthy diet for cancer patients.
Foods that you should limit to stay protected from the chances of developing cancer
As some foods can be very effective in protecting and treating cancers, there are also foods that we all should avoid or limit to ensure that we stay protected from any chances of developing any type of cancer. This is what makes the proper cancer nutrition for patients.
These foods are: Processed and Fatty Read Meats, Processed Foods that have no or less Fiber, Salted and Pickled Foods, and Alcohol. Artificial sweeteners, cured, pickled, and salty foods, burnt or barbequed foods, peanuts, and alcohol are not good foods.
Nutritional diet can significantly prevent some kinds of cancer diseases. It is also true that the patient requires the best cancer nutrition so that he or she can meet the bodily requirements and endure his or her treatment.
Diet is the most important part of the puzzle called ‘cancer’. Always remember that if your diet is not fighting cancer, it must be fueling it. Treatment and medicine can give you short-term relief from your ailment, but it is your cancer nutrition that will provide you with a long-term solution, and all because you are rectifying the reasons why you developed cancer!
The Role of a Cancer Nutritionist in recovery
Cancer nutritionists can assist you in your recovery journey. Here are some of the ways in which they can assist you:
Creating a balanced diet:
A cancer nutritionist prepares an appropriate diet for you. A balanced meal consists of appropriate amount of carbs, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It may support in acquiring the vital nutrients for human body. Therefore, patients have hope of being cured and getting well soon if they consult a cancer nutritionist.
Addressing side effects:
A cancer nutritionist has vital role in formulating cancer diet plan. Appetite loss, nausea, pain, vomiting, insomnia, are a few adverse effects of cancer therapies. A cancer nutritionist recommends food that can minimize these adverse effects.
Weight management:
Sudden and abnormal weight gain or weight loss during cancer treatment can be life-threatening. Nutritionists provide a certified outlook with a diet for cancer patients. It can help to manage a normal body weight. They achieve this with the help of a healthy meal plan. The diet regimen will be according to the body type, personal goals, and needs of the patient. Thus, it is important to opt for an expert or professional cancer nutritionist.
Strength and energy:
A healthy diet for cancer patients enhances stamina and energy levels. It also promotes the immune system and improves the body’s ability to fight off diseases.
What is an onco nutrition consultant?
An onco-nutrition consultant is a specialist. It is similar to a cancer nutritionist. These experts provide nutritional guidance for cancer patients. They can help you with dietary needs during treatment. There are a number of side effects of this treatment. They help you deal with side effects that affect eating. An onco expert supports overall health. You can fasten your recovery with their support for cancer nutrition. They are an important part of the care team!
Why Should You consult diet2nourish for the cancer patient?
Diet2nourish is a leading nutrition clinic in India. It offers a wide range of services at a pocket friendly price. You can find the best packages for yourself. Here, you will find the best cancer nutritionist.
It is important to trust your healthcare team in the journey. Diet2nourish has won the trust of people from all across the country. Here is why!
1) Experienced staff:
Diet2nourish takes your health very seriously. Here, our aim is to provide the best of the best nutrition for cancer patients. We have experienced staff members. Our team has the leading dietitian in the country. All to help you out in this crucial time. You can find a well-qualified cancer nutritionist here.
She can help you fight cancer with the power of nutrition. So, grab her hand and take your steps towards a healthy life.
2) Nutritional counselling:
If you want proper hand holding, then Diet2nourish is your place. Here, we will take every baby step with you. The cancer nutritionist at diet2nourish will keep you motivated. This will help your progress. With our proper nutritional counselling, we can provide Substitutes and alternatives for foods that do not suit you.
3) Customised approach:
Every person is built differently. Everyone has their own needs and goals. At diet2nourish you can find your very own meal plans. The cancer nutritionist will help you as per your needs and wants. We will also consider your taste buds. You can find a number of recipes that are easy to make.
4) Patient-centred approach:
Our patient’s needs and preferences are top tier with the cancer nutrition for them. We keep them first in all decisions. With proper communication, we ensure our patient centred approach.
5) Research and advancements:
We stay updated with the latest in cancer research and treatment methods. A cancer nutrionist is well worthy! This way, we always succeed to give you the best treatment.
6) Support services:
There are a number of support services that Diet2nourish offers. Counselling, support groups, webinars and nutritional advice are some of them. It can help our patients cope easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is encouraging to note that consuming a vegetarian or vegan diet during cancer treatment is helpful. Also, with such a diet, one is sure that the required nutrients are available during the treatment. Thus, it is recommended to consult with a specialist to know whether you are getting sufficient protein and other microelements. This is to enable you to recover and meet the body’s requirements for the nutrients needed per day. The consumption of foods rich in nutrients should be diverse. It is necessary to alter a diet individually, depending on the peculiarities and side effects of your treatment.
Absolutely. It is necessary to have taste sensations and eat tasty and healthy meals during cancer treatment. Yet, you might have to change your preferred meals slightly to make them healthier and gentler on your stomach. You can consult a dietitian for guidance on meals you would love to consume that are also nutritious.
It is advisable to consume high nutritional value diet and engage in physical exercises. Besides, you can also eat healthy forms of lean proteins and fats. It can assist in achieving the desired body weight during the treatment period. You may also need to involve a health care provider to help design a weight loss or weight gain plan.
Clinical management of cancer patients is associated with complex GI symptoms that requires immense care. Instead of eating three proper meals in a day, consume food in smaller proportions with a gap of 3–4 hours. Eat four or five small meals daily. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help relieve constipation. Sip ginger tea to manage an upset stomach. Certain foods are believed to trigger your condition. These foods are known as trigger foods. Spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol are called trigger foods. Thus, it is better to avoid such foods.
You do not have to worry about loss of appetite; a cancer nutritionist can help you. They may advise you to include small portions and repeated meals that meet your body requirements. These meals are nutritious. It helps in maintaining energy throughout the treatment. It is possible to manage adverse effects and appetite loss under the guidance of cancer nutritionist.
Include lean meats (chicken or turkey), along with salmon or tuna. These are good sources of protein and healthy fats. Eggs are rich in protein. Vegetarians can opt for low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt for daily protein requirement. Plant sources protein (lentils, chickpeas, and tofu) and nuts (almonds, walnut, flax seed, chia seed) are excellent source of protein.
