Cancer management – Nutrition and treatment
Food plays an important role in maintaining daily health. Without proper nutrition, the body’s immune system will not be able to handle chronic disorders. Essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients sourced from fresh foods and healthy cooking techniques can even help prevent and reduce the risk of cancer to some extent. The following changes in the food regime can help maintain a nutritional balance and improve quality of life, especially during treatment.
Healthy fruits and vegetables
Cancer mainly worsens due to the oxidative stress caused by free radicals. These unstable molecules destroy healthy cells in the vicinity and aggravate the symptoms of different types of cancer. Vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and squash are rich in carotenoids that promote anticarcinogenic benefits. Broccoli, spinach, and kale are also healthy options to consider among leafy greens. Additionally, citrus, lycopene, and antioxidant-rich fruits like orange, tomatoes, and assorted berries, especially strawberries, can lower the effect of oxidative damage. Certain polyphenols and allium compounds found in garlic, onions, leeks, chives, herbs, and other spices also help lower the risk of cancer-causing free radicals.
Foods rich in fiber
Constipation is a common discomfort experienced by many people during cancer treatment as a side effect of certain medications. Including more fiber in one’s daily food habits can help promote better digestion and bowel movements. Dietary fiber can be sourced from a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. Kidneys, lentils, split peas, and chickpeas are loaded in these fibers. Barley, corn, bulgur, oats, spelt, and rye are excellent options in whole grains. These grains add bulk to the stools to promote better evacuation from the digestive tract. It is possible to introduce a lot of dietary fibers during breakfast, one of the most important meals of the day.
Foods to avoid
Eliminate most types of processed foods that contain unhealthy saturated and trans fats.