Nutrition Therapy For Cancer

Nutrition is the process through which food is ingested and utilized by the body for proper growth,  development, health, and for the replacement of abnormal cells with normal cells. As nutrition is important for one's health, it is also essential for cancer patients. Eating a well and proper diet helps in the treatment and management of cancer. A proper diet consists of foods that provide all the essential nutrients.

Cancer and Malnutrition

                                                           Malnutrition is a process when our body does not enough food (nutrition) than its requirement. Cancer causes Malnutrition, especially Under Nutrition. As cancerous tumors enter the body, they need proper nutrition and energy for their proper functioning (for proliferation), so they compete with the body for resources. In turn, they altered our metabolism and appetite, as a result, our eating pattern is changed and we become weak and fragile due to inappropriate consumption of nutrients.

Causes of Malnutrition

• Low Energy Intake
• Infections
• Hospital Admission
• Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, and Surgery
• Head, Neck, Esophagus, Stomach, Liver, and Intestine Cancer

Symptoms Of Malnutrition

• Weight Loss
• Muscle Wasting
• Taste Changes
• Malabsorption
• Malfunctioning of Intestine
• Difficulty in Chewing and Swallowing

Treatment of Cancer

1. Chemotherapy
2. Radiation Therapy
3. Hormone Therapy
4. Immunotherapy
5. Stem Cell Transplant
6. Surgery

Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

                                                         Cancer Treatment is associated with several side effects and Cancer Treatment is also associated with Undernutrition (Malnutrition).

1. Side Effects of Chemotherapy

• Loss of Appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

2. Side Effects of Radiotherapy

• Loss of Appetite
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Pain and Difficulty in Swallowing
• Difficulty in Breathing
• Colitis

3. Side Effects of Immunotherapy

• Tiredness
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

4. Side Effects of Surgery

• Loss of Appetite
• Difficulty in Chewing and Swallowing
• Feeling full after eating a small amount of food

5. Side Effects of Stem Cell Transplant

• Mouth and Sore Throat
• Diarrhea

Diet For Cancer Patients

                                                          For Cancer Patients, a special diet is used for effective treatment, and to prevent the side effects of cancer treatment, and to cure cancer.

It is generally recommended that a cancer patient should consume 25-30 KCal/kg/day. Protein is the most important for cancer patients and it should be 1.5g/kg of body weight.

Cancer-Fighting Foods

• Fruits and Vegetables
• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Citrus Fruits
• Carrots 
• Whole Grains
• Sweet Potatoes
• Walnuts
• Legumes
• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Blueberries
• Cauliflower
• Apple
• Ginseng
• Avocado
• Olive Oil

Foods to Limit

• Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables
• Raw Sprouts
• Undercooked Recipes like Meat, Eggs
• Smoked Fish
• Unpasteurized and Alcoholic Beverages
• Contaminated Foods 
• Processed Meat
• Red Meat
• Salty, Sugary, and Oily Foods
• Deep-Fried Foods
• Grilled Foods
• Foods with a lot of Preservatives like Pickles

Nutritional Support

                                   A  patient who is unable to take proper energy and nutrients from the mouth, he is to be fed through;

1. Enteral Nutrition

                                  Nutrients are given through a tube inserted into the Stomach and Intestines.

2. Parental Nutrition

                                    Nutrients are injected directly into the Blood Stream.