Can Diet Affect Cancer Treatment and Recovery?
Although eating certain unhealthy foods, including fats and sugars, is speculated to reduce the chances of survival in those diagnosed with cancer, there is little conclusive evidence to show that a specific therapeutic diet can increase the success of cancer treatment or recovery. However, evidence does suggest that eating a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in fats can help to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Does this Spark an idea?
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Diets That Prevent Cancer
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While there is no strong evidence that eating certain foods can help cure cancer, there is research to suggest that eating a healthy diet may reduce the risk of cancer. Diets high in calories and fat have been shown to potentially increase the risk of cancer, while diets heavy in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains may help to prevent cancer. Specifically, fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of lung cancer, and monounsaturated fats, fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Vegetables and soy may decrease the risk of prostate cancer, and fibers and vegetables may reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
Diets as a Form of Treatment
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According to Nutrition MD, there is no evidence to suggest that diet therapy can have an impact on cancer treatment or recovery. Because cancer has many causes, and many unknown causes, diet therapy is not proven to have any effect on recovery. However, Nutrition MD does caution that a diet high in fat, sugar or protein may increase the growth factors of some cancers, which may worsen survival odds and increase the chances of metastases.
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Theraputic Diets
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Certain types of cancer treatments may have an adverse effect on the body, and eating certain foods may reduce the long-term effects. According to the National Cancer Institute, limiting lactose, fat and fiber can be helpful in reducing radiation enteritis (damage to the intestines that occurs as a side effect of radiation). In addition, ice chips and the amino acid glutamine may decrease mouth sores caused by chemotherapy.
Cancer Treatments and Diet
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The side effects of chemotherapy may include loss of appetite and nausea. These side effects make eating difficult; however, it is necessary for cancer patients to continue eating to keep up their strength. The University of California Medical Center recommends that patients eat slowly, eat small portions frequently instead of larger meals, eat bland foods, refrain from lying down after eating and drink cool, clear beverages frequently between meals but not with meals. Eating cold food instead of heated meals can help avoid nausea, and avoiding greasy or spicy foods can also help. Foods like Jell-O, cream of wheat, cottage cheese, fruit, eggs, cheese and crackers are recommended.
Advanced Cancer and Diets
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Generally, patients who are no longer able to be cured or helped by treatments will be given hospice care. At this stage, patients may lose interest in eating entirely. Food should not be forced upon cancer patients, since it will serve no purpose and can increase nausea and discomfort in the patients. IV supplements will generally provided by hospice care physicians at this stage.
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