Role of Nutrition in Cancer Patients
A nutritious diet plays an important role in our lives to stay healthy, fit and stave off illness. According to the Nation Cancer Institute, one-third of all cancer deaths can be attributed to unhealthy diets. There are many foods, herbs and spices that could very well help in the fight against cancer. The Cancer Cure Foundation claims that many healthy food selections can help reduce the possibility of contracting cancer, and even increase the ability to reduce tumors.
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Cancer Contributing Factors
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There are many factors that could contribute to getting cancer. Besides having an unhealthy diet, obesity and smoking are other causes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Many pollutants have been blamed for different types of cancer. Heredity can be a factor for certain forms of cancer. It is wise to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays to avoid skin cancer.
Prevention Diet
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Having a healthy diet in general can lower your chances of getting cancer. Eat a lot of food from plants as these are full of vitamins and minerals and antioxidants, and are blessedly low in calories for weight control. Whole grain bread, natural grains such as quinoa, barley, oats and millet offer good nutrition and may protect the body against cancer. Eat low-fat protein and include fish in your diet at least twice a week, as it is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. Experiment with legumes such as beans, peas and lentils, which are nutritious and healthy vegetable protein, plus easy on the wallet.
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Diet Before Treatment
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Preparing for treatment with a nutritious diet is extremely important for the patient to strengthen the immune system and get ready for specific treatments, since you will not know what side affects you may be faced with during treatment. If you have already been eating a healthy diet, keep up the good work. Many cancer treatments are more effective on people who have a nourishing diet.
Nutrition During Treatment
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Make sure your refrigerator is full of nutritious foods, such as fresh produce and low-fat dairy foods. Have the pantry full of whole grain bread, crackers and pasta. There may be days when you have symptoms such as appetite loss, changes in taste or smell, nausea, fatigue and depression, and may not feel like eating. You will want food ready to eat when you are feeling better. The role of good nutrition during treatment will improve your tolerance, rebuild body tissue, decrease risk of infection and help you recuperate more quickly.
Nutrition after Treatment
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After your treatment is over and you are ready to get back to living comfortably is a good time to evaluate your past eating habits. Develop the habit of having at least five or more servings of produce per day. Vegetables eaten raw or steamed with lots of delicious seasonings can be very tempting. Fresh and colorful fruit will satisfy the sweet tooth. Select whole grain breads, cereals and pasta. Eat low-fat protein, such as skinless chicken breasts and fish. Snacks can be a handful of raw nuts, fresh fruit or whole grain crackers with low-fat cheese. Be experimental with some new fruits, vegetables and whole grain products.
Cancer Fighting Foods
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There is a huge list of cancer fight foods as found on the Cancer Cure Foundation website (see Resources). Broccoli and cauliflower have a chemical that may provid protection from breast cancer and carrots contain beta carotene, which may help reduce a range of cancers. Hot chile peppers have a chemical, capsaicin, which may neutralize certain cancer-causing substances. Red grapes contain powerful antioxidants that work as a cancer preventive. Tea contains antioxidants known as polyphenols, which appear to prevent cancer cells from dividing. Citrus fruits are believed to help prevent cancer by sweeping carcinogens out of the body.
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