DIET THERAPY FOR CANCER: EATING WELL DURING CANCER TREATMENTA nutritious diet is always vital for the body to work at its best. Good nutrition is even more important for people with cancer. Why?1. Patients who eat well during their treatment are able to cope better with the side-effects of treatment. Patients who eat well may be able to handle a higher dose of certain treatments.2. A healthy diet can help keep up strength, prevent body tissues from breaking down and rebuild tissues that cancer treatment may harm.3. When one is unable to eat enough food or the right kind of food, the body uses stored nutrients as a source of energy. As a result, natural defenses become weaker and the body cannot fight infection as well. Yet, this defense system is especially important to cancer patients who are often at risk of getting an infection.
Kinds of Foods NeededA good rule to follow is to eat a variety of different foods every day. No one food or group of foods contains all of the nutrients one needs.A diet to keep the body strong will include daily servings from these food groups:Fruits and vegetables – Raw or cooked vegetables, fruits and fruit juices provide certain vitamins (such as A and C) and minerals the body needs. (Raw vegetables should be well scrubbed and washed).Protein foods – Protein helps the body to heal itself and fight infection. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, yoghurt and cheese give protein as well as many vitamins and minerals.Grains: Grains, such as bread, rice and cereals, provide a variety of carbohydrates and В vitamins. Carbohydrates provide a good source of energy, which the body needs to function well.Dairy foods – Milk and other dairy products provide proteins and vitamins and are the best source of calcium.
Can Good Nutrition Treat Cancer?Doctors know that patients who eat well during cancer treatment are better able to cope with side-effects caused by treatment. However, there is no evidence that any kind of diet or food can either cure cancer or stop it from coming back. In fact, some diets may be harmful, especially those that do not include a variety of foods. There is also no evidence that dietary supplements, such as vitamin or mineral pills, can cure cancer or stop it from coming back.The nutritionists strongly urge patients to eat nutritious food and follow the treatment programme prescribed by a doctor who uses accepted and proven methods or treatments. People who depend upon unconventional treatments may lose valuable treatment time and reduce their chances of controlling cancer and getting well.They also recommend that a doctor, nurse or a dietitian be consulted before taking any vitamin or mineral supplements. Too much of some vitamins or minerals can be just as dangerous as too little. Large doses of some vitamins may even stop cancer treatment from working the way it should. To avoid problems, patients should not take these products on their own and must follow the doctor’s directions for safe results.*4/356/5*

Basically, tests to determine the extent of a cancer should be done only if the results would influence your treatment and care. Keep this in mind when tests are being arranged. Ask your doctor to explain the reasons for the tests he or she recommends, especially if you can’t see what difference their results would make. Some doctors keep arranging more and more tests rather than face up to telling a person that their cancer cannot be cured, or some other unpleasant news. They do this to protect themselves, and at your expense. Don’t let them get away with it. Only agree to tests that are being done for a good reason that you understand.

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