Balanced Diet Through Treatment
Healthy people may not have any difficulty in meeting their nutrition needs. Healthy nutrition guidelines stress eating lots of fruit and vegetables, whole grain foods, lean protein in moderation, low fat dairy, and cutting down on eating saturated fat, sugar, alcohol and salt.
People undergoing cancer treatment may need more energy and protein to meet their nutrition needs to help fight the cancer and support recovery of healthy cells. The foods you are advised to eat during treatment are designed to help you maintain weight, energy levels and tolerate the side effects of treatment.
Some basic principles to follow:
- Eat regular meals
- Balanced Diet
- Drinking Adequate Fluids
- Stay Active
Get in the habit of eating regular meals even before you start treatment. People who eat regular meals will be more likely to eat enough to meet their needs.
Including snacks between meals can help individuals manage the side effects of treatment and help optimize their nutrient intake.
Aim to include food from all the food groups in your diet every day to ensure that you eat all the nutrients your body needs.
Choose foods that are packed with nutrients:
Carbohydrates will provide the body with the energy it needs to perform activities of daily living and physical exercise. Some sources of carbohydrates are better than others.
Choose fruits, vegetables and whole grains which provide the body with a variety of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and fiber.
Protein provides the body with the building blocks to promote growth and cell repair and help maintain healthy immunity. People with cancer often need more protein than usual.
Good sources of protein include: lean meat, fish, poultry, dried beans, lentils and peas, nuts and seeds, dairy and soy foods.
Fats and Oils provide the body with energy and help transport fat soluble vitamins through the blood. Adding fat to your meals can help to enhance the flavor of food, especially when you experience taste changes.
Healthier fat choices are: vegetable oils such as canola oil, olive oil, olives, avocado, fat in cold water fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, sable fish), flax seed meal, nuts and nut butters.
Vitamins and Minerals are needed for proper growth and development. They also help the body utilize the energy effectively supplied in food. People who eat a balanced diet with adequate energy (calories) and protein from a variety of foods usually get enough vitamins and minerals.
When you experience side effects that make eating more challenging for longer periods of time, your doctor or dietitian may suggest the use of a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement.
It is important to drink enough fluids to maintain hydration through the course of treatment. Water helps regulate the body’s temperature, transport nutrients and remove waste. When you have trouble drinking enough fluids when you experience vomiting or diarrhea, you can become dehydrated.
Aim to drink 8-10 cups of fluids through the day to maintain hydration.
Physical activity has many benefits such as maintaining muscle mass, strength, endurance and bone strength. Being active give people a sense of well-being, can reduce depression, stress, fatigue and can help manage constipation. Include moderate physical activity such as walking, cycling, stretching or strength training as tolerated.
