Introduction
Hello friends! Receiving a cancer diagnosis often marks the beginning of an arduous journey, one that necessitates both medical intervention and a holistic approach to health. While medical treatments target the disease directly, the role of nutrition cannot be understated. Proper nutrition during treatment can significantly impact the body’s ability to endure and respond to therapies, while post-treatment dietary choices can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of recurrence and extending life. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the life-saving power of nutrition during and after cancer treatment.
Nutrition During Cancer Treatment: A Vital Support System
Protein-rich foods
Amidst the tumultuous effects of cancer treatment, protein-rich foods serve as the building blocks for repairing tissues and maintaining muscle strength. Adequate protein intake can fortify the body against the detrimental impact of treatments, helping to preserve muscle mass and support the immune system’s vital functions.
You can meet your protein needs by consuming a combination of animal and plant sources. Make sure you consume protein at every meal and snack.
Sources:
- Meat: Chicken, beef, pork, fish, shellfish
- Dairy products: yogurt, milk, cheese, kefir
- Legumes: beans, tofu, tempeh, lentils, peanuts
- Seeds: chia, hemp, sunflower, flax
- Nuts: almonds, brazil nuts, cashews
- Eggs
High-fiber foods
Digestive issues are a common concern during cancer treatment. High-fiber foods play a pivotal role in maintaining gastrointestinal health, promoting regular bowel movements, and ensuring the optimal absorption of essential nutrients. This can enhance the body’s resilience and bolster its ability to endure the rigors of treatment.
Fiber is present in our plant foods! Work on getting 5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day.
Sources:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Legumes
- Nuts and Seeds
Healthy fats
The body’s energy demands skyrocket during cancer treatment, and healthy fats act as a potent source of sustained energy. By incorporating these fats, individuals can sustain their energy levels and support crucial bodily functions, ultimately fostering a more robust response to treatments and enhancing overall well-being.
Sources:
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Avocados
- Oil
Hydrating foods
Dehydration can exacerbate the taxing effects of cancer treatment, leading to a cascade of complications. Hydrating foods, rich in water content, aid in maintaining adequate fluid balance, promoting optimal organ function, and enabling the body to withstand the stresses imposed by treatment modalities.
Sources:
- Watermelon
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Tomato
- Oranges
- Bellpepper
- Blueberries
Antioxidant-rich foods
Cancer treatments often generate oxidative stress, which can damage healthy cells. Antioxidant-rich foods help neutralize free radicals and minimize the harm inflicted on healthy tissues. By bolstering the body’s natural defense mechanisms, these foods can potentially enhance the effectiveness of treatments and mitigate their adverse effects.
Choosing to incorporate plants in your meals and snacks will help you get plenty of antioxidants to ward off damaging compounds.
Sources:
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Sweet Potatoes
- Leafy greens
- Coffee
- Walnuts
- Dark chocolate
- Berries
- Broccoli
- Beets
- Spices
- Herbs
Smoothie Recipe for During Cancer Treatment: Protein-Packed Boost
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt for dairy-free option)
- 1/2 cup silken tofu
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon almond butter (or any nut butter of choice)
- 1/2 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup frozen berries (such as blueberries or strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1-2 dates (for natural sweetness, optional)
- 1/2 – 1 cup of water or milk of choice (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions:
- Place all the ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth, adjusting the liquid amount to achieve the desired consistency.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy this protein-packed smoothie that provides a rich source of essential nutrients for energy and strength during cancer treatment.
Nutrition After Cancer Treatment: Fostering Long-Term Resilience
Whole grains
After the completion of cancer treatment, incorporating whole grains into the diet facilitates the restoration of vitality and resilience. Whole grains provide a rich source of complex carbohydrates, essential vitamins, and minerals, fostering sustained energy levels and promoting overall well-being.
Try to increase your whole grain intake by swapping to a whole grain cereal in the morning or trying out a recipe with brown rice or whole grain pasta.
Sources:
- Whole grain bread
- Oatmeal
- Bulgar
- Red rice
- Millet
- Corn
- Amaranth
- Buckwheat
- Quinoa
- Brown rice
Omega-3 fatty acids
The post-cancer treatment phase demands a focus on reducing inflammation and supporting cardiovascular health. Omega-3 fatty acids serve as potent anti-inflammatory agents, fostering a conducive internal environment for recovery and minimizing the risk of complications, thereby extending one’s life expectancy.
Sources:
- Walnuts
- Fatty Fish (salmon, anchovies, mackerel, herring, oysters, sardines)
- Edamame
- Flax seeds
- Chia seeds
Immune-boosting foods
Strengthening the immune system post-treatment is paramount to reducing the risk of recurrence. Immune-boosting foods rich in compounds such as allicin found in garlic and beta-glucans found in grains like oats and barley provide the necessary fortification to the body’s defense mechanisms, reducing the likelihood of cancer resurgence and potentially prolonging one’s lifespan. Although its fascinating to learn about specific foods that support the immune system, following an overall balanced dietary pattern and consuming enough total calories will help to keep your immune system function optimally.
Probiotic-rich foods
Cancer treatments can disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiome, impacting digestive health and overall well-being. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods post-treatment aids in restoring this balance, promoting optimal digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function, thus contributing to an extended and healthier life. Aim for one source of probiotics per day such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi.
Lean protein sources
As the body recuperates from the strains of cancer treatment, lean protein sources play a pivotal role in rebuilding and maintaining muscle mass. A diet rich in lean proteins facilitates the body’s healing process, aids in the restoration of physical strength, and supports longevity by reducing the risk of frailty and related complications. Look for lower fat percentages when purchasing meats and aim to make roughly one quarter of your plate come from lean protein.
Smoothie Recipe for After Cancer Treatment: Plant-Power Rejuvenation
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk of choice)
- 1 cup kale or spinach
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 banana
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- Handful of ice cubes
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth, adding more almond milk if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
- Pour the smoothie into a glass and relish this plant-powered rejuvenating drink, rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients that support overall well-being post-cancer treatment.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk of choice)
- 1 cup kale or spinach
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 banana
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- Handful of ice cubes
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth, adding more almond milk if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
- Pour the smoothie into a glass and relish this plant-powered rejuvenating drink, rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients that support overall well-being post-cancer treatment.
Conclusion
Proper nutrition serves as a cornerstone of support during cancer treatment and continues to play a pivotal role in shaping long-term health outcomes. By recognizing the life-saving potential of specific dietary choices, individuals can actively participate in their healing journey, fortifying their bodies against the challenges of treatment, reducing the risk of recurrence, and potentially extending their lifespan. Consulting with healthcare professionals and registered dietitians can provide personalized guidance and enable individuals to harness the life-saving power of nutrition to its fullest extent.
Motivated to incorporate these foods into your diet, but not sure where to start? I got you covered! My F**k Cancer Cookbook includes easy, delicious recipes packed with these very foods! Click here to order your copy today!
Need some extra support coming up with a game plan for cancer treatment or prevention that is specific to you? As your cancer nutrition dietitian, I will coach you using a holistic approach to nutrition and lifestyle and equip you with the tools you need to absolutely thrive as you go through this season of life. Click here to learn more about my coaching program.
If you’re the kind of person who needs less 1:1 coaching but still want to crush your nutrition goals during or after treatment, click here to join my membership, Cancer Simplified. My self paced trainings will give you access to a wealth of nutrition knowledge at your fingertips that you can access at your time. Have a quick question while going through the trainings? No worries! You can shoot me a quick message using chat support. Simple, straightforward, and ever growing! Click here to join!
This blog is not intended as medical nutrition therapy, medical advice, or diagnosis and should in no way replace consultation or recommendation from your medical professional.
