Cancer is an increasingly common disease in society and can affect people of all ages. Its treatment is very diverse depending on the type of cancer suffered, sometimes operated on, and it is necessary to administer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Most people with cancer tend to lose weight for two reasons: firstly, because the tumour itself consumes a lot of energy, and secondly, secondary to treatments that often cause poor appetite, nausea and even vomiting. Between 40 and 80% of patients suffer some malnutrition that worsens the prognosis of the disease. The guidance of a dietitian – nutritionist in these cases is essential to accompany the person throughout the process, trying to keep it as solid and well-nourished as possible to win this fight. In the following video, you will see the suggestions that we make to you from Alignment.
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Cancer Incidence And Risk Factors
In Spain, 25% of women (1 in 4 women) and more than 30% of men (1 in 3 men) will have cancer throughout their lives. It is increasing, but, in parallel, cancer mortality cases are decreasing thanks to advances in medical treatments.
Cancer remains caused by the combination of many factors: genetic predisposition, toxic habits (alcohol, tobacco), environmental pollution, poor diet, overweight and obesity problems, hormonal factors, viral infections, age, sex, etc.
Doing good prevention consists of taking care of modifiable aspects, such as diet and lifestyle habits. From childhood, you should try to eat in a healthy, varied and balanced way, do physical exercise regularly and avoid toxins such as tobacco and alcohol.
Medical check-ups should be carried out depending on what remains stipulated for each age and sex of the person. In this way, early diagnoses can be made (when the disease begins) and act more quickly and effectively.
Diet for People With Cancer Situations
Diet in cancer cases must remain individualized, giving to each person, respecting their customs and preferences as much as possible. Natural supplements will always remain recommended that accompany the dietary guidelines since in these cases. The nutrient requirements are increased and only with food is it challenging to cover them. Among the highlights are:
Immunity-enhancing nutrients, such as protein, minerals such as Zinc and Selenium, and vitamins such as A, C, and E.
Apart from supplementation, it is essential to eat a diet rich in protein and calcium. For this reason, dairy or vegetable drinks, such as calcium-enriched soybeans, are excellent options for daily consumption.
Maintaining a good physical and nutritional state remain complicated but possible if there is a good performance by all remain professionals involved. The better nourished the person is, the more likely they will be to overcome the disease.
Diet And Chemotherapy
The main problem with chemotherapy is the side effects. The most common that interfere with eating is discomfort due to odours, change in the taste of food. Loss of appetite, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea and vomiting.
Ginseng, both in infusions and for cooking, helps reduce nausea. But it should not consider, if you have gastritis, which is very common in people with cancer.
