Cancer causes changes in appetite. Some people notice their appetite increase during cancer treatment. People undergoing chemotherapy may experience intense food cravings, especially for carbohydrates. On the other hand, cancer treatment is associated with the chance of lowering your appetite.
This blog shares food choices to welcome and avoid if you have been diagnosed with cancer. However, personalized diet plans are the best as they focus on patient-centric requirements. For dedicated, high-end cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy in Siliguri, visit the top cancer hospital in the city.
With cancer treatment, mild side effects are common, such as constipation, diarrhea, loss of taste, loss of smell, vomiting, nausea. Changes in appetite and insulin resistance can put you at risk of weight gain, fatigue, weakness, decreased metabolism, digestive issues, weight loss, etc.
Here, a healthy (patient-centric) diet plan is of immense importance, which will help:
- Manage fatigue
- Ease diarrhea
- Reduce inflammation
- Balance metabolism
- Increase energy
- Heal immune system
- Increase muscle tone
- Manage cancer treatment side effects
Foods to include in your diet during cancer treatment
Healthy Carbs
A diet high in refined carbohydrates increases the risk of various health concerns like insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. To reduce the risk of all such concerns, try wholesome food choices in the category of carbohydrates, like whole wheat, brown rice, whole oats, quinoa.
Plant-based Proteins
Healthy proteins are a must-have in the diet for cancer patients. Proteins help preserve the body, and a plant-based diet has various proven benefits to help in better cancer management. To have whole proteins, plant-based foods are the best. Quinoa, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, beans, tofu, etc. are wholesome sources of proteins,
Vitamins and Minerals
Many a time, cancer patients are given prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements. Vitamins and minerals help reduce inflammation and boost immunity. Citrus fruits (orange juice), milk, cereals, yogurt, green tea, etc. one can take in his/her cancer diet. If you have certain food allergies, be sure to skip those food products. For chemotherapy in Siliguri, visit the reputed oncologist in the region.
Healthy Fats
Foods that contain a higher amount of saturated fats should be avoided, such as cheese, red meat, cream, butter, tropical oils. High amounts of trans fats found in fried foods, vegetable shortening, processed snack food items, pastries, cookies, microwave popcorn, cakes, etc. should be avoided. Try nuts, peanut butter, avocado, walnuts, chia seeds, salmon, flaxseed, sunflower seeds, tofu, etc. to add good fats to the cancer diet plan.
Foods to avoid if you have cancer
Foods can benefit or affect your cancer healing. Be attentive to your diet plan and avoid food choices like saturated and trans-fat-containing foods, raw meat, raw eggs, lightly cooked foods, high dairy consumption, unpasteurized cheese, unwashed fruits and veggies, caffeinated products, alcohol, soda, refrigerated chicken liver, unpasteurized fruit juice, and cider.
For a personalized cancer diet plan, contact a registered dietitian. If you have certain food allergies, be sure to inform your healthcare provider/ dietitian. Your dietitian has proper training and education on healthy, balanced meals to heal diseases through diet and nutrition.
