Though it was neglected in the past, nutrition has come to occupy a central role in cancer prevention strategies. The benefits of optimal nutrition go beyond prevention, however. These patients undergoing treatment can benefit from the right types and amounts of food in several ways. Unfortunately, most approved cancer treatments can damage the appetite and digestive system, making it difficult to eat all that the body needs. The healthy eating guidelines recommended for the general population are often not applicable to cancer patients, so it is important to seek out the cancer and nutrition guidelines specific to the individual's situation.
How is Nutrition Impaired During Cancer Treatment?Some of the common side effects of standard procedures like chemotherapy and radiation, are digestive in nature. Nausea, loss of appetite and diarrhea can all inhibit the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Besides using exercise to help in overcoming these symptoms, doctors regularly prescribe medications to treat them. These may have their own side effects and cause other types of digestive complaints.
The major problem is that malnourishment can lower blood serum levels of essential micro-nutrients. Doctors may prescribe multivitamins or single, high-dosage supplements after performing tests for deficiencies in these cases. It is important that all secondary symptoms, even ones that seem unrelated, are reported to the doctor, as they may indicate deficiency.
How Does Cancer Alter the Nutritional Guidelines?This is largely dependent on the medications and procedures used in treating the cancer. Some medications are known to deplete specific vitamins and minerals in the body, and these will have to be replaced through diet or supplementation. If this is not feasible, nutrients may be administered intravenously or through a feeding tube.
The majority of patients will generally be advised to cut out processed meats, sugar, and most simple carbohydrates from the regular diet. These should be replaced with foods high in dietary fiber. Contrary to popular belief, studies have shown no conclusive evidence that dietary fiber plays a protective role, but foods high in fiber are generally high in many other nutrients as well.
Other patients will face a restrictive diet or one altered by prescription. This can mean a low fiber diet for some types of surgery or symptoms. It may mean increasing the number of meals for those unable to absorb as much at one sitting. The doctor and adjunct professionals will design specific cancer and nutrition guidelines for individuals to address digestive problems. It is possible to use the diet to address many common complaints, but this requires sharing information and research.
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