Cancer and Nutrition

Cancer- a word that can not only change a patient’s life but can also be devastating on the family. Cancer and it’s treatment can be overwhelming for patients and their families. According to www.cancer.gov, Cancer and it’s treatments can alter taste, smell, appetite and the ability to eat enough food or absorb the nutrients.

Without proper nutrition, the ability of a patient to fight cancer can substantially weaken. It’s like sending a malnourished soldier to a war. Even if this soldier has sofisticated weapons, he can’t operate them if he is not nourished well. Proper nutrition provides the immunity required for immuno-compromised cancer patients to fight cancer.

Malnutrition can cause the patient to be weak, tired, and unable to fight infection or finish cancer treatment. Malnutrition may be made worse if the cancer grows or spreads. Eating the right amount of protein and calories is important for healing, fighting infection, and having enough energy.

(396) Fighting Childhood Cancer with Food & Nutrition. FoodHeals. - YouTube

This video belongs to a foundation called “Cuddles foundation” from India. Had I not seen a program about them on TV a couple days ago, I would have probably not written this blog today. What an amazing job they do! They help children with the nourishment needed to fight cancer and also support families who cannot afford food in the course of running out of money for treatments.

Family support and love- much needed nutrition

Source: Unsplash

Support from family can bring all the positivity in a patient. This positivity can really make a huge difference. The willingness to live longer makes patient’s chemos work. And then proper nutrition supports the treatment. In general, vegetables and fruits provide antioxidants and phytochemicals. Consumption of certain vegetables and fruits is linked to reduced risk of cancer. Some beans and nuts are also useful to prevent certain types of cancers including colorectal cancer. Flaxseed, olive oil and garlic are some other good nutrients to consider. Processed meat and overcooked food are not good. And let’s not forget dehydration which is caused by all oral chemo drugs like Capecitabine, Abiraterone, Everolimus and a lot of other drugs. So hydration is a key consideration for these patients besides other nutrients.

NORI (National Oncolcogy Research Institute) has detailed some important facts about methionine, Vitamin K, ketogenic diet, Selenium and other nutrients. “There are two core elements of the NORI protocol which are a methionine restricted diet and the creation of oxidative stress. A methionine restricted diet is intended to slow cancer progression and weaken cancer cells. Oxidative stress is a powerful mechanism to trigger apoptosis selectively in cancer cells. This idea is contrary to the belief that antioxidants are beneficial for cancer treatment. Current studies show that antioxidants help the survival of cancer cells.”

Read more at: https://nutritionaloncology.net/nori-protocol?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh5qX4YOV5gIVS9bACh2-aQNYEAAYAiAAEgKr8_D_BwE

To summarize: consult a nutritionist and have a good nutrition plan to help fight cancer. Above all, a healthy support, good nutrition, some aerobic exercise and a positive mind can cure all the cancers of life! A negative mindset is self-destructive anyways and doesn’t need any cancer to kill oneself.