A healthy diet can reduce the risk of cancer Research has suggested that eating lots of fruit and vegetables could reduce the risk of mouth, oesophageal, bowel, throat, lung and some types of stomach cancers
High fish consumption The EPIC study recently reported that people who ate an 80g portion of fish a day reduced their bowel cancer risk by a third compared to people who ate less than that in a week.
Nutrients in fruits & Vegetables Fruits and vegetables contain a wide variety of different nutrients with properties that could make it more difficult for cancer to develop
Eat well when you have cancer Nutrition is an important part of cancer treatment. Eating the right kinds of foods during and after treatment can help you feel better and stay stronger. Learn more about the importance of good nutrition during and after cancer treatment here. Good nutrition is especially important if you have cancer because both the illness and its treatment can affect your appetite. Cancer and cancer treatments can also affect your body's ability to tolerate certain foods and use nutrients. This guide can help you and your loved ones learn about your nutrition needs and cope with treatment side effects that may affect how well you can eat. A healthy diet is very important for cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery. Our diet is almost always deficient. The American Cancer Society recommends that we eat at least FIVE servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Similarly, it is also recommended that we drink plenty of water and liquids per day. The Institute of Medicine recommends 13 cups of water (3 liters) for adult males and 9 cups of water (2.2 liters) for females. • Garlic and Onions: Allium vegetables include garlic, onions, chives, shallots, and leeks. Giving obvious limitations to conduct large intervention studies testing these products, the epidemiological studies investigated by Nicastro and others (Cancer Prev Res 2015) indicate some associations of Allium vegetable consumption with decreased risk of cancer, particularly cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.
The foundation of eating with cancer During treatment The main nutritional goals during cancer therapy include getting enough: • Fluids to stay hydrated (mostly from caffeine-free fluids) • Energy (calories) and nutrients from healthy foods • Protein to help maintain lean body mass/muscle Every patient is different. What works for some may not work for others. If there’s a problem with swallowing or appetite, we adapt to what you find appealing and what is comfortable for you to eat. Overall, though, our main goal is to provide calories through nutrient-rich foods. Many patients can follow a normal, healthy diet If you don’t have nutrition-related side effects from your cancer treatment that limit your ability to eat and/or digest food, you can follow a generally healthy diet that includes: • Fruits and vegetables • Whole grains • Beans • Nutritious fats • Lean protein Gallery item 1 Gallery item 2 Gallery item 3 Gallery item 4
Convenient foods that provide nutrients If you suffer side effects from treatment like fatigue and digestive problems, it is helpful to include foods that take little or no preparation and are easy to eat — and easy on your stomach. I don’t mean junk food full of empty calories, but more convenient choices that still provide the nutrients you need.Here are suggestions my patients tend to like: • Fresh fruit: The best choices are fruit that is refreshing, easy to eat and high in water content. Melons, berries, pineapple, bananas, pears and canned or jarred fruit in their own juices are all popular. • Yogurt: It’s easy to eat and promotes healthy digestion. Choose flavored or plain varieties. • Hot or cold cereal: Anything from oatmeal to Cream of Wheat ® to cold toasted oats cereal are good choices — whatever you like. Rice-based cereals are particularly good if you are having digestive difficulties. • Peanut butter or cheese: Choose whole grain crackers for fiber (if appropriate) and protein. Look for 100 percent peanut butter made without added oils. • Whole grains: Eat whole-grain breads and crackers — be sure it says “100 percent whole grain” on the package. Whole grain promotes regularity and digestive health; too much refinement can strip away fiber, protein and other nutrients. • Meats and poultry: Look for whole, unprocessed meats without nitrates. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient choice, as are chicken or tuna salad and meats/poultry softened in soups and stews. The slow cooker is a great way to prepare meat or poultry that is convenient. • Eggs (cooked): Eat only cooked eggs (scrambled, hard boiled, omelettes). Raw eggs are unsafe, even dropped into a smoothie. Gallery item 1 Gallery item 2 Gallery item 3 Gallery item 4 Inner Section A healthy diet is very important for cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery. Dr. Luis H. Camacho Call Action We are looking forward to hearing from you at COBD Request an Appointment