About Nutrition
Eating well means eating a variety of foods that provide the nutrients you need to maintain your health while fighting cancer. These nutrients include protein, carbohydrates, fat, water, vitamins, and minerals.
Nutrients
Protein: Protein helps to ensure growth, to repair body tissue, and to maintain
a healthy immune system. Without enough protein, the body takes longer to
recover from illness and lowers resistance to infection. As such, people with
cancer often need more protein than usual. Following surgery, chemotherapy, and
radiation therapy, additional protein is usually needed to heal tissues and to
help prevent infection. Good sources of protein include lean meat, fish,
poultry, dairy products, nuts, dried beans, peas and lentils, and soy foods.
Carbohydrates and fats: Carbohydrates and fats supply the body with the bulk of
the calories it needs. The amount of calories each person needs depends on his
or her age, size, and level of physical activity. Sources of carbohydrates
include fruits, vegetables, breads, pasta, grains and cereal products, dried
beans, peas, and lentils. Sources of fat include butter, margarine, oils, nuts,
seeds, and the fat in meats, fish, and poultry.
Vitamins and minerals: Vitamins and minerals help ensure proper growth and
development. In addition, they allow the body to use the energy (calories)
supplied in foods. A person who eats a balanced diet with enough calories and
protein usually gets plenty of vitamins and minerals. However, eating a balanced
diet can be challenging when you are receiving cancer treatment, particularly if
treatment side effects persist for long periods of time. When that is the case,
your doctor or dietitian may recommend a daily multivitamin and mineral
supplement.
Water: Water and fluids are vital to health. If you do not take in enough fluids
or if you are vomiting or have diarrhea, you may become dehydrated. Ask your
doctor or nurse how much fluid you need each day to prevent dehydration.
You can use the American Cancer Society Guidelines for Nutrition for Cancer
Prevention below to help you plan what to eat each day. The guidelines serve as
a general guide for healthy people that lets you choose a healthful diet. People
with cancer, however, may have increased nutritional needs. For example, your
doctor or dietitian may suggest increasing the number of servings of specific
types of food.
Eat five or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day.
Choose whole grains in preference to processed (refined) grains and sugars.
Limit consumption of red meats, especially those high in fat and processed.
Choose foods that help you maintain a healthful weight.