Cancer patients often struggle to maintain adequate nutrition due to multiple reasons like general disinterest in food, reduced appetite, altered taste due to treatment, side effects like vomiting and diarrhea, or intolerance to regular food.
Lack of adequate nutrition results in further problems for the patients as it affects their general condition, making them weak and vulnerable to more side effects and infections. Eventually, these problems can lead to an inability to continue cancer treatment, causing interruptions and poor outcomes.
The purpose of a diet plan is to ensure that the cancer patient improves their food intake. This will reduce the risk of interruptions in their scheduled anti-cancer treatment, thereby improving the treatment outcomes and their overall quality of life.
Cancer Diet for Cancer Patients
How much nutrition do we need?
It is generally recommended that a cancer patient should consume 25 to 30 kcal per kg of their body weight per day. Proteins are the most important component of their diet, and a daily intake of 1.5 g per kg of body weight is recommended.
It is recommended that the patient has five to six smaller meals per day, as opposed to three large meals. Physical activity like walking and light exercises will improve your appetite and help you consume the complete calorie intake recommended for you. If required, your doctor may prescribe medication to improve your appetite.
What to eat
A balanced diet for cancer patients will include more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. It is important to include adequate amounts of water in the diet. Your diet should help you maintain a BMI (body mass index) between 18.5 and 25 kg/m².
The below ideas are for cancer fighters on active treatment. If you have other conditions such as diabetes, you will need to consult your doctor or dietician before you follow a meal plan.
Snacks or small meals
Having smaller amounts of food more often will reduce the chances of vomiting. Consider sipping beverages or soups between meals. Foods or drinks with excess sugar are best avoided.
- Milk-based drinks like banana milkshake, badam milk, or chocolate milk
- Fruit smoothies with added protein powder or yogurt
- Boiled eggs, poha, upma, idli with sambar
- Roasted chana, makhana, or mixed nuts
- Vegetable soup or chicken broth
Main meals
Focus on including a source of protein, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables in every meal.
- Breakfast: Oats porridge with milk and fruits, vegetable dalia, or moong dal cheela with mint chutney
- Lunch: Brown rice or roti with dal, curd, and a seasonal vegetable sabzi. Include a piece of chicken, fish, or paneer for protein.
- Dinner: Similar to lunch but lighter. Moong dal khichdi with ghee and curd, or vegetable pulao with raita.
Unrefined flours
Choose whole wheat, jowar, bajra, or ragi flour over refined maida. They provide more fiber and nutrients.
Proteins
Include high-quality protein sources like eggs, chicken, fish, paneer, tofu, lentils (dal), beans, and sprouts. Protein is essential for tissue repair and immune function.
Fruits and Vegetables
Include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to ensure a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Wash them thoroughly before consumption.
Additional fibre
If constipation is an issue, include more fiber-rich foods like oats, barley, apples, pears, and green leafy vegetables. Drink plenty of water to prevent bloating.
Liquids
Stay hydrated with water, coconut water, buttermilk, and herbal teas. Avoid sugary sodas and packaged juices.
What to avoid
- Processed and fried foods
- Excess sugar and refined carbohydrates
- Raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and seafood
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Foods from outside; prefer home-cooked meals
Dealing with nausea and vomiting
Nausea is a common side effect. The following tips may help:
- Eat dry foods like toast or biscuits before getting out of bed.
- Avoid fatty or deep-fried foods.
- Sit up while taking meals and continue to do so for at least an hour after eating.
- Avoid foods with strong smells.
- Your doctor might prescribe anti-nausea medication if needed.